★ 4.9 Stars · 1,123+ Reviews · Board-Certified Michigan Podiatrists
Foot & Ankle Fracture Repair
ORIF Surgery Bloomfield Hills & Howell
Complex foot and ankle fractures require precise surgical repair (ORIF) for proper alignment and healing. Our board-certified podiatric surgeons handle calcaneus fractures, Lisfranc injuries, and metatarsal fractures with expert technique.
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Foot & Ankle Fracture Treatment in Michigan
Expert Diagnosis & Repair for Broken Bones in the Foot & Ankle
Board-Certified DPMs
All podiatrists are AACFAS and FACFAS certified
Same-Day Appointments
Urgent fracture evaluation available
2 Michigan Locations
Howell & Bloomfield Hills clinics
Insurance Accepted
Most plans + FSA/HSA
What Is Foot & Ankle Fracture Repair?
Foot and ankle fracture repair involves accurate diagnosis with digital X-ray and advanced imaging, followed by customized treatment ranging from immobilization and protective weight-bearing protocols to surgical fixation for displaced or unstable breaks. Our board-certified podiatric surgeons specialize in restoring full function after stress fractures, metatarsal breaks, ankle fractures, and calcaneal injuries using evidence-based techniques that minimize recovery time.
Watch: How Long Does It Take for Foot Surgery to Heal
Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM explains the clinical basics — then covers what we do differently in our Howell and Bloomfield Hills clinics. Subscribe on YouTube for weekly walkthroughs.
Signs You May Have a Fracture
Foot and ankle fractures don’t always involve obvious deformity. Many patients walk on broken bones for days before seeking treatment, which can worsen the injury and delay healing. You should seek immediate evaluation if you experience any of the following after an injury or repetitive stress:
Sudden sharp pain — especially with weight-bearing or when pressing on a specific area of the foot or ankle. Pain that worsens with activity but improves with rest may indicate a stress fracture.
Swelling and bruising — rapid swelling within hours of injury, discoloration, or warmth around the foot or ankle joint. Significant bruising on the bottom of the foot can indicate a calcaneal (heel bone) fracture.
Difficulty walking or bearing weight — inability to take more than a few steps, or feeling unstable when standing. An ankle fracture often makes it impossible to bear weight without severe pain.
Visible deformity or grinding sensation — in severe fractures, the foot or ankle may appear misaligned, shortened, or rotated. A crepitus (grinding) feeling when moving the joint requires emergency evaluation.
Common Foot & Ankle Fractures We Treat
Stress Fractures
Hairline cracks caused by repetitive impact, common in runners and athletes. Metatarsal stress fractures are the most frequent, often developing gradually with increasing pain during activity.
Ankle Fractures
Breaks in the malleoli (bony prominences on either side of the ankle) from twisting injuries, falls, or sports trauma. Can involve one bone (unimalleolar) or multiple bones (bimalleolar/trimalleolar).
Metatarsal Fractures
Breaks in the long bones of the midfoot from direct impact or twisting. Fifth metatarsal (Jones) fractures are particularly common and may require surgical fixation due to limited blood supply in that area.
Calcaneal (Heel) Fractures
High-energy fractures of the heel bone, typically from falls or auto accidents. These complex fractures often involve the subtalar joint and require CT imaging for proper surgical planning.
Toe Fractures
Broken toes from stubbing, dropping objects, or sports injuries. While many toe fractures heal with buddy taping, fractures involving joint surfaces or significant displacement may need surgical correction.
Lisfranc (Midfoot) Fractures
Injuries to the bones and ligaments of the midfoot joint complex. Often misdiagnosed as sprains, Lisfranc injuries frequently require surgical stabilization to prevent chronic pain, arthritis, and flatfoot deformity.
