Ankle Fracture

Causes

The most common cause is when the joint is forced beyond its normal range of motion. It may be also be caused by trauma from:

• Falls
• Twists
• Blows
• A motor vehicle accident

Risk Factors

Things that may raise your risk are:

• Playing some sports, such as basketball, football, soccer, and skiing
• Having a health problem that may result in falls, such as weak muscles

Symptoms

Problems may be:

• Ankle pain
• Bruising and swelling
• Problems putting weight on the foot
• Problems walking

Diagnosis

The doctor will ask about symptoms and past health. You will be asked how the injury happened. A physical exam will be done. The doctor may suspect a break based on exam.

Pictures of the ankle will be taken to look for a break. This can be done with x-rays or a CT scan.

Treatment

It may take 6 to 8 weeks to heal. The goals of treatment are to manage symptoms during this time. This may include:

• Medicine to ease pain and swelling
• A cast to prevent the ankle from moving as it heals
• Crutches to take weight off of the ankle as it heals
• Exercises to help with strength, flexibility, and range of motion

Putting Bones Back in Place

Some fractures cause pieces of bone to come apart. These pieces will need to be put back into place. This may be done:

• Without surgery—anesthesia will be used to decrease pain while the doctor moves the pieces back into place
• With surgery—a plate, screws, or rod may be needed to reconnect the pieces and hold them in place

Prevention

Most fractures are due to accidents. Healthy bones and muscles may prevent some falls. This may be done through diet and exercise.