The information provided on this website is intended solely for educational and informational purposes. It should be noted that individual patient experiences may vary from the descriptions presented here. For personalized advice and decision-making regarding your health, we strongly recommend consulting with your healthcare provider.
Symptoms of Ankle Fractures
Ankle fractures are serious injuries that require immediate attention. Common symptoms include:
- Severe pain at the injury site, often preventing weight-bearing.
- Noticeable bruising and swelling in the ankle area.
- Deformity or abnormal appearance of the ankle, indicating a possible dislocation.
What are the possible causes of Ankle Fractures?
Ankle fractures typically result from sudden force or trauma, including:
- High-impact trauma such as sports injuries, falls, or car accidents.
- Twisting, rolling, or rotating the ankle awkwardly.
- Missteps on uneven ground or stepping off a curb.
- Overextending the ankle beyond its normal range of motion.
- Weakened bone from osteoporosis, which raises fracture risk, especially in older adults.
How do we treat Ankle Fractures?
Treatment depends on the type and severity of the fracture, and begins with a thorough evaluation:
- In-office X-rays (and advanced imaging if needed) to determine the location and severity of the fracture.
- For stable fractures: immobilization in a cast, boot, or splint, with a period of limited or non-weight-bearing to allow the bone to heal.
- For displaced or unstable fractures: surgery to realign the bones and secure them with plates and screws. Dr. Meleca offers minimally invasive techniques that reduce soft-tissue disruption, pain, and recovery time.
- Pain and swelling management through rest, ice, and elevation.
- A structured rehabilitation and follow-up plan to restore strength, mobility, and full function.
What is recovery from Ankle Fractures like?
Recovery focuses on:
- Gradual reintroduction of movement and weight-bearing activities.
- Physical therapy to restore strength and flexibility.
- Monitoring and follow-up appointments to ensure proper healing.
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