A broken ankle occurs when the bone endures a break, which can be either partial or complete. It can be very easy for an individual who has suffered a broken ankle to mistake it for an ankle sprain, and vice versa. Therefore, it is important to seek out medical attention from a doctor who can perform a proper diagnosis to confirm what the injury is. If you seek out attention from a podiatrist, this medical professional will examine you, touching specific areas of the feet or ankles. This can give the podiatrist a better understanding of the nature of your injury. Then, as part of the diagnosis, a podiatrist might want to perform an imaging procedure, such as an X-ray, to better observe the affected bones in the feet or ankles. It is important to remember that receiving this diagnosis should be done as soon as possible after enduring a broken ankle. If you suspect that you have broken your ankle, schedule an appointment with a podiatrist today.
Broken ankles need immediate treatment. If you are seeking treatment, contact Dr. Howard Horowitz from Bowie Foot & Ankle . Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.
Broken Ankles
A broken ankle is experienced when a person fractures their tibia or fibula in the lower leg and ankle area. Both of these bones are attached at the bottom of the leg and combine to form what we know to be our ankle.
When a physician is referring to a break of the ankle, he or she is usually referring to a break in the area where the tibia and fibula are joined to create our ankle joint. Ankles are more prone to fractures because the ankle is an area that suffers a lot of pressure and stress. There are some obvious signs when a person experiences a fractured ankle, and the following symptoms may be present.
Symptoms of a Fractured Ankle
- Excessive pain when the area is touched or when any pressure is placed on the ankle
- Swelling around the area
- Bruising of the area
- Area appears to be deformed
If you suspect an ankle fracture, it is recommended to seek treatment as soon as possible. The sooner you have your podiatrist diagnose the fracture, the quicker you’ll be on the way towards recovery.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in Bowie, MD . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.