A fracture is a partial or complete break in a bone. Fractures in the ankle can range from the less serious avulsion injuries (small pieces of bone that have been pulled off) to severe shattering-type breaks of the tibia, fibula, or both.
Ankle fractures are common injuries most often caused by the ankle rolling inward or outward. Many people mistake an ankle fracture for an ankle sprain, but they are quite different and therefore require an accurate and early diagnosis. They sometimes occur simultaneously.
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Following an ankle injury, it is important to have the ankle evaluated by a foot and ankle surgeon for proper diagnosis and treatment. Idaho Foot & Ankle Center has same day appointments for your foot and ankle injuries.
It is recommended to be seen within 24 hours of your injury. If you are unable to visit our office, go to an emergency room and then follow up with IFAAC’s foot and ankle surgeons as soon as possible for a more thorough assessment.
The affected limb will be examined by the foot and ankle surgeon who will touch specific areas to evaluate the injury. In addition, the surgeon may order x-rays and other imaging studies, as necessary.
An ankle fracture is accompanied by one or all of these symptoms:
Pain at the site of the fracture, which in some cases can extend from the foot to the knee.
Significant swelling, which may occur along the length of the leg or may be more localized.
Bruising that develops soon after the injury.
Blisters may occur over the fracture site. These should be promptly treated by a foot and ankle surgeon.
Inability to walk; however, it is possible to walk with less severe breaks, so never rely on walking as a test of whether or not a bone has been fractured.
Change in the appearance of the ankle—it will look different from the other ankle.
Bone protruding through the skin—a sign that immediate care is needed.
Fractures that pierce the skin require immediate attention because they can lead to severe infection and prolonged recovery.
Treatment of ankle fractures depends on the type and severity of the injury. At first, the foot and ankle surgeon will want you to follow the RICE protocol:
Stay off the injured ankle. Walking may cause further injury.
Apply an ice pack to the injured area, placing a thin towel between the ice and the skin. Use ice for 20 minutes and then wait at least 40 minutes before icing again.
An elastic wrap should be used to control swelling.
Certain fractures are treated by protecting and restricting the ankle and foot in a cast or splint. This allows the bone to heal.
To help relieve the pain, the surgeon may prescribe pain medications or anti-inflammatory drugs.
The ankle should be raised slightly above the level of your heart to reduce swelling.
For some ankle fractures, surgery is needed to repair the fracture and other soft tissue-related injuries, if present. The foot and ankle surgeon will select the procedure that is appropriate for your injury.