Your ankles need to be both strong and flexible to support your weight and help you move. If you have fractured your ankle, you may be wondering if your ankle will ever be strong and flexible again. You need the services of a foot and ankle doctor. Drs. Brandon and Sarah James at Foot & Ankle Surgery of New Braunfels, in New Braunfels, TX, offer comprehensive foot and ankle care, including treatment of an ankle fracture.
What You Need To Know About an Ankle Fracture
There are a lot of causes of an ankle fracture. You may be more prone to ankle fractures if you have a degenerative condition like osteoporosis. An accident or sports injury can also lead to a fractured ankle.
Early diagnosis is important to avoid damaging your ankle even more. It helps to know the signs and symptoms of an ankle fracture, which include:
- An obvious ankle deformity
- Bruising, swelling, and throbbing pain in your ankle
- Pain that increases when you put weight on your ankle
- Increasing ankle pain when you are active
- Decreasing ankle pain when you elevate your ankle and rest
Your foot and ankle specialist will recommend various treatments, depending on the severity and type of fracture. Professional treatments for an ankle fracture include:
- Medications to reduce swelling and pain
- Physical therapy to improve flexibility and strength
- Immobilizing your ankle with a cast, to aid in healing
- Surgical treatment including placement of screws, plates, or pins to maintain the alignment of your ankle while it heals
You can do a lot to help prevent ankle fractures. It’s important to remember to:
- Remove any objects on the floor which may cause you to trip
- Try to walk on even, dry surfaces
- Use a night light to help you see where you are walking
- Always wear the right shoes for the activity you are doing
- Stretch and exercise regularly to maintain your strength, flexibility, and balance
Want To Know More About an Ankle Fracture?
To find out more about the signs, symptoms, and treatment of an ankle fracture, call Drs. Brandon and Sarah James at Foot & Ankle Surgery of New Braunfels, in New Braunfels, TX. You can reach them in the office by calling (830) 387-4427, so call today.