Foot and ankle trauma can result from vehicle accidents, falls, burns, lacerations, or sports-related incidents. Injuries range from minor cuts and bruises to severe fractures, dislocations, and soft tissue damage. Dr. Castelein is trained to diagnose and treat the full spectrum of traumatic foot and ankle injuries, using advanced imaging and surgical expertise to promote healing and minimize long-term complications.
Fractures to the toes, foot, or ankle are among the most common traumatic injuries. Depending on the type and severity, treatment may range from immobilization with a cast or boot to surgical realignment and fixation. As a board-certified podiatric surgeon, Dr. Castelein manages fractures from diagnosis through full recovery.
Ankle fractures occur when one or more bones of the ankle joint break, typically from falls, accidents, or sports injuries. Symptoms include pain, swelling, bruising, and difficulty bearing weight. Diagnosis involves X-ray and sometimes MRI. Stable fractures can be treated with immobilization and non-weight-bearing rest, while displaced or complex fractures require surgical fixation with screws or plates. Rehabilitation follows to restore strength, flexibility, and full range of motion.
A Jones fracture is a break in a specific, low-blood-supply area of the fifth metatarsal — the outer edge of the foot. It can occur from a sudden twisting injury or repetitive overuse. Because of the poor blood supply to this area, healing is slow and unreliable without intervention. Surgery is often recommended, particularly for active patients, to give the fracture the best chance of full healing and prevent re-injury.
Lisfranc injuries involve fractures or dislocations in the midfoot — the region connecting the long metatarsal bones to the arch. These injuries can be subtle and are sometimes initially missed. They cause significant pain, swelling, instability, and potential foot deformity. Prompt surgical stabilization is often needed to restore proper foot structure and prevent long-term arthritis.
Calcaneal fractures — breaks in the heel bone — typically result from high-impact events like falls from height or vehicle accidents. They cause severe pain, swelling, bruising, and inability to bear weight. Treatment depends on fracture severity and joint involvement. Minor fractures may be managed conservatively, while displaced or complex fractures require surgery using plates and screws to restore the heel’s original shape and joint structure.
Dislocations of the foot and ankle occur when bones are forced out of their normal position, most commonly affecting the subtalar or ankle joint. Symptoms include severe pain, swelling, deformity, and inability to bear weight — sometimes accompanied by numbness or tingling. Diagnosis uses X-ray, MRI, or CT scan.
Treatment requires immediate reduction of the dislocation — typically performed under sedation — followed by immobilization to allow healing. Surgical repair may be needed to address ligament or tendon damage, with rehabilitation to follow to restore full mobility and strength.
Burns to the foot and ankle require careful assessment to determine depth and extent — from superficial to full-thickness. Minor burns are treated with wound cleansing, dressing, and pain management. More severe burns may require skin grafting or surgical preparation of the wound to ensure proper healing and prevent infection.
Lacerations — cuts to the foot or ankle — are evaluated for depth, size, and location. Dr. Castelein cleans and sutures the wound, monitors for infection and tetanus status, and provides follow-up care including suture removal and scar management. Deeper lacerations involving tendons, ligaments, or bone may require surgical repair or skin grafting.
Fast, accurate diagnosis is critical after a traumatic injury. Brighton Foot & Ankle has in-office X-ray for same-visit evaluation. Book online or call us today.
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