Ankle Fracture

What commonly causes an ankle fracture?

Ankle fractures may occur in one or more of the three bones that make up the ankle joint: the center ankle bone called the talus, or the distal leg bones, the tibia and fibula.

Ankle fractures typically occur during a fall or while you’re engaged in sports activities. The most frequent causes of an ankle fracture are:

• Twisting or rotating the ankle when the foot is planted
• Rolling the ankle
• Direct impact during a fall collision

What is a stress fracture?

Stress fractures caused by overuse and repetitive activities are also common, especially if you engage in running sports.  These are classically treated in a boot or a cast and rarely require surgery. With a stress fracture, pain develops gradually from repetitive overuse, worsens with activity, and feels better with rest. There is also typically swelling or tenderness at the site of the stress fracture.

What symptoms will I develop following an ankle fracture?

Ankle fractures cause symptoms such as:

• Immediate and severe pain
• Swelling
• Bruising
• Significant tenderness
• Inability to bear weight on the foot
• Deformity if the ankle is also dislocated

How are ankle fractures treated?

Your treatment is determined by the location and severity of the fracture. When the bones are well aligned and the ankle is stable, you may only need a cast or brace to hold the bones in place as they heal.

However, when there is an open fracture, the bones are out of alignment, or the ankle is unstable, you’ll need surgery to ensure the bones are realigned and heal properly. Restoring normal alignment to all the bones is vitally important for preventing post-traumatic arthritis.

Surgery for a broken ankle usually includes an open reduction and internal fixation to reposition the bones, and hold them in place with special screws and metal plates.

Once the fracture is stabilized and begins healing, physical therapy is ordered to rehabilitate the ankle restoring motion and strength through exercise, manual therapy, and other techniques such as ultrasound.

Ankle Fracture Treatment in Knoxville and Athens, TN

If you develop any sign of an ankle fracture or sprain, it’s important to get immediate medical attention. Call ORTHOKnox to schedule an appointment as soon as possible.