Ankle fractures, not just for athletes anymore!

D.C. United’s midfielder, Danny Cruz, was given a sideline diagnosis of a fractured ankle during a game with the Charleston Battery earlier this season. X-Rays taken later that night did not support the premature diagnosis, but it just goes to show you how quickly these injuries can occur, especially during high intensity soccer games. Cruz was benched with two badly bruised ankles after being hit by an opponent.

Elsewhere on the fractured ankle front, on March 15 rapper “Childish Gambino,” was unable to perform at the MTV Woodie Awards because of an ankle fracture sustained during a high energy performance.

Three bones and numerous tendons and ligaments form the ankle so it is important to have an ankle injury evaluated by your podiatrist. Early symptoms include:

    •    Sudden pain

    •    Swelling

    •    Inability to bear weight

    •    Instability

    •    Tenderness when touched

Suffice it to say that due to multiple bones making up the ankle, a fracture can be simple to complex.  In order to diagnose correctly you will need a thorough examination, x-rays, and possibly even a CAT scan or an MRI. Treatment will vary, depending on the severity; however, your doctor’s expertise will guide the way.

Non-surgical treatment usually involves six weeks of immobilization and non-weight bearing inside of a short cast. Displaced fractures are more complex because the bones may be misaligned and require surgery and screw placement to put the bones back into position. While you are in the healing process, you will probably undergo intermittent x-rays, which will help your doctor evaluate your progress. Always listen to your doctor and follow their directions. Once you begin to regain some mobility in your ankle, physical therapy may be required. Your doctor may prescribe exercises for you to do at home, or send you to a therapist.  Either way, do your exercises and follow your strengthening program.  Age, health and whether or not you smoke may be contributing factors to your healing time.

So many variables to ankle injuries require an expert’s advice. If you are injured, call Dr. Pandya at (518) 237-0053 for an evaluation. He has the knowledge and capability to get you set straight. We would like to hear from you if you have a story about an ankle fracture - please comment below!

References:

http://orthoinfo.aaos.org/topic.cfm?topic=a00391
http://www.webmd.com/fitness-exercise/ankle-fracture

Related articles

• Andrew Bogut To Undergo Arthroscopic Surgery On Fractured Ankle (bayarea.sbnation.com)
• Is Dancing With The Stars' Maria Menounos dancing against her doctors orders? (eastpennfoot.wordpress.com)
• Thromboembolic events are uncommon following ankle fracture surgery (eurekalert.org)