Ankle Injuries

What is an ankle injury?

Your ankle is where the bones of your lower leg (tibia and fibula) meet your ankle bone (talus). Strong bands of tissue called ligaments hold these bones together on the inner (medial) and outer (lateral) sides of your ankle. The back of your ankle is where the Achilles tendon joins your calf muscles to your heel. An ankle injury may result in damage to one or more of these structures.

What are common ankle injuries?

The team at Family Foot and Ankle Center of South Jersey treats a wide range of foot and ankle injuries, including:

Ankle Sprains

Sprained ankles account for about 15% of all sports injuries. However, you don’t need to play sports to sustain a sprained ankle. People of all ages and activity levels are susceptible to ankle sprains.

Fractures

A fracture is a broken bone. Ankle fractures can range in severity from a simple break that doesn’t cause the bone to move out of alignment to a complete shattering of the bone into multiple pieces.

What causes ankle injuries?

These injuries often occur when you roll your ankle or twist it beyond its normal range of motion. This can happen when you step down from a curb the wrong way, trip and fall, or are in a car accident. Playing sports also increases your risk of injuring your ankle.

How can I tell if I have a sprained or fractured ankle?

Severe ankle sprains and mild ankle fractures are nearly impossible to diagnose on your own. They both share common symptoms, including:

• Swelling and bruising
• Immediate, severe pain
• Tenderness

Depending on the severity of the sprain or fracture, you may not be able to bear weight on the injured foot. The best way to find out if your injury is a sprain or fracture is to schedule an appointment at Family Foot and Ankle Center of South Jersey.

How are ankle injuries diagnosed and treated?

To diagnose your ankle injury, your podiatrist reviews your symptoms and medical history and carefully examines your foot. They may take an X-ray to check for broken bones.

Then, they recommend the best course of treatment for your specific condition. Depending on the type and severity of your ankle injury, treatment may include:

• Casting, bracing, or splinting
• Rest, ice, compression, and elevation
• Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medication
• Surgery for severe injuries

If you have an ankle injury, call Family Foot and Ankle Center of South Jersey or book an appointment online today.