Ankle Fracture

What is an ankle fracture, and how is it treated?

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What Is an Ankle Fracture?

An ankle fracture, more commonly referred to as a “broken ankle”, is a fracture to one or more of the bones that make up the ankle joint. 

Fractures can occur in any or all of the bones of the ankle joint, including:

  • Tibia – the shinbone
  • Fibula – the smaller, non-weight-bearing bone of the lower leg
  • Talus – a small bone that sits between the heel bone and the tibia and fibula

These injuries can be the result of a slip and fall, an accident, or a direct blow to the ankle.

In some instances, only one of the bones is fractured and, in other instances, several of the bones may fracture at the same time. 

Fracturing more than one of the bones in the ankle leads the ankle to become more unstable and may increase pain and lack of mobility. 

Patients who sustain an ankle fracture may experience the following symptoms:

  • Pain on the other side of the ankle
  • Swelling
  • Bruising 
  • Difficulty bearing weight
  • A visible deformity in the ankle

At OrthoNeuro, our Board Certified Foot and Ankle Specialists have helped thousands of patients with Ankle Fractures live active and healthy lives using the latest non-surgical options.

How Is an Ankle Fracture Treated?

Depending on the severity of the fracture as well as how many bones have been fractured, treatments can be either non-surgical or surgical.

Your OrthoNeuro Specialist will determine what treatment options are best for you based on X-Rays and the severity of symptoms.

At OrthoNeuro non-surgical treatment options may include:

  • Rest
  • Bracing
  • Walking boot/cast
  • Physical therapy

In the instances where the fracture is severe or the ankle is unstable, your OrthoNeuro Specialist may recommend a surgical procedure to fixate the fracture.

During the procedure:

  1. The bones within the ankle are placed back into the correct position.
  2. Small plates and screws are used to keep the bones in place while the fracture(s) heal.

Patients who are experiencing the symptoms of an ankle fracture should not delay a diagnosis. The decision of what treatments are best for you will be determined by what you and your OrthoNeuro Specialist feel are best. 

Make an Appointment with an OrthoNeuro Specialist Today!

If you have been suffering the symptoms of an ankle fracture, schedule an appointment with one of our Board Certified Foot and Ankle Specialists at one of our 7 convenient locations throughout Greater Columbus.

Best of all, most patients can be seen within 24 hours of making an appointment.

Foot, Ankle, and Podiatry Specialists

IF YOU HAVE AN ACUTE INJURY OR LIVE WITH CHRONIC FOOT AND ANKLE PAIN IN CALL ORTHONEURO TODAY OR MAKE AN APPOINTMENT ONLINE FOR EXPERT FOOT AND ANKLE CARE IN COLUMBUS, OHIO.

““Very nice staff. They got me in and out quickly, had to get surgery, and they made sure that was all set up and aftercare was clear.“
Dena T.
Patient