Foot & Ankle Trauma Treatment in New Canaan, CT
Your feet and ankles contain more than 25% of all the bones in your body — 26 bones, 33 joints, and over 100 tendons, muscles, and ligaments — all working in precise coordination to support your weight and enable movement. When trauma strikes, the impact can be immediate and severe, disrupting your ability to walk, stand, and perform everyday activities.
At New Canaan Podiatry, board-certified podiatrist Dr. Jennifer Tauber, DPM, provides comprehensive evaluation, treatment, and rehabilitation for foot and ankle injuries. From acute sprains and fractures to complex trauma, our New Canaan, CT practice is equipped to diagnose and treat the full spectrum of foot and ankle injuries with the care and precision they require.
Book OnlineCommon Foot & Ankle Trauma Conditions
- Ankle sprains — One of the most common injuries, caused by sudden twisting or rolling of the ankle
- Fractures — Breaks in the bones of the foot or ankle, ranging from hairline stress fractures to complete breaks
- Achilles tendon rupture — A complete or partial tear of the Achilles tendon
- Tendon injuries — Tears or strains to the peroneal, tibialis posterior, or other tendons
- Ligament tears — Damage to the structural ligaments of the ankle
- Turf toe — Sprain of the metatarsophalangeal joint at the base of the big toe
- Lisfranc injuries — Fractures or ligament tears in the midfoot
Signs of a Foot or Ankle Trauma
If you have experienced a foot or ankle injury, look for these warning signs that require prompt evaluation:
- Immediate, severe pain following an injury
- Swelling, bruising, or visible deformity
- Inability to bear weight on the affected foot
- Tenderness when touching specific areas of the foot or ankle
- Numbness or tingling, which may indicate nerve involvement
- A “pop” sound at the time of injury
Even if you can limp on the foot, that does not mean the injury is minor — fractures and significant ligament injuries can sometimes be walked on. It is always best to have a professional evaluation at New Canaan Podiatry.
How We Treat Foot & Ankle Trauma
Dr. Tauber begins every trauma evaluation with a thorough physical examination and in-office digital X-rays or diagnostic ultrasound to identify the nature and severity of the injury. Treatment is personalized to each patient:
- Rest, ice, compression, and elevation (RICE) — For mild to moderate injuries, the initial phase involves reducing swelling and protecting the area
- Immobilization — Casting, splinting, or bracing to stabilize the injury and allow healing
- Compression wrapping — For sprains and soft tissue injuries
- Physical therapy — To restore strength, range of motion, and function
- Custom orthotics — To provide long-term support and prevent re-injury
- Corticosteroid injections — For pain relief and reduction of inflammation
- Surgery — For complex fractures, complete tendon ruptures, or ligament tears that require surgical repair; Dr. Tauber uses minimally invasive techniques when possible
Preventing Foot & Ankle Injuries
While accidents are unavoidable, there are steps you can take to reduce your risk of foot and ankle trauma. Wear well-fitting, supportive footwear every day — not just during exercise. Warm up before physical activity, progress your training gradually, and avoid uneven surfaces when possible. If you have had a previous ankle sprain, ask Dr. Tauber about bracing or exercises to reduce your re-injury risk.
Call New Canaan Podiatry at (203) 548-7688 or schedule your evaluation online. Also see: sports injuries, tendonitis, heel pain.
Foot & Ankle Trauma FAQs
How do I know if I broke my foot or just sprained it?
Both fractures and sprains can cause pain, swelling, and bruising, which makes it difficult to tell them apart without imaging. The key difference is that fractures often cause sharp, localized pain directly over the bone, while sprains tend to cause more diffuse soft tissue pain. Only an X-ray can confirm a fracture. If in doubt, come in for an evaluation at New Canaan Podiatry.
Can I walk on a fractured foot?
It depends on the type and location of the fracture. Some fractures — particularly stress fractures and certain midfoot fractures — allow limited weight bearing. Others, such as displaced fractures or ankle fractures, typically do not. Walking on an undiagnosed fracture can worsen the injury.
How long does it take to recover from an ankle sprain?
Recovery time depends on the severity of the sprain. Mild sprains may heal in 1–3 weeks with rest and appropriate care. Moderate sprains typically take 3–6 weeks, while severe sprains involving significant ligament damage may take 3–6 months or longer, especially if surgery is required.
What happens if a foot fracture is not treated properly?
Improperly treated fractures can lead to malunion (bones healing in an abnormal position), chronic pain, arthritis, instability, and long-term functional problems. Prompt and appropriate treatment is essential for optimal recovery.
When do I need surgery for a foot or ankle injury?
Surgery is typically recommended for displaced fractures, complete ligament or tendon ruptures, and injuries that do not respond to conservative care. Dr. Tauber will discuss your options thoroughly and only recommend surgery when clearly in your best interest.
What is the best way to treat a foot or ankle injury at home immediately after it happens?
Apply the RICE protocol: Rest the injured foot immediately, apply Ice wrapped in a cloth for 15–20 minutes several times a day, use Compression with a bandage to reduce swelling, and Elevate the foot above heart level when resting. Contact New Canaan Podiatry as soon as possible to get a professional evaluation.
Does physical therapy help after a foot or ankle injury?
Yes. Physical therapy is an important part of recovery for most foot and ankle injuries. It helps restore strength, flexibility, balance, and coordination — reducing the risk of re-injury and ensuring you return to full function.