Plantar Fasciitis

An ankle fracture, commonly called a broken ankle, can happen after a fall, sports injury, hard landing, or severe twisting of the joint. While ankle fractures can occur at any age, they are especially common among children, athletes, and active adults.

Because the symptoms of an ankle fracture can be similar to those of a severe ankle sprain, it is important to have a significant ankle injury properly evaluated. Prompt diagnosis and appropriate treatment can help the bones heal correctly and reduce the risk of long-term ankle problems.

What Is an Ankle Fracture?

The ankle joint connects the lower leg to the foot and allows the foot to move up and down while helping maintain balance on uneven surfaces.

Three bones make up the ankle joint:

• Tibia: The larger bone in the lower leg
• Fibula: The smaller bone along the outside of the lower leg
• Talus: The bone that sits between the lower leg bones and the heel

Ligaments connect and stabilize these bones while allowing the ankle to move.

A sprain occurs when the ligaments supporting the ankle are stretched or torn. An ankle fracture occurs when a strong impact or twisting force causes one or more of the ankle bones to break. A fracture can occur along with damage to the surrounding ligaments and other soft tissues.

What Causes a Broken Ankle?

An ankle fracture can occur when the joint is subjected to significant force or an abnormal twisting motion. Common causes include:

• Falls
• Sports injuries
• Landing hard after a jump
• Trips or missteps
• Severe twisting or rolling of the ankle
• Other high-impact injuries

Even if you believe you have only sprained your ankle, an evaluation may be necessary to rule out a fracture.

Ankle Fracture Symptoms

The signs of an ankle fracture can differ based on the location and extent of the injury. Common signs include:

• Immediate ankle pain
• Tenderness around the injured area
• Swelling
• Bruising
• Difficulty putting weight on the affected leg
• Pain when walking
• Limited ankle movement
• A visible change in the appearance of the ankle

In a severe fracture, the bones may move out of their normal position, causing the ankle to appear deformed.

A severe ankle sprain can produce similar symptoms, so it is best to have the injury evaluated rather than assuming it is only a sprain.

How Is an Ankle Fracture Diagnosed?

An ankle fracture can often be suspected based on your symptoms and a physical examination. During an evaluation, the ankle can be examined for tenderness, swelling, deformity, and other signs of injury.

X-rays are typically used to confirm an ankle fracture and determine how severe the injury is. X-rays can also show whether the fractured bones have remained properly aligned or have moved out of position.

The results of your examination and imaging help determine the most appropriate treatment for your injury.

Ankle Fracture Treatment

Treatment for an ankle fracture depends on the severity and location of the fracture and whether the bones remain properly aligned.

Nonsurgical Ankle Fracture Treatment

Some fractures can heal without surgery. Treatment may involve immobilizing the ankle with a cast or brace and limiting weight-bearing while the bones heal.

For certain minor fractures, some weight-bearing may be allowed as healing progresses. Your ankle may need to be monitored with follow-up examinations and repeat X-rays to make sure the bones remain properly aligned.

Surgery for an Ankle Fracture

Severe ankle fractures may require surgery when the bones are out of alignment, or the joint has become unstable.

When surgery is necessary, the bones are realigned and held in position with surgical hardware such as screws or pins. The goal is to restore proper alignment and allow the fracture to heal correctly.

Not every broken ankle requires surgery. The recommended treatment depends on the specific type and severity of the fracture.

How Long Does Ankle Fracture Recovery Take?

Bones generally require at least six weeks to heal, although recovery varies from person to person. More severe fractures may take considerably longer.

Even after the bone has healed, the ankle may need additional time to regain normal strength, movement, and stability. Some people can return to their usual daily activities within a few months, while recovery from a more serious fracture may take significantly longer.

Following your treatment instructions and allowing adequate time for healing are important parts of recovery. Returning to normal activities too quickly can interfere with the healing process and potentially lead to additional problems.

Rehabilitation After an Ankle Fracture

Once the ankle has healed sufficiently and can safely begin moving again, rehabilitation may be recommended to help restore normal function.

Rehabilitation can help improve:

• Range of motion
• Strength
• Flexibility
• Ankle stability
• Overall function

Proper rehabilitation is an important part of recovering from a broken ankle. Weakness or reduced mobility after an injury can affect ankle stability and potentially increase the risk of another injury.

When Should You See a Doctor for a Broken Ankle?

Because a severe ankle sprain can cause symptoms similar to a fracture, an evaluation may be needed to determine the extent of the injury.

You should have an ankle injury evaluated if you experience significant pain, swelling, bruising, difficulty walking, or an inability to put weight on the affected leg. A visibly deformed ankle also requires prompt evaluation.

Getting the injury properly diagnosed can help determine whether you need immobilization, monitoring, surgery, or another form of treatment.

Ankle Fracture Care in Ladera Ranch, CA

At Southern California Foot & Ankle Specialists, we understand how important healthy feet and ankles are to staying active and enjoying everyday life.

If you have injured your ankle, we can evaluate the injury, determine whether a fracture is present, and develop an appropriate treatment plan based on the severity of your condition.

If you think you may have a broken ankle, contact Southern California Foot & Ankle Specialists in Ladera Ranch, CA, at (949) 364-9255 (WALK) to schedule an evaluation.