A sudden twist of the ankle in an unnatural degree can render it in getting injured. This can be a quite distressing condition, wherein, pain is triggered even on slight movement of the ankle. Observing the symptoms can help a doctor diagnose, whether the ankle is really fractured or just sprained.

The ankle is an important joint in the body, which supports the balance and movement of the feet. The fibula and the tibia are two bones, which make up the ankle joint. The movement of these bones helps in the motion of the feet. Sometimes an injury or a blow to the ankle may cause the bones to break. Suffering from a fracture is quite painful as the bone gets dislocated from the joint and even a slight movement can trigger excruciating pain.

Falling, getting hit by something, suffering a severe ankle sprain (which is often overlooked) during sports or strenuous exercise, are some of the causative factors of an ankle fracture. In a fracture, the bone is usually broken or misaligned from the joint. Determining the intensity of the injury depends on the type of fracture. Some of the most common types of ankle fractures are given below.

• In a non-displaced fracture, the bones are cracked (similar to a hairline fracture), but are still attached to the joint.
• Displaced fracture occurs when the broken bones are misaligned.
• In a closed fracture, though the bones are broken, the skin remains intact.
• In some cases, the bones get cracked and tend to tear the outer skin at the site of the injury. It is also known as compound fracture. This kind of fracture is an open fracture, which is a cause of concern, as the open wound may lead to infections.
• An avulsion fracture, which is a serious type, occurs when a part of the broken bone is torn away from the bone, to which it was attached by muscles and ligaments.

Symptoms

A strong blow or a sudden jerk can cause a fracture in the ankle. Experiencing a fractured or broken ankle can be very distressing as it causes a hindrance to movement and normal activities. Following symptoms can help diagnose the degree of the fracture:

• The first indication of a broken ankle is severe ankle pain. Touching the affected region can also trigger pain. Sometimes the pain is so severe that the person is unable to stand up.
• He may also show signs of a shock, due to which, he won't be able to feel intense pain for several minutes after the injury.
• Pain is followed by significant swelling at the site of injury. Swelling can also occur, starting from the leg and extending to the knee. Hence, a swollen ankle and leg, are common signs of a fractured ankle in most individuals.
• Bruises and appearance of blisters on the injury site, are also a few noticeable symptoms. The skin around the affected region may turn bluish black due to the disruption in blood circulation.
• Since the ankle bones have broken, it may appear deformed and out of place, when compared to a normal ankle. At times, the bone tends to protrude through the skin, which is a sign of a severe fracture and needs prompt medical attention.
• In rare cases, the individual may hear a popping or cracking sound, which can be an indication that it could be a bone fracture. In addition to the broken ankle, some individuals may also suffer from an open wound. However, this symptom occurs very rarely.

Diagnosis and Treatment

To diagnose the severity of the fracture, the doctor may review the symptoms and also, inquire about the cause of injury. In addition to this, the person may have to undergo an ankle X-ray, wherein, the exact site of the fracture and the position of the bones may be visible. The doctor may determine the severity of the injury on the type of fracture. The primary treatment for a fractured ankle is immobilization. The injured leg is wrapped in a cast and is kept in an elevated position, while lying down, above the level of the heart. In case of swelling, warm compresses are applied to the affected area. The doctor may also prescribe pain killers and anti-inflammatory drugs to provide relief from pain. Resuming normal activities after the injury, mainly depends on the type of fracture. The orthopedic may also refer a physiotherapist, who will help the individual regain normal functioning of the ankle through exercise.

If you have any of the above-mentioned symptoms, consult a doctor for proper treatment. Strict bed rest is advisable, as movement can aggravate the condition and make it even worse. Take care!