If you are experiencing swelling and pain in your ankle and are unable to walk, you may be suffering from an ankle fracture. An open fