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Fracture Specialist

Scheffel Foot Center John A. Scheffel, DPM Our Services Fracture

Scheffel Foot Center

John A. Scheffel, DPM

Podiatry located in Worcester, MA & Clinton, MA

A full one quarter of the bones in your body — 26 — are located in your feet and ankles and these bones all work together to provide support, mobility, and balance for your entire body. In the course of these duties, your bones may fracture, requiring the attention of a podiatrist like Dr. John Scheffel. At Scheffel Foot Center, Dr. Scheffel helps his patients in Worcester, Massachusetts, overcome foot and ankle fractures, helping them get back on their feet as quickly as possible. For more information, call or use the online scheduling tool.

Fracture Q & A

What is the anatomy of the foot and ankle?

Your foot and ankle are mechanical marvels where 26 small bones come together to provide support, balance, and mobility for your entire body. The main groups of bones consist of:

  • Phalanges in your toes
  • Metatarsals that connect your toes
  • Two sesamoids under your first metatarsal
  • Five tarsal bones in your midfoot
  • Your heel bone, or calcaneus
  • The three bones that make up your ankle: talus, tibia, and fibula


As you can see, this complex system also leaves ample opportunity for bone fractures.

What are the main causes of a foot or ankle fracture?

As with any broken bone, there are a number of reasons why the bones in your foot or ankle may fracture. That said, the most common causes of foot and ankle fractures include:

  • Falls
  • Missteps
  • Repetitive stresses
  • Impact from something heavy falling on your foot
  • Sudden pivots or stops, which are common in sports


Again, it’s impossible to list the many situations where your bones may fracture, but the important part is recognizing when there’s a problem so you can get the medical help you need with Dr. Scheffel.

What are the symptoms of a foot or ankle fracture?

The main symptoms of a fracture include:

  • Pain, which is often immediate after a fracture
  • Swelling
  • Stiffness
  • Inability to bear weight
  • Bruising and tenderness


If you’re at all unsure about whether you have a fracture, the best course of action is to see Dr. Scheffel to confirm, or rule out, a fracture in order to determine next steps.

How are foot and ankle fractures treated?

After reviewing your symptoms and examining your foot, Dr. Scheffel orders X-rays, which are the best way to determine whether you’ve fractured a bone in your foot or ankle.

If he confirms a fracture, Dr. Scheffel recommends a treatment based on the degree of the fracture and its location. These treatments may include:

  • Rest
  • Medications to control your pain and inflammation
  • A cast, boot, or splint
  • Crutches


If your fracture is severe or you have several fractures in one area, Dr. Scheffel may recommend surgery to repair the bone.

If you suspect you have a fracture in your foot or ankle, call Scheffel Foot Center or fill out the online form to request an appointment.

Conditions & Treatments