Foot Fracture Surgery

What this procedure is

Foot fracture surgery is a medical procedure used to repair broken bones in the foot. When a bone is broken in a way that it cannot heal properly on its own, a surgeon helps put the pieces back into their correct positions. This helps ensure the foot can support your weight and move correctly in the future.

During the procedure, the clinician may use special hardware like metal plates, rods, or screws to hold the bone fragments together. This process is often called internal fixation. These tools act like an internal splint, keeping the bones steady while the body naturally knits the bone back together over several weeks or months.

What it treats or fixes

This surgery is used for several types of foot injuries that are too complex for a simple cast. Your clinician may recommend it if a bone has broken into many pieces or if the ends of the bone are no longer lined up, which is known as a displaced fracture.

Surgery may also be used to treat:

• Fractures that involve a joint, which helps prevent future stiffness or joint wear.
• Unstable breaks that are likely to move out of place during the healing process.
• Open fractures, where the bone has broken through the skin and requires careful cleaning and stabilization.
• Certain stress fractures—tiny cracks caused by repetitive force—that have not improved with rest.

By fixing these issues, the surgery helps restore the foot's natural shape and reduces the chance of long-term pain or trouble walking.

How common it is & where it's done

While many minor foot breaks heal with a boot or cast, surgery is a very common and standard treatment for more serious injuries. It is a routine part of care for orthopedic surgeons, who are doctors specializing in bones, joints, and muscles.

The procedure is typically performed in a hospital or a specialized outpatient surgery center. Many patients are able to go home the same day of the surgery. However, if the injury is more severe or if you have other health concerns, your clinician may suggest a short hospital stay to monitor your recovery.

Your surgical team will help you understand where your procedure will take place based on the type of break and your overall health needs.

Recovery: What to Expect

After surgery, the main goal is to allow the bone to heal in the correct position. Your clinician may ask you to keep all weight off your foot for several weeks. To help you move around, you might use crutches, a walker, or a knee scooter. You will likely wear a cast or a special walking boot to protect the surgical site.

Physical therapy is a common part of the healing process. A therapist can show you exercises to improve your strength and flexibility (how well your joints move). While some discomfort is normal, your care team will help you manage it with medication or other comfort measures. It is important to follow your clinician's instructions about when you can start putting weight on your foot again.

Risks & Possible Complications

Every surgery has some risks, though clinicians take many steps to prevent them. Possible complications include infection, bleeding, or the formation of blood clots. In some cases, the bone may not heal completely (called a non-union), or the metal plates and screws used to hold the bone in place may cause mild irritation under the skin.

You should contact your clinician if you experience any of the following:

• A high fever or chills.
• Sudden, sharp pain in your calf or leg.
• Redness, warmth, or unusual drainage around the incision.
• Pain that does not get better with rest or prescribed medicine.

Outcomes & Long-Term Results

The long-term goal of surgery is to restore the foot's structure so you can return to your daily activities. Most people are able to return to work and hobbies after the bone has fully mended. Your clinician will likely use X-rays during follow-up visits to make sure the bone is knitting back together properly.

In some instances, a fracture that extends into a joint may lead to arthritis (joint stiffness and pain) years later. However, following your physical therapy plan and wearing supportive footwear can help keep your foot healthy and functional for a long time.

Emotional Support & Reassurance

It is normal to feel frustrated when you cannot move as easily as you used to. Healing takes time—often several months—and it requires patience. Remember that your surgical team is focused on helping you reach your goals and return to an active lifestyle.

Try to focus on small milestones, such as the day your cast is removed or your first session of physical therapy. Staying connected with friends and family can also help you stay positive while you recover. Your clinician is your partner in this journey and is there to answer any questions you have along the way.

Why doctors recommend it

Clinicians usually suggest surgery when a bone in the foot is "displaced," which means the broken pieces have moved out of their normal position. If the bones are not lined up correctly, they may not heal properly on their own. Surgery is also common for "unstable" fractures, where the bones are likely to shift even if you wear a cast or a walking boot.

Your doctor may also recommend surgery if the fracture involves a joint—the area where two bones meet. If the joint surface is uneven because of the break, it can lead to long-term pain or stiffness. Surgery is often necessary for "open fractures," where the bone has broken through the skin, or for certain stress fractures that have not improved with rest and non-surgical care.

