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Ankle Fractures

Arlington/Mansfield Foot & Ankle Centers

Podiatrists, Foot & Ankle Surgeons located in Arlington, TX & Mansfield, TX

An ankle fracture may be so severe that there’s no doubt you need quick treatment. But in many cases, a fracture can easily be confused with a sprain because they’re both painful and cause swelling. The podiatrists at Arlington/Mansfield Foot & Ankle Centers encourage you to come in for an examination when you sustain any type of ankle injury. If you have a fracture and it’s not properly treated, you can develop serious and debilitating complications. To schedule an appointment, use the online booking feature or call one of the two offices in Arlington or Mansfield, Texas.

Ankle Fractures Q & A

What causes an ankle fracture?

Your ankle joint includes three bones: the ankle bone, or talus, and the ends of your two leg bones where they meet the talus. A fracture in any of the bones in the joint is considered an ankle fracture.

Ankle fractures typically occur due to an injury while you’re engaged in athletic activities. Other common causes include:

  • Twisting or rotating your ankle
  • Rolling your ankle
  • Direct impact during a fall or car accident

Stress fractures in the ankle are also common. As you repeatedly engage in the same activity, you place extreme pressure on your ankle, causing a small crack or stress fracture. When it isn’t treated, this hairline fracture progressively worsens into a full-blown fracture.

What symptoms will I develop due to an ankle fracture?

Most ankle fractures cause classic symptoms such as:

  • Swelling and bruising
  • Immediate and often severe pain
  • Significant tenderness to the touch
  • Inability to bear weight on the ankle
  • Deformity if the fracture is dislocated

If you have a stress fracture, the pain and inability to use your ankle usually develop gradually as the fracture worsens. In some cases, the pain of a stress fracture may feel better when you rest.

How is an ankle fracture treated?

As soon as you suffer an ankle injury, stop your activity, rest, elevate the ankle, and use ice to reduce swelling. It’s also essential to keep your weight off the affected ankle. Continuing to use an injured ankle will worsen the problem and increase your risk for chronic instability.

Your doctor at Arlington/Mansfield Foot & Ankle Centers uses on-site digital X-rays and CT scans if needed to determine the location and severity of your ankle fracture. If the bones are in place, properly aligned, and your ankle is stable, a cast or brace is applied to hold the bones in place while they heal.

However, if you have an open fracture, the bones are displaced, or your ankle isn’t stable, you may need surgery to ensure the bones are realigned and able to heal properly. Once your ankle comes out of its cast, your doctor helps you start physical therapy to promote healing, restore strength, and improve your range of motion.

At the first sign of an ankle injury, call Arlington/Mansfield Foot & Ankle Centers or book an appointment online.