What is an Ankle Fracture?
Broken Ankle Treatment in Boston, MA
A fracture is a partial or complete break in a bone. If you have an ankle fracture, this could mean you have a broken ankle. There are a number of types of ankle fractures, and most cause severe pain.
If you’re experiencing symptoms of an ankle fracture, don’t wait to see a specialist. For patients in the Boston area, sports medicine specialist George Theodore, MD is here to help. Dr. Theodore is a Boston Magazine Top Doctor and the Orthopedic Foot & Ankle consultant to the Boston Red Sox, New England Patriots, New England Revolution, Boston Bruins, Boston Ballet, and Harvard University Athletics. He has performed over 2,000 surgeries in his more than 20 years of experience, and treats all his patients – from professional athletes to weekend warriors – with the same same kindness, sensitivity for their injury, and devotion to their care. Contact us today to schedule a consultation by calling (617) 724-7009, or request an appointment through our secure online form.
What are the Types of Ankle Fractures?
Fractures in the ankle can range from
- the less serious avulsion injuries where you may have a small piece of bone that has been pulled off
- the more serious breaks of the tibia, fibula, or both bones
- a stress fracture where the bone gets a crack
- to a bone fracture where the fracture of the bone causes it to change shape
To better understand ankle fractures, it helps to know that you have three bones that make up your ankle joint:
- Tibia – shinbone
- Fibula – smaller bone of the lower leg
- Talus – a small bone that sits between the heel bone (calcaneus) and the tibia and fibula
There are also two joints involved in ankle fractures:
- Ankle joint – where the tibia, fibula, and talus meet
- Syndesmosis joint – the joint between the tibia and fibula, which is held together by ligaments
There are multiple ligaments that help make the ankle joint stable that may also be involved in the injury.
How are Ankle Fractures Diagnosed?
If you have severe ankle pain, it is a good idea to talk to your provider. There are many ankle injuries that range from sprains to fractures, and a trained provider will be able to help you locate and diagnose your injury.
You may be feeling:
- Immediate, throbbing pain
- Swelling
- Bruising
- Tenderness
- Deformity
- Difficulty or pain with walking or bearing weight
Dr. Theodore will conduct a physical examination and ask you about your symptoms. You may need an X-ray, Computed tomography (CT) scan, Magnetic resonance imagery (MRI), or a bone scan to confirm the fracture. This will give you a better look at your ankle to see what bones are involved in the pain.
Give Dr. Theodore A Call If You Suspect An Ankle Fracture
It is important to seek proper care for ankle fractures. With so many ligaments, bones, and joints there is a lot of healing that may need to take place. It is vital to get the proper diagnosis and follow the recommended treatment plan for best results. As you listen to your provider and develop a plan together, you will get optimal care for your ankle fracture.
If you do need surgery, Dr. Theodore will explain the process and help you know what to expect. A sudden ankle injury can disrupt your quality of life, but our providers are there to help you through it.
Schedule a Broken Ankle Consultation
If you’re experiencing symptoms of a broken ankle in the Boston area, give sports medicine specialist George Theodore, MD a call today. Dr. Theodore is Boston’s top Foot and Ankle Surgeon and is highly trained to assist in foot and ankle symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment.
Get Back in the Game
This content has been reviewed by board-certified orthopedic surgeon George Theodore, MD, Orthopedic Foot & Ankle consultant to the Boston Red Sox, New England Patriots, New England Revolution, Boston Bruins, Boston Ballet, and Harvard University Athletics.