Urgent vs planned treatment

Some foot injuries require immediate or urgent attention. This is often the case for open fractures or injuries that involve severe damage to the skin, nerves, or blood vessels. In these situations, surgery is usually performed as soon as possible to clean the area and stabilize the bone to prevent infection and further damage.

For many other foot fractures, surgery is a planned procedure. Your clinician may suggest waiting a few days or even a week or two before the operation. This delay allows the initial swelling to go down, which can make the surgery safer and help the skin heal better afterward. During this waiting period, you will likely be asked to keep all weight off the foot and keep it elevated.

Goals of treatment

The main goal of surgery is to restore the natural shape and alignment of the foot. By using medical hardware like metal plates, screws, or pins—a process called "internal fixation"—surgeons can hold the pieces of bone exactly where they belong. This provides the stability needed for the body to build new bone and heal the break.

Other important goals of treatment include:

• Protecting joint health: Ensuring the bones meet correctly at the joints to reduce the risk of post-traumatic arthritis (joint wear and tear after an injury).
• Restoring function: Helping you regain the ability to walk, run, and balance properly.
• Long-term stability: Providing a strong foundation so you can eventually return to your daily activities and the hobbies you enjoy.

Who may benefit

Surgery is often recommended when a foot fracture is severe or unstable. If the bones have shifted significantly out of place (displaced) or have broken through the skin, your clinician may suggest surgery to ensure the foot heals in the correct position. This helps restore the foot's shape and function, which is important for walking and balance.

You might also benefit from surgery if the fracture involves a joint surface. When a break reaches the smooth area where bones meet, it can increase the risk of future arthritis. Surgeons use pins, plates, or screws to hold these pieces together securely. Additionally, some stress fractures—tiny cracks caused by repetitive force—may require surgery if they do not heal with rest alone.

When it may not be the right option

Not every broken bone in the foot requires an operation. Many fractures are considered stable, meaning the bone pieces stay in the right place on their own. In these cases, your care team may recommend a cast, a walking boot, or a stiff-soled shoe to allow the bone to heal naturally. For example, most broken toes can be treated by "buddy taping" the injured toe to the one next to it.

Surgery might also be avoided if you have certain medical conditions that could make the procedure or recovery more difficult. Factors like poor circulation, active infections, or certain chronic illnesses may lead your clinician to choose non-surgical treatments instead. They will weigh the benefits of surgery against the risks to find the safest path for your recovery.

Questions to ask your care team

Deciding on surgery is a collaborative process. You may want to bring a list of questions to your next appointment to help you feel more confident in your treatment plan. Consider asking:

• What type of fracture do I have, and why is surgery recommended for it?
• What are the risks if I choose not to have surgery?
• How long will I need to stay off my foot after the procedure?
• Will I need physical therapy once the bone has healed?
• What kind of hardware, like plates or screws, will be used, and will they stay in forever?

In the procedure room

When you enter the operating room, the surgical team will help you get settled and comfortable on a padded table. The room is kept very clean and sterile to prevent infection. The staff will clean the skin on your foot and ankle with a special soap, and they will place sterile drapes around the area to keep it protected during the surgery.

You will see various monitors and equipment nearby. These tools allow the team to watch your health closely and ensure the surgery goes smoothly. The environment is designed to be safe and controlled for your care.

High-level steps

The main goal of the surgery is to put the broken pieces of bone back into their proper places so they can heal correctly. This process is called reduction. Once the bones are lined up, the surgeon uses special hardware to hold them steady. This is known as internal fixation.

• Realignment: The surgeon carefully moves the bone fragments back into position.
• Fixation: Metal plates, screws, or rods are attached to the bone to keep it from moving while it heals.
• Closing: The surgeon closes the skin with stitches or staples and applies a bandage.

In some cases, if the bone was badly crushed, the surgeon may use a bone graft (extra bone material) to help the area fill in and become strong again.

Anesthesia and pain control

Your clinician will help you decide on the best way to stay comfortable. You may receive general anesthesia, which allows you to sleep through the entire procedure. Alternatively, you might receive a regional block, which is medicine that numbs the nerves in your leg so you do not feel pain in the surgical area.

As the medicine begins to work, you may feel a heavy or tingling sensation in your leg. After the surgery, you might notice some numbness or a dull ache as the anesthesia slowly wears off. The team will provide medicine to help manage any soreness you feel.

