ANKLE FRACTURE | Ankle Fracture Treatment | Ankle Foot Doctor in RICHARDSON, DALLAS, GARLAND, WYLIE, MURPHY.

WHAT IS AN ANKLE FRACTURE?

A fracture is a partial or complete break in a bone. Fractures in the ankle can range from the less serious avulsion injuries (small pieces of bone that have been pulled off) to severe shattering-type breaks of the tibia, fibula or both.
Ankle fractures are common injuries most often caused by the ankle rolling inward or outward. Many people mistake an ankle fracture for an ankle sprain, but they are quite different and therefore require an accurate and early diagnosis.
They sometimes occur simultaneously. Ankle fractures are most commonly confused with ankle sprains because of almost same sign and symptoms but these both are two totally different ankle conditions. They can be differentiated by X-Ray or MRI.
Sprained ankle tingling toes is the condition when you feel your toes are numb after the initial injury. You need immediate medical attention if you have any sign and symptoms.

ANKLE PROBLEMS:

There are many conditions that cause ankle problems and cause ankle pain as a symptom. Pain can also be a result of:

1. Arthritis, especially osteoarthritis
2. Rheumatoid arthritis.
3. Nerve injury or damage such as sciatica.
4. Any Infection in the joint.
5. Blocked blood vessels.
6. Gout.
7. Lupus.
8. Flat feet.
9. Achilles tendonitis.
10. Chronic lateral ankle pain.
11. Bursitis.
12. Osteochondral lesions of the talus bone.
13. Reactive arthritis.
14. Scleroderma.
15. Any infection.

COMMON CAUSES OF ANKLE FRACTRE:

More common causes of ankle fractures include:

• Twisting and rolling ankle inwards.
• Stress on ankle by falling or tripping.
• Rolling ankle and it affects the ligament that provides stability to the ankle.
• Impact to ankle in a car or bus accident.

ANKLE FRACTURE SYMPTOMS:

• An ankle fracture is accompanied by one or all of these symptoms:
• Pain at the site of the fracture, which in some cases can extend from the foot to the knee.
• Significant swelling, which may occur along the length of the leg or may be more localized.
• Blisters may occur over the fracture site. These should be promptly treated by a foot and ankle surgeon.
• Bruising that develops soon after the injury.
• Inability to walk; however, it is possible to walk with less severe breaks, so never rely on walking as a test of whether or not a bone has been fractured.
• Change in the appearance of the ankle—it will look different from the other ankle.
• Bone protruding through the skin—a sign that immediate care is needed. Fractures that pierce the skin require immediate attention because they can lead to severe infection and prolonged recovery.

RISK FACTORS:

You might be at higher risk of a broken ankle if you:

• Take an interest in sports: The burdens, hard impacts and contorting wounds that happen in sports, for example, basketball, football, tumbling, tennis and soccer can cause ankle fractures.
• Use improper strategy or sports equipment: For example, shoes that are excessively worn or not appropriately fitted, can add to pressure cracks and falls. Inappropriate preparing methods, for example, not heating up and extending, additionally can cause ankle injuries.
• Suddenly increase your activity level: Regardless of whether you’re a prepared athlete or somebody who has started exercise.

ANKLE FRACTURE TREATMENT:

Treatment of ankle fractures depends on the type and severity of the injury. At first, the patient will want you to follow the RICE protocol:

• Rest: Stay off the injured ankle. Walking may cause further injury.
• Ice: Apply an ice pack to the injured area, placing a thin towel between the ice and the skin. Use ice for 20 minutes and then wait at least 40 minutes before icing again.
• Compression: An elastic wrap should be used to control swelling.
• Elevation: The ankle should be raised slightly above the level of your heart to reduce swelling.

Additional treatment options include:

• Immobilization. Certain fractures are treated by protecting and restricting the ankle and foot in a cast or splint. This allows the bone to heal.