Ankle Fracture Treatment

Southeast Wisconsin’s Resource for Ankle Fracture Treatments

The team of doctors at Midwest Orthopedic Specialty Hospital have treated thousands of fractured ankles, otherwise known as broken ankles, at locations throughout Milwaukee and Southeast Wisconsin.

Ankle fractures are injuries that are occurring more frequently today as an aging population remains active. If more than one bone in the ankle joint (there are three) is broken, dislocation has occurred and/or there is ligament involvement, the amount of ankle pain, healing and rehabilitation time can greatly increase.

Fractured Ankle Diagnosis

Because an ankle sprain and fractured ankle can both exhibit similar symptoms, it’s best to seek a medical evaluation by an orthopedic physician which will most likely involve X-rays, an MRI or CT scan. Seek treatment immediately if you experience:

  • Severe ankle pain
  • Inability to move ankle
  • Ankle Swelling
  • Protruding bone or an ankle that seems “out of place”
  • Tenderness and bruising
  • Inability to put weight on your ankle

Treating a Fractured Ankle

There are many factors your doctor will consider in determining how best to treat your broken ankle. Ankle fractures vary widely, depending on factors such as level and location of the break, how many bones are broken, whether or not dislocation has occurred, to name a few.

Non-surgical ankle fracture treatments can range from wearing a high-top tennis shoe to a brace or short leg cast. Ankle fracture surgery is usually indicated when the joint is unstable. Procedures usually include the use of plates and screws to hold the ankle bones together.

Ankle Fracture Recovery & Rehabilitation

It usually takes at least six weeks for a fractured ankle recovery – longer if tendons and ligaments have been involved. During the healing process, it’s likely that your physician will monitor your progress with X-rays.

General recovery from a fractured ankle often takes a duration of three to four months, which is when you will probably be allowed to pursue normal activities, except for sports. However, it can be much longer, depending on your age, physical factors and severity of the ankle fracture.