About this topic
An ankle dislocation happens when the bones in the ankle joint move out of place so that they are no longer in their normal position. The ligaments that hold the bones together and other tissue surrounding the ankle are also affected. An ankle dislocation most often happens with an ankle sprain or break. ‚
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What are the causes?
Direct blow, accident, twisting motion, or fall that puts stress on the side of the ankle ‚
What can make this more likely to happen?
- Contact sports
- Sports that having lots of jumping or cutting
- Sports such as baseball where a player may slide into a base
- Running
- History of ankle injuries that have made the ankle weak
- Joint that stretches more than normal from loose ligaments
- Having arthritis
What are the main signs?
- Very bad pain
- Swelling
- Bruising
- Sore to touch
- Not able to put weight on the ankle
- Numbness
- Ankle is not in a normal position
How does the doctor diagnose this health problem?
Your doctor will want to look at your ankle to see if surgery is needed. Your doctor will do an exam and may order: ‚
How does the doctor treat this health problem?
Many ankle dislocations need surgery because there is often an ankle break or sprain as well. If surgery is needed, a doctor will put the bones back together using pins or screws to hold the ankle joint in place. These pins and screws may be taken out after 2 to 3 months or they may be left in. You will be fitted in a boot or cast. You will not be able to put weight on your ankle for some time. You will need to walk with crutches until you are given a walking cast or told you can put weight on your ankle. ‚
The doctors may be able to line up the bones in the ER without surgery. ‚
Whether or not you have surgery, the doctor may suggest: ‚
- Rest and avoid standing and weight-bearing activities
- Ice
- Walking boot, splint, or cast
- Crutches or walker to take pressure off of your injured ankle
- Compression
- Keeping the ankle raised
- Exercises
- Physical therapy (PT)
What drugs may be needed?
The doctor may order drugs to: ‚
- Help with pain and swelling
- Prevent infection
What problems could happen?
- Infection
- Injury to nerves, blood vessels, and other tissue
- Bleeding
- Ongoing pain and stiffness
- Trouble walking
- Poor healing
- Arthritis
What can be done to prevent this health problem?
- Wear supports, tape, or elastic wraps on your ankles when playing sports.
- Wear shoes with good support.
- Warm up before a workout.
- Do not run or walk on surfaces that are uneven.
- Keep walk spaces free of loose carpet or rugs.
- If you have had ankle problems before, talk with your doctor about an exercise program to help make your ankles stronger.
Where can I learn more?
American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons ‚
http://orthoinfo.aaos.org/topic.cfm?topic=A00391 ‚
The American Orthopaedic Society for Sports Medicine ‚
http://www.stopsportsinjuries.org/ ‚
Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer
This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care providers advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you. ‚
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Copyright ‚ © 2015 Clinical Drug Information, LLC and Lexi-Comp, Inc. ‚