Ankle Fractures Specialist

What is an ankle fracture?

An ankle fracture is a bone break in your ankle. Ankle fractures affect your tibia, commonly called the shin bone; the fibula, the thin outward-facing lower leg bone; or the talus bone, which joins your leg and foot.

If you have an ankle fracture, you typically experience moderate-to-severe pain and difficulty bearing weight on the ankle. You may also have significant swelling and bruising in the ankle and foot areas.

Is my ankle fractured or sprained?

Ankle fractures and sprains can both be quite painful, and since they affect the same area, it can be hard to tell the difference without your podiatrist's help. Sprains occur when your ligaments get overstretched, and this can sometimes happen at the same time as a fracture.

Your Affiliated Foot & Ankle Care podiatrist will examine your ankle and do on-site diagnostic imaging to verify which type of injury you're dealing with.

What causes ankle fractures?

Accidents, including sports injuries, workplace injuries, and random incidents like stepping in a hole in the ground, are the most common causes of ankle fractures. Generally, accidents leading to ankle fractures happen quite suddenly and when you least expect them.

After helping you heal from your fracture, your podiatrist can help you prevent future injury through both ankle strengthening and better safety practices.

How are ankle fractures treated?

If you suspect a fracture or sprain, immediately start the so-called RICE approach, which involves:

• Rest
• Ice
• Compression with an elastic bandage
• Elevation that puts your ankle higher than your heart

Get in touch with Affiliated Foot & Ankle Care as soon as possible. The podiatrists offer emergency appointments for ankle fractures and other urgent needs.

Your podiatrist diagnoses the injury and starts treatment immediately. This may include fracture reduction, in which your podiatrist aligns the bones for healing. Your podiatrist may prescribe crutches or a walking boot to immobilize your ankle during healing. You may need oral anti-inflammatory medicine to reduce pain and swelling.

If you have a severe fracture, multiple fractures, or if your fracture doesn't heal after fracture reduction, you may require surgery. If needed, your podiatrist can stabilize your bones and align them using biocompatible metal components.

The Affiliated Foot & Ankle Care team is ready to help with ankle fractures, so book online or by calling the office nearest you now.