What you do in the first 48 hours after a foot or ankle injury can significantly affect your recovery.

Foot and ankle fractures are among the most common orthopedic injuries — and also among the most mismanaged, because patients either delay seeking care or go to an ER that isn’t equipped for specialist follow-up. Getting the right care quickly matters for how well and how fast you recover.

Most Common Foot & Ankle Fractures We Treat

• Ankle fractures — often from twisting, falling, or sports injuries
• 5th metatarsal fractures — the bone along the outer edge of the foot, frequently broken when rolling the ankle
• Stress fractures — small cracks from repetitive overuse, common in runners
• Toe fractures — often from stubbing or dropping objects on the foot
• Calcaneus (heel bone) fractures — usually from high-impact falls

The 5th metatarsal (outer edge of the foot) is one of the most commonly fractured bones — often injured when rolling the ankle.

Immediate Steps After a Suspected Fracture

1. Stop bearing weight if pain is severe
2. Apply ice wrapped in a cloth (20 minutes on, 20 off)
3. Elevate the foot above heart level
4. Seek evaluation within 24–48 hours — even if you can bear some weight

Important: Being able to walk does not rule out a fracture. Many fractures, including some serious ones, remain weight-bearing.

Do I Need an ER or a Podiatrist?

If the foot or ankle is severely deformed, the skin is broken, or you cannot bear any weight at all, go to the ER first. For most fractures — including stress fractures, toe fractures, and stable ankle fractures — a same-day or next-day appointment at Frisco Foot & Ankle is faster, more comfortable, and provides better continuity of care than a hospital emergency department.

We have in-office digital X-rays and can have you diagnosed, immobilized, and in a treatment plan within your first visit.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How do I know if my foot is broken or just sprained?

A: You often can’t tell without an X-ray. Both can cause swelling and significant pain. When in doubt, get it evaluated.

Q: How long does a foot fracture take to heal?

A: Most uncomplicated foot fractures heal in 4–8 weeks. Ankle fractures and complex injuries may take 3–6 months for full recovery.

Q: Can I drive with a foot fracture?

A: Generally no, especially with fractures of the right foot, ankle, or any injury requiring a boot or cast. Your doctor will advise you based on your specific fracture.

Frisco Foot & Ankle Specialists offers prompt appointments for acute injuries. Call (972) 559-0051.

SCHEDULE NOW!

Choose Painless Laser Therapy From
Frisco Foot & Ankle Specialists

You no longer need to feel embarrassed to wear open-toe shoes and sandals – or just go barefoot – because of toenail fungus or discoloration.
Frisco Foot & Ankle Specialists is the area’s leader in restoring nails back to health, providing a natural and luminous appearance.

The Remy Class IV laser therapy is one of the most safe and effective ways to treat toenail fungus (onychomycosis)!
Laser therapy penetrates the nail bed and kills the fungus living underneath the nail – without pain and without any harmful side effects.

When the colony of fungus under the nail is “attacked” by the laser, the elements that make it grow and thrive are destroyed. This allows your nail bed to begin growing new, healthy nail.  Nails that won’t give you feelings of discomfort or embarrassment!

Laser therapy is a quick and easy treatment allowing patients to relax during the procedure.

SCHEDULE A LASER CONSULTATION.

What is Onychomycosis?

Fungal foot infections.  They can create major discomfort and even embarrassment.  They are also EXTREMELY COMMON; affecting millions of people each year.

Additionally, fungus is easily spread.  Individuals with fungus may have contracted it through shared bathroom space, public locker rooms, showers, and pools, shared clothing or shoes, even carpeting.

For some, fungus is simply genetic.  When this is the case, treatment can become even more difficult given the likelihood of reoccurrence.

One of the most prevalent types of fungal foot infections directly affects your toenails.  This type of condition is known as onychomycosis.

onychomycosis with fungal nail infection

You may have onychomycosis if you notice any of the following symptoms:

• yellow or other discoloration of your toenails
• thickened or brittle toenails
• an unpleasant odor coming from the nail area
• pain

It’s not uncommon to feel discomfort and embarrassment due to the unsightly appearance and these symptoms of onychomycosis.

