Children are naturally active — running, jumping, playing sports, and pushing their limits every day. But that activity also puts them at risk for foot and ankle fractures. When a bone breaks in a growing child, the stakes are higher than in adults. Children have developing growth plates that require careful evaluation and precise treatment to ensure healthy bone development and a full recovery. At Momentum Foot and Ankle, we provide expert pediatric fracture care in Boynton Beach so your child can heal properly and get back to doing what they love.
Dr. Christopher Zimmer is a board-eligible, fellowship-trained foot and ankle surgeon with specialized training in lower extremity trauma, fracture management, and pediatric foot and ankle care. During his residency at Baylor Scott & White Medical Center, Dr. Zimmer evaluated and managed more than 300 pediatric foot and ankle patients — including complex growth plate injuries. He completed a dedicated Trauma & Reconstruction Fellowship at Westside Regional Medical Center in Plantation, FL, where he gained concentrated experience managing fractures ranging from simple breaks to high-acuity injuries requiring surgical reconstruction.
What Are Pediatric Foot & Ankle Fractures?
A fracture is a break or crack in a bone. In children, fractures of the foot and ankle are common — especially during sports and high-energy play. Because children’s bones are still growing, they are softer and more flexible than adult bones, which means they can fracture differently and may involve the growth plate (physis).
Growth plate injuries require particular attention, as improper treatment can affect long-term bone development.
Common Types of Pediatric Foot & Ankle Fractures
- Growth plate (physeal) fractures — Fractures involving the cartilaginous growth plate at the ends of developing bones
- Stress fractures — Hairline cracks caused by repetitive impact, common in young athletes
- Toe fractures — Often from stubbing or dropping objects on the foot
- Metatarsal fractures — Breaks in the long bones of the midfoot
- Ankle fractures — Including Salter-Harris fractures that involve the growth plate
- Calcaneal (heel bone) fractures — Less common in children but possible with high-impact injuries
Signs & Symptoms
If your child has injured their foot or ankle, watch for the following:
- Pain, tenderness, or swelling at the injury site
- Difficulty walking or bearing weight
- Bruising or visible deformity
- Persistent limping after an injury
- Pain that worsens with activity and improves with rest (stress fractures)
Children do not always communicate pain clearly — trust your instincts as a parent. When in doubt, have the injury evaluated promptly.
Diagnosis
Dr. Zimmer conducts a thorough physical examination and reviews your child’s medical history. Imaging studies — including X-rays — are used to identify the location, type, and severity of the fracture. In some cases, additional imaging such as MRI or CT may be ordered to assess growth plate involvement or subtle fractures not visible on standard X-ray.
Treatment Options
Treatment depends on the type, location, and severity of the fracture. Most pediatric fractures can be managed conservatively, and surgery is only considered when necessary.
- Rest and activity modification
- Immobilization with a cast, boot, or splint
- Crutches to reduce weight-bearing during healing
- Surgical fixation for displaced fractures, unstable injuries, or complex growth plate fractures that require precise alignment
Dr. Zimmer takes a conservative-first approach whenever appropriate, recommending surgery only when it is truly the best path to a safe and complete recovery.
Recovery & Return to Activity
Healing time varies based on the fracture type, your child’s age, and the treatment approach. Throughout recovery, Dr. Zimmer monitors bone healing and growth to ensure everything is progressing properly. Our goal is to get your child back to school, sports, and everyday activities as safely and quickly as possible — without compromising their long-term bone health.
Why Choose Momentum Foot and Ankle?
At Momentum Foot and Ankle, we understand how stressful a child’s injury can be for the entire family. Dr. Zimmer brings fellowship-level surgical expertise and genuine compassion to every pediatric case. You can expect:
- Honest, transparent treatment recommendations
- Personalized care tailored to your child’s age and activity level
- Expert growth plate and fracture management
- A team that takes the time to explain everything — so you feel confident every step of the way
Schedule an Appointment Today
If your child has suffered a foot or ankle injury, don’t wait. Early evaluation leads to better outcomes. Contact us today to schedule an appointment with Dr. Zimmer at our Boynton Beach office. Call us at (561) 369-4455 — we’re here to help your child heal and thrive.
