Could you be dealing with a fractured ankle? Read on to find out.
An injury to the ankle can often present with symptoms of pain, swelling and bruising, so it isn’t always easy to figure out if you are dealing with a strain, sprain or a fracture; however, it’s important to be able to spot the signs of a fracture so that you can seek immediate treatment from our Burbank, CA, podiatrists to prevent further complications.
What are the signs and symptoms of an ankle fracture?
The most common sign that you’re dealing with an ankle fracture is sudden and intense pain. This pain will appear immediately after an injury or accident. The pain may radiate throughout the foot and leg. Along with pain you may also notice,
- Bruising at the injury site
- Swelling
- Tenderness to the touch
- Pain or difficulty putting weight on the ankle or walking on it
- If the fracture is severe you may even notice a piece of bone sticking out or a visible deformity (signs of an ankle joint dislocation)
When should I see a doctor?
If you even suspect that you might be dealing with an ankle fracture you should see your Burbank, CA, podiatrist right away. Any kind of severe or sudden ankle or foot pain requires immediate attention. Since ankle sprains may also cause many of these symptoms it’s important for our doctor to be able to diagnose your injury so that you can make sure you are treating it properly. A sprain, strain or fracture will require different levels of care.
How is a fractured ankle treated?
Along with following the RICE method (rest, ice, compression and elevation), your podiatrist may recommend a variety of ways to lessen pain and swelling and speed up healing. Treatments may include,
- Pain relievers
- Bracing
- Compression or splinting
- Stretching and strengthening exercises
- Casting or crutching (depending on the extent of the fracture)
- Physical therapy and rehabilitation
- Surgery (in more severe cases)
From ankle fractures and diabetic ulcers to chronic heel pain and arthritis, there are many reasons to turn to our Burbank, Northridge, and Santa Clarita, CA, podiatrists for care. In fact, our doctor was one of the first doctors to perform a total ankle replacement in California. If you are looking for foot and ankle experts to treat your fractured ankle, then call the Los Angeles Institute of Foot and Ankle Surgery at (818) 848-5588.