Fractures & Joint Care for Foot & Ankle Injuries in Lakeway, TX
From metatarsal stress fractures to ankle dislocations, fractures and joint injuries in the foot and ankle require expert evaluation and precise treatment to heal correctly. At Elite Foot & Ankle Associates near Lake Travis & Lakeway, TX, we offer in-office digital X-ray, comprehensive fracture assessment, and the full treatment spectrum — from conservative immobilization to surgical fixation — all under one roof.
WHAT IS IT?
COMMON CAUSES
- Acute trauma: falls, twisting injuries, direct impact
- Overuse: repetitive stress fractures from running or military training
- Osteoporosis or low bone density reducing fracture resistance
- Sudden muscular forces avulsing small bone fragments
- Landing heavily from a height
SIGNS & SYMPTOMS
- Immediate pain at the injury site
- Swelling and bruising developing within hours
- Difficulty bearing weight
- Visible deformity (dislocations or displaced fractures)
- Point tenderness directly over a bone
- Pain that worsens with impact and improves with rest (stress fractures)
TREATMENT OPTIONS
- Digital X-ray and MRI for complete fracture characterization
- Casting, walking boot, or splinting for stable fractures
- Fracture reduction (manipulation back into alignment)
- Post-injury rehabilitation
- Open reduction internal fixation (ORIF) for displaced or unstable fractures
- Stress fracture management with activity modification and offloading
- Joint dislocation reduction and stabilization
WHY ELITE FOOT & ANKLE?
Common Fractures of the Foot and Ankle
The foot has 26 bones, and each one can break in a different way. Injuries we often see include:
- Ankle fractures, which can involve one or more bones around the joint
- Metatarsal fractures in the long bones of the forefoot, from a twist or a dropped object
- Stress fractures, tiny cracks caused by repeated impact rather than one injury
- Toe fractures, which are common but can still heal crooked
- Heel fractures, usually from a fall or high-energy accident
The AAOS overview of stress fractures is a good resource for runners and hikers.
Signs of Fractures vs. Sprains
These injuries can look alike, because both cause swelling and bruising. Clues that point to a broken bone include pain directly over a bone, trouble standing on the foot, a visible change in shape, or a crack heard at the time of injury.
Only imaging can answer the question for certain. On-site digital X-rays help us check many injuries at your visit. Some stress fractures do not appear on early X-rays, so we may recommend an MRI if your symptoms suggest one.
If the injury turns out to be a sprain, our sprains and tendonitis page explains how those are treated. Joint dislocations and tendon or ligament tears need prompt care too, since delays can make them harder to repair.
Healing Well After Fractures
Bones generally take about six to eight weeks to heal, though the time varies with the bone, your age, and your health. Smoking and poorly controlled diabetes can slow healing, so we will talk about both if they apply to you.
Follow your weight-bearing instructions closely, because stepping on a healing fracture too soon can move the bone. As a board-certified foot and ankle surgeon, Dr. Souliotis can manage your care from the first X-ray through surgery, if needed, and rehabilitation.
Our Spicewood office is close to Lakeway and Bee Cave. Call (512) 907-3100 for help after a fall or injury, or see our foot and ankle trauma page.
Joint Dislocations, Tendon and Ligament Injuries
Joint dislocations happen when the bones of a joint are forced out of position. In the foot and ankle, dislocations often come with torn ligaments or a broken bone, so they should never be pushed back into place at home. Prompt care lowers the risk of damage to nearby nerves and blood vessels.
After joint dislocations are reduced, the joint is usually protected in a splint or boot while the soft tissues heal. Some dislocations, including Lisfranc injuries in the middle of the foot, are easy to miss on a first X-ray and may need surgery to keep the joint stable.
A sudden pop at the back of the ankle may be an Achilles tendon tear. Tendon and ligament injuries, like dislocations, heal best when they are recognized early.
What to Do After Possible Dislocations
If you suspect one of these dislocations, keep the foot still, apply ice over a cloth, and seek care right away. Do not try to straighten the joint yourself. Dislocations that are treated quickly are usually easier to manage, and early imaging helps show any related injury.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
The most common are fifth metatarsal fractures (from ankle rolling), stress fractures of the metatarsals (from running), calcaneus fractures (heel bone, from falls), and ankle fractures (malleolus). Each has distinct treatment protocols.
A Jones fracture is a specific fracture at the base of the fifth metatarsal in a zone of poor blood supply. It heals slowly and has a high re-fracture rate, which is why it often requires surgical fixation with a screw — particularly in athletes.
Simple metatarsal stress fractures typically heal in 4–6 weeks with proper offloading. Displaced or unstable metatarsal fractures requiring surgery take 6–10 weeks. Return to full activity follows clinical and X-ray evidence of healing.
It depends on the fracture pattern and stability. Isolated, non-displaced fractures of the lateral malleolus (the bony bump on the outside of the ankle) often heal in a boot. Bi-malleolar, tri-malleolar, or displaced fractures typically require surgical fixation to ensure proper alignment.
Some foot fractures — particularly stress fractures and non-displaced fractures — heal well in a protective walking boot. Casts are used when precise immobilization is needed. We'll recommend the most appropriate immobilization based on your specific fracture.
SCHEDULE YOUR APPOINTMENT
Suspected fracture or joint injury? Don’t wait. Call Elite Foot & Ankle Associates near Lake Travis & Lakeway, TX at (512) 907-3100 for prompt evaluation. Same-day and next-day appointments available. Dr. Souliotis serves Lake Travis & Lakeway, Bee Cave, Westlake, and Austin, TX.
