Ankle Fractures Specialist

What are ankle fractures?

An ankle fracture is an injury to one or more of the three bones that make up your ankle joint. You might experience an ankle fracture when stepping down awkwardly, pivoting during sports play, or when involved in a car accident. 

Ankle fractures vary in severity. Some are minor, like hairline fractures, while others require surgical intervention and reconstruction with screws and/or plates. 

If you injure your ankle and your symptoms don’t respond to at-home treatments, contact Dr. Allen at Sports Medicine Associates of San Antonio right away.

What are the symptoms of an ankle fracture?

Symptoms of an ankle fracture include:

• Swelling
• Bruising
• Tenderness
• Throbbing pain that doesn’t resolve
• Difficulty walking, standing, or bearing weight on the ankle

If your fracture is severe, you might also notice a visible abnormality, like a bone bulging beneath your skin.

How are broken ankles diagnosed?

To diagnose a broken ankle, Dr. Allen reviews your health history and asks about your symptoms, including what you were doing when they first occurred and if any activities like standing, walking, or exercising, make them worse. 

Next, he examines your ankle, gently pressing on it to find areas of warmth, swelling, or tenderness.

Dr. Allen might also test your ankle’s range of motion and have you stand up or walk around the exam room to assess your gait. 

Dr. Allen also orders diagnostic imaging, like X-rays, a bone scan, or an MRI. These capture detailed images of your bones and joints and help Dr. Allen determine the severity of your ankle fracture.

How are broken ankles treated?

Treatment of a broken ankle varies depending on the intensity of your symptoms and the broken bone(s). Dr. Allen might recommend:

Reduction

If the pieces of your broken bone don’t line up correctly, Dr. Allen performs a reduction procedure. To do that, he administers a local anesthetic and carefully moves the bone (or bones) back into the proper position.

Immobilization

If you have a hairline fracture or another minor fracture that doesn’t require intervention, Dr. Allen fits a cast or splint. These devices keep your ankle in a single position, allowing your bones to heal. 

Surgery

If you break more than one of the bones in your ankle or your fracture is severe, Dr. Allen might recommend reconstructive surgery. During ankle fracture surgery, he uses plates and/or screws to hold your bones together. Once your bones heal, Dr. Allen may remove the pieces.

To explore the treatment options for broken ankles, make an appointment at Sports Medicine Associates of San Antonio by calling the nearest office today or clicking the online booking feature.