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Ankle fractures
A break or breaks in one or more of the three bones that make up the ankle joint, that may or may not puncture the skin.
What is an ankle fracture?
The ankle is formed by the meeting of three bones, the talus in the foot and the tibia and fibula in the leg. An ankle fracture is a common injury that refers to a fracture in one or more of these bones as a result of a fall or impact. The fracture can sometimes result in dislocation of the ankle, therefore different types of treatment are available dependent on the injury itself.
Need to know
While it may often be obvious that you've fractured your ankle, sometimes the symptoms are milder and you think its just a sprain. Its always worth seeing an expert to set your mind at rest.
Symptoms include:
- pain
- swelling
- bruising which may extend into the foot
- finding it difficult to move your foot or stand on it
- skin damage in severe injuries
Your consultant will examine the area carefully and ask you details about the injury. They'll also request an X-ray to confirm the presence of a fracture.
The treatment of a broken ankle depends on whether or not the bones are out of position (displaced) and whether the ligaments have also been damaged so that the ankle is unstable and likely to cause long-term problems.
The treatment may involve just a few weeks off your feet in a supportive boot or plaster and using crutches. If the injury is more severe it may require surgery to pin or plate the bones and repair the ligaments. Ankle fractures usually take about six weeks to heal but can sometimes take several months to get back to full mobility.
LEARN MORE ABOUT ANKLE FRACTURES
What is the difference between a fracture and a break?
Patient stories
Yvette's story: From back pain to hip replacement surgery
Yvette (54) a journalist from Kent, started experiencing pain in her hip seven years ago in 2015. An ex-national gymnast who had been incredibly active and flexible her whole life, Yvette felt concerned about the growing discomfort impacting her quality of life, and so sought help from her GP.
A new hip and straight back into the spin of things
David’s gym video shows him repeatedly pushing up to 100kg on a single leg press – not particularly unusual for this keen cyclist, former competitive squash player and all-round fitness enthusiast. What is unusual is that 52-year-old David had hip surgery just 12 weeks earlier.
Michael's MAKO hip surgery to treat his arthritis
73 year-old Michael, an avid walker and charity worker, was diagnosed with arthritis in January 2021. After facing long waiting times and increasing pain that was becoming more frequent, he started to look elsewhere for treatment.
This content is intended for general information only and does not replace the need for personal advice from a qualified health professional.