Get Back on Your Feet! Discover Effective Ways to Treat Ankle Fractures
If you are wondering how to treat ankle fracture, we will be discussing it here. Fractures occur when bones break apart due to excessive force being applied to them. When this happens, the bone fragments may move out of place and cause pain.
A fracture can happen if someone falls down, gets hit by something heavy, or suffers some kind of trauma. In the case of a fractured ankle, the injury occurs when the foot twists inwardly while the leg remains straight. The ankle joint is the connection between the lower leg (tibia) and the upper leg (fibula). If the ligaments around the ankle joint tear, then the ankle becomes unstable and can twist inwardly. This causes the bones to separate and become displaced.
What happened?
Ankle fractures occur when the foot bone (the tibia) gets broken. These injuries happen when someone falls down or lands awkwardly on their feet. Ankle sprains are less serious than ankle fractures, but they still require medical attention. Sprained ankles often result from twisting motions while walking or running.
How do I know if I have an injury?
If you feel pain in your ankle after falling down, then you probably have an injury. You may not notice any bruising or swelling at first, but these symptoms will appear over time. If you experience severe pain, you should seek medical help right away.
Is my ankle broken?
Ankle fracture occurs when the foot bone breaks. An X-ray is the best way to determine whether you have suffered an ankle fracture. In some cases, doctors use special imaging techniques called computed tomography scans (CT scans). CT scans provide detailed images of bones and soft tissues inside the body. Doctors sometimes use them to diagnose certain types of cancer.
Will I need surgery?
Surgery is rarely necessary to treat ankle fractures. However, if you suffer from arthritis or other joint problems, then you might need to undergo arthroscopic surgery. Arthroscopy involves inserting small tools into the knee or ankle joints to remove loose cartilage, repair damaged ligaments, and clean out debris.
Can I walk again?
You can walk normally without crutches or a splint. But you should avoid putting weight on your injured leg until your doctor says it’s okay. Your doctor may recommend using a cane or a brace to protect your ankle. He or she may also prescribe anti-inflammatory medications to reduce inflammation and pain.
When can I return to work?
It’s always best to consult your physician before returning to work. Most people who suffer ankle fractures heal well and recover fully in about six weeks. But you should take care to avoid activities that could aggravate your injury.
Should I wear a cast?
A cast helps immobilize your ankle and keep it stable. If you are wondering how to treat ankle fracture a cast can prevent further damage to your ankle and allow healing to begin. After several days of wearing a cast, you’ll likely start physical therapy to regain mobility and strengthen muscles around your ankle. Physical therapists teach you how to move your ankle properly and gradually increase your activity level.
Below Are Some Tips On How To Treat Ankle Fracture
- Don’t do anything strenuous until healed.
- Use ice packs to reduce swelling.
- Stretch the tendons and ligaments.
- Avoid walking barefoot.
- Do not walk on any kind of surface.
- Make sure you get enough rest (sleep). If possible, sleep on a soft bed rather than on hard surfaces.
- Get massages daily.
- Take deep breaths.
- Eat plenty of fruits and vegetables.
- Drink lots of water.
- Stay away from alcohol.
- Exercise regularly.
- Keep warm.
- Wear loose clothing.
Getting back on your feet after a broken ankle
- Take baby steps – When starting to walk again after having ankle surgery, it’s best to take baby steps. You should not expect yourself to run immediately after the procedure. In fact, you may need to wait sometime before trying to walk again. Your doctor will likely recommend taking it slow and steady at first. If you feel pain while walking, stop and rest until the pain subsides. When you do begin walking, make sure you’re wearing proper shoes to prevent further injury.
- Keep pressure off the foot – If you have had surgery to repair broken bones in your feet, you’ll want to keep the area elevated above your heart level. This helps reduce swelling and keeps blood flowing freely. A pillow or folded towel placed under your leg will help keep things elevated. Avoid putting any weight on the injured foot until it heals completely.
- Use crutches – You’ll probably need to use crutches until your foot heals. Crutches allow you to move around without putting any strain on your ankle joint. While using them, try to avoid lifting anything heavy or bending your knee excessively. As long as your foot feels comfortable, you don’t necessarily need to wear crutches 24 hours a day. Just make sure they’re always nearby.
- Wear compression socks – Wearing compression socks will help relieve swelling and promote healing. Compression stockings provide additional support for the ankle and surrounding muscles. These types of socks are often worn over regular socks to ensure maximum comfort. Worn correctly, these socks could even help protect your foot from infection.
- Ice your ankle – Applying ice packs to your ankle will help reduce inflammation and soreness. Wrap the ice pack in a plastic bag and place it directly onto your skin. Leave it on for 10-15 minutes at a time. Do this several times a day until your foot feels much improved.
- Drink plenty of water – Drinking enough water will help flush out toxins from your body and keep fluids flowing throughout your system. Water is especially important if you’ve recently undergone surgery since it flushes away harmful chemicals. Make sure you drink plenty of water throughout the day.
- Exercise regularly – Exercise helps improve circulation and oxygen flow in your body. Try to get moving as soon as possible following surgery. Walking, jogging, swimming, biking – whatever activity you enjoy doing, just find something you can do. Staying active will keep your mind focused on good things instead of bad things.
How To Treat Ankle Fracture At Home
Do the following if you want to take care of your ankle fracture at home:
- Ice – Ice is the best way to treat ankle fractures. Apply ice directly to the injured area for 20 minutes at a time, three times per day. Do not use cold compresses or wrap the foot in a towel; instead, apply the ice directly to the injury site. If possible, elevate the leg above the heart level to reduce swelling.
- Elevate Leg – Elevating the leg helps prevent blood clots from forming in the legs. When lying down, place a pillow under the knee to raise the leg slightly off the bed.
- Rest – Resting the injured limb reduces pain and inflammation. Avoid walking around until the pain subsides.
- Compression Stockings – Compression stockings help relieve swelling and promote healing. Wear them continuously while resting.
- Anti-Inflammatory Medications – Anti-inflammatory medications may be prescribed by your doctor if they are necessary. Ibuprofen (Advil) and naproxen (Aleve) are two examples of over-the-counter anti-inflammatories.
- Physical Therapy – Physical therapy is often recommended after surgery to restore the range of motion and strengthen muscles. Your physical therapist may recommend exercises to improve circulation and flexibility.
- Splint – A splint immobilizes the joint and prevents movement. A cast is a type of splint that covers the entire lower extremity. An elastic bandage is a less expensive alternative.
- Surgery – Surgery is sometimes necessary to repair damaged bones. In some cases, surgery is performed to remove bone fragments.
