Ankle Fractures
Ankle fracture treatment in The Fan, VCU, Richmond, VA
A broken ankle can make it hard to walk, work or keep up with daily life. At Richmond Foot & Ankle Surgical Associates in Richmond, Virginia, foot and ankle surgeons Weston Angermeier, DPM, and Rachel Hensley, DPM, diagnose and treat ankle fractures, from breaks that heal in a boot to fractures that need surgery. For sprains and other injuries, see ankle and foot injuries. Call our office today.
Quick facts about ankle fractures
An ankle fracture is a break in one or more of the bones that form the ankle joint.
Some ankle fractures heal in a cast or walking boot; others need surgery to line up the bones.
A sprain and a fracture can feel alike, so an X-ray is the only reliable way to tell them apart.
Ankle Fractures questions and answers
What are the signs of a broken ankle?
Common signs of an ankle fracture include:
- Sudden pain after a twist, fall or impact
- Swelling and bruising
- Trouble putting weight on the foot
- Tenderness when you press on the ankle bones
- An ankle that looks out of shape
If you think you have broken your ankle, keep weight off it, raise it and call our office. Go to the emergency room if the bone is visible or your foot is cold or numb.
How is an ankle fracture diagnosed?
Your foot and ankle surgeon examines your ankle and orders X-rays to see which bones are broken and whether they have moved out of place. A CT scan or MRI may be needed for more complex breaks or to check ligaments.
When does an ankle fracture need surgery?
Stable fractures, where the bones stay in line, can often heal in a cast or walking boot. Surgery may be recommended when:
- The bones have shifted out of place
- The joint is unstable
- More than one bone is broken
- Ligaments that hold the joint together are torn
Surgery usually uses plates and screws to hold the bones in place while they heal. Your surgeon will explain the options for your fracture.
What is recovery like?
Most ankle fractures take about 6 to 12 weeks for the bone to heal, with a period of limited or no weight-bearing. Physical therapy afterwards helps restore strength and motion. Recovery time depends on the type of fracture and your treatment. Call our office today to learn more.
Other conditions we treat
Ready to get back on your feet?
Call to book. Free parking in the Retreat Hospital garage.