About this topic
There are three bones in the ankle. They are the tibia, the fibula, and the talus bone. A broken ankle is another name for an ankle fracture. It is when the tibia, fibula, or both are broken. Many strong tissues also hold the bones and muscles in place in the ankle. They can be hurt too. How serious your injury is depends on a few things. One is the number and kind of bones involved. Another is how bad the break is. Sometimes, surgery is used to fix the broken ankle. ‚
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What care is needed at home?
- Ask your doctor what you need to do when you go home. Make sure you ask questions if you do not understand what the doctor says. This way you will know what you need to do.
- Rest. Allow your injury to heal before you do slow movements.
- Place an ice pack or a bag of frozen peas wrapped in a towel over the painful part. Never put ice right on the skin. Do not leave the ice on more than 10 to 15 minutes at a time. Do this 6 to 8 times a day.
- Prop your leg on pillows to help with swelling.
- Compression. An ACE bandage can be wrapped lightly around the injured area for support and to ease swelling.
- Brace or neoprene sleeve can be worn for support and swelling.
- Cast, splint, or brace to keep your ankle in position
- Crutches or walker to take pressure off your injured leg. Your doctor may tell you not to put any weight at all or only some weight on your broken leg. Be sure to follow these instructions so your leg can heal.
- Wiggle your toes often. This helps blood flow.
What follow-up care is needed?
Your doctor may ask you to make visits to the office to check on your progress. Be sure to keep these visits. Your doctor may order more x-rays. Your brace, splint, cast, or stitches may need to be removed by your doctor. ‚
What drugs may be needed?
The doctor may order drugs to: ‚
- Help with pain and swelling
- Fight an infection
Will physical activity be limited?
Most broken bones take 6 to 8 weeks to heal. You will have to avoid some activities for your ankle to heal. Be sure to ask your doctor: ‚
- If you need physical therapy or special exercises
- When you may start to put weight on your foot and begin physical activity or sports
- When it is safe for you to drive and go back to your normal activities like work
What problems could happen?
- If your fracture does not heal, you may need surgery.
- You may get arthritis or pain or swelling of your ankle.
- You may have less foot movement or a change in the normal position of your foot.
What can be done to prevent this health problem?
- Stay active and work out to keep your muscles strong and flexible.
- Take extra care to avoid falling.
- Use proper clothing when you are playing sports. This may include ankle supports and elbow and knee pads.
- Wear shoes that fit your feet properly.
- Do not wear high-heeled shoes.
When do I need to call the doctor?
- Foot or toes turn cold and blue, numb, or have tingling
- Foot gets more swollen or cast, brace, or splint feels tight
- Very bad pain
- Health problem is not better or you are feeling worse
Teach Back: Helping You Understand
The Teach Back Method helps you understand the information we are giving you. The idea is simple. After talking with the staff, tell them in your own words what you were just told. This helps to make sure the staff has covered each thing clearly. It also helps to explain things that may have been a bit confusing. Before going home, make sure you are able to do these: ‚
- I can tell you about my fracture.
- I can tell you what may help ease my pain.
- I can tell you what changes I need to make with my activities.
- I can tell you what I will do if I my foot is more swollen or my toes turn cold and blue or feel numb or tingling.
Where can I learn more?
American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons ‚
http://orthoinfo.aaos.org/topic.cfm?topic=A00391 ‚
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. ‚