Ankle fractures are a common injury that can occur due to a variety of reasons. In this article, we will discuss the causes, symptoms, and treatment options for ankle fractures.
A Fracture Ankle is the fracture or broken off one or more of the bones that are in the ankle. This often happens due to sports injuries, sprains, falls, wrong footing, or during accidents. The severity of the fracture ankle varies.
From just a mild crack, until completely broken and penetrates the skin. Fractures can range between cracks in small cracks in the bones to the piercing of the skin.
The fracture ankle can be treated using casts or surgery and is determined based on location as well as the severity of fractures occurring. Surgery to plant a screw, plate, or stem on a broken bone may be required if the stress ankle fractures has severe. It aims to keep the bones in the right position when the healing process lasts and is usually between 2-3 months.
What is an Ankle Fracture?
An ankle fracture occurs when one or more of the bones comprising the ankle joint – the tibia, fibula, and talus – experience a break. The severity of ankle fractures can vary widely, ranging from a single bone break to complex fractures necessitating surgical intervention.
Such injuries often result from trauma, such as a sudden twist or impact on the ankle. Symptoms include pain, swelling, bruising, and difficulty bearing weight on the affected ankle.
The definition of Fracture Ankle
The ankle joint consists of two, namely the true ankle joint and the subtalar joints and consists of three unified bones, namely tibia, which is the main bone of the lower limbs, forming the medial part of the wrist bone.
There is then a fibular that is a smaller sized bone that is parallel to the tibia in the lower leg and forms the lateral part of the wrist bone. The ends of both tibia and fibula are known as malleolus. Together, this bone forms an arch that sits above the talus, one of the bones in the leg.
These three bones (tibia, fibula, and talus) form a bone element of the ankle joints. The bones form a bone element in the ankle. The fibrous membrane called joint capsules, coated with a smooth coating called synovium serves to wrap the architectural joints.
The joint capsules contain synovial fluid produced by Synovium. Synovial fluid allows smooth movement of the surface of the joints.
The ankle joint is stabilized by some of the fibers that hold these bones in place. Fracture Ankle refers to the fractures of the distal tibia, distal fibular, talus, and Calcaneus.
Causes of fracture ankle
There are some of the most common causes of a fracture ankle, including:
Accident.
Like a car accident, this could be the cause of severe injuries and lead to fractures requiring surgery.
Fallen.
Stumbling and falling can break bones at the ankles or feet, such as landing with your feet after jumping from a few meters high from the ground.
Impact of heavy loads.
Dropping something heavy on your feet is a common cause of fracture.
Wrong steps.
Sometimes just because it incorrectly puts your feet down, it can result in fractures. Broken toes as a result of a tripping of furniture are also common. Rotating your ankle can also cause sprains or fractures.
Excessive use.
Stress fracture ankle also common due to bone restraint from ankles or legs excessively or repeatedly, such as long-distance running.
Fracture Ankle symptoms
If you are experiencing a Fracture Ankle, you may experience some of the following signs and symptoms:
- Sound of broken bones.
- The bones around the ankle feel very pain.
- Increased pain during activity and reduced at rest
- Swelling
- Bruises
- Fragility
- Deformities
- Difficulty in walking or weight bearing
- Distractions sometimes come and sometimes go
- There is a bone penetrating the skin.
- And hard to wear or take off shoes.
Some people feel or hear a crackled noise at the time of the injury and assume that something is broken. However, the sound of the cracking is not always a sign of broken bones.
If you feel symptoms like the above, you can feel nauseous, faint, and dizziness due to shock and pain arising from the ankle fracture.
When should you go to the doctor?
See the doctor if the pain and swelling lasts for more than two or three days, or if the pain interferes with you while walking.
Diagnosis of Ankle Fractures
If you suspect that you have an ankle fracture, it is important to seek medical attention right away. Your doctor will perform a physical exam and may order imaging tests such as an X-ray, CT scan, or MRI to determine the severity and location of the fracture.
Treatment of Ankle Fractures
The treatment for an ankle fracture depends on the severity of the injury. In some cases, a cast or brace may be sufficient to immobilize the ankle and allow it to heal. In more severe cases, surgery may be necessary to realign the bones and stabilize the ankle joint.
FAQs about Ankle Fractures
How long does it take for an ankle fracture to heal?
The healing time for an ankle fracture can vary depending on the severity of the injury. In general, it can take anywhere from 6 to 12 weeks for the bones to heal completely.
Can you walk on an ankle fracture?
In most cases, you will not be able to walk on an ankle fracture until it has healed. Your doctor will provide you with a cast or brace to immobilize the ankle and allow it to heal properly.
What can you do to prevent ankle fractures?
To prevent ankle fractures, it is important to wear appropriate footwear, avoid uneven surfaces, and warm up properly before exercising or playing sports.
Bottom Line
Ankle fractures can be a painful and debilitating injury, but with proper treatment and care, most people are able to make a full recovery. If you suspect that you have an ankle fracture, it is important to seek medical attention right away to prevent further damage to the joint.