Fungal nail affects nearly 10% of the US population.

While many find the condition to be, simply, an eye sore, fungal nail can also lead to a larger problems incuding:

• infection of other toenails
• infecting friends and family
• increased pain
• ingrown toenails

Individuals with diabetes are also more susceptible to fungal nail given their compromised immune systems.

Laser therapy offers an effective, safe option for treating fungal toenail without the side effects of many oral medications.

For more information visit FRISCO FOOT & ANKLE SPECIALISTS.

What are Tailor’s bunions?

A Tailor’s bunion (also commonly called a bunionette) refers to a prominent bone on the outside of the foot by the little toe.  This bone is called the fifth metatarsal.  A Tailor’s bunion can be asymptomatic.  However, sometimes larger tailor’s bunions can be painful in shoe gear and with activity.  There may also be an associated callus that forms from pressure which may cause pain.

What causes Tailor’s bunions?

• Genetics
• Foot structure (flat footed, placing more pressure on the outside of the foot)
• Wearing too narrow shoes/high heels
• Tight calf musculature

What are treatment options for Tailor’s bunions?

Conservative treatment includes:

• Change in shoes (wearing more supportive, wider shoes)
• NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications)
• Orthotics with modifications to offload the area of pain as well as put the foot in better alignment
• Injection therapy is an option to calm down inflammation

If conservative treatment fails, surgical intervention is an option.  During surgery the bone is cut and realigned in better position to reduce the bony prominence.  There are few different surgical techniques to correcting a Tailor’s bunion.  This is typically dependent on xrays, foot structure, and activity levels.

In The Colony. Little Elm, Plano, and Frisco, we treat patients with Tailor’s bunions with an individualized and compassionate care plan.   Click here to schedule an appointment with one of the podiatrists at Frisco Star Foot & Ankle Specialists!

If you suffer from tight Achilles tendons or plantar fasciitis, stretching the Achilles tendon is super important.  Below are some exercises that can help prevent injury and reduce symptoms.

Wall Stretch

1. Start by standing in front of a wall. Stand a couple of feet from the wall.
2. Lean forwards toward the wall and place the palms of your hands on the wall.
3. Take a step backwards with the leg you want to stretch. Keep this leg straight without any bed at the knee.  Make sure the heel is touching the ground
4. Lean forward into the wall and bend the other leg.
5. You should feel the stretch in the back of your calf on the straight leg. Adjust by moving closer or further to the wall if necessary until you feel the stretch.

Calf Stretch with Towel or Exercise Band

1. Start in a seated position with the knee straight.
2. Hook a towel or exercise band around your foot. Hold the towel or exercise band in each hand.
3. Pull the towel or exercise band so that the ankle and foot stretch towards you.
4. Hold this position for 30 seconds. Repeat 2 more times.
5. Perform 3 times a day.

Stair Stretch

1. Stand with the balls of both feet on the edge of a stair (or curb or step). Hold on to the railings or something sturdy nearby for balance.
2. Keep your legs straight (a small bend in the knee is okay too if necessary), push up onto the toes, and then slowly lower your feet to let the heels hang down off the stair. You should feel stretching in the back of the calf and Achilles.
3. Repeat this movement for 30 seconds. Repeat 2 more times.
4. Perform 3 times a day.

Plantar fascia Stretch

1. For this stretch you can use a tennis ball or a frozen water bottle. If you use a frozen water bottle, make sure to wear socks and not to apply directly to skin.
2. Roll the tennis ball or frozen water bottle back and forth under the foot from the heel to the arch.
3. Roll the tennis ball or frozen water bottle back and forth for 3-5 minutes.
4. Perform 2-3 times a day.

If you are located near Frisco, Plano, or Little Elm and are suffering from tight Achilles tendons or plantar fasciitis, click HERE to schedule an appointment with Dr. Heredia or Dr. Zellers at Star Foot & Ankle Specialists.