Would you like to switch to the accessible version of this site?

Go to accessible site Close modal window

Don't need the accessible version of this site?

Hide the accessibility button Close modal window
Accessibility View Close toolbar
Menu
  • Home
  • Services
    • Bunion Treatment
    • Diabetic Foot Exams
    • Diagnostic Ultrasound
    • Digital X-rays
    • EPAT Shockwave Treatment
    • Fall Prevention
    • Fracture Care
    • Fungal Toenail Treatment
    • Heel Pain Treatment
    • In-Office Surgery
    • Ingrown Toenail Surgery
    • Swift Wart Treatment
    • TeleHealth
    • Ulcer and Wound Care
    • Vascular Testing
    • Wart Treatment
  • Providers
    • Philip Burton, DPM
    • Nathan Shumway, DPM
    • Patrick Barnes, DPM
  • Patients
    • Patient Portal
    • Patient Forms
    • TeleHealth
    • Bill Pay
    • Care Credit Financing
    • Non-Discrimination Policy
    • Privacy Policy
  • Surgery
    • 1st MTPJ Arthrodesis
    • Ankle Arthroscopy
    • Austin Bunionectomy
    • Bunionette Surgery
    • Endoscopic Plantar Fasciotomy
    • Hammertoe Arthroplasty
    • Hammertoe Implant Surgery
    • Lapidus Bunionectomy
    • Minimally Invasive Bunion Surgery
    • Neuroma Surgery
    • Plantar Plate Repair
  • Education
    • Bone/Joint/Tendon
      • Ankle
      • Flatfoot
      • Fracture
      • Heel Pain (Plantar Fasciitis)
    • Nails and Skin
      • Ganglion Cyst
    • Diabetic Health
    • Fitness and Your Feet
    • Orthotics and Footwear
    • Compartment Syndrome
    • Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT)
    • Equinus
    • Instructions for Using Crutches
    • Staph Infections of the Foot
  • Videos
  • Blog
  • Contact Us
Council Bluffs Foot & Ankle Care

CALL OR TEXT US:

712-328-0297

REQUEST AN APPOINTMENT
  • Home >
  • Articles >
  • Bone/Joint/Tendon >
  • Fracture >
  • Fracture-Ankle

Fracture-Ankle

  • Created in Bone/Joint/Tendon, Fracture

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 that are 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.

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 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.

ankfrac02.jpg     ankfrac01.jpg

Diagnosis
Following an ankle injury it is important to have the ankle evaluated by a foot and ankle surgeon for proper diagnosis and treatment. If you are unable to do so right away, go to the emergency room and then follow up with a foot and ankle surgeon as soon as possible for a more thorough assessment.

The affected limb will be examined by the foot and ankle surgeon by touching specific areas to evaluate the injury. In addition, the surgeon may order x-rays and other imaging studies, as necessary.

Non-Surgical Treatment
Treatment of ankle fractures depends upon the type and severity of the injury. At first, the foot and ankle surgeon will want you to follow the R.I.C.E. 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.
  • Prescription medications. To help relieve the pain, the surgeon may prescribe pain medications or anti-inflammatory drugs.

When is Surgery Needed?
For some ankle fractures, surgery is needed to repair the fracture and other soft tissue related injuries, if present. The foot and ankle surgeon will select the procedure that is appropriate for your injury.

Follow-up Care
It is important to follow your surgeon’s instructions after treatment. Failure to do so can lead to infection, deformity, arthritis, and chronic pain.

  • Bone/Joint/Tendon
    • Ankle
    • Flatfoot
    • Fracture
    • Heel Pain (Plantar Fasciitis)
  • Nails and Skin
    • Ganglion Cyst
  • Diabetic Health
  • Fitness and Your Feet
  • Orthotics and Footwear
  • Compartment Syndrome
  • Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT)
  • Equinus
  • Instructions for Using Crutches
  • Staph Infections of the Foot

Contact Us

Our Location

Find us on the map

Hours of Operation

Our Regular Schedule

Monday:

8:00 am-5:00 pm

Tuesday:

8:00 am-5:00 pm

Wednesday:

8:00 am-5:00 pm

Thursday:

8:00 am-5:00 pm

Friday:

8:00 am-4:00 pm

Saturday:

Closed

Sunday:

Closed

credit-options
    cards
    cards
    cards
    cards
    cards
    cards
    cards
    cards
    cards
  • Copyright © 2022 MH Sub I, LLC dba Officite
  • Admin Log In
  • Site Map