A broken ankle or ankle fracture refers to a broken bone in the fibula or tibia. The ankle is the joint where three bones meet. The tibia and fibula are above, while the talus is under the joint. The fibula and tibia envelop the talus and make up the ankle joint.
Symptoms of Ankle Fracture
Common signs of ankle fractures are swelling and bruising. It will be painful, especially when it is touched. It will be hard or impossible to walk on the injured ankle. If the injury is severe, there will be deformity around the affected area.
Diagnosis
All ankle injuries have to be treated on a per case basis. If you suspect your ankle is fractured, see your doctor. An X-ray will confirm if it is a fracture. Other forms of ankle injuries like sprains and ruptures are often mistaken for fractures. You should only apply treatment after verifying that it is a fracture.
The X-ray will also determine how bad the fracture is. The doctor will then be able to make the right decisions and prescribe the right action.
Broken Ankle Treatments
The first step is to apply ice on the affected part. Applying a pack of ice will reduce the swelling and ease the pain. Applying ice will also prevent other tissues from being damaged too. Always put towel around the injured ankle. You do not want the ice to come into contact with the swollen skin.
The doctor may also recommend splinting the ankle. Splinting is performed for a few days. If the fracture is not serious, the splint may be placed without the need to move the ankle. A reduction is done if there is displacement. Anesthesia is given to the patient prior to the realignment of the bones.
Using a Cast
The cast is put on a few days later. These are usually made from fiberglass or plaster. If the ankle is healing, fiberglass is used. Plaster is utilized if the cast has to keep the bone in its location. The advantage of plaster is it molds to the skin effectively. Fiberglass is less heavy though.
Why Crutches are Needed
These are necessary, because injured ankles need rest to be able to recuperate. Patients who are unable to put weight on the ankle will need casts. In some cases, months must pass by before they can put weight on the ankle again. The time required will depend on the injury.
Ankle Fracture Surgery
The X-ray will determine if surgery is necessary. The fracture type will be the deciding factor. The goal is to restore and maintain the correct alignment. The doctor will recommend the surgery to be performed.
Note: if the pain is intense, you can ask the doctor if they can prescribe a painkiller. Do not self medicate; ask the doctor first and take only the recommended dosage.
From using crutches to surgery, the options you have for recovery are numerous. And by being aware of the symptoms and getting an X-ray, you will never mistake the broken ankle for something else and apply the wrong treatment.