Contents
Each ankle consists of an outer – lateral, and an inner – medial malleolus, these are different sections of the fibula and tibia. From the outside, we see them as two tubercles on the inside and outside of the ankle joint.
Both ankles form a “fork” of the ankle joint, through which the person’s weight is transferred to the foot. A fracture is a violation of the integrity of the bone, it can affect different anatomical structures. It is possible to fracture only the inner, only the outer ankle, or both.
If the bones are displaced or crushed, this fracture is considered complicated. Additionally, the subluxation of the joint aggravates the situation. Sometimes fragments break through the skin and tissues – then the fracture becomes open.
Ankle fracture symptoms
You can suspect an ankle fracture after the very fact of the injury: you fell awkwardly, twisted your leg, jumped from a height. At the time of the fracture, a crackling sound can sometimes be heard. The limb is deformed, arched at an unusual angle.
After that, pain appears, usually in the ankle area, but not always. The joint is limited in mobility, it is impossible to step on the foot. Gradually, the joint swells, a bruise grows and redness appears.
Ankle fracture treatment
If the bones are not displaced and there are no other complications, bone fragments, ligament rupture, it is usually sufficient to apply a plaster cast for 4 to 8 weeks. With such an uncomplicated fracture, it is possible to immobilize the leg with the help of modern orthoses and bandages. They are made of durable plastic or metal covered with fabric and secured with Velcro. The bandage can be adjusted to the size of the leg, if necessary, remove and wipe the skin, but this cannot be done without the permission of the doctor.
If the fracture is closed, but there is displacement, before applying the bandage, a reposition is performed – repositioning the joint. This is done in a hospital under local anesthesia. After that, plaster is also applied.
Surgical treatment is necessary if it is not possible to eliminate the displacement of the bones without surgery or there is subluxation and other complications. Surgery is considered very effective, after which the ankles heal faster and complications are rare. The operation is usually performed a few days after the injury.
Regardless of the method by which the bones are placed in the correct position, rest must be observed. You can’t step on your foot, you have to walk with the help of crutches.
Diagnostics
Ankle fractures must be distinguished from ligament injuries. For an accurate diagnosis, an x-ray of the ankle joint is performed. In the picture, the traumatologist sees exactly how the fragments have shifted, what is the severity of the injury.
X-ray shows mostly dense tissues, it is difficult to assess the condition of soft tissues. In doubtful cases, computed tomography and MRI are additionally prescribed.
Modern treatments
After fixing the ankle joint in the correct position, it takes a long time for all damaged tissues to recover. Physiotherapy can speed up the healing process. It improves blood circulation, facilitates the outflow of lymph and relieves swelling.
The type of therapy is prescribed by the doctor depending on the severity of the injury. This can be warming up with the help of paraffin applications, infrared laser therapy. Often prescribed electrophoresis with calcium to accelerate the healing of bones, magnetotherapy, acupuncture.
Prevention of an ankle fracture at home
Active youth and athletes, as well as the elderly, are most susceptible to this injury. The love of stilettos also increases the risk of ankle fracture, in such shoes the foot is unstable and often tucked.
The lack of physical activity increases the likelihood of injury. At the same time, the muscles weaken, all the pressure falls on the bone tissue, which may not withstand the load. In older patients, the risk of injury also increases. This is due to the frequent development of osteoporosis, in which the bones become thinner and brittle.
To reduce the risk of an ankle fracture, you need to give yourself feasible physical activity, avoid uncomfortable shoes, monitor calcium levels and bone density.
Popular questions and answers
This injury is one of the most common. An ankle fracture accounts for up to 20% of all skeletal injuries. Answered popular questions from patients traumatologist-orthopedist Sergey Prokofiev.
How to provide first aid for a fracture?
You need to call an ambulance or take the victim to the emergency room. While waiting for transport, apply cold to the site of pain from two opposite sides. Suitable, for example, bottles of cold water or frozen foods.
If high-top shoes are worn, then you do not need to try to pull them off. Just loosen the laces or unzip. Only if the shoes squeeze the ankle joint, you can try to pull it off a little, but it’s better not to. The limb should be elevated to reduce swelling. You can take any painkillers.
What are the complications of a fracture?
With improper reduction, damage to blood vessels and nerves during trauma, pain or loss of sensation in the ankle joint is possible even after healing. And if the bones did not grow together correctly and the operation was not performed, a shortening of one of the bones, lameness, may develop.
How long does a fracture recovery take?
The muscles of the leg without movement gradually atrophy, the mobility of the joint is also further reduced. Therefore, rehabilitation is necessary: physiotherapy, physiotherapy exercises, which are prescribed by a doctor. Additionally, chondroprotectors are prescribed – these are drugs that improve the nutrition of articular cartilage. The goal of chondroprotectors is to help the cartilage stay in the state it is in at the present time and to prevent its degenerative changes.
For some time after removing the cast, excessive exercise, running, jumping should be avoided. Usually about a month. If you had to be operated on, perhaps longer.