Monitoring and safety steps

Your safety is the top priority throughout the procedure. A dedicated staff member will monitor your heart rate, blood pressure, and oxygen levels at all times. This ensures your body is responding well to the anesthesia and the surgery.

The surgeon often uses a portable X-ray machine during the procedure. This allows them to take real-time pictures of your foot to confirm that the bones are perfectly aligned and that the plates or screws are in the right spot before the surgery is finished.

Immediately after the procedure

After the surgery is done, you will be moved to a recovery room where nurses will watch you as you wake up. Your foot will likely be placed in a splint or a cast to keep it from moving. This protection is vital for the early stages of healing.

You will be encouraged to keep your foot elevated, or raised above the level of your heart. This helps reduce swelling and pressure in the foot, which can make you feel more comfortable. You may also receive instructions on how to use crutches or a walker, as you will likely need to avoid putting weight on the foot for a while.

Typical procedure length

The time spent in the operating room can vary depending on which bones are broken and how complex the injury is. Most foot fracture surgeries take between one and three hours. Your surgical team can give you a more specific time estimate based on your individual needs and the type of repair required.

Common approaches (open vs minimally invasive)

When a bone in the foot is broken and cannot heal correctly on its own, doctors may perform surgery to line the pieces up. This process is often called reduction. To keep the bones in the correct position while they heal, surgeons frequently use internal fixation. This involves placing metal pins, plates, or screws directly onto or inside the bone to hold it steady.

In many cases, an open approach is necessary. This means the surgeon makes an incision (cut) large enough to see the broken bone clearly and place the hardware accurately. This is often required for complex breaks where the bone has shifted significantly or shattered into multiple pieces.

In other situations, a minimally invasive approach may be an option. This uses smaller incisions and specialized tools. For example, arthroscopy involves using a tiny camera inserted through a small cut to guide the surgeon. This approach may result in less scarring and potentially faster recovery, but it is not suitable for every type of fracture.

Partial vs total

Note: The concepts of "partial" and "total" often apply to joint replacements, which are not always applicable to standard fracture care. However, similar decisions exist regarding how much of the damaged area is treated.

For most foot fractures, the goal is to repair the broken bone rather than replace it. The surgeon aims to preserve as much of your natural bone and joint surface as possible. However, if a fracture involves a joint and the damage is too severe to fix, a doctor might recommend a procedure to fuse the bones together or, in rare cases, replace the damaged joint surfaces.

Sometimes, a small chip of bone is pulled off by a tendon or ligament (known as an avulsion fracture). If this small fragment causes pain or gets caught in a joint, the surgeon might simply remove the "partial" piece rather than trying to reattach it. This depends heavily on the size of the fragment and its location.

Revision or repeat procedures

Most patients only need one surgery to fix a broken foot. However, a revision (repeat) surgery may be necessary if the bone does not heal properly. This can happen if the bone fails to knit together (nonunion) or heals in the wrong position (malunion). In these cases, a second procedure helps realign the bone or stimulate new bone growth.

Another reason for a second procedure involves the metal hardware used to stabilize the break. Pins, plates, and screws are usually designed to stay in the body permanently. However, if the hardware causes pain, irritation, or infection after the bone has fully healed, your clinician may recommend a procedure to remove it.

Tests and imaging that may be done

Before surgery, your healthcare provider needs a clear picture of the broken bone and the surrounding area. This helps them plan the best way to fix the fracture. You will likely undergo one or more of the following imaging tests:

• X-rays: This is the most common test used to visualize bone fractures. It helps the care team see the location and severity of the break.
• CT scan: If the X-ray does not show enough detail, a computerized tomography (CT) scan may be ordered. This takes X-ray images from many different angles to create cross-sectional views of the foot structure.
• MRI: Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) uses radio waves to create detailed images. This is often used to check for damage to ligaments or other soft tissues near the fracture.
• Bone scan: This test is sometimes used to find stress fractures that might not show up clearly on a standard X-ray.

Medication adjustments

Your surgical team will review all the prescription medications, over-the-counter drugs, and supplements you currently take. Some medicines can increase the risk of bleeding or interact with anesthesia.

Your clinician may ask you to stop taking certain medications a few days or weeks before the procedure. Common adjustments include:

• Blood thinners: If you take medication to prevent blood clots, you may need to pause it temporarily.
• Anti-inflammatory drugs: Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as aspirin or ibuprofen, are often stopped before surgery.

