If you have a foot or ankle fracture, you want your podiatrist to use every available tool to diagnose and treat your injury. One of the most effective diagnostic tools is imaging. Your podiatrist can tell you more. The podiatrists at Chestnut Hill Podiatry Associates provide comprehensive foot and ankle care, including diagnosis and treatment of fractures. They have two convenient office locations in Philadelphia and Huntingdon Valley, PA.

How Imaging Techniques Can Help With the Treatment of a Foot or Ankle Fracture

Imaging studies make it possible to:

• Assess the severity of the fracture
• Determine the precise location of the fracture
• Aid in deciding on the best course of treatment for the fracture

Imaging studies can diagnose:

• Stress fractures, which may be related to a chronic condition like osteoporosis, or excessive foot stress
• Bone fractures, which may be caused by a traumatic injury or an accident

Your podiatrist may order several types of imaging to aid in the diagnosis and treatment of the fracture. Some of the most common imaging studies include:

• Conventional X-rays to provide side, front, and back views of bone alignment and location of the fracture
• Magnetic resonance imaging, known as an MRI, is used to view bones, ligaments, tendons, and muscles to assess other structures that may be damaged

After a comprehensive assessment, including imaging studies, your podiatrist may recommend one or more of these types of treatments:

• Resting and elevating the injured area
• Assistive devices, including crutches, a walking cast, or boots
• Placing ice packs on the injured area for 20 minutes several times daily
• Wrapping the injured area in a flexible bandage to add support while the area heals
• Taking prescription anti-inflammatory medications
• Surgical treatment to realign bones and repair damaged areas

Want To Know More about the Role of Imaging Techniques in the Treatment of Foot and Ankle Fractures?

To learn more about how imaging techniques can help when you have a foot or ankle fracture, call the podiatrists at Chestnut Hill Podiatry Associates. You can reach them in Philadelphia, PA, by calling (215) 247-0879, or in Huntingdon Valley, PA, by calling (215) 379-5112, so call today.