All of the tasks and activities you are involved in on a daily basis can take a toll on your feet. While they are incredibly designed to withstand extreme amounts of stress, they have their limits like any other part of your body. Ankles are especially vulnerable to injury and broken ankles are very common.
There are three bones that make up your ankle joint and even a small or minor injury can prove harmful to these bones. Most often the result of injury, a broken ankle can be as small as a crack or a severe break. Also called a fracture, a break can happen with a minor injury and may not even be obvious.
Dr. Jeff Bowman, foot and ankle specialist in Houston, TX has treated many patients with broken ankles who weren’t even aware they had that level of injury. A severe sprain can result in a lot of pain as well so look for the following symptoms to diagnose a possible fracture:
- Painful to the touch
- Swelling
- Bruising
- Limited or no ability to bear weight on the ankle
- Deformity
If you experience any of these symptoms after an injury, avoid putting any weight on the ankle. Apply an ice pack and elevate your leg to reduce pain and swelling. If possible, immobilize the ankle by wrapping it and see a health care professional as soon as possible. X-rays will be needed to identify which bone is broken and the severity of your injury.
There are serious risks involved if an injury like this is not cared for appropriately. Arthritis, infection and nerve damage can develop if the fracture is not properly treated. If you have any ankle pain, either from injury or that has come on over time, please contact Houston Foot Specialists for help. You can call our podiatric office at (713) 467-8886 or visit us online.
©2013 Jeff Bowman., All Rights Reserved
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