Broken ankles, or “ankle fractures,” occur when the bones that make up the ankle joint are broken. Ankle injuries are some of the most common bone and joint injuries. The ankle joint is made up of three bones that join together. The tibia is the main bone, and it makes up the inside of the anklebone. The fibula is a smaller bone, and it makes up the outside of the anklebone. A membrane called the joint capsule is lined with a layer called the synovium, which covers the entire joint. The synovium produces synovial fluid, which allows for the joint surfaces to move smoothly.
An ankle becomes broken when the joint is stressed beyond the strength of its limits. When an ankle is fractured, ligaments may also tear at the same time. Fractures often occur from the ankle rolling or twisting in an unusual way. In some cases, a fracture may even be caused by an extreme force applied to the joint.
Symptoms of a broken ankle include pain, swelling, bruising, discoloration, numbness, and an inability to move the toes. If you have a broken ankle, you may also hear something tear or snap when you initially suffered the injury. Pain does not always come from the exact area of the fracture; you may also experience pain from associated foot fractures. Swelling may indicate that soft tissue damage has occurred due to the injury.
There are differences between an ankle fracture and an ankle sprain. A fracture or break in the bone is required to classify an injury as a broken ankle. An ankle sprain occurs when there is a tear or disruption of ligaments in the ankle. In some cases, the prognosis of an ankle sprain may be worse than that of a fracture.
X-rays are the most common way to diagnose a broken ankle. X-rays show if the ankle is broken and where exactly the fracture is located. They also show how many pieces of broken bone there are. Another method of testing to see if an ankle is broken is a stress test. During this test, the doctor applies pressure on the ankle to determine if the fracture requires surgery. Other diagnostic methods include CT scans and MRI scans.
If you are suffering from a broken ankle, consult with one of our podiatrists at Coast Foot and Ankle Wellness Center immediately to receive a proper diagnosis and treatment. Our doctors will provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.
