Ankle Fracture Specialist

What is an ankle fracture?

An ankle fracture is a break in any part of your ankle or joint. Your ankle joint includes your tibia, fibula, and talus bones. 

In some cases, you may experience an ankle sprain, which involves damage to the ligaments between your bones, at the same time as your ankle fracture. 

Ankle fractures can vary from partial breaks to complete breaks involving displaced bones. You can also break multiple ankle bones at once, which increases pain and other symptoms.

What are the symptoms of an ankle fracture?

Ankle fractures usually cause pronounced symptoms immediately. Common symptoms include: 

• Severe pain
• Ankle swelling
• Discolored or bruised ankle skin
• Ankle weakness or instability
• Inability to bear weight

In severe fractures compounded by joint dislocation, your ankle may look misshapen or deformed as well. 

Some of these symptoms are the same as those of an ankle sprain, so it's important to come into Yavapai Foot and Ankle Center for accurate diagnosis and treatment right away. 

How do you diagnose an ankle fracture?

Your podiatrist at Yavapai Foot and Ankle Center performs a gentle ankle exam. Imaging tests, which usually include X-rays, can confirm your diagnosis. 

In some cases, you may also need diagnostic ultrasound imaging, particularly if you have soft tissue damage along with your broken bone. Yavapai Foot and Ankle Center performs all imaging tests on-site, so there's no need to visit a hospital or imaging facility to get your diagnosis. 

How do you treat a broken ankle?

Treatment depends on the fracture severity, its location, and your symptoms. Many ankle bone fractures can heal without surgery, but you'll typically need some form of immobilization like a cast or walking boot. 

Physical therapy can help to strengthen and improve range-of-motion in your ankle joint as you recover. In some cases, particularly with severe ankle trauma involving multiple broken bones, you may need ankle surgery. 

Yavapai Foot and Ankle Center offers comprehensive care for fractures in both the feet and ankles. Instead of heading to the emergency room, come into the office for immediate expert care. Book an appointment by phone or online today.