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Ankle Fracture Treatment in Pune
Get advanced ankle fracture treatment in Pune with orthopaedic surgeons providing fixation, realignment, and rehabilitation for full recovery.
Overview
An ankle fracture, commonly called a broken ankle, happens when one or more bones in your ankle joint break. This injury can seriously affect your daily life and requires patience and proper care to heal correctly.
Your ankle joint is made up of three main bones: the tibia (shinbone), the fibula (smaller leg bone), and the talus (foot bone). The severity of an ankle fracture can range from a small crack that might allow you to walk, to severe breaks that make the ankle unstable and require you to stay off your feet completely.
Generally, the more bones involved in the fracture, the less stable your ankle becomes. Strong tissues called ligaments that hold your ankle bones together may also get damaged, making your ankle even more unstable.
Symptoms
It can be hard to tell the difference between a bad ankle sprain and a broken ankle because they have similar symptoms.
Common symptoms of an ankle fracture include:
- Severe and immediate pain that feels throbbing and focuses on the ankle area
- Significant swelling around the ankle that may spread to your foot or up toward your knee
- Bruising or discoloration that appears black and blue from internal bleeding
- Tenderness when touched – the broken bone area will be very sensitive
- Inability to bear weight on the injured foot due to extreme pain
- Visible deformity where the ankle looks “out of place” or has an abnormal shape
- Open fracture in severe cases where bone pieces break through the skin, creating a serious wound with high infection risk
Causes
Ankle fractures usually happen when too much force or stress is applied to the bones and ligaments of your ankle joint. Most broken ankles result from accidents, sports incidents, or high-impact events.
Common causes include:
- Twisting or rolling the ankle during activities that require quick direction changes like basketball or soccer
- Falls from tripping or landing on your feet after jumping from a height
- Car accidents that cause crushing injuries to the ankle
- Missteps like putting your foot down wrong or stumbling
- Repetitive stress from activities like long-distance running that can cause small stress fractures over time
Risk Factors
Several factors can increase your chances of getting an ankle fracture:
- High-impact sports like basketball, football, gymnastics, and soccer that involve direct hits and twisting injuries
- Poor technique or equipment including inadequate training, skipping warm-ups, or wearing worn-out shoes
- Sudden increase in activity when you rapidly increase exercise duration, intensity, or frequency
- Cluttered or poorly lit homes that can lead to falls and ankle injuries
- Medical conditions like osteoporosis that weaken bones and make them more likely to break
- Smoking which increases osteoporosis risk and slows fracture healing
- Diabetes and circulation problems that complicate wound and fracture healing
- Age – older adults, especially women over 65, have higher rates of ankle fractures
Diagnosis
Getting an accurate diagnosis of your ankle fracture is crucial for proper treatment and preventing long-term problems.
Physical Examination
Your doctor will discuss your medical history, symptoms, and how the injury happened. They’ll carefully examine your ankle, foot, and lower leg, checking for the exact location of pain, range of motion, and condition of nerves and blood vessels. They’ll also check for swelling and soft tissue damage.
Imaging Tests
If an ankle fracture is suspected, various tests provide detailed information about your injury:
- X-rays are the most common first test, showing if bone is broken, how much displacement exists, and how many pieces the fracture has
- Stress tests may be done with special X-rays that apply pressure to determine if certain fractures need surgery
- CT scans provide detailed cross-sectional images, especially useful when fractures extend into the ankle joint
- MRI scans show both bones and soft tissues like ligaments and cartilage, helpful for evaluating ligament sprains and stress fractures
Types
Doctors classify ankle fractures based on which bones are broken and where. Your ankle has three sides and a “roof” – the tibia forms the inner side and roof, while the fibula forms the outer and back sides.
Common types include:
- Lateral malleolus fracture – the most common type involving the bony bump on the outside of your ankle
- Medial malleolus fracture – involving the bony bump on the inside of your ankle
- Posterior malleolus fracture – affecting the back section of the ankle joint
- Bimalleolar fracture – involving two of the three malleoli, typically unstable
- Trimalleolar fracture – the most severe type involving all three malleoli
- Pilon fracture – affecting the weight-bearing “roof” of the ankle
- Syndesmotic injury – involving ligaments between the tibia and fibula
Fractures can also be classified as displaced (bones separated or misaligned) or nondisplaced (bones broken but in correct position).
