An ankle fracture happens when the bones in the foot are injured or broken. It can be caused by a car accident, misstep, fall or for example a slip.

Fractures can vary in severity, from small cracks in the bones to breakages that can pierce the skin.

Treatment may vary according to the location of the fracture and its severity. If it is a severe fracture, surgery may be required, in which screws, plates, or rods can require implanting into the injured bone so that the bones can remain in an ideal position during the recovery process.

Causes of Ankle Fracture

• Car accidents

• Falls

• Missteps

Symptoms of Ankle Fracture

• Swelling Bruises 

• Sensitivity Foot 

• Deformity 

• Trouble when walking 

• Difficulty when lifting weight

Risk factors of Ankle Fracture

• Practicing high-impact sports activities 

• Using inappropriate sports equipment or techniques 

• Increasing physical activity suddenly

• Performing jobs where you have to lift heavy objects, such as construction

• Having low bone density (osteoporosis), which can increase the risk of bone injury

Diagnosis of Ankle Fracture

During the physical exam, the Orthopedist or Traumatologist will check for pain when touching the ankle and the exact discomfort location. The doctor will likely move the foot in different directions and check the ankle's range of motion. If the pain allows, he will ask you to walk a few steps to observe and examine the ankle's position as you walk.

If symptoms indicate that it is a fracture, some of the following tests may be suggested: 

• Imaging tests, such as X-rays, Tomography, or Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)
• Bone scan, where a small amount of fluid is injected with radioactive material, and through imaging tests, the damaged areas can are seen as bright spots

Treatment of Ankle Fracture

Depending on the damage and severity of the fracture, the treatment will vary. Your doctor may prescribe over-the-counter pain relievers such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen.

Therapy with a physical therapist can be helpful once the bone heals, to improve mobility in the muscles, ligaments, and joints of the feet. In some cases, surgery is recommended, and the doctor may suggest using pins, plates, or screws to immobilize the bones and help them heal.

Reduction is a process doctors use to align the bones in the event of a displaced fracture. You may need to take a muscle relaxant or sedative before practicing it. The use of a cast is common, as the bones need to be immobilized to rejoin in the recovery process. 

The specialist who treats fractures is the Orthopedist or Traumatologist.

When should I visit the Doctor?

BlueNetHospitals - Hospital Los Cabos

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