Diagnosing and Treating a Broken Ankle / Ankle Fracture

A sudden twist, fall or sports injury can cause more than a sprained ankle. Sometimes, one or more bones around the ankle actually break.

An ankle fracture, often called a broken ankle, can range from a relatively stable crack to a more complicated injury that affects the alignment and stability of the ankle joint.

At Foot & Ankle Medical Clinic, our podiatrists Scott Nelson, DPM and Hang Nguyen, DPM diagnose and treat ankle fractures at both of our North Texas locations. If you think you may have broken your ankle, call (972) 414-9800 or request an appointment.

What Is an Ankle Fracture?

An ankle fracture occurs when one or more bones that form the ankle joint break. The injury may involve the lower end of the tibia, the fibula or more than one bone. Additionally, an ankle fracture can occur along with ligament damage.

Some fractures remain properly aligned and stable. Others move out of position or make the ankle joint unstable. Therefore, identifying the exact type of fracture matters when choosing treatment.

The National Library of Medicine provides additional information about ankle fractures and recovery.

What Causes a Broken Ankle?

Ankle fractures often happen suddenly.

Common causes include:

  • Rolling or twisting the ankle
  • Falling
  • Missing a step
  • Sports injuries
  • Landing awkwardly after a jump
  • Motor vehicle accidents
  • Direct impact to the ankle

For example, an ankle may fracture during the same type of twisting injury that causes a sprain. Consequently, it is not always possible to tell whether an ankle is broken simply by how the injury happened.

Signs of an Ankle Fracture

Symptoms may include:

  • Sudden ankle pain
  • Swelling
  • Bruising
  • Tenderness
  • Pain when standing or walking
  • Difficulty putting weight on the ankle
  • Limited movement
  • A feeling that the ankle is unstable
  • Visible deformity in a severe injury

However, not every ankle fracture looks dramatic. In fact, some people can still put limited weight on certain fractures. Therefore, the ability to walk does not automatically rule out a broken ankle.

Broken Ankle or Ankle Sprain?

This is one of the most common questions patients have after an ankle injury.

Both ankle fractures and ankle sprains can cause:

  • Pain
  • Swelling
  • Bruising
  • Tenderness
  • Difficulty walking

However, a sprain injures the ligaments that support the ankle, while a fracture involves a broken bone. Sometimes both injuries occur together.

Therefore, significant pain or swelling after an ankle injury deserves an evaluation rather than a guess. A foot and ankle specialist, or podiatrist, is a doctor that will be able to determine whether your ankle is sprained, broken or something else. You are in great hands with the Foot & Ankle Medical Clinic’s experienced podiatrists.

Dr. Nelson has extensive training in foot & ankle issues and years of experience performing surgeries. Dr. Nguyen completed residency training in foot and ankle surgery and manages fracture care as part of her practice.

How Is an Ankle Fracture Diagnosed?

Dr. Nelson or Dr. Nguyen will first ask how the injury occurred and where you feel pain.

Next, your podiatrist may examine:

  • Swelling
  • Bruising
  • Areas of tenderness
  • Ankle alignment
  • Range of motion
  • Stability
  • Ability to bear weight
  • Circulation and sensation

X-rays can identify most ankle fractures and show whether the broken bones remain properly aligned. (For our patient’s convenience, the Foot & Ankle Medical Clinics have in-house Xray machines.) However, additional imaging may occasionally be necessary for a more complex injury.

MedlinePlus.gov notes that healthcare providers typically use a physical examination along with X-rays or other imaging to diagnose fractures. Learn more about fracture diagnosis.

How Are Ankle Fractures Treated?

Treatment depends on the location, severity and stability of the fracture. Fortunately, not every broken ankle requires surgery.

Depending on the injury, treatment may include:

  • A splint
  • Cast
  • Walking boot
  • Crutches or another mobility aid
  • Temporary limits on weight bearing
  • Elevation
  • Follow-up X-rays
  • Rehabilitation as healing progresses
  • Surgery for certain fractures

A stable fracture may heal while protected in a cast, splint or boot. However, a displaced or unstable fracture may require additional treatment to restore proper alignment.

When Is Ankle Fracture Surgery Needed?

Surgery may become necessary when the broken bones move out of position, the ankle becomes unstable or the fracture extends into the joint. Additionally, surgery may be considered when the bones are unlikely to heal properly without stabilization. When necessary, surgical treatment may use plates, screws or other hardware to hold the bones in position while they heal.

