Sports, motor vehicle accidents, falls, and more can sprain or even fracture an ankle, leaving you with pain and limited mobility. If one of these orthopedic injuries happens to you, you want treatment options that get you moving as quickly as possible. Here is some information about ankle sprains and fractures and what your treatment for ankle injuries options may be.
Symptoms of an Ankle Sprain
An ankle sprain is one of the most common orthopedic injuries. It happens when the ligaments in the ankle stretch or tear, usually due to a sudden twist, turn, or impact. The most common symptoms of an ankle sprain include:
- Pain and tenderness
- Swelling and bruising
- Stiffness and difficulty walking and bearing weight
Repeated ankle sprains can lead to what orthopedic specialists call ankle instability. An ankle becomes unstable when ligaments in the joint cannot comfortably support it for weight bearing, ambulation, and range of motion.
Treatment Options for Ankle Sprains
The good news is that most ankle sprains can be treated without surgery. In fact, most orthopedic patients with sprained ankles recover within six weeks with the right, non-operative treatment. However, more severe sprains require longer and more complex interventions at your orthopedic clinic.
Treatments include the following.
RICE
RICE means rest, ice, compression (with an ACE bandage), and elevation. This tried and true first-aid protocol provides stability and reduces pain and inflammation. Your orthopedic physician will tell you exactly how to ice your ankle.
Usually, RICE is sufficient for minor or grade one sprains. Your orthopedic doctor grades fractures by physical examination and X-rays (to rule out a fracture).
Bracing
Your provider may recommend an ankle brace and use of crutches for a more serious, or grade two, sprain. With this kind of ankle sprain, a patient needs adequate support for the injured area and to offload some body weight for a short period of time.
Leg Cast/Cast-Brace
A grade three ankle sprain requires casting or a cast-brace treatment. You would wear this supportive device for a few weeks and do a program of physical therapy afterward to maximize strength and ankle function.
Ankle Surgery
Surgical options are reserved for the most severe sprains and/or for repeated sprains that do not heal well. Most surgeries tighten or repair torn ligaments.
Some cases may require ligament grafts obtained from the patient’s own foot. Small-incision arthroscopic surgery can remove bone fragments and frayed tissue as needed. Casting lasts for two months or more, followed by physical therapy.
Symptoms of an Ankle Fracture
An ankle fracture is a common injury that occurs when one or more bones in the ankle joint are broken. This can happen because of a fall, twisting of the ankle, or traumatic impact. The symptoms of an ankle fracture may include:
- Pain
- Swelling
- Bruising
- Difficulty walking or bearing weight on the injured foot
- Deformity of the joint
Ankle fractures are categorized as either stable or unstable. Stable fractures occur when the ankle remains aligned and in place after injury, while unstable fractures involve displacement of one or more bones in the ankle joint.
Treatment Options for an Ankle Fracture
Initial treatment for the pain and swelling common to ankle fractures is essentially the same as for sprains. Start the RICE protocol right away and visit the nearest hospital ER or your orthopedic surgeon for an examination and X-rays.
Stable or simple fractures usually require stabilization with a cast for some weeks. Simple fractures are basically cracks in the bone. Bone ends remain joined together.
Unstable fractures–also called compound fractures–feature broken bones and ends that have become displaced or separated. These bone breaks usually need surgery to rejoin the bone ends and to install screws, pins, or other metal hardware. Hardware ensures the ankle heals in proper alignment. Casting and a customized program of physical therapy usually follow ankle surgery.
Treatment for Ankle Injuries in Bismarck, ND
When you injure your foot or ankle, our professional and caring team has the treatments to get you back on your feet and moving well again. Our onsite foot and ankle surgeon at the Bone & Joint Center is Dr. Chad Carlson. He will diagnose your ankle injury and discuss the best options for treatment for ankle injuries with you.
Dr. Carlson sees patients at our Bismarck and Minot, North Dakota locations. Call us at (701) 946-7400 to arrange your appointment or request your visit by filling in our online form here. We are here to help you recover well from your ankle injury!
