An ankle fracture is a break in one or moreof the bones that form the ankle joint, and it can range from a small, stablecrack that heals with immobilization, to an unstable injury that requiressurgical repair. Because the ankle bears the full weight of the body with every step, a fracture that is missed,undertreated, or allowed to heal out of position can lead to chronic pain,instability, and early arthritis.
What Is an Ankle Fracture?
The ankle joint is formed by the lower endof the tibia (shinbone), the fibula (the smaller bone on the outside of thelower leg), and the talus, the bone that sits beneath them, and a fracture mayinvolve one, two, or all three of these structures, as well as the ligamentsthat hold them together. The more bones and ligaments that are involved, theless stable the ankle tends to be, and the more likely it is that treatmentwill require more than a cast or boot.
How Did I Get an Ankle Fracture?
Ankle fractures most often result from asudden force on the joint, and the most common causes include:
- Rolling or twisting the ankleduring walking, running, or sports
- Falls, including stepping off acurb or missing a stair
- Direct impact, such as a caraccident or a heavy object landing on the ankle
- Reduced bone strength, whichcan allow a fracture to occur from a relatively minor injury
What Are the Symptoms?
Pain, swelling, and bruising around theankle are the most common signs, and many patients also report difficulty orinability to put weight on the foot, tenderness over the bone, or a visiblymisshapen ankle. Because a severe sprain can look very similar to a fracture,it is not possible to tell the two apart by symptoms alone, which is why anankle injury that causes significant swelling or difficulty walking should beexamined and imaged.
How Is an Ankle Fracture Diagnosed?
Diagnosis begins with a history of how theinjury occurred, and a careful physical examination of the ankle, foot, andlower leg, and it is typically confirmed with X-rays. In some cases, additionalimaging may be recommended to evaluate the ligaments or to plan surgery.
How Is an Ankle Fracture Treated?
Treatment depends on which bones arebroken, whether the fracture is displaced, and whether the ankle remainsstable:
Non-surgical treatment: Stable fractures in which the bones remain aligned are often treatedwith a cast, splint, or walking boot, along with a period of limited or noweight bearing, and follow-up imaging to confirm that the bones are healing inposition.
Surgical treatment: Unstable or displaced fractures often require surgery to realign thebones and hold them in place with plates, screws, or other hardware while theyheal.
Rehabilitation: Once the bone has healed sufficiently, physical therapy and agradual return to activity help restore strength, motion, and balance.
When to Seek Help
You should seek prompt evaluation for anyankle injury that causes significant swelling, bruising, or pain, or that makesit difficult to walk. Go to an emergency room immediately if the ankle appearsdeformed, if bone is visible through the skin, or if the foot is numb, cold, ordiscolored.
Care for Every Step You Take
Compassionate, personalized care is herefor every step you take. Schedule an appointment with Ashton Podiatry tohave your ankle injury properly evaluated.