The exact procedure depends on the fracture. If surgery becomes part of your treatment plan, learn more about Foot & Ankle Surgery at Foot & Ankle Medical Clinic.

How Long Does a Broken Ankle Take to Heal?

Healing time varies. The type of fracture, your overall health, whether surgery was necessary and how closely you follow weight-bearing restrictions can all affect recovery. Additionally, the bone may continue healing even after the pain begins to improve.

Therefore, do not assume that less pain means the ankle is ready for unrestricted walking or sports. Your podiatrist will let you know when you can gradually increase weight bearing and activity.

Returning to Walking & Activity

As the fracture heals, your treatment may progress from a splint or cast to a walking boot. Later, strengthening and range-of-motion exercises may help restore normal ankle function.

However, returning too quickly can place unnecessary stress on the healing bone. MedlinePlus notes that patients may experience weakness and stiffness when they begin walking again after an ankle fracture and may need rehabilitation to rebuild strength and motion.

For athletic injuries to your ankle, visit our Sports Medicine page.

When Should You See a Podiatrist?

Consider an ankle fracture evaluation if:

  • You cannot comfortably bear weight
  • Significant swelling develops
  • The ankle becomes badly bruised
  • Pain is severe or worsening
  • You have very localized tenderness over a bone
  • The ankle appears unusually shaped
  • Pain continues after what seemed like a sprain
  • Walking remains difficult
  • The injury occurred during sports or after a significant fall

Additionally, seek prompt medical attention for an open wound, severe deformity, numbness, unusual discoloration or other changes in circulation or sensation.

MedlinePlus.gov recommends medical care when you believe you may have broken a bone.

Ankle Fractures in Athletes

Sports that involve running, jumping, contact or sudden changes in direction can lead to ankle fractures. However, athletes sometimes try to walk off an injury because they assume it is only a sprain.

That can be a mistake.

If swelling, bruising or pain makes it difficult to bear weight, an examination can help determine whether the injury involves a ligament, bone or both. Most importantly, a safe return to sports should depend on healing, strength and ankle stability rather than pain alone.

Ankle Fracture Care in Garland, TX

Patients looking for ankle fracture treatment in Garland, Texas can schedule an appointment with Scott Nelson, DPM at Foot & Ankle Medical Clinic.

Dr. Nelson evaluates broken ankles, ankle injuries, fractures and other foot and ankle conditions and provides conservative or surgical care when appropriate.

Foot & Ankle Medical Clinic of Garland
3930 Naaman School Road, Suite C
Garland, TX 75040
(972) 414-9800

Visit our Garland Office page for directions and additional information.

Ankle Fracture Care in Wylie, TX

Patients needing ankle fracture treatment in Wylie, Texas can see Hang Nguyen, DPM at Foot & Ankle Medical Clinic.

Dr. Nguyen completed residency training in foot and ankle surgery and treats fractures and other foot and ankle injuries at our Wylie location.

Foot & Ankle Medical Clinic of Wylie
2300 FM 544, Suite 230
Wylie, TX 75098
(972) 414-9800

Visit our Wylie Office page for location information and directions.

Frequently Asked Questions About Ankle Fractures

Can you walk on a broken ankle?

Sometimes. Certain fractures may still allow limited weight bearing. However, walking does not prove that the ankle is not broken.

How can I tell if my ankle is broken or sprained?

Both injuries can cause pain, swelling and bruising. Therefore, an examination and X-ray may be necessary to know for sure.

Does every ankle fracture need surgery?

No. Stable fractures may heal with immobilization. However, displaced, unstable or more complex fractures may require surgery.

How long will I need a boot or cast?

That depends on the fracture. MedlinePlus notes that nonsurgical ankle fractures may require several weeks of immobilization, although the exact timeline varies considerably by injury.

When can I return to sports after an ankle fracture?

Your return depends on bone healing, strength, range of motion and ankle stability. Therefore, follow your podiatrist’s guidance rather than returning as soon as the ankle feels less painful.

Think You May Have Broken Your Ankle?

Do not assume that a swollen, painful ankle is only a sprain. Instead, find out exactly what was injured.

At Foot & Ankle Medical Clinic, Scott Nelson, DPM provides ankle fracture care at our Garland office, while Hang Nguyen, DPM treats foot and ankle fractures at our Wylie location.

Call (972) 414-9800 or request an appointment today.