1. Take a Break
When you fracture your ankle, you partially or completely break one or more of the three ankle bones. Your symptoms will include significant pain, swelling and bruising. You probably won be able to walk, but this is not always the case. Elevate your foot so that is even with your hips, and apply ice to reduce the swelling. Since an ankle fracture and an ankle sprain have many of the same symptoms, it's important to get to the hospital emergency room for diagnosis and treatment. If you can see the bone protruding from your ankle, you need immediate medical attention. Don't walk on the ankle unless you absolutely must, because this can cause further injury.
2. The Causes
Ankle fractures often occur when people fall and roll the ankle inward or outward. It's a common mishap among athletes. Direct hits to the ankle can also cause a break. Elderly people whose bones have become brittle with age easily fall victim to fractures, as well as young children whose bones are still soft.
3. Head to the ER
The emergency room doctor will evaluate your ankle injury with a thorough examination. He will gently press your ankle to find the site of the possible fracture. He will order X-rays to confirm the diagnosis and get a good look at the break. You will go home with your ankle in a splint and orders to keep off of it until you see an orthopaedic surgeon. In some cases, the ER physician will need to reduce the fracture. This simply means pushing the bones back in place, and it is done under light anesthesia. The emergency room doctor will also give you pain medication, as the pain from a broken ankle can be severe.
4. Treatment Options
An orthopaedic surgeon will decide if you need ankle surgery. If you only have a simple break, he can usually treat you by wrapping your ankle in a plaster cast for about six weeks. But if you have extensive damage, he will do surgery to repair the break. He may need to use pins or screws to hold the bones in place until the ankle is healed. You will wear a cast for several weeks. In both cases, you will need crutches for time you are in a cast.
5. Don't Forget Therapy
Physical therapy is always needed after a fracture to get your foot back to normal. You will begin therapy shortly after your cast is removed. A physical therapist trained in foot rehabilitation will help you with gentle stretches. The exercises will be progressively more vigorous as you regain strength in your ankle.
