Ankle Fractures
What Are Ankle Fractures?
Fractures of the ankle can be classified in different ways depending on where you break the ankle and how badly. The severity of the fracture will determine how you are managed by an orthopaedic surgeon. Simple, non displaced fractures of the fibula (bone on the outside of the ankle) can be treated in a plaster of paris (POP) for between 4-6 weeks and then it will be removed and you can start exercising. A more complex fracture of the ankle where there is a fracture of the tibia (the large shin bone) and the fibula may need an operation to fix it. It is therefore vital that you seek medical help if you hurt your ankle badly.
Common Causes
Common sports that cause these injuries:
- Football
- Soccer
- Basketball
- Netball
Common Signs & Symptoms
Following this injury the common signs and symptoms are:
- Immediate pain and swelling of the ankle
- Unable to bear weight
- Deformity of the ankle
Condition Management
What should be done following this injury:
- Protect the ankle, do not bear weight and go to the Emergency Room as soon as possible
- Elevate the ankle
- Use ice or a reusable cold pack to reduce pain and swelling (the recommended time is 10 minutes on with 1 hour off). Never apply ice directly to the skin.
