When you live an active island lifestyle — hiking, surfing, or just walking barefoot on the beach — your feet take a lot of impact. Sometimes, accidents happen, and that can lead to one of the most common yet overlooked injuries: a fracture.
At Dr.Foot Hawaii (in Kailua) we see fractures of all kinds — from small stress fractures caused by overuse, to full breaks from falls, or sports injuries. Dr. Jennifer Lee, aka Dr. Foot, specializes in diagnosing and treating these injuries so you can get back to doing what you love without long-term pain or deformity.
🦴 What Exactly Is a Fracture?
A fracture isn’t always a dramatic, bone-snapping event. Sometimes, it’s just a tiny crack in the bone that develops slowly over time.
Common types of fractures include:
- Stress fractures – tiny hairline cracks caused by repetitive stress or overtraining
- Stable fractures – a clean break where the bone ends stay aligned
- Displaced fractures – when the bone ends move out of position
- Comminuted fractures – when the bone shatters into several pieces
Did you know your foot and ankle have 26 bones each — that’s a lot of moving parts that can be affected by even a minor injury.
🚶♀️ Common Causes of Foot & Ankle Fractures
Here on Oahu, we often see fractures from:
- Hiking or trail running on uneven terrain
- Slipping on wet surfaces
- Dropping heavy objects on the foot
- Sports or workout injuries
- Overuse from long walks, runs, or hikes
Even stubbing your toe on furniture (we’ve all done it!) can sometimes cause a small fracture.
⚕️ Symptoms You Shouldn’t Ignore
You might think it’s “just a sprain” or “a bruise,” but untreated fractures can heal improperly — leading to chronic pain, stiffness, or deformity.
Watch for:
- Sudden pain after an injury
- Swelling, bruising, or tenderness
- Difficulty bearing weight
- Visible deformity or misalignment
- A cracking or popping sound at the time of injury
If you have any of these symptoms, it’s time to see a podiatrist — not to “walk it off.”
🩺 How We Diagnose and Treat Fractures at Dr.Foot Hawaii
At Dr.Foot Hawaii, we begin with a thorough physical examination and X-ray imaging to pinpoint the exact location and severity of the fracture.
Treatment may include:
- Protective boots, splints, or casts
- Non-weight-bearing rest
- Physical therapy and gradual rehab
- In some cases, surgical correction by our podiatric surgeon
Our goal is to get you back on your feet quickly and safely — and ensure the bone heals in perfect alignment for lasting comfort.
🌺 Healing and Prevention
Healing time varies depending on the fracture type, but most bones take 6–8 weeks to mend. We’ll guide you through every step, from immobilization to rehab.
To prevent future fractures:
- Always warm up before an activity
- Wear supportive shoes or orthotics
- Avoid sudden increases in exercise intensity
- Strengthen your ankle and foot muscles regularly
👣 Trust the Experts at Dr.Foot Hawaii
Whether you’ve twisted your ankle or think you might have a stress fracture, Dr.Foot Hawaii provides expert podiatric care right here in Kailua, serving Kaneohe, Oahu, and the entire State of Hawaii.
Your feet are your foundation — let’s keep them strong, stable, and ready for island life.
📍 Dr.Foot Hawaii
151 Hekili Street, Suite 120
Kailua, HI 96734
📞 (808) 888-0431
🌐 www.drfoothawaii.com