What is an Ankle Fracture?
An ankle fracture happens when one or more of the bones that form your ankle joint — the tibia, fibula and talus — are broken. The injury can range from a minor, stable crack that allows limited weight-bearing to a severe, unstable break that may require surgical repair. The more bones involved, the more complex the injury and recovery process.
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What Causes a Broken Ankle?
Ankle fractures often occur suddenly, from a twist, fall or impact. Common causes include:
- Rolling or twisting the ankle while walking or running
- Tripping or falling from a height
- Direct impact, such as during a car accident or sports injury
These fractures can happen to anyone, but they’re especially common in adults due to factors like weakened bones, uneven surfaces or high-impact activities.
Broken Ankle Symptoms
You might have a broken ankle if you’re experiencing:
- Immediate and severe pain
- Swelling or bruising around the joint
- Tenderness to the touch
- Inability to put weight on that foot or ankle
- Visible deformity or a bone that looks “out of place”
If your ankle looks misshapen or you cannot move it without pain, seek medical care immediately — delaying treatment can lead to long-term instability or arthritis.
How Is a Broken Ankle Treated?
Your doctor will examine your ankle and may order imaging tests such as X-rays, CT scans or an MRI. This evaluation helps determine whether the fracture is stable or unstable and what type of treatment will work best.
Treatment depends on the type and severity of the fracture.
Nonsurgical options are often used for stable fractures where the bones haven’t shifted out of place. These may include:
- A short leg cast or walking boot for protection
- Limited weight-bearing or crutches during healing
- Pain and swelling management with rest, ice and anti-inflammatories
Surgical options may be necessary if bones are displaced, the joint is unstable or there are multiple fractures. Surgery usually involves repositioning and stabilizing the bones using plates, screws or wires.
Bone healing can take 6–12 weeks depending on the injury, with physical therapy helping to restore strength, mobility and balance once the bone has healed.
How long does it take to recover from an ankle fracture?
You can reduce your risk by wearing supportive, well-fitting footwear, avoiding uneven surfaces and risky jumps, strengthening your ankles and using caution during icy conditions and high-impact sports.
How Can I Prevent Ankle Fractures?
You can lower your risk by:
- Warming up before exercise and stretching your calves regularly
- Increasing training intensity and duration gradually
- Wearing properly cushioned and supportive shoes
- Alternating between high- and low-impact activities
- Avoiding overtraining or sudden bursts of activity
Treat Ankle Fractures at OrthoNebraska
Looking for broken ankle relief in the Omaha area? At OrthoNebraska, we want to make sure that our patients feel understood, safe and confident to take on an appropriate treatment plan. With proper management, we can help you reduce pain levels and improve quality of life.
