Common Ankle Injury Care

A broken ankle, also called a fractured ankle, is a common injury that can be very painful. Broken ankles occur when one or more bones in the ankle joint break. If you think you have broken your ankle, be sure to contact our team at Renuva Xtremity in Memphis. Dr. Nathan Lucas, our podiatrist, can help determine the severity of your broken ankle and ensure that you get the proper treatment. Schedule an appointment today!

Symptoms of a broken ankle:

  • Severe pain
  • Swelling
  • Bruising
  • Tenderness
  • Difficulty holding your weight
  • Trouble walking
  • Foot appears crooked
  • Bone sticking out of skin

BROKEN ANKLE

A broken ankle is different from a sprained ankle, which involves the ligaments stretching or tearing. There are three bones in the ankle joint, which could break or fracture. These include:

  • The tibia: The larger bone in the lower leg that is often called the shinbone.
  • The fibula: The smaller bone in the larger leg that is often called the calf bone.
  • The talus: The small bone between the heel bone, called the calcaneus, the tibia, and the fibula. 

There are several different types of broken ankles, which depends on how, what bone, and where it broke. Broken ankles are extremely painful, however, you may be able to walk on it or place weight on it. To determine whether or not you have broken your ankle, you will need to see a doctor.

Our podiatrists at Renuva Xtremity can test to see whether your ankle is broken by using an X-ray, CT scan, MRI scan, stress test, or a physical exam. Depending on the severity of your ankle fracture, the treatment may differ.

Broken Ankle Treatment

Our ankle care experts can determine which is the best treatment option for your ankle break. There are a few different treatment methods that we use depending on the severity. 

When you first break your ankle the best thing to do is ice it to reduce pain and swelling. Try to stay off the injured ankle as much as possible. 

Treatment options include:

  • A boot, cast, or splint to keep bones in place while healing
  • Crutches, which can be used with a boot, cast, or splint
  • Closed reduction, which allows doctors to move bone back in place without surgery
  • Surgery, which is often paired with a boot, cast, or splint

The severity of your break will determine which is the best treatment option for you. Be sure to contact Renuva Xtremity in Memphis to get your broken ankle taken care of as quickly as possible! 

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