Fracture Care and Second Opinions in Lafayette
Ascend Foot & Ankle Center provides diagnosis and treatment for broken bones of the foot and ankle, including stress fractures, toe fractures, and ankle breaks. Deann Hofer Ogilvie, DPM also reviews existing diagnoses and treatment recommendations so you can move forward with confidence.
What is Fracture Care and Second Opinions?
The foot and ankle contain 26 bones in the foot alone, along with joints, ligaments, and tendons that must work together for every step. A fracture is a break in any of these bones. It can be a thin crack from repetitive stress or a complete break caused by a fall, twist, or direct impact. Because the foot carries your body weight, even a small fracture can interfere with walking and daily life.
Fracture care covers accurate diagnosis, protecting the bone while it heals, and guiding you back to activity. Treatment may include immobilization in a boot or cast, modified weight bearing, supportive footwear, and, in some cases, referral for surgical repair. Careful follow-up matters because a fracture that is missed or poorly protected can heal in a poor position or fail to heal, leading to long-term pain and arthritis.
A second opinion is for anyone facing a fracture diagnosis, a recommendation for surgery, or a recovery that is not going as expected. Medical evidence supports individualized treatment, since the right choice depends on the specific bone, fracture pattern, and your goals. A second review can confirm the existing plan or present alternatives worth considering. This service is available to people in Lafayette and surrounding communities.
Key symptoms and indicators
- Sudden pain in the foot or ankle after a fall, twist, or impact
- Swelling and bruising that appear within hours of an injury
- Difficulty or inability to put weight on the foot
- Visible deformity or an abnormal angle of a toe or the foot
- Tenderness over a specific spot on a bone
- Gradual, worsening pain with activity that may signal a stress fracture
- Uncertainty about a diagnosis or recommended treatment you have already received
What to Expect
- Detailed history and hands-on examination of the foot and ankle
- Review of imaging, including outside X-rays, MRI, or CT for second opinions
- Treatment options explained, from protected weight bearing to surgical referral when appropriate
- Follow-up visits and repeat imaging when needed to monitor healing
- Guidance on activity, footwear, and injury prevention
Our Approach to Fracture Care and Second Opinions
Initial Assessment
Your visit begins with a detailed history of how the injury happened, followed by a hands-on examination of the foot and ankle. Imaging is reviewed to identify the location, pattern, and stability of the break. If you bring outside X-rays, MRI, or CT reports for a second opinion, they are reviewed alongside your exam.
Personalized Plan
Treatment depends on the bone involved, how displaced it is, your activity level, and your overall health. Dr. Ogilvie explains the options, including protected weight bearing or surgical referral when appropriate, so you can make an informed decision.
Ongoing Support
Healing is monitored with follow-up visits and repeat imaging when needed. You receive guidance on activity, footwear, and a gradual return to normal movement, along with steps to lower the chance of another injury.
Benefits
Clear Diagnosis
Imaging and a physical exam are the reliable way to tell a fracture from a sprain and to identify the location, pattern, and stability of the break.
Individualized Treatment
Treatment depends on the bone involved, how displaced it is, your activity level, and your overall health.
Confidence in Your Plan
A second review can confirm the existing plan or present alternatives worth considering.
Careful Follow-up
Healing is monitored with follow-up visits and repeat imaging when needed, with guidance on activity, footwear, and a gradual return to normal movement.
What to Expect
First Visit
Examination, imaging review, and a clear diagnosis. You leave with an immobilization or protection plan and instructions for managing pain and swelling.
Week 2-4
Follow-up to check alignment and early healing. Swelling usually begins to settle, and the plan may be adjusted based on how the bone is responding.
Month 1-3
Many foot and ankle fractures heal within roughly six to twelve weeks, though timing varies by bone and individual. Weight bearing and activity are advanced step by step.
Long-term
Final check of healing and function. Some people have lingering stiffness or swelling for a time, and we discuss strengthening, footwear, and prevention.
Treatments and tools we may use
Care is matched to the injury. Depending on your diagnosis, your plan may include:
Digital X-ray review and, when needed, advanced imaging such as MRI or CT to clarify the injury
Immobilization with a walking boot, cast, splint, or rigid-soled shoe
Guidance on crutches, knee scooters, or protected weight bearing
Pain and swelling control, including rest, elevation, and ice
Taping or buddy splinting for certain toe fractures
Review of footwear, training habits, and bone health factors that may contribute to stress fractures
Referral for surgical repair when the fracture is unstable or displaced
Common Questions About Fracture Care and Second Opinions
How do I know if my foot or ankle is broken or just sprained?
Sprains and fractures can look very similar. Pain directly over a bone, significant swelling, bruising, or trouble bearing weight raise concern for a fracture. Imaging and a physical exam are the reliable way to tell the difference, so it is wise to have an injury evaluated.
Do all fractures need surgery?
No. Many foot and ankle fractures heal with a boot, cast, or supportive footwear and controlled weight bearing. Surgery is typically considered when bones are significantly displaced, joints are unstable, or healing is not progressing as expected.
What should I bring for a second opinion?
Bring any X-rays, MRI or CT images and reports, your medication list, and notes about the treatment you have been offered. Having the actual images, not just the written report, is helpful.
Is it appropriate to seek a second opinion?
Yes. A second opinion is a common and reasonable step, especially before surgery, when healing is slower than expected, or when you simply want to understand your options more fully.
What are stress fractures and how are they treated?
Stress fractures are small cracks caused by repetitive load rather than a single injury. Treatment usually centers on reducing load, protective footwear or a boot, and a gradual return to activity. Addressing contributing factors such as training changes or footwear helps prevent recurrence.
Ready to Get Help with Fracture Care and Second Opinions?
Call (303) 537-4714 or visit us at 588 North Highway 287, Suite 204, Lafayette, CO 80026. Office hours are Monday to Friday, 9am to 3pm.
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