Important: Only stop medicines if your clinician instructs you to do so. If you are told to take essential medications on the morning of surgery, you will usually be asked to take them with only a small sip of water.

Day-before and day-of instructions

Preparing your home and body for surgery can help the day go smoothly. Your care team will give you specific rules to follow, but general preparations often include the following:

• Fasting: You will likely be told not to eat or drink anything after midnight the night before your surgery. This is a safety requirement for anesthesia.
• Arranging a ride: You will not be allowed to drive yourself home after the procedure. Arrange for a friend or family member to drive you and stay with you for the first night.
• Clothing: Wear loose, comfortable clothing. Shorts or sweatpants with wide legs are helpful because they can fit easily over a cast or surgical boot.
• Arrival time: The hospital or surgery center will tell you when to arrive. This is usually a few hours before the scheduled surgery time to allow for check-in and preparation.

General surgical risks

Surgery to fix a broken foot is generally safe, but every operation carries some standard risks. Your care team takes specific steps to lower the chance of these problems occurring. General risks associated with anesthesia and surgery include:

• Infection: Bacteria can enter the incision site, though antibiotics are often used to prevent this.
• Bleeding: Some blood loss is normal, but excessive bleeding is rare.
• Blood clots: Clots can form in the leg veins (deep vein thrombosis) due to inactivity. Your doctor may recommend movement or medication to reduce this risk.
• Anesthesia reaction: Some patients may feel nauseous or have a reaction to the medication used to put them to sleep.

Procedure-specific complications

In addition to general risks, there are specific issues related to foot fractures and the hardware used to fix them. These complications are not guaranteed to happen, but it is helpful to be aware of them.

• Nerve or blood vessel damage: Nerves and vessels run close to the bones. Rarely, they may be stretched or injured during the procedure, leading to numbness or tingling.
• Hardware irritation: The screws, plates, or pins used to hold the bone together can sometimes be felt under the skin or cause irritation inside the foot.
• Bone healing issues: Sometimes a bone heals slowly (delayed union), fails to heal completely (nonunion), or heals in the wrong position (malunion).
• Arthritis: If the fracture extended into a joint, arthritis might develop in that area years later, even with successful surgery.

How complications are treated

If a complication does occur, your medical team has effective ways to manage it. Early detection through follow-up appointments is key to successful treatment.

• Medication: Infections are typically treated with antibiotics. Blood thinners may be prescribed if there is a risk of clots.
• Hardware removal: If metal plates or screws cause pain after the bone has healed, your surgeon may perform a smaller procedure to remove them.
• Physical therapy: Stiffness is common after surgery. Rehabilitation exercises help restore strength and flexibility.
• Additional surgery: In rare cases where the bone does not heal correctly, a second surgery might be needed to help the bone join together.

Pain control medicines

Your clinician may recommend over-the-counter pain relievers to help manage discomfort after surgery. Common choices include acetaminophen or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen or naproxen. These help reduce both pain and swelling.

For more severe pain immediately after the procedure, your care team might prescribe stronger medications. These are typically used for only a short time to help you transition through the initial recovery phase. Your clinician will tailor the plan to your specific needs.

It is important to tell your clinician about any allergies or other medications you take. Some pain relievers can interact with other drugs or may not be safe if you have certain health conditions, such as stomach or kidney issues.

Antibiotics

To help prevent infection, your clinician may give you antibiotics. These are often started just before the surgery begins and may continue for a short time afterward. These medicines work by killing bacteria that could enter the surgical site.

Your care team will choose the right antibiotic based on your health history and any known allergies. If you are prescribed a course of antibiotics to take at home, it is important to follow the instructions provided by your clinician to ensure the medicine is effective.

Blood thinners and clot prevention

Surgery on the foot or ankle can sometimes slow down blood flow, which may increase the risk of developing a blood clot in the leg. To help prevent this, your clinician may prescribe blood-thinning medications, also known as anticoagulants.

Commonly used options might include low-dose aspirin or other specialized medicines that help keep the blood from clotting too easily. Your clinician will decide if these are necessary based on your specific risk factors and the type of surgery performed.

Be sure to discuss any history of bleeding problems with your doctor. They will monitor you to ensure the medicine is working safely without causing unwanted side effects or interactions with other medications.

