Foot & Ankle Trauma Treatment in New Canaan, CT
What Should I Do After a Foot or Ankle Injury?
Any injury with severe pain, swelling, visible bruising, or an inability to bear weight needs a professional evaluation, don’t assume it’s minor just because you can still limp on it. Dr. Jennifer Tauber, DPM, evaluates and treats the full range of foot and ankle trauma at New Canaan Podiatry, from sprains and stress fractures to complex tendon and ligament injuries, using in-office digital X-rays and diagnostic ultrasound to get an accurate diagnosis the same visit.
Call (203) 548-7688 or book online right away if you’re dealing with an acute injury.
1+
Years Serving Fairfield County
Why These Injuries Deserve Real Attention
Your feet and ankles are doing more work than most people realize, together they hold more than a quarter of all the bones in your body, 26 bones, 33 joints, and over 100 tendons, muscles, and ligaments coordinating with every step. When something in that system gets hurt, it can take your ability to walk or stand along with it, sometimes immediately.
Common Injuries We Treat
1
Ankle Sprains
One of the most frequent injuries, caused by a sudden twist or roll
2
Fractures
Ranging from hairline stress fractures to complete breaks
3
Achilles Tendon Rupture
A partial or complete tear of the tendon
4
Tendon Injuries
Including tears or strains to the peroneal, posterior tibial, or other tendons
5
Ligament Tears
In the structural ligaments of the ankle
6
Turf Toe
A sprain of the joint at the base of the big toe
7
Lisfranc Injuries
Fractures or ligament tears in the midfoot
Warning Signs That Need Prompt Evaluation
- Immediate, severe pain right after the injury
- Swelling, bruising, or a visibly abnormal shape to the foot or ankle
- Inability to put weight on the foot
- Tenderness concentrated over a specific spot
- Numbness or tingling, which can point to nerve involvement
- A popping sound at the moment of injury
Worth repeating: being able to limp on it doesn’t mean it’s minor. Fractures and serious ligament injuries can sometimes still be walked on, which is exactly why imaging matters more than how it feels in the moment.
How We Diagnose and Treat It
Every trauma evaluation starts with a thorough physical exam plus in-office digital X-rays or diagnostic ultrasound, so Dr. Tauber can see exactly what’s involved before deciding on a plan. From there, treatment is built around the specific injury:
RICE (rest, ice, compression, elevation) as the initial phase for mild to moderate injuries, aimed at controlling swelling and protecting the area
Immobilization through casting, splinting, or bracing to stabilize the injury while it heals
Compression wrapping for sprains and soft tissue injuries
Physical therapy to rebuild strength, range of motion, and function
Custom orthotics for long-term support and to reduce re-injury risk
Corticosteroid injections for pain and inflammation relief
Surgery for complex fractures, complete tendon ruptures, or ligament tears that need surgical repair, using minimally invasive techniques whenever the injury allows
Reducing Your Risk Going Forward
You can’t prevent every accident, but a few habits genuinely lower your odds. Wear supportive, well-fitting shoes every day, not just during workouts. Warm up before activity, build up training gradually rather than jumping in at full intensity, and watch your footing on uneven surfaces when you can. If you’ve had a prior ankle sprain, ask Dr. Tauber about bracing or targeted exercises, since a previous sprain meaningfully raises your risk of a repeat one.
Your Questions, Answered
New Canaan Podiatry provides foot and ankle trauma evaluation and treatment for patients in New Canaan, Darien, Stamford, Norwalk, Greenwich, Wilton, and the surrounding Fairfield County communities.
Call (203) 548-7688 or request an appointment online.
How can I tell if it's broken or just sprained?
Honestly, it’s hard to tell from symptoms alone, both cause pain, swelling, and bruising. One clue: fractures tend to produce sharp pain localized directly over the bone, while sprains cause more diffuse soft tissue pain. But the only way to know for sure is an X-ray, so if you’re unsure, get it checked.
Can I still walk on it if it's fractured?
Sometimes, it depends entirely on the type and location. Certain stress fractures and some midfoot fractures allow limited weight bearing, while displaced fractures or ankle fractures typically don’t. Walking on a fracture that hasn’t been diagnosed can make things meaningfully worse, so don’t use “I can still walk” as a reason to skip getting it checked.
How long does an ankle sprain take to heal?
It really depends on severity. Mild sprains often clear up in 1 to 3 weeks with rest and proper care. Moderate sprains usually run 3 to 6 weeks. Severe sprains with real ligament damage can take 3 to 6 months or longer, especially if surgery ends up being necessary.
What happens if a fracture doesn't get treated properly?
It can heal in the wrong position (called malunion), which sets you up for chronic pain, arthritis, instability, and long-term functional issues. Getting the right treatment early on is what prevents all of that.
When does an injury actually need surgery?
Generally for displaced fractures, complete tendon or ligament ruptures, and injuries that just aren’t responding to conservative treatment. Dr. Tauber walks through your options in detail and only recommends surgery when it’s clearly the right call for you.
What should I do immediately after an injury, before I can get in?
RICE: rest the foot right away, ice it wrapped in a cloth for 15 to 20 minutes at a time several times a day, wrap it with compression to control swelling, and elevate it above heart level while resting. Then get in to see us as soon as you can for a proper evaluation.
Does physical therapy actually make a difference?
Yes, genuinely. It’s a core part of recovery for most foot and ankle injuries, rebuilding strength, flexibility, balance, and coordination, which lowers your risk of re-injury and gets you back to full function rather than just “good enough.”
Trusted by Patients
Why Patients Choose New Canaan Podiatry
Whether you’re seeking relief from pain, recovering from an injury, managing a chronic condition, or simply looking to stay active and healthy, our team is here to help.