Ankle Fractures

The Ankle joint is a hinged joint that consists of three bones:  the Tibia and Fibula (leg bones) and the Talus (foot bone).  There are a wide variety of causes for ankle fractures, most commonly a fall, an automobile accident, or sports-related trauma. Because a severe sprain can often mask the symptoms of a broken ankle, every ankle injury should be examined by a physician.

Symptoms of a broken ankle include:

• Bruising.
• Swelling.
• Immediate and severe pain.
• Inability to put any weight on the injured foot.
• Tenderness to the touch.
• Deformity, particularly if there is a dislocation or a fracture.

The treatment for a broken ankle usually involves a leg cast or brace if the fracture is stable. If the ligaments are also torn, or if the fracture created a loose fragment of bone that could irritate the joint, surgery may be required to secure the bones in place so they will heal properly.