Emergency warning signs

While complications are not common, some symptoms require immediate attention. Go to the emergency department or call emergency services if you experience signs that could indicate a blood clot or severe circulation problem. These may include:

• Chest pain or trouble breathing: This can happen if a blood clot travels to the lungs.
• Severe calf pain: Pain, tenderness, or swelling in the back of your lower leg (calf) unrelated to the incision site.
• Cold or discolored toes: If your toes turn pale, blue, or feel cold to the touch, it may mean blood flow is blocked.
• Sudden, severe pain: Pain that is extreme and does not get better with medication.

Call your surgeon or clinic if…

Contact your surgical team if you notice changes that might suggest an infection or an issue with your cast or boot. Your clinician may want to check your foot if you have:

• Signs of infection: This includes a fever, chills, or red streaks on the skin near the surgery site.
• Drainage: New bleeding, pus, or a bad smell coming from the incision or cast.
• Numbness or tingling: A “pins and needles” sensation that does not go away, which could suggest nerve irritation.
• Cast issues: If your cast or boot feels too tight, cracks, or gets wet.
• Pain medication issues: If your prescribed medicine does not manage your pain enough to let you rest.

Expected vs concerning symptoms

It is helpful to know what is part of the normal healing process and what is not. Most people will experience some discomfort as they recover, but certain patterns warrant a call to your doctor.

Swelling

• Expected: It is normal for the foot and ankle to swell and bruise after surgery. Your care team will likely tell you to keep your leg elevated (propped up) above the level of your heart to help reduce this.
• Concerning: Call if the swelling increases significantly or does not go down after you have elevated your leg and applied ice as directed.

Pain

• Expected: You will likely feel tenderness and throbbing pain, especially in the first few days. This usually improves steadily over time.
• Concerning: Call if the pain suddenly gets much worse or returns after having gone away.

Non-surgical treatments

Many foot fractures can heal without an operation. Your clinician may suggest immobilization, which means keeping the foot still so the bones can knit back together. This often involves wearing a cast, a stiff-soled shoe, or a removable walking boot. For smaller injuries, like a broken toe, "buddy taping" (taping the injured toe to the one next to it) might be enough to provide support.

To help with swelling and pain, you might be asked to follow the RICE method: Rest, Ice, Compression, and Elevation. Your clinician may also recommend using crutches, a walker, or a knee scooter to keep weight off the injured foot while it heals. In some cases, a doctor might perform a "reduction," which is a way to move the bones back into their proper place by hand without making an incision.

Watchful waiting

Watchful waiting involves closely monitoring the injury to see how it heals over time. Your clinician may use regular X-rays to check that the bone pieces are staying in the correct position and that new bone is forming. This approach is common for stress fractures—tiny cracks caused by repetitive force—where the primary treatment is resting the foot and slowly increasing activity only when the pain stops.

During this period, your care team will look for signs of progress. If the pain decreases and the bone shows signs of "union" (knitting together), surgery may not be needed. However, if the bone shifts out of place during the healing process or if the pain does not improve, your clinician might need to change the treatment plan.

When surgery becomes the best option

Surgery is often considered when a fracture is "unstable," meaning the bones are likely to move out of place even with a cast. If the break involves a joint—the area where two bones meet—surgery may be necessary to ensure the joint surface is perfectly smooth. This helps prevent long-term issues like early arthritis or chronic pain.

Other situations where surgery might be the best path include:

• Displaced fractures: When the ends of the bone are far apart or significantly crooked.
• Open fractures: When the bone has broken through the skin, which requires immediate cleaning and stabilization to prevent infection.
• Multiple breaks: When several bones in the foot or ankle are broken at the same time.
• Non-healing: If the bone does not show signs of healing (non-union) after several weeks of non-surgical treatment.

In these cases, a surgeon may use pins, plates, or screws to hold the bones in the correct position so they can heal properly and regain their strength.

Hospital services that commonly perform this surgery

Foot fracture surgery is typically handled by orthopedic surgery departments. These departments focus on the musculoskeletal system, which includes your bones, joints, and ligaments. Many hospitals have specialized foot and ankle clinics where surgeons focus specifically on these types of injuries to help patients return to their daily activities.

Depending on the severity of the break, you might visit a trauma center for emergency repairs or an outpatient surgical center for planned procedures. Some patients may also see a podiatrist, a doctor who specializes in foot health, for certain types of surgical repairs or follow-up care.

