What is an Ankle Fracture?
An ankle fracture, also called a broken ankle, is one of the most common reasons for ankle pain. It happens when one or more of the bones in your ankle crack or break because of an injury, fall, or accident.
The ankle is made up of three main bones — the tibia (shinbone), fibula (outer leg bone), and talus (small bone between the heel and leg). A fracture can involve any of these bones.
An ankle fracture can be a small crack or a complete break. It may involve just one bone or several bones at the same time. Even a small fracture can make it hard to walk or stand because your ankle holds your body weight.
At Olwen Hospital – Orthopedic Hospital in Ahmedabad, we specialize in diagnosing and treating ankle fractures using advanced imaging tools and modern surgical as well as non-surgical techniques.
Common Causes of Ankle Fractures
Here’s why ankle fractures often happen:
Twisting or Rolling the Ankle – Often happens during sports or sudden movements.
Falls – Slipping from stairs, uneven surfaces, or while walking on wet ground.
Accidents – Car, bike, or workplace injuries can cause high-impact damage to the ankle.
Sports Injuries – Football, basketball, running and similar activities put extra stress on the ankle joint
Weak Bones – Diseases like osteoporosis weaken the bones, increasing the chance of fractures.
Symptoms of an Ankle Fracture
If you have any of these signs, it’s best to get your ankle checked immediately:
Severe pain that worsens with movement or pressure
Swelling around the ankle joint
Bruising or discoloration of the skin
Deformity – the ankle looks out of place or misshapen
Numbness or tingling in the foot
Difficulty putting weight on the injured ankle
Types of an Ankle Fracture
There are different types of ankle fracture depending on which bones are affected, including:
Lateral Malleolus Fracture – A break in the fibula (the smaller bone on the outer side of the leg). This type of ankle fracture mostly caused by twisting or rolling the ankle outward.
Medial Malleolus Fracture – A break in the tibia (the larger bone on the inner side of the leg) near the ankle joint. These can usually happen due to a strong inward twist or direct impact.
Bimalleolar Fracture – In this injury, both the inner bone (tibia) and outer bone (fibula) are broken. It can make the ankle unstable and often needs surgery to heal properly.
Trimalleolar Fracture – This type of fracture happens when all three ankle bones — the medial malleolus, lateral malleolus, and the back part of the tibia — are broken. This type of ankle fracture usually requires ankle surgery.
Stress Fracture – This usually happen when small cracks in the ankle bones caused by overuse, such as running or jumping repeatedly. These are common in athletes and can worsen if not treated early.
Why choose Olwen Hospital for Ankle Fracture Treatment
Olwen Hospital is dedicated foot and ankle care center in Gujarat that treats all types of foot and ankle injuries, including ankle fractures. Our ankle specialists use advanced technology to check the injury accurately and provide effective treatment that helps patients recover faster and prevent future problems.
FAQs About Ankle Fractures
Walking on a fractured ankle can make the injury worse. It puts extra pressure on the broken bones, which cause more pain and increase the risk of complications. It’s better to avoid putting weight on the ankle until an ankle specialist examines it. Getting treatment early can help avoid complications later.
Surgery is usually needed if more than one bone in the ankle is broken or if the broken bones are not lined up properly. Surgery helps put the bones back in the right place so they can heal well and your ankle works properly again.
Conclusion
If you experience ankle pain or injury, early diagnosis and treatment are essential to avoid long-term problems. Visit Olwen Hospital in Ahmedabad and get it checked by our experienced Orthopedic Surgeon.
Visit Us:
114-115, Grace Business Park, Sola Gam Rd, Science City, Sola, Ahmedabad, Gujarat 380060
Open: Monday – Sunday: 24 Hours