Our Treatment Approach
Non-Surgical Fracture Care
Many foot and ankle fractures heal without surgery when properly immobilized. We use CAM walking boots, casting, and protective weight-bearing protocols to promote bone healing while maintaining as much mobility as possible. Non-displaced stress fractures, stable toe fractures, and certain ankle fractures respond well to conservative management with close follow-up imaging to confirm healing progression.
Surgical Fracture Repair (ORIF)
Displaced, unstable, or intra-articular fractures typically require open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF). Our board-certified podiatric surgeons use plates, screws, and pins to restore proper bone alignment and joint congruity. Surgical repair ensures the strongest possible healing, reduces the risk of arthritis from joint surface irregularities, and allows earlier return to protected weight-bearing.
Rehabilitation & Recovery
Recovery timelines depend on fracture location and severity. Stress fractures may heal in 6-8 weeks with activity modification, while surgical ankle fractures typically require 8-12 weeks before returning to full weight-bearing. We create individualized recovery plans that include progressive weight-bearing, physical therapy coordination, and follow-up imaging to ensure complete healing before returning to normal activities.
What to Expect at Your Visit
Step 1: Urgent Evaluation & Imaging
Same-day appointments are available for suspected fractures. We perform a thorough examination and take digital X-rays in-office to immediately identify the fracture type, location, and severity.
Step 2: Diagnosis & Treatment Plan
Based on imaging results, we explain the fracture classification, discuss whether surgical or non-surgical treatment is recommended, and outline the expected recovery timeline specific to your injury.
Step 3: Immobilization or Surgery
For non-surgical cases, we apply the appropriate immobilization device and provide weight-bearing instructions. Surgical cases are scheduled promptly, often within days, to ensure optimal outcomes before swelling complicates the procedure.
Step 4: Guided Recovery & Follow-Up
Regular follow-up visits with imaging confirm bone healing. We progressively advance weight-bearing, coordinate physical therapy when needed, and ensure you return to full activity safely with complete fracture union.
Suspect a Fracture? Don’t Wait.
Early diagnosis and proper treatment are critical for complete fracture healing. Same-day fracture evaluations available at both locations.
Insurance & Payment
Balance Foot & Ankle Specialists accepts most major insurance plans. Fracture treatment, including X-rays, casting, and surgical repair, is covered as medically necessary care by virtually all insurance plans.
We also accept FSA and HSA payments. Our billing team verifies your coverage before treatment so there are no surprises. Contact us at (810) 206-1402 for insurance questions.
Why Choose Balance Foot & Ankle Specialists
Surgical Expertise
Board-certified podiatric surgeons with advanced fracture repair training
In-Office Digital X-Ray
Immediate imaging for fast, accurate fracture diagnosis
Same-Day Urgent Care
Rapid evaluation for acute fractures and injuries
Complete Recovery Plans
From diagnosis through full return to activity with guided rehabilitation
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if my foot is broken or just sprained?
Will I need surgery for my fracture?
How long does a foot fracture take to heal?
Can I walk on a broken foot?
What is a Jones fracture?
Does insurance cover fracture treatment?
Get Expert Fracture Care Today
Schedule your evaluation at Balance Foot & Ankle Specialists. Same-day appointments available at Howell and Bloomfield Hills locations.
Our Locations
Howell Office
Address
4330 E Grand River Ave
Howell, MI 48843
Hours
Monday – Friday
8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Phone
Fax
833-450-6201
Bloomfield Hills Office
Address
43494 Woodward Ave #208
Bloomfield Twp, MI 48302
Hours
Monday – Friday
8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Phone
Fax
833-450-6317
Meet Our Podiatrists
Medical Disclaimer
This page is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Results vary by individual and condition severity. Always consult with a qualified podiatrist for diagnosis and treatment recommendations. Balance Foot & Ankle Specialists provides this content to help patients make informed healthcare decisions.
Ready to Get Back on Your Feet?
Same-week appointments available at both locations.
Book Your Appointment“Broke my foot playing soccer and was terrified. Dr. Jay handled the fracture repair with precision. Six weeks later I was walking normally. Incredible care from day one.”
