Ankle Fractures

Ankle fractures can result from various causes, including:

• Direct Trauma: Strong impacts, such as those resulting from car accidents, falls from height, or sports injuries, can cause ankle fractures.
• Severe Sprains: Severe ankle twists, often associated with sports or physical activities, can lead to fractures in the bones around the joint.
• Degenerative Causes: Conditions that weaken bones, such as osteoporosis, can increase the risk of fractures, even with minor trauma.
• Repetitive Injuries: Prolonged repetitive movements in the ankle joint can cause stress fractures, especially in athletes and people who perform intense physical activities.

Symptoms of ankle fractures can vary depending on fracture severity and include:

• Intense Pain: Localized pain in the ankle that can be sudden and intense, often worsening with movement.
• Swelling: Increased volume and fluid accumulation around the joint due to inflammation.
• Bruising: Formation of purple or dark-colored bruising around the fracture area.
• Difficulty Moving: Significant reduction in the ability to move the ankle or bear weight on it.
• Visible Deformity: In severe cases, there may be a visible deformity or misalignment of ankle bones, as well as bone exposure.

To diagnose ankle fractures, doctors use:

• Physical examination: Assessment of pain, swelling, deformity, and ankle movement capability.
• Imaging Tests: X-rays are the main tool to identify fractures and assess severity. In complex cases, computed tomography (CT) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) may be used to obtain more detailed images of bones and soft tissues.

Treatment of ankle fractures can vary according to fracture severity:

• Conservative Treatment: Aligned or less severe fractures can be treated with rest, immobilization with cast or splint, and ankle elevation to reduce swelling. Use of analgesics and anti-inflammatory medications can help control pain and inflammation.
• Physical Therapy: After cast removal, physical therapy may be recommended to strengthen muscles around the ankle, improve mobility, and restore normal function.
• Surgery: Misaligned or complex fractures may require surgical intervention to realign bones and stabilize the joint. Surgery may involve placement of plates, screws, or wires to keep bones in correct position during healing.

Some preventive measures include:

• Use of appropriate footwear: Footwear that offers good support and cushioning can help prevent injuries and fractures.
• Muscle strengthening: Strengthening and stretching exercises for muscles and ligaments around the ankle can improve stability and reduce injury risk.
• Care with physical activity: Avoid activities that put excessive stress on the ankle and perform adequate warm-up before intense physical activities.