Ankle Fracture
An ankle fracture is a break in one or more of the bones that make up the ankle joint, a common injury that can happen from a twist, fall, sports injury, or accident.
Anatomy
The ankle joint is formed by three bones:
- The tibia (shin bone)
- The fibula (the smaller bone on the outside of the leg)
- The talus (the bone in the foot that connects to the leg bones)
Together, these bones form a stable hinge that allows the foot to move up and down. Fractures can involve one or more of these bones and may vary from a small crack to a complete break with the bones out of place (dislocation).
Ankle Fracture
Symptoms
Common signs of an ankle fracture include:
- Pain, swelling, and bruising around the ankle
- Difficulty putting weight on the foot
- Tenderness to touch
- Deformity (the ankle may look out of shape).
Diagnosis
Your doctor will examine the ankle and usually order X-rays to confirm the fracture and assess its severity. In more complex cases, a CT scan may be used to look at the joint surface in more detail.
Treatment
Treatment depends on the type and stability of the fracture:
- Stable fractures (where the bones remain well-aligned) can often be treated with a boot or cast, allowing the bones to heal naturally.
- Unstable or displaced fractures (where the bones have shifted) usually need surgery to restore normal alignment and stability.
- Surgery typically involves plates and screws to hold the bones in place while they heal.
Recovery
Bone healing usually takes around 6–8 weeks, but it may take several months to regain full strength, motion, and confidence in walking. Physiotherapy helps improve mobility, balance, and function after immobilisation or surgery.
Possible Complications
Most people recover well, but potential issues can include:
- Stiffness or swelling that lasts for several months
- Difficulty walking on uneven ground
- Arthritis in the ankle joint (especially after severe fractures)
- Nerve or tendon irritation around surgical hardware
- Vitamin C is encouraged to minimise nerve irritation and encourage healing.
When to Seek Help
Seek medical care urgently if you experience:
- Severe pain, swelling, or inability to bear weight
- The ankle looks deformed or out of place
- Numbness or tingling in the foot or toes.
