A broken ankle can be complex—involving all three bones of the ankle (talus, fibula, and tibia)—or simple when just one of these bones breaks. You may be experiencing a broken ankle if you have pain, tenderness, swelling, or bruising in the area. In more severe breaks, your ankle may be misshapen or a bone may be protruding. The manner of treatment your podiatrist takes to heal your broken ankle depends on the complexity and nature of the break as well as where it occurs. They may be able to help treat your ankle by icing it, stabilizing it with a cast, splint, or boot, and by instructing you to keep weight off of it for a period of time to allow it to heal on its own. In some cases, a surgical intervention may be necessary to properly realign the ankle and repair damaged bones. It is important to seek the care of a podiatrist if you suspect that your ankle is broken so it can heal properly, and to avoid a worsening condition or infection from developing.
Broken ankles need immediate treatment. If you are seeking treatment, contact one of our podiatrists from Westland Foot & Ankle Specialists, P.C.. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.
Broken Ankles
A broken ankle is experienced when a person fractures their tibia or fibula in the lower leg and ankle area. Both of these bones are attached at the bottom of the leg and combine to form what we know to be our ankle.
When a physician is referring to a break of the ankle, he or she is usually referring to a break in the area where the tibia and fibula are joined to create our ankle joint. Ankles are more prone to fractures because the ankle is an area that suffers a lot of pressure and stress. There are some obvious signs when a person experiences a fractured ankle, and the following symptoms may be present.
Symptoms of a Fractured Ankle
- Excessive pain when the area is touched or when any pressure is placed on the ankle
- Swelling around the area
- Bruising of the area
- Area appears to be deformed
If you suspect an ankle fracture, it is recommended to seek treatment as soon as possible. The sooner you have your podiatrist diagnose the fracture, the quicker you’ll be on the way towards recovery.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in Westland, MI. . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.