Patient resources and support services

Recovery often involves more than just the surgery itself. Most hospitals provide access to physical therapy, where specialists help you learn how to move safely while your foot heals. They can guide you through exercises to improve your strength and flexibility. They may also help you practice using assistive devices like crutches, walkers, or knee scooters.

Pain management services are often available to help you stay comfortable during the initial healing phase. Additionally, social workers or case managers can help coordinate home care needs. This might include arranging for medical equipment or helping you understand your recovery timeline and any restrictions on your movement.

Questions for choosing where to have surgery

Choosing the right facility can help you feel more confident about your recovery. Your clinician may suggest specific locations, but you can also use this checklist to help you decide:

• How many procedures like mine does this facility perform each year?
• Is there a dedicated physical therapy team on-site to help with my recovery?
• What kind of support is available if I have questions or concerns after I go home?
• Does the facility offer specialized imaging, like CT scans or MRIs, to monitor my healing?
• Will the surgical team coordinate with my primary doctor or other specialists?

Conditions commonly treated by this procedure

Foot fracture surgery is often used for injuries where the bones have moved out of place or are unstable. Your clinician may recommend surgery if the bones need to be held together with hardware, such as pins, plates, or screws, to heal correctly and stay in the right position.

• Severe breaks: This includes fractures where the bone has broken into several pieces or is significantly out of alignment (displaced).
• Stress fractures: These are tiny cracks in a bone often caused by repetitive force. While many heal with rest, some may require surgery if they do not improve with conservative care.
• Avulsion fractures: This occurs when a ligament or tendon pulls a small fragment of bone away from the main bone.
• Crush injuries: These complex injuries often involve multiple broken bones and may require surgical repair to restore the foot's structure.
• Big toe fractures: Because the big toe is vital for balance and walking, a severe break here is more likely to need surgery than a break in the smaller toes.

Related symptoms people search for

People considering foot surgery often experience symptoms that make it hard to perform daily tasks. These signs can vary based on the location and severity of the injury. If you experience these, your clinician may perform an evaluation to see if the bone is broken.

Commonly searched symptoms can include:

• Immediate, throbbing pain: This pain usually starts right after an injury and may get worse during physical activity.
• Swelling and bruising: The foot may become swollen or discolored shortly after the trauma.
• Deformity: The foot or a toe may appear misshapen or out of its usual position.
• Tenderness: The injured area is often very painful when touched.
• Difficulty bearing weight: You may find it hard or impossible to walk or stand on the affected foot.

It is important to have these symptoms evaluated by a healthcare professional to determine the best course of treatment for your specific situation.

Evidence overview

Medical standards for treating foot fractures are well-established. Doctors generally agree that many broken bones in the foot can heal properly without surgery. Non-surgical treatments, such as wearing a cast, boot, or stiff-soled shoe, are often the first choice for stable fractures where the bone pieces are still lined up correctly.

Surgery is usually recommended based on evidence regarding stability and alignment. If the bone fragments have moved out of place (displaced) or if the break involves a joint, clinical guidelines often support surgery to realign the bones. This helps ensure the foot heals in the correct shape, which is crucial for walking and wearing shoes comfortably later on.

For certain injuries, such as severe stress fractures or breaks in specific bones like the fifth metatarsal, medical research suggests surgery may reduce the risk of the bone failing to heal. Your care team relies on imaging tests, such as X-rays or CT scans, to determine the safest path for your specific injury.

Safety notes and individualized care

Foot fracture surgery is a common procedure, but like all surgeries, it carries some risks. Your clinician will discuss potential complications, which may include infection, bleeding, or a reaction to anesthesia. There is also a small risk of nerve damage or blood clots. In some cases, the metal plates, screws, or pins used to hold the bone in place may cause irritation and might need to be removed after the bone has healed.

Recovery and safety depend heavily on individual health factors. Conditions such as diabetes or poor circulation can slow down the healing process and increase the risk of infection. Smoking or using nicotine products is also known to delay bone healing significantly. Your surgeon will consider your overall health, activity level, and the severity of the break when planning your treatment.

Post-surgery care is a major part of safety. Following instructions about keeping weight off the foot and keeping the incision clean is vital for a good outcome. Physical therapy is often prescribed to safely restore strength and flexibility once the bone is stable.

Sources used

The information provided is based on current medical guidelines and resources from reputable academic medical centers and orthopedic organizations. These sources include standard protocols for diagnosing and treating musculoskeletal injuries, including fractures of the toes, metatarsals, and ankle joints.