An ankle fracture can cause pain and discomfort and result in limited mobility. Seeking professional medical treatment as soon as possible for a fractured ankle is important to prevent long-term damage. Dr. Brandon James and Dr. Sarah James, the experienced podiatrists at Foot & Ankle Surgery of New Braunfels in New Braunfels, TX, treat ankle fractures. They can develop a treatment plan tailored to your specific injury and needs.
Types of Ankle Fractures
The ankle contains three bones: the talus, tibia, and fibula. The talus is commonly referred to as the ankle bone and is located just above the heel bone. The tibia is the shin bone that runs up the lower leg to the knee. The fibula runs alongside the tibia but is much thinner. An ankle fracture can include an injury to any or all of these three bones.
There are two main types of ankle fractures: stress fractures and general bone fractures. Stress fractures are characterized by tiny cracks in the surface of the bone. Common causes include improper training techniques, a change in the type of surface you are working out on, or a sudden increase in exercise, such as running over much longer distances than before.
Bone fractures go all the way through the bone and can be displaced or nondisplaced. Displaced fractures occur when the ends of bones become misaligned and no longer line up properly. With nondisplaced or stable fractures, the bone ends are still in the correct position even though the bones are broken.
Treatment Options
The specific treatment needed for an ankle injury will depend on the type of fracture sustained and which bones in the ankle are fractured. Our skilled podiatrists have several methods for treating an ankle fracture at our New Braunfels, TX, office. They can recommend the most effective treatment approach for your specific injury.
Some methods for treating ankle injuries include anti-inflammatory medications for pain and swelling, immobilization with a cast or brace, and physical therapy. In some cases, surgery might be needed to repair the fracture. The type of surgery needed depends on the type of injury or fracture.
If the ankle joint is severely damaged, ankle reconstruction surgery might be recommended. Ankle reconstruction surgery involves the replacement of the ankle joint to restore proper function and alleviate stiffness, instability, inflammation, and pain. Our knowledgeable podiatrists can determine if surgery is needed in your case.
If you have an ankle fracture, we can help. Our podiatry team can develop a treatment plan to alleviate symptoms and heal your ankle. For the treatment of an ankle fracture in New Braunfels, TX, schedule a consultation with Drs. Brandon and Sarah James by calling Foot & Ankle Surgery of New Braunfels at (830) 387-4427.