The ankle is a joint that connects the lower leg to the foot, allowing you to move freely your foot to walk or run. If you sustain an injury to your ankle, you may develop a fracture, a small crack within your ankle bone. Initially, ankle fractures can be treated with pain medication and a splint--a procedure that holds your ankle bone in place to allow the bone to heal. In cases of severe ankle injury, surgery may be required to repair your fractured bone. Speak with your doctor immediately if you develop any symptoms of an ankle fracture.
Pain
The most immediate and apparent symptom caused by an ankle fracture is pain. If you sustain an injury to your ankle that causes fracturing, it can be difficult to put weight on the affected ankle. Pain can be severe and inhibit your ability to walk on your ankle normally. Pain is typically localized within the ankle but can spread into the foot and up into the leg. Painful symptoms associated with an ankle fracture can be managed through the use of over-the-counter (OTC) analgesic medication, such as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). Painful symptoms will persist until the fracture is treated by a doctor.
Swelling
Immediately after fracturing your ankle, you can develop severe swelling at the affected site. Swelling causes the skin to appear puffy, red, inflamed or irritated and can contribute to symptoms of pain. External application of ice to the region or the use of NSAIDs can help reduce ankle swelling caused by a fracture.
Bruising
Ankle injury can damage the blood vessels and cause blood to flow into the tissue that covers the ankle joint. If this occurs, your skin can appear yellow, red, blue or purple at the site of injury--a condition typically referred to as bruising or ecchymosis, according to The Merck Manuals Online Medical Library website, an online medical encyclopedia for medical professionals. The bruised skin can be tender to the touch and can contribute to symptoms of swelling and pain. Skin discoloration will subside after the damaged skin heals.
Decreased Motion
After sustaining an ankle injury, symptoms of pain and swelling can inhibit the normal movement of your ankle joint. Certain people may be completely unable to move the affected ankle. Forced movement of the fractured ankle can cause severe and sharp pain and should be avoided to prevent further damage.
