Ankle Fracture
If your ankle bone breaks, this can be extremely painful and makes it difficult for you to walk.
If you suspect your ankle is broken, contact us right away.
Physical therapy offers an effective treatment for all fracture types, whether they require surgery or not. Through a custom treatment plan, you should be back on your feet in the shortest time.
Request an appointment today to get started.
What is an Ankle Fracture?
An ankle fracture occurs when one or more bones of the ankle get broken. This can be very painful and debilitating.
The ankle is made up of three bones; the tibia(shinbone), fibula, and talus.
- The tibia is the largest of the lower leg bone and makes up the inside (medial) of the ankle joint.
- The fibula is the smaller bone of the lower leg. It is parallel to the tibia. It makes up the outside or (lateral part) of the ankle joint.
- The talus is found between the heel bone and the tibia and fibula.
Classification of ankle fractures is based on the area of the bone that is broken. Two joints are usually involved in ankle fractures.
- The ankle joint, and
- Syndesmosis joint - which is the joint between the tibia and fibula, held together by ligaments.
Types and Severity of Ankle Fractures
The type of ankle fracture depends on the bone that is fractured. They include:
Lateral malleolus fracture
This a break in the bony bump of the fibula that is on the outside of the ankle. This is the most common type of ankle fracture.
Medial malleolus fracture
Only the tibia, which is on the inside of the ankle is broken.
Bi-malleolar fracture
This occurs where both the tibia and fibula are broken
Trimalleolar fracture
This occurs where the tibia, fibula, and posterior malleolus (back of the tibia) are broken.
The severity of the fracture is classified as:
Non-displaced
The bone breaks, but still remains intact or in position
Displaced
the bone brakes and the pieces shift out of position
Comminuted
multiple small pieces of bones are found in the fractured area
Complex fracture
soft tissue surrounding the bone is damaged
Compound fracture
the broken bone pierces the skin
Causes of
Ankle Fractures
The ankle can get broken when too much pressure is applied to the joint. This could be from;
- Twisting or rotating the ankle
- Falling
- Landing heavily on the ankle joint
- Impact from automobile collision
- A direct hit to the ankle joint.
Although most fractures of the ankle occur suddenly, a bone can break due to repetitive stress over time. This type of fracture is called a stress fracture.
Repetitive movements of the ankle can be seen in running, hiking, or unusual increased levels of activity.
Symptoms of Ankle Fracture?
Most ankle features are followed by a tear in the ligament (ankle sprain). Since symptoms may appear similar, it is important your ankle is evaluated to ensure that symptoms are actually from a fracture.
If you have broken your ankle bone(s), you are might experience:
- Instant and severe pain following the injury
- Bruising
- Swelling
- Tenderness to touch
- Inability to walk and bear weight n the affected foot
- Deformity of the ankle joint
- Numbness or inability to move the foot or toes
- Pain which spreads to other areas of the foot and knee
In severe cases, the broken pain might go through the skin. This is an open or compound fracture that requires urgent medical care.
Ankle Fracture Diagnosis
At Polygon PT, a physical therapist will evaluate your ankle, looking out for swelling, tenderness, and deformity.
Your physical therapist will check if you can still bear weight on the affected leg. Your foot, alongside your lower leg, will be examined too, to check if they are affected.
If a fracture is suspected, your therapist will require you to undergo imaging tests such as an X-ray with your doctor to confirm the location and severity of the break.
Ankle Fracture
Treatment
Non-displaced ankle fractures most times do not require surgery. Your physical therapist will create a treatment plan for you.
Your ankle will be put in a cast to limit movement so the bones can heal. Your therapist will prescribe gentle exercises to prevent stiffness. Once your cast is removed, motion and strengthening exercises are required to restore strength and flexibility to the ankle.
For fractures requiring surgery, your therapist will help you before and after the procedure. Before the surgery, your therapist will require you to
- Rest the ankle
- Apply ice
- Use compression aids like bandages to reduce swelling and
- Elevate the affected leg above your heart to reduce pain and swelling
After surgery, your therapist will create a post-operative rehab program for you. This treatment plan is aimed at promoting quick healing and complete recovery.
It will take at least 6 weeks for the bone to heal, but longer for a complete recovery. The time for recovery depends on the severity of the fracture.
Get started with Physical Therapy for Ankle Fracture Today
Whether your fracture requires surgery or not, physical therapy is effective for getting you back on your feet pain-free.
Request an appointment with one of our therapists right now.
