Ankle Fracture & Sprain

Knowing whether an ankle injury is a break or a sprain is essential to getting back on your feet. Left untreated, ankle injuries can cause chronic pain and limit your mobility.

A sprain happens when you stretch or tear a ligament, which is the tissue that connects two bones and stabilizes your joints. With a mild sprain, you have an overextended ligament, but the ankle joint remains stable. If it’s a severe sprain, your ligaments may tear completely and separate from the bone.

A broken or fractured ankle occurs when one or more of the bones in your ankle chips, cracks or breaks completely. There are two main types of fractures. A closed fracture is when the bone is broken but your skin remains intact. If the broken bone pokes through the skin or is exposed by a deep wound, it’s an open fracture that needs emergency treatment.

Diagnosing an Ankle Fracture or Sprain

We are skilled in identifying the cause and severity of your ankle pain and injury.

Signs & Symptoms

Common symptoms of an ankle fracture or sprain include:

• Bruising or redness around your ankle
• Difficulty using your ankle
• Numbness or weakness
• Pain
• Swelling
• Obvious deformity or injury

Diagnosis

We will examine your ankle and foot, check for tenderness and range of motion, and discuss your pain or discomfort. Diagnostic tests might include one or more of the following:

• Bone scan—to see areas of physical and chemical changes in your bones.
• Computed tomography (CT) scan—uses X-rays and a computer to create detailed images of your injured joint.
• Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)—produces detailed pictures of the bones and soft tissue in your feet and ankles.
• X-rays—to see images of your feet and ankles.

Ankle Fracture & Sprain Treatment

We determine treatment for an ankle sprain or fracture based on the severity of the injury or damage, as well as your age, overall health and goals for recovery.

Nonsurgical Treatments

For mild ankle sprains and fractures, nonsurgical treatment options may include:

• Anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs)—to alleviate pain and swelling.
• Crutches, a brace or a wheelchair—to aid in movement.
• Physical therapy—to stretch and strengthen tendons and improve mobility.
• Rest—limited activity to allow your joints time to heal.
• RICE Method—Rest the joint, Ice the affected area, Compress the area with an elastic bandage and Elevate the joint.
• Splint or cast—to immobilize your ankle.
• Traction—to stretch the ankle area in a certain direction.

Surgical Treatments

If symptoms don’t improve with conservative treatments, our orthopedic specialists may recommend surgery to repair the bones and put them back into place.