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What is a broken ankle?

What are the symptoms of a broken ankle?

How can doctors tell if my ankle is broken?

How do doctors treat a broken ankle?

Fractures

Overview of Broken Bones

Compression Fractures of the Spine

Growth Plate Fractures

ADDITIONAL CONTENT

Which of the following is the most common cause of ischemic hepatitis?

Blocked blood vessels in the hepatic artery and hepatic vein
Decreased blood flow throughout the body
Decreased oxygen levels in the body due to severe respiratory disorders
Increased need for both oxygen and blood resulting from severe bodywide infection (sepsis)

Broken Ankle

(Ankle Fracture)

By

The Manual's Editorial Staff

Last full review/revision Feb 2021| Content last modified Feb 2021

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Your ankle joint is where the 2 long bones in your lower leg meet the small bones at the top of your foot. A break in any of these bones can be considered a broken ankle. But doctors usually say "broken ankle" when you've broken one of the long bones. All broken bones are considered fractures. For more information, see Overview of Broken Bones.

Ankle fractures are common
Your ankle will be painful and swollen
You'll need a splint, cast, or sometimes surgery depending on how bad the fracture is

Symptoms include:

Pain and swelling in your ankle
An inability to put weight on your foot

Doctors do:

X-rays

Doctors will:

Push your bones back into place if they're not lined up properly
Have you wear a splint or a cast for about 6 weeks, until your bones heal
If needed, do surgery to put the bones back into place and hold them there with metal pins, rods, screws, or plates

You may need physical therapy after the splint or cast comes off.

If the bones stay in place, the ankle usually heals well. If the bones come out of position, you may get arthritis and have a higher chance of getting another ankle fracture.

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Overview of Broken Bones

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