Overview
A broken ankle is an injury to the bone. It occurs from a twisting or direct trauma and can range from small cracks in the bone to breaks that puncture the skin. Symptoms include immediate, throbbing pain, swelling, bruising, tenderness, deformity, difficulty walking, and pain with weight-bearing. Treatment depends on the severity of the fracture and may involve immobilization, pain relief, or surgery.
Understanding the disease
Symptoms
The symptoms of a broken ankle may include immediate, throbbing pain; swelling; bruising; tenderness; deformity; and difficulty or pain with walking or bearing weight. If there is an open fracture, meaning one end of the bone protrudes through the skin, the bone may be exposed to bacteria that cause infection. Additionally, compartment syndrome, nerve or blood vessel damage, and loss of blood flow can also occur as a result of trauma to the ankle. It is important to seek medical attention if there is obvious deformity, if the pain and swelling don't get better with self-care, or if the pain and swelling get worse over time.
Risk Factors
Risk factors for developing a broken ankle include:
- Participating in high-impact sports, such as basketball, football, gymnastics, tennis, and soccer, which can cause ankle fractures due to stresses, direct blows, and twisting injuries.
- Using improper technique or sports equipment, including shoes that are too worn or not properly fitted, which can contribute to stress fractures and falls.
- Suddenly increasing your activity level, whether you're a trained athlete or someone who's just started exercising, can increase your risk of a stress fracture.
- Having certain conditions, such as decreased bone density (osteoporosis), which can put you at risk of injuries to your ankle bones.
- Smoking, as cigarette smoking can increase your risk of developing osteoporosis and may also prolong healing after a fracture.
Development
A broken ankle can develop due to a variety of factors, including:
- Trauma: A broken ankle can result from direct trauma during a car crash, a fall, or from twisting or rolling your ankle during sports activities or daily life.
- Missteps: Sometimes, simply misplacing your foot can lead to a twisting injury that causes a broken ankle.
- High-impact sports: Engaging in high-impact sports like basketball, football, gymnastics, tennis, and soccer can increase the risk of ankle fractures due to the stresses, direct blows, and twisting injuries that occur in these activities.
- Improper technique or sports equipment: Faulty equipment, such as shoes that are too worn or not properly fitted, can contribute to stress fractures and falls. Improper training techniques, such as not warming up and stretching, can also cause ankle injuries.
- Suddenly increasing activity level: Whether you are a trained athlete or someone who is just starting to exercise, suddenly boosting the frequency or duration of your exercise sessions can increase your risk of a stress fracture. Remember to practice proper safety measures, wear appropriate shoes, and gradually increase your activity level to reduce the risk of a broken ankle or foot.
Assessment and Diagnosis
Triage
You should see a doctor if you suspect a broken ankle if you experience:
- Can't move or bear weight on the affected joint
- Have pain directly over the bones of an injured joint
- Have numbness in any part of the injured area These symptoms may indicate a more severe fracture that requires medical attention. It is important to seek professional evaluation and appropriate treatment to ensure proper healing and prevent further complications.
Diagnosis
To diagnose a broken ankle, your doctor will first examine your ankle for points of tenderness. They may move your foot into different positions to check your range of motion and ask you to walk briefly to observe your gait. If a broken ankle is suspected, your doctor may recommend one or more imaging tests such as X-rays. X-rays can typically visualize most ankle fractures and may be needed from multiple angles to get a clear image. Additionally, other imaging tests like stress fractures may be used to evaluate the extent of the injury.
Management and Treatment
Complications
Potential complications of a broken ankle include arthritis, bone infection (osteomyelitis), decreased bone density (osteoporosis), diabetes, and rheumatoid arthritis. Other possible complications include knee or ankle pain, poor or delayed healing, nerve or blood vessel damage, and compartment syndrome.
Prevention
Prevention of a broken ankle can be challenging, but these basic tips may help reduce your risk:
- Wear proper shoes: Use appropriate athletic shoes for your sport or activity, and replace them regularly when they become worn out.
- Cross-train: Alternate activities to prevent stress fractures and even out stress on your skeleton.
- Build bone strength: Consume calcium-rich foods, such as milk, yogurt, and cheese, and consider taking calcium or vitamin D supplements, especially if recommended by your health care provider. While following these guidelines may not completely prevent a broken ankle, they can help minimize your risk. Remember, accidents can happen, so it's important to seek immediate medical attention if you experience any signs of ankle injury, such as pain, swelling, or numbness.
Home Remedies
It is important to consult a medical professional for proper diagnosis and treatment of a broken ankle.
Treatment
Treatment for a broken ankle depends on the exact site and severity of the bone fracture. Options may include:
- Immobilization: You may be required to wear a cast, brace, or use crutches to prevent movement and allow the bone to heal.
- Rest: Avoiding putting weight on the affected ankle can help promote healing.
- Medications: Pain relievers, such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen, can help manage pain.
- Physical therapy: After initial healing, rehabilitation exercises can help restore strength, flexibility, and range of motion to the ankle.
- Surgery: In some cases, surgery may be necessary to implant plates, rods, or screws into the broken bone to maintain proper position during healing. It's important to consult a healthcare professional for a proper diagnosis and personalized treatment plan.
Preparing for medical consultation
To prepare for an appointment for a broken ankle, you may want to write a list that includes the following:
- Detailed descriptions of your symptoms
- Information about medical problems you've had
- Information about the medical problems of your parents or siblings
- A list of all the medications and dietary supplements you take
- A list of questions you want to ask the doctor Some basic questions to ask your doctor about a broken ankle include:
- What tests will I need?
- What treatments are available, and which do you recommend?
- If I need a cast, how long will I need to wear it?
- Will I need surgery?
- What activity restrictions will I need to follow?
- Should I see a specialist?
- What pain medications do you recommend? Your doctor may also ask questions such as:
- Was there a specific injury that triggered your symptoms?
- Did your symptoms come on suddenly?
- Have you injured your feet in the past?
- Have you recently begun or intensified an exercise program? It's important to be open and honest with your doctor about your symptoms, medical history, and any concerns you may have. Don't hesitate to ask any other questions you may have during the appointment.