Dr.Artis was so amazing. After going to two other podiatrists who gave me no support or hope, Dr. artis made me feel like there can be change for me. She was so patient, kind and informative. I’m actually excited to go back and get my results.
A hairline ankle fracture — also called a stress fracture or incomplete fracture — is a small crack in the bone that may not be visible on standard X-ray in the first 10–14 days after injury, making it one of the most commonly missed diagnoses in acute ankle injury management. An ankle sprain, by contrast, involves stretching or tearing of the ligaments — most commonly the anterior talofibular ligament (ATFL) — without any bony injury. Key clinical distinctions include point tenderness directly over bone (fracture) versus soft tissue tenderness over ligament (sprain), and positive findings on the Ottawa Ankle Rules — a validated clinical tool used at Healthy Feet Podiatry to determine when imaging is necessary. When X-ray results are equivocal and fracture is still suspected, we refer promptly for MRI — the gold standard for detecting occult hairline fractures invisible on plain film.
Ankle sprains are managed with protected mobilization, early functional rehabilitation, and progressive strengthening — early movement is actually beneficial and accelerates recovery. Hairline fractures, by contrast, require strict immobilization and protected weight-bearing to prevent displacement and allow bone healing — early loading of a hairline fracture can cause it to propagate into a complete break requiring surgery. At Healthy Feet Podiatry, our NYC ankle specialists tailor treatment precisely to diagnosis — not to symptoms alone. We also evaluate and treat associated injuries frequently missed in the acute setting: high ankle sprains (syndesmotic injuries), osteochondral lesions of the talus, and peroneal tendon tears that commonly accompany ankle fractures and sprains and dramatically affect long-term outcomes if unaddressed.
Healthy Feet Podiatry’s NYC ankle specialists have diagnosed and treated thousands of ankle injuries — and we know from experience how often hairline fractures are initially dismissed as sprains, leading to weeks of worsening pain and delayed healing. Our on-site digital X-ray capability means you receive imaging and a definitive diagnosis during your first appointment, not days later. We serve patients across Manhattan and the five boroughs, with urgent appointment availability for new acute ankle injuries. If your ankle is swollen, bruised, and painful after a fall or twist — and you need a real answer, not a guess — Healthy Feet Podiatry is where you start.
TESTIMONIAL
Dr.Artis was so amazing. After going to two other podiatrists who gave me no support or hope, Dr. artis made me feel like there can be change for me. She was so patient, kind and informative. I’m actually excited to go back and get my results.
Everyone was super friendly. Doctor Rick’s explained everything thoroughly.
Dr Bell was incredibly thorough and personable. Gave me great information and useful information for my next steps. A great experience!
“Fast, professional, and very clean office. I was checked in and seen within 10 minutes of my scheduled time. Dr. Ricks was straight to the point but thorough. The front desk staff was also incredibly helpful.
All of the staff are super welcoming and professional! Bianca took excellent care in getting my X-rays. Dr. Ricks was thorough in explaining my diagnosis and next steps. Highly recommended!!
Well before I came in today to see Dr. Ricks my foot in pain was 9/10 and now I feel good 🙏🏿🤩 thanks
Behind every great care experience is a team that truly listens. Our doctors are committed to understanding your needs, delivering personalized treatment, and supporting you every step of your health journey.
Dr. Farah Alani is a New York City foot and ankle surgeon at To Healthy Feet Podiatry, a boutique podiatry practice located in the heart…
Dr. Alison Bell was born in Manhattan and is a Public Health graduate of Charles R. Drew University. She obtained her medical degree from Kent…
Dr. Roxann Clarke is a graduate of Hampton University in Virginia, where she obtained her Bachelor of Science in Biology and her Master of Science…
Dr. Ricks is a board-certified fellowship-trained podiatric surgeon committed to delivering top-tier foot and ankle care. From New Jersey, she a Bachelor’s in…
As the Chief Operating Officer of To Healthy Feet Podiatry, Tiffany provides leadership to ensure all administrative are producing optimal results. Dr….
Our award-winning podiatrists at 4 Manhattan locations treat every condition — from heel pain to minimally invasive surgery — with care plans built around your lifestyle and budget.
Available at all 4 NYC locations
Walk in, walk out — no general anesthesia
We handle the billing so you don't have to
As seen in Forbes & InStyle Magazine