Ankle injuries are among the most common of the bone and joint injuries. Often, the degree of pain, the inability to walk, or concern that a bone may be broken is what might cause you to seek care in an emergency situation.
For the most part, your concern is the same as the doctor's: Is there a broken bone? It is often impossible to diagnose a fracture (broken bone) rather than a sprain, a dislocation, or tendon injury without X-rays of the ankle.
- The ankle joint is made up of 3 bones coming together.
- The tibia, which is the main bone of the lower leg, makes up the medial, or inside, of the ankle joint. .
- The fibula is a smaller bone that parallels the tibia in the lower leg and makes up the lateral, or outside, of the ankle joint.
- The far ends of both the tibia and fibula are known as the malleoli (singular is malleolus). Together they form an arch that sits on top of the talus, one of the bones in the foot.
- These 3 bones (tibia, fibula, and talus) make up the bony elements of the ankle joint.
- A fibrous membrane called the joint capsule, lined with a smoother layer called the synovium, encases the joint architecture. The joint capsule contains the synovial fluid produced by the synovium. The synovial fluid allows for smooth movement of the joint surfaces.
- The ankle joint is stabilized by several ligaments, which are fibers that hold these bones in place.
Ankle Fracture Causes
When you stress an ankle joint beyond the strength of its elements, you injure the joint.
- If only the ligaments give way and tear, you have sprained the ankle.
- If a bone gives way and breaks, you have an ankle fracture.
- Fractures can occur with simultaneous tears of the ligaments. You can do this in several ways:
- Rolling the ankle in or out
- Twisting the ankle side to side
- Flexing or extending the joint
- Applying severe force to the joint by coming straight down on it as in jumping from a high level
Signs and symptoms of ankle injuries and fractures tend to be obvious. When you have injured an ankle, there several things you can look for to determine whether or not you need to see your doctor or go to an emergency department. The following situations warrant seeing your doctor as soon as possible: If you are unable to see your doctor and have any of the signs or symptoms of an ankle fracture, you should go to an emergency department as soon as possible. The following signs and symptoms call for immediate care at an emergency department:Ankle Fracture Symptoms
When to Seek Medical Care
- Gross deformity of the ankle bones
- Bones visible outside your skin
- Intolerable pain despite over-the-counter pain medications
- Inability to move your toes
- Inability to move your ankle at all
- Ankle numbness or partial numbness
- Cold or blue foot
When a doctor evaluates your ankle, the main task is to determine if you have fractured a bone or if the joint has been damaged sufficiently to have become unstable. Joint instability often suggests multiple fractures, a fracture with a ligament injury, or sometimes ligament injury alone. If the doctor suspects a broken bone, they will ask for ankle X-rays. The doctor may also ask for X-rays of your knee, shin, or foot, depending on where the pain is. If you suspect a fracture, you should call your doctor or go to a hospital's emergency department immediately. You can do the following until you can get to a hospital or doctor's office:Exams and Tests
Ankle Fracture Treatment Self-Care at Home
- Stay off the injured ankle so you do not injure it further.
- Keep the ankle elevated to help decrease swelling and pain.
- Apply cold packs to the injured area to decrease swelling and pain. Do not apply ice directly. Cold packs are effective for up to 48 hours.
Ibuprofen (Advil, , Motrin) may be ideal for ankle injuries because it acts as both a pain medicine and a medicine to keep inflammation down. But check with your doctor first if you have any medical problems or take any other medicines or supplements.
The type of fracture and the stability of your joint will determine the type of splint or cast that will be used and how long it will need to be in place.Medical Treatment
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