— Carlos R., Fracture Repair Patient
Your Expert Podiatrists
Serving Patients Across Southeast Michigan
Balance Foot & Ankle provides expert podiatric care from two convenient locations. Our Howell office serves patients from Brighton, Hartland, Fowlerville, Pinckney, Fenton, Hamburg, Whitmore Lake, South Lyon, and throughout Livingston County. Our Bloomfield Hills office serves Birmingham, Troy, West Bloomfield, Pontiac, Farmington Hills, Southfield, Royal Oak, Clarkston, Lake Orion, Rochester Hills, Waterford, Commerce Township, Novi, and Walled Lake across Oakland County.
Your Board-Certified Podiatrists
Board-certified care at both Michigan locations
Book your visit today
Most insurance accepted · On-site X-ray · Board-certified podiatrists
Howell · (810) 206-1402 Bloomfield · (248) 335-0322Frequently Asked Questions
What is ORIF surgery for a foot fracture?
ORIF (Open Reduction Internal Fixation) involves surgically repositioning broken bones and securing them with metal hardware (plates, screws, or rods). This is used for displaced fractures where bones are out of alignment and need to be precisely reduced for proper healing and return of function.
How long does foot fracture surgery recovery take?
Recovery varies by fracture location and severity. Simple metatarsal fractures: 6-8 weeks. Calcaneus (heel bone) fractures: 3-4 months. Lisfranc injuries: 4-6 months. We provide detailed recovery timelines at your consultation and coordinate all post-operative care.
Foot Fracture Repair — Michigan Podiatrist
Dr. Biernacki discusses surgical vs. non-surgical treatment for foot and ankle fractures — from stress fractures to Jones fractures to displaced ankle fractures requiring ORIF.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if my foot fracture needs surgery?
Surgery is indicated for displaced fractures, unstable fractures, fractures involving joint surfaces, and fractures in locations with poor healing (Jones fracture, 5th metatarsal). X-rays and CT scans determine the fracture pattern. Most stress fractures and minor breaks heal without surgery.
How long does foot fracture recovery take?
Minor metatarsal fractures: 6–8 weeks in a boot. Jones fractures: 6–8 weeks non-weight-bearing. Ankle fractures after ORIF: 6 weeks non-weight-bearing, then boot for 6 weeks, PT for 3–4 months. Complex fractures may take 6–12 months for full return to activity.
What is ORIF surgery for foot fractures?
ORIF (Open Reduction Internal Fixation) involves surgically realigning the broken bone and securing it with titanium plates, screws, or rods. This provides stable fixation that allows earlier weight-bearing and more predictable healing than casting alone for complex fractures.
Watch Dr. Tom on Foot & Ankle Fractures
Dr. Tom explains how we diagnose and treat foot and ankle fractures — from hairline stress fractures to displaced ankle breaks requiring surgery.
Post-Fracture Recovery Kit
Once the boot comes off (typically 6–8 weeks post-fracture), rehab is everything. These four products support the transition back to normal activity:
Aircast A60 Ankle Brace
Rigid stirrup brace for the transition out of a walking boot — prevents re-injury during weeks 6–12.
Check Amazon Price →Neoprene Compression Sleeve
Controls post-fracture swelling — wear throughout the day during the first 4 weeks post-boot.
Check Amazon Price →Reusable Gel Ice Pack (Ankle Size)
20 min on / 40 min off after PT sessions — evidence-based icing protocol for post-fracture inflammation.
Check Amazon Price →PowerStep Pinnacle Insoles
Post-fracture gait changes overload the other foot — bilateral arch support prevents compensatory injuries.
Check Amazon Price →Affiliate disclosure: Amazon links are affiliate links — we earn a small commission if you buy through them, at no cost to you. We only recommend products we actually prescribe to patients at Balance Foot & Ankle.
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