Ankle Fracture
The bones that make up the ankle joint are the tibia (the shin bone, larger, weight-bearing bone of the lower leg), fibula (the smaller bone on the outside of the leg) and talus (bone completely covered by cartilage within the ankle joint). 90% of body weight is carried by the tibia and only 10% by the fibula. The bony prominences about the ankle are the medial and lateral maleoli formed by the end of the tibia and fibula, respectively. An ankle fracture results in fracture or separation of one (usually lateral) or more of the maleoli from their respective bone. The mechanism that results in an ankle fracture is usually a twisting inward of the foot with rotation of the body about the ankle. Pain which accompanies an ankle fracture is characterized as acute, sharp and very localized. The ankle becomes moderately to severely swollen after such an event and the ankle will become difficult to bend. Tenderness is usually present to a specific area of the ankle. Additionally it may be uncomfortable to bear weight through the ankle. The diagnosis of an ankle fracture can be made with physical examination by a physician and usually confirmed with an XR. Rarely an MRI is required.
Recommendations:
- Consult a physician if you think you think you have an ankle fracture
- Reduction of inflammation should begin as soon as possible. The RICE regimen (Rest, Ice, Compression, Elevation) should be followed.
- A period of immobilization and non-weight bearing should be utilized.
- Stretch before, during, and after an activity, for muscle and tendon flexibility
- Prevention should involve a vigorous ankle strengthening program and cross-training to build endurance and prevent injuries due to fatigue
- Preventive bracing may assist to minimize ankle injury
- Ankle Braces and Supports