How to recognize an ankle fracture and what to do next

When you need to urgently seek help

You definitely and as quickly as possible need to get to the hospital ifAnkle Fracture - Harvard Health:

• you injured your ankle and now you cannot lean on your leg;
• after injury, the ankle sharply increased in size (swollen), looks deformed or has acquired a distinct blue-black color;
• sharp pain appears even when you touch the ankle area, and it is completely impossible to turn the foot.

Never lean on your leg and ask someone to drive you to the emergency room. If this is not possible, call an ambulance.

What is ankle fracture

Ankle fracture is an injuryAnkle Fracture - Harvard Health, in which one or more of the three constituent bones of the ankle joint breaks or cracks.

• Tibia. It is the larger of the two bones of the lower leg. Its outer edge forms a hard bony protrusion on the inner side of the ankle joint - the so-called medial ankle. People call it ankle.
• Small tibia. Thinner. Its lower edge (lateral ankle) is felt in the form of a bone on the outside of the ankle joint. In popular language, this is the outside of the ankle.
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• Ramming. This is the name of the sphenoid bone on which the lower edges of the tibia and fibula rest.

There are many ways to break any of the ankle bones. But most often this happens when a person unsuccessfully gets on his leg and twists it. Or he receives a direct blow, due to which one or both ankles suffer.

How to recognize an ankle fracture

In addition to the symptoms listed above, a fracture may have less distinct symptoms. Even if it seems to you that everything worked out and the injury is not very dangerous, be sure to contact a surgeon or a traumatologist in such cases.Ankle Fracture - Harvard Health:

• The swelling gradually increases.
• You cannot move your ankle in your normal range of motion.
• You feel insecure when leaning on your injured leg. Even if you can stand, this does not mean that there is no fracture.
• When dropped or hit, you felt a click or a strange crackle in your ankle.
• The ankle continues to hurt 3-4 days after a fall or blow.

An accurate diagnosis can be made only after an X-ray or (in more difficult cases) CT or MRI of the ankle joint.

How to treat an ankle fracture

It dependsAnkle Fracture - Harvard Health on how serious the injury is.

If the fracture affects only one bone, and its segments are very close to each other, the surgeon will simply apply a cast to the ankle and foot. You will have to walk in it for 6–8 weeks.

If the fracture is more extensive and the bones are displaced, they will have to be alignedBroken Ankle. Diagnosis and Treatment manually. This process is called reduction. The procedure is quite painful, so it is performed under anesthetic. Sometimes a local anesthetic is enough. But in some cases, sedative pills and muscle relaxants may be required. What kind of pain relief will be more effective in your case, the doctor decides. After reduction, the ankle is again placed in a cast.

In the most serious fractures, the bones have to be fixed in their normal position using special surgical screws, plates or hairpins. If these devices get in your way, the surgeon will remove them after the bone has healed.

Once the cast is removed, your doctor will recommend exercises to restore joint mobility.

Why are ankle fractures dangerous?

Even with qualified treatment, ankle fractures do not always go unnoticed. Sometimes they cause complicationsBroken Ankle. Symptoms and Causes, eg:

• Arthritis.
• Compartmental syndrome. This is a condition in which blood circulation is impaired in the area of ​​the affected joint. Because of this, the ankle can constantly hurt, swell, and the muscles can atrophy.
• Damage to a nerve or blood vessels. This is usually noticed by regularly occurring numbness, swelling, and circulatory problems.

Complications can occur months or even years after the injury. If you notice that your ankle is beginning to hurt, be sure to see a surgeon for an examination.

How to prevent ankle fracture

No one is immune from accidents and accidental falls, for example, in ice. However, there are waysBroken Ankle. Symptoms and Causes reduce the risk of fracture.

• Choose your shoes thoughtfully depending on the activity you are going to do. So, if you plan to spend the whole day on your feet, running on stairs and not the most even asphalt, give up stiletto sandals and choose shoes with stable heels. When hiking, wear high boots or sneakers with ankle support.
• Change your athletic shoes regularly. Dispose of your sneaker as soon as the tread or heel wears out or if it wears unevenly. If you are a jogger, buy a new pair every 400–600 km.
• Be sure to warm up before exercising. Especially those that involve jumping, running or climbing stairs, or other stress on the ankles.
• Watch your diet. For the body to maintain bone strength, you must be getting enough calcium and vitamin D. Therefore, do not forget to include milk, yogurt, cheese in your daily menu. And check with your GP if you should take a vitamin D supplement.
• Strengthen your ankle muscles. This is especially important if you find yourself twisting your leg every now and then. Ask your therapist for advice on muscle strengthening exercises.
• Clean up clutter in your home. Small toys, scattered shoes, wires, bags, bags from the supermarket - any of these items can trip over and get injured.
• Watch your step.