Ankle Fracture

Signs of an ankle fracture can vary depending on the severity, but common symptoms include:

• Severe pain – Pain usually starts immediately after the injury and can get worse when moving or standing.
• Swelling and bruising – The ankle may swell and bruise quickly.
• Deformity – If the bones are out of place, the ankle might look misshapen.
• Inability to walk – Putting weight on the ankle may feel impossible.
• Numbness or tingling – This can happen if nearby nerves are affected.

If you experience any of these symptoms after an injury, it’s important to see a doctor as soon as possible. Early treatment can prevent complications and speed up recovery.

Ankle fractures often happen due to accidents or falls. Some common causes include:

• Falls – Falling from a height or landing from a jump.
• Sports injuries – High-impact sports like basketball, soccer, and football can lead to ankle fractures.
• Car accidents – The force from a collision or a direct hit on the ankle can break bones in the ankle.
• Twisting – Rolling or twisting the ankle during everyday activities like walking or running can lead to fractures.
• Tripping – Tripping while walking on an uneven terrain can cause a fracture.
• Osteoporosis – Weak bones from osteoporosis can break more easily, even during minor incidents.

Certain factors can increase the likelihood of experiencing an ankle fracture, including:

• Age – Older adults are more prone to fractures due to decreased bone density and balance.
• Osteoporosis – Weak or brittle bones are more susceptible to breaks.
• Sports participation – Activities that involve jumping, running, or sudden changes in direction can increase the risk of ankle injuries.
• Obesity – Excess body weight puts additional stress on the ankle joint.
• Previous injuries – A history of ankle injuries can make the joint weaker and more vulnerable.
• Poor footwear – Shoes that don’t provide proper support can increase the risk of twisting or rolling the ankle.
• Uneven surfaces – Walking or running on uneven ground can lead to accidental missteps and fractures.
• Bone conditions – Chronic conditions like rheumatoid arthritis or bone infections can weaken bones and increase fracture risk.

Dr. Allison Boden will review your medical history and inquire about how you injured your ankle. She will perform a comprehensive examination of the ankle checking for bruising, swelling and tenderness, and move the ankle to assess pain and to see if the bones are in alignment.

Dr. Allison Boden will order imaging tests to get a clear picture of the injury, this may include:

• X-rays are the first step to evaluate if a bone is broken.
• CT scans can provide a more detailed 3-dimensional view of the bones to evaluate for fractures that are hard to visualize on XR and to evaluate complex fractures.
• MRI is used to check for stress fractures, fractures that are difficult to see on an X-ray, and to evaluate for ligamentous and other soft tissue injuries.

These tests help Dr. Boden decide the best course of treatment, whether that involves a cast, boot, brace, or surgery.