Why Does My Foot Fracture Require Surgery?

It’s easier than you think to fracture your foot. A simple misstep off a curb, dropping a heavy box on your foot, or landing awkwardly from a jump can all cause a broken bone. 

Not every fracture needs foot surgery. Many heal with a cast, boot, and time off your feet. But some do require a procedure to line the bone back up and hold it steady while it heals. 

The only reliable way to tell the difference is by having our team conduct an exam and imaging tests. Leaving a surgical fracture untreated, or treating it inadequately, can lead to chronic pain, arthritis, and long-term limits on walking or sport. 

At  South Texas Foot Surgeons, PA, in San Antonio and Kerrville, Texas, we focus on getting the diagnosis right and operating only when surgery clearly gives you a better outcome.

Why do some foot fractures need surgery?

A fracture isn’t the same as a bruise or a sprain. A bruise affects soft tissue. A sprain stretches or tears ligaments. A fracture is a crack or break in the bone itself, and not all fractures are alike. Some are hairline cracks that heal well in a boot. Others are displaced (the pieces have shifted), cross a joint surface, or involve multiple fragments. 

The foot has 26 bones and many joints. That complexity is why the location and pattern of a fracture matter. A simple, non-displaced crack in a toe bone often heals without surgery. 

But if a fracture is unstable, out of position, or involves a joint surface, surgery is often the best option. We may recommend surgery if:

• The bone has shifted or is no longer aligned
• The fracture involves a joint, where even small misalignments can lead to arthritis
• The bone is broken into several pieces that need to be stabilized
• The fracture is open, increasing the risk of infection
• The injury has compromised circulation or nerves in the foot

Without surgery, these types of fractures may heal incorrectly, leading to chronic pain, stiffness, or structural deformity. Surgery ensures the bone is stabilized — often with plates, screws, or pins — so it can heal properly and restore full function.

What to expect from fracture repair surgery

If surgery is necessary, our team conducts a comprehensive evaluation, which may include weight-bearing X-rays when safe, and sometimes a CT scan to see the fracture pattern in 3D. We then review the imaging and create a surgical plan. 

We also take into consideration your activity level, job demands, and foot-affecting health conditions (i.e., diabetes, osteoporosis).

During the procedure, the broken bone fragments are realigned and secured with small hardware to hold them in place as they heal. The surgery is usually done under anesthesia, and many patients go home the same day. 

After surgery, your foot is protected in a splint, then a cast or boot. Recovery often involves keeping weight off the foot for several weeks, followed by gradual rehabilitation. 

Specialist foot fracture care in South Texas

Some foot fractures heal well with rest and protection. Others need surgery to line up the bone, secure it, and restore proper function. Ignoring the need for surgery or delaying treatment can lead to chronic pain, deformity, or arthritis. 

If you’ve injured your foot, schedule an evaluation at your nearest South Texas Foot Surgeons, PA, office in San Antonio or Kerrville, Texas, today. You’ll leave knowing exactly what’s wrong — and the best way to fix it.