Is it possible to break your ankle

This break occurs at the bottom of the fibula. A medial malleolus fracture happens at the end of the tibia. Specifically, it affects the medial malleolus, which is the knob inside your ankle. These usually require surgery because the lining of the bone, the periosteum, folds into the fracture site at the time of the injury and prevents the bone from healing. A bimalleolar ankle fracture involves both knobs in the ankle, which includes the fibula lateral malleolus and tibia medial malleolus.

These almost always require surgery to repair. Usually, this break happens with lateral malleolus fractures. A trimalleolar fracture involves all three parts of the ankle, which include the medial inside , lateral outside , and posterior back malleoli. Like a bimalleolar fracture, this usually requires surgery. Typically, this injury also involves a fibula fracture.

The underlying talus is frequently damaged to a degree. The cartilage covering the talus is often damaged as well, so arthritis will likely result. A Maisonneuve fracture includes two injuries: an ankle sprain and a break in the upper part of the fibula. The break is located near the knee. This injury happens when you fall while rotating, causing the foot to awkwardly hit the ground.

This injury affects the syndesmosis joint, which is located between the fibula and tibia. If your broken ankle was caused by an auto collision or injury, or if the bone is sticking out of the skin, get medical help immediately.

Every injury is different. The best treatment depends on the type and seriousness of your ankle break. You can apply ice to reduce pain and swelling right after the injury. Wrap it in a towel before placing it on the skin. Mild ankle breaks can be treated with a walking boot, cast , or splint. These treatments keep the bone in place as it heals. Crutches help you walk around without bearing weight on the injured ankle. If your broken bone has moved out of place, your doctor might need to physically move it back into position.

This nonsurgical treatment is called closed reduction. Before the procedure, you might receive a muscle relaxant , sedative, or general anesthesia to control the pain. A surgeon may use metal rods, screws, or plates to realign the bone. This will keep the bone in place as it heals. The procedure is called open reduction and internal fixation. Generally, broken ankles heal within 6 to 12 weeks. During this time, your doctor may take regular X-rays to check on the bone.

Injuries that need surgery can take 12 weeks or longer to heal. Your total recovery time depends on your injury, age, and overall health. This will help your broken ankle heal properly. Try not to use your injured foot. If you need to go somewhere, ask family or friends.

A physical or occupational therapist can show you how to exercise your ankle. These moves will strengthen the ankle bones. Like all injuries, a broken ankle needs enough nutrients to heal. Both injuries can happen simultaneously when the ankle moves beyond its normal range of motion, but a fracture requires more complex treatment than a sprain. Botek adds that pain and ability to walk are not good tests to determine if it is a sprain or a fracture because walking is still possible with less severe injuries.

Telltale signs of a fracture include bruising, blisters, significant swelling or bone protruding through the skin. In addition to bone, ankle fractures can also involve cartilage surrounding bones. Patients with unrecognized ankle fractures have a high risk of developing infection, arthritis and foot deformities that may make it impossible to walk normally again. Among those at highest risk for ankle fractures are postmenopausal women ages 50 to 70 with osteoporosis, a bone-thinning disease that makes it impossible to heal completely.

Their ankle bones tend to break in fragments that do not rejoin. Your orthopaedic specialist will determine the severity of the sprain and the best course of treatment. A broken ankle is defined by a fracture, crack, chip, or break in one of the bones of the ankle including the fibula, tibia, and talus.

A break is caused by stressing the bones of the ankle beyond their threshold of strength. They can be caused by twists and rolls, or by severe force such as falling. Ankle breaks are often accompanied by ankle sprains.

While the symptoms for an ankle break are very similar to that of a sprain, the course of treatment will vary. Your orthopaedic specialist will determine if a break is present and the severity of the break through a physical exam and X-rays before determining a course of treatment. Whether you believe your ankle injury is a sprain or a break, the best course of action is to get it examined by a foot and ankle orthopaedic specialist as soon as possible.

At MidAmerica Orthopaedics the expert physicians and physical therapists of our Foot and Ankle Clinic bring top of the industry experience and expertise to craft the best treatment course to get your back on your feet as soon as possible.

The orthopaedic surgeons and physicians of the Foot and Ankle clinic work side by side with our industry leading physical therapists for the least invasive treatment possible. Bedikian is an expert in joint reconstruction, and can tackle even the most complex ankle injury surgical cases. To learn more about MidAmerica Orthopaedics and the different treatment options available to you, request an appointment online or call