An ankle fracture is a painful condition that can lead to long-term complications without proper treatment. At Alps Road Family Foot & Ankle in Wayne, New Jersey, board-certified podiatrists Heidi Godoy, DPM, and Johanna Godoy, DPM, offer a number of safe and effective treatments for ankle fractures. The practice specializes in conservative care and also offers a number of surgical treatment options. To find out which treatment is right for you, book your appointment by phone or online today.
Ankle fractures can range from mild and manageable to severe and debilitating. Your ankle is made of three major bones — the tibia, talus, and fibula. Fractures to any of these structures can result in a number of symptoms, including:
In some cases, a fractured ankle may pierce through the skin, causing an open wound. After an injury, you may notice changes to the appearance of the ankle, especially if the ankle joint is forced out of place.
If you experience symptoms of a fractured ankle, it’s important to seek medical care. If left untreated, ankle fractures can lead to chronic ankle instability and long-term problems with your mobility.
Ankle fractures are typically caused by awkward movements, like twisting, rolling, or rotating, that force the ankle out of its normal position. Ankle fractures are also caused by falls and high-force impacts like car accidents.
Your ankles are also susceptible to stress fractures, a type of fracture that frequently affects the weight-bearing areas of your body. Stress fractures are small cracks in your bone caused by overuse or repetitive stress.
Although stress fractures aren’t as severe as acute fractures, without proper treatment, they can increase your risk of more serious fractures in the future.
Treatment varies depending on the severity of your ankle fracture. Whenever possible, the foot and ankle specialists at Alps Road Family Foot & Ankle opt for conservative, nonsurgical methods to heal your fracture.
Before beginning treatment, your doctor performs an in-depth evaluation, including a physical exam and imaging tests, to determine the most effective treatment for your condition. Depending on your diagnosis, conservative treatment of your ankle fracture may include:
The goal of treatment is to help your bones heal as close to their original position as possible and restore the strength and stability to your ankle. In some cases, your doctor may recommend surgery to realign your bones and hold the pieces together with screws, pins, or metal plates.
Having the right treatment plan is essential to restoring the health and function of your ankle. To speak with a podiatrist about your ankle injury, call the office or book an appointment online today.
