Usual disclaimer: no one can provide specific medical advice for a person or condition without an in-person interview and physical examination, and a review of the available medical records and recent and past testing. This comment is for general information purposes only, and not intended to provide medical advice. No physician-patient relationship is implied or established.The anterior process of the calcaneus is deep inside the foot, and thus fractures do not always produce tenderness, as you cannot palpate it directly. I assume that when you say "no bone pain", this is what you are talking about.Fractures of the anterior process can be occult, not seen on plain x-ray due to the overlap of bones in the area, and sometimes CT or MRI are needed to confirm.I am a little surprised at you posting here, as you are a registered nurse who has access to emergency physicians and have already seen an orthopedic specialist for consultation. The opinion of your orthopedic specialist is that you have a fracture, and the treatment recommended is immobilization. No one who has neither examined you nor had access to your imaging studies will be able to give you better advice.The rationale behind immobilization of such fractures is simple: the foot has many bones that articulate (touch and move) with each other. Broken bones that do not heal well will cause permanent pain and debility due to interruption of the way the bones can move in relation to each other.If you want a second opinion, then see another foot specialist, bring them all of the imaging tests on DVD (reports are of limited use in these situations).
Ruptured calcaneofibular ligament and ?fracture of the anterior process of the calcaneus I am a little unsure of where that exactly is on the ankle after looking at multiple diagrams, doctors werent helpful enough in explaining it.- backstory if youre interested:Ill try and keep this short, history of ankle injuries in the past, never quite this bad on that ankle (other one has had reconstructive surgery).I am a 24yo Female who works in emergency as a critical care RN.Rolled the ankle after stepping on a hockey ball 2.5 weeks ago. First 3 days was horrendous, then the pain settled and all I needed was Panadol once a day.XR on day 1 said no fractures. Went home and played another game of hockey a week later (with some pain after of course).US at week 1 said fully ruptured ligament and small ossicle 2.8mm indicating a possible fracture. Recommended CT.CT at 2 weeks showed possible cortical fracture at anterior process of calcaneus.Now Ive had ligament damage in the past, on the other ankle, and this feels relatively minor in comparison.Im being told by an orthopaedic surgeon that I need to be in a moon boot. I am ambulating fine on flat ground with rigid strapping tape on to replace the broken ligament.Its relatively painless to poke around the ankle area. Im not sure I even understand exactly where this supposed fracture is.Im worried by going in a boot when Im coping so well, will hinder my recovery and extend the time itll take me to get back to sport.I can attach some paperwork in the comments.Whats your opinions? Is it possible theres no fracture?