A fracture is an injury that occurs when bone cracks or breaks. In your ankle, three bones, the talus, fibula, and tibia, could be fractured. According to the American Podiatric Medical Association, prompt treatment of ankle fractures is vital to prevent further damage to the ankle.
Here at the Foot & Ankle Surgery of New Braunfels in New Braunfels, TX, you can consult with your podiatrist, Dr. Brandon James or Dr. Sarah James, for the treatment and management of ankle fractures. Meanwhile, here are some ankle fracture FAQs you should know.
What Causes Ankle Fractures?
The most common way ankles get fractured is through direct impact on their bony knobs or sharp twists. Individuals who engage in different athletic activities are especially susceptible to ankle fractures due to the extreme demands they put on their ankles regularly. Falls and slips could likewise cause ankle fractures.
How Do I Know If I Have a Fractured Ankle?
The following are common symptoms of an ankle fracture:
- Pain, bruising, tenderness, and swelling of the ankle
- Inability or extreme difficulty moving the ankle
- Inability or difficulty to put pressure or weight on the affected ankle
- Hearing a snapping or cracking sound when you sustained the injury
- Severe ankle deformity with an open fracture. Parts of the broken bone might also be seen through the cut skin.
When Should I See a Podiatrist for an Ankle Fracture?
Contact your podiatrist and/or seek emergency help if you’re experiencing the following:
- You’ve injured your ankle and can’t move or walk on it
- You have extreme pain and tenderness in your ankle
- Your ankle is obviously deformed, bruised, and/or swollen
- You see bone peeking through the injured ankle
You should likewise check in with your podiatrist in New Braunfels, TX if your symptoms don’t improve within two to three days of home treatment.
How Are Ankle Fractures Treated?
If an ankle fracture includes just one malleolus with parts of the fractured bone lying close enough together, your podiatrist might recommend immobilizing the injured ankle by placing it in a cast for six weeks or so. This will be followed by physical therapy to aid in restoring your ankle joint’s range of motion.
For ankle fractures with more severe damage or those involving broken bone fragments that are far from each other, surgery will be required for repairing the fracture. You may likewise need antibiotics if your ankle fracture also resulted in broken skin.
For More Questions, Advice, or Concerns About Ankle Fractures, Call Us
Schedule a consultation with your podiatrist here at Foot & Ankle Surgery of New Braunfels in New Braunfels, TX, Dr. Brandon James or Dr. Sarah James, by dialing (830) 387-4427.