Ankle Fracture

It’s not always easy to work out if ankle pain is caused by a strain, a break or something else. Common symptoms of an ankle fracture include:

• sudden and severe pain

• swelling and bruising

• not being able to put weight on it

• the ankle area looking deformed

• trouble walking

• pain when resting and when you touch the area

• dizziness from the pain

• the bone sticking out from your leg, in severe cases

Ankle fractures happen when one or more bones in the ankle joint break. Most people break their ankle after a direct blow to the joint, which can be caused by:

• a motor vehicle accident

• playing sports – especially sports where you’re likely to be hit on your ankle, or need to change direction suddenly

• a fall from a height

• tripping

• misstepping and “rolling" your ankle

Ankle fractures are very common, and anyone can experience them. But you’re more likely to break a bone in your ankle if you:

• play high-impact sports – such as basketball, football, gymnastics, or tennis

• have poor technique or don’t use the right equipment – not warming up and wearing shoes that don't fit right can increase your risk of ankle injuries

• increase your activity level suddenly – it can lead to a stress fracture

• have a cluttered or poorly lit home – it can increase your risk of falls

• have certain conditions – such as osteoporosis

• smoke – smoking can increase the risk of getting osteoporosis and increase the time it takes for a bone to heal after a break

After a physical exam, ankle fractures can be diagnosed by one or more of the following tests:

• an X-ray

• a CT scan

• an MRI scan

• a bone scan

An ankle fracture usually happens after a traumatic event, like a car accident or being injured in a sports game. This means it’s not always possible to avoid breaking your ankle, but you can lower your risk by:

• taking extra care when walking on uneven surfaces

• warming up and cooling down properly before and after exercise

• getting rid of any clutter in your home to stop you from tripping or falling

• wearing the right protective equipment for all activities and sports

An ankle fracture doesn’t usually cause complications, but in some cases, it can lead to:

• arthritis – fractures that go into the joint can cause arthritis years later

• a bone infection (osteomyelitis) – especially if you have an open fracture

• compartment syndrome – it causes pain, swelling, numbness, and sometimes not being able to use the muscles of the ankle, but it’s rare

• nerve or blood vessel damage – trauma to the ankle can injure or tear nerves and blood vessels

Treatment options for a broken ankle depend on how bad the break is. Not all ankle fractures will need surgery, including most stress fractures, but they almost always take time to heal.

If medical treatment is needed, it can include:

• a brace, cast or walking boot – to support your ankle while it heals

• medicine – such as painkillers like paracetamol

• closed reduction or surgery – used for more serious ankle fractures. It’s when a surgeon repositions your broken bones and makes them align correctly again, under anaesthetic

• physical therapy – once your bone has healed, a physiotherapist can help you strengthen your ankle with various exercises

At Welbeck, our orthopaedic consultants are experts in their field and are dedicated to providing world-class care to every patient.

With access to colleagues across other specialties, our consultants are also able to refer within the Welbeck ecosystem if required to ensure you receive the treatment you need as quickly as possible, all under one roof.  

All appointments, testing, treatment, and follow-up appointments take place within our state-of-the-art facilities, enabling us to deliver accurate diagnostics and advanced treatments.

Your health is important to us, so we strive to offer same-day appointments whenever possible.

Our consultants are recognised by the major health insurance companies. If you have private health insurance, your treatment at Welbeck can begin once you have obtained authorisation. We also provide care to self-paying patients. Learn more about the different payment options at Welbeck.

Get in touch today to book an appointment.