Stages
Recovering from a broken ankle happens in four main phases, and full recovery may take up to a year.
Initial Healing Phase (Weeks 1-6)
This stage focuses on bone healing and reducing swelling. Your ankle is kept still with a cast, brace, or boot. You may not be allowed to put weight on your ankle depending on how severe the fracture is. Swelling and pain are managed with elevation, ice, and prescribed medications.
Transition to Weight-Bearing (Weeks 6-12)
As your bone heals, your doctor will gradually allow you to put partial to full weight on your ankle. Rehabilitation exercises often begin to restore movement and prevent stiffness. You may still need crutches or a walking boot for support.
Strengthening and Rehabilitation (Months 3-6)
Once you’re cleared for full weight-bearing, focus shifts to rebuilding strength and stability. Balance and coordination training help improve stability and prevent re-injury. Low-impact activities like swimming or cycling can be gradually added.
Full Recovery and Return to Activity (Months 6-12)
While many daily activities can resume within six months, complete recovery can take up to a year. High-impact sports should only be resumed with medical clearance. Continued physical therapy is essential to maintain ankle strength and prevent re-injury.
Treatment
Treatment for an ankle fracture depends on the type and severity of the fracture, how much the bones are out of place, and the overall stability of your ankle joint.
Non-Surgical Treatment
Non-surgical treatment is used for stable fractures where bone pieces aren’t significantly out of place or for patients who aren’t good candidates for surgery.
Methods include:
- Immobilization with a cast, brace, or walking boot
- Rest and elevation to reduce swelling and pain
- Pain control with prescribed medications
- Regular X-rays to monitor healing and ensure bone pieces don’t shift
Surgical Treatment
Surgery is often recommended for unstable fractures, displaced fractures, or severe fractures involving multiple bones. The goal is to realign bone pieces and stabilize them permanently.
Common surgical procedures include:
- Open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) – repositioning broken bones and securing them with metal implants like screws, plates, or rods
- External fixator – temporary stabilization using pins placed outside the ankle
- Bone grafting when needed to help new bone growth
- Ankle arthroscopy for minimally invasive treatment of associated damage
After surgery, your ankle will be immobilized in a cast or splint while healing.
Rehabilitation
Rehabilitation is crucial for recovery after an ankle fracture, whether you had surgery or not. The goal is to restore full ankle function and prevent long-term problems.
Key aspects include:
- Physical therapy with personalized plans to improve movement and strength
- Home exercise programs that you must do consistently
- Gradual weight-bearing progression following your doctor’s strict instructions
- Strengthening exercises to rebuild muscles around your ankle
- Supportive devices like braces that may be recommended during activities
Physical therapy plays a vital role in managing symptoms, restoring flexibility and strength, and improving your ability to bear weight and walk normally.
Complications
While most ankle fractures heal successfully, both non-surgical and surgical treatment can lead to various complications.
Non-Surgical Complications
- Ankle stiffness with restricted range of motion
- Blood clots in the leg that can travel to the lungs
- Joint redislocation where the ankle shifts out of proper position
- Skin problems from prolonged cast pressure
- Healing problems including delayed healing, failure to heal, or healing in wrong position
- Chronic instability and delayed return to normal activities
- Arthritis that can develop years after the fracture
Surgical Complications
- Infection at the surgical site (occurs in about 4.4% of cases)
- Painful scarring or wound separation
- Hardware problems with implants breaking, loosening, or causing discomfort
- Nerve or blood vessel damage during surgery
- Post-traumatic arthritis despite proper treatment
- Charcot arthropathy – a serious complication especially in people with diabetes
The risk of complications is highest within the first four months after surgery. People with diabetes, lung, kidney, or liver disease have higher risks of short-term complications.
Prevention
While some ankle fractures can’t be prevented, several steps can significantly reduce your risk:
- Wear proper shoes that provide good arch support and shock absorption
- Strengthen ankle muscles with regular exercises and balance training
- Avoid overexertion by listening to your body and getting adequate rest
- Address underlying conditions like osteoporosis with your healthcare provider
- Maintain balanced fitness including aerobic exercise, strength training, and flexibility work
- Build bone strength with adequate calcium and vitamin D
- Eliminate home hazards by keeping areas clutter-free and well-lit
- Be careful on uneven surfaces to minimize missteps and twisting injuries
- Use protective equipment appropriate for your activities and sports
Living With Sprained Ankle
Living with a broken ankle can be challenging and requires patience and following your treatment plan. Recovery time varies greatly based on fracture severity and whether surgery was needed.
Pain management is important during healing. Your doctor will help manage pain with medications, but use opioids only as directed due to addiction risk. Regular follow-up appointments are crucial to monitor healing and adjust your rehabilitation plan.
Don’t rush your recovery – resuming activities too quickly can lead to re-injury or improper healing. Your doctor will guide you on when you can safely bear weight, drive (typically 9-12 weeks after injury), and return to work or sports.
Key Takeaways
- Ankle fractures involve breaks in one or more ankle bones, with severity ranging from minor cracks to complex injuries
- Symptoms include severe pain, swelling, bruising, and difficulty bearing weight
- Causes range from twisting injuries and falls to high-impact trauma
- Diagnosis requires physical examination and imaging tests like X-rays and CT scans
- Treatment options include non-surgical immobilization or surgical repair depending on fracture type
- Rehabilitation with physical therapy is essential for restoring function
- Complications can include infection, healing problems, and arthritis
- Prevention involves proper footwear, strengthening exercises, and addressing medical conditions
At Sancheti Hospital, we understand that ankle fractures can significantly impact your quality of life and mobility. Our team of experienced orthopedic specialists is dedicated to providing comprehensive care for all types of ankle injuries, from simple fractures to complex cases requiring advanced surgical intervention.
We offer state-of-the-art diagnostic imaging, minimally invasive surgical techniques, and personalized rehabilitation programs designed to help you achieve optimal recovery.
Our multidisciplinary approach combines the expertise of orthopedic surgeons, physical therapists, and support staff to ensure you receive the highest quality care throughout your healing journey.
Whether you need non-surgical treatment or complex surgical repair, Sancheti Hospital is committed to helping you regain full function and return to the activities you love with confidence and strength.
Meet Our Foot and Ankle Specialists
Patient Stories & Experiences
The pain in my left knee left me feeling helpless for years. After my treatment here, I can finally say I'm pain-free.
Vinita Singh
The nerves were swollen, and the body went numb. But thanks to Sancheti Hospital, I got a second life!
Parvati
I finally could walk again, a relief I've only felt after the hip pain surgery. I thank the doctors at Sancheti Hospital for their help.
Balaji Kharat
I'm a police officer, and I'm extremely thankful to Sancheti Hospital for treating my fracture without surgery.
Shantilal
My life has completely changed after the knee replacement surgery at Sancheti Hospital. It's like I can finally live again!
Kalpana Lepcha
The knee pain I've carried for years finally went away with the help of Sancheti Hospital.
Karuna
I can't believe that I get to finally live a normal and happy life, all thanks to the knee surgery I had at Sancheti Hospital.
Kishore Bhosle
Frequently Asked Questions
Will I need surgery if I break my ankle?
Not always. Surgery is typically needed only if the bones are displaced (out of position), the fracture is unstable, or multiple bones are involved. Simple, stable fractures can often heal with just a cast or boot.
Can I drive with a broken ankle?
No, you shouldn’t drive until your doctor clears you. If it’s your right ankle, you can’t safely operate the brake pedal. Even with a left ankle injury, the cast or boot can interfere with pedal control.
Will my ankle be the same as before after healing?
Most people regain full function, but some may experience mild stiffness or occasional discomfort, especially with weather changes. Severe fractures have higher chances of long-term changes like arthritis.
When can I return to sports after breaking my ankle?
This depends on your sport and fracture type. Low-impact activities may resume in 3-4 months, while high-impact sports like basketball or soccer typically require 6-12 months. Your doctor will assess your specific situation.
