Ankle fracture is the most common injury that breaks the bones of the ankle joint. An important factor in determining such a deviation is a timely visit to the doctor. It is worth noting that, according to external signs, an ankle fracture is quite difficult to distinguish from a banal sprain. In this regard, such injuries require a thorough examination and the use of x-rays for a more accurate diagnosis.
As you know, the ankle joint consists of three interconnected bones, which bear the following names: fibula, tibia and talus.
Such a diagnosis as a fracture of the lateral malleolus is made only if a person has been injured in any part of the fibula. Depending on the severity of the injury, the treatment for this part of the leg may vary.
Fracture of the inner malleolus is formed due to trauma to the distal tibia. Such injuries can occur at different levels. Sometimes they can be isolated, but almost always they are combined with damage.ankle ligaments, as well as fibula fractures.
Fractured ankles: possible causes
Injuries to this part of the leg most often occur with a load that significantly exceeds the tensile strength of the constituent elements, that is, bones and ligaments. In addition, such injuries are almost always accompanied by torn ligaments and tendons, which strengthen the ankle joint. Possible causes of these injuries are:
- accidentally turning feet in or out;
- excessive and strong joint flexion/extension;
- twisting (accidental) joint;
- forced loading, often axial (e.g. during high jumps).
Each fracture of the ankles and the degree of its severity has individual characteristics, and they depend on the nature of the damage, on exactly where the injury is located, on the type of broken bones, and also on their number. Treatment, analysis and diagnosis of patients with such a problem should be carried out only by a qualified orthopedic traumatologist.
Here are the symptoms of broken ankles:
- pain in the foot, especially while walking;
- swelling of the feet due to the accumulation of blood/fluid in the soft tissues surrounding the joint;
- deformation of the feet, as well as the ankle joint;
- noticeable skin tension at the site of the bone fragment;
- sometimes rupture of the skin withthe formation of wounds, as well as with protrusions of bone fragments (with an open fracture);
- blanching and numbness of the skin;
- inability to move the foot and fingers (if blood vessels and nerves are damaged).
Ankle fracture treatment
Conservative therapy (in the event that the bones are not displaced and the injury is stable) includes immobilization of the damaged part of the lower limb for a certain time (usually up to 6 weeks). This is done by applying plaster, as well as special shoes that have a high top. It is worth noting that some doctors do not advise transferring body weight to the injured leg until it is fully recovered. Other doctors, on the contrary, recommend doing it regularly, increasing the load every day.
