Ankle Fractures
Ankle Fracture Surgery in Spartanburg, Duncan and Greenville, SC
Ankle Fracture Overview
Ankle fractures are a common type of fracture where one or more of the ankle bones break. Ankles fractures do not heal on their own and their symptoms become worse if they are not treated. An appointment with a Carolina Orthopaedic and Neurosurgical Associates’ (CONA) foot and ankle specialist should be made as soon as possible after an ankle injury.
Symptoms & Causes
Ankle fracture symptoms include:
- Bruising
- Difficulty walking or bearing weight
- Severe Pain
- Swelling
- Tenderness
Ankle fracture causes include:
- Falling
- Impact accidents
- Rolling the ankle
- Tripping
- Twisting the ankle
Common Treatments:
Nonsurgical treatment options treat nondisplaced ankle fractures—the bone remains anatomically aligned after the fracture. After a thorough evaluation, a CONA foot and ankle specialist may recommend:
- Crutches
- Immobilization in a cast, splint or boot
- Pain and anti-inflammatory medications
- Rest, ice, compression, elevation (RICE)
Surgery may be recommended to treat displaced ankle fractures—the bone is not anatomically aligned after the fracture. During an open reduction internal fixation procedure, a CONA ankle specialist aligns and fixates the bone.