Ankle Fracture

Ankle fracture symptoms can vary depending on the severity and type of break, but typically include:

• Immediate, severe pain at the time of injury
• Inability to bear weight on the affected ankle
• Visible deformity or abnormal positioning of the ankle
• Swelling and bruising around the ankle and foot
• Tenderness to touch over the fracture site
• Numbness or tingling in the foot or toes
• Bone protruding through the skin in severe cases (open fracture)

If you experience any of these symptoms after an ankle injury, it’s important to seek immediate medical attention to prevent further damage.

Ankle fractures can occur through various mechanisms and affect different populations:

Common causes include: Falls from height, sports injuries (especially in basketball, football, and soccer), motor vehicle accidents, twisting injuries during walking or running, and direct trauma to the ankle.

Risk factors that increase your likelihood of ankle fracture: Participation in high-impact sports, osteoporosis or weakened bones, previous ankle injuries, poor balance or coordination, wearing inappropriate footwear, and certain medical conditions affecting bone strength. Women over 50 have a higher risk due to decreased bone density, while young athletes face increased risk during sports activities.

At Synergy Health Partners, our orthopedic specialists use a comprehensive approach to diagnose ankle fractures:

Physical examination includes assessment of pain, swelling, deformity, and ability to bear weight. Our doctors carefully examine the entire ankle and foot to identify the extent of injury and check for nerve or blood vessel damage.

Imaging studies are essential for accurate diagnosis. We typically begin with X-rays from multiple angles to visualize bone breaks and alignment. For complex fractures or suspected ligament injuries, we may recommend CT scans or MRI to provide detailed images of bones, soft tissues, and joint surfaces.

Our in-house imaging capabilities allow for rapid diagnosis and treatment planning, often during your initial visit.

Seek immediate medical attention if you experience:

• Severe pain that doesn’t improve with rest and over-the-counter pain medication
• Inability to bear weight on your ankle or walk normally
• Visible deformity or abnormal appearance of your ankle
• Numbness or tingling in your foot or toes
• Signs of infection in open wounds (fever, increased pain, redness, drainage)
• Skin color changes indicating poor circulation

Even if your injury seems minor, it’s important to have ankle injuries evaluated by a specialist, as some fractures may not be immediately obvious and delayed treatment can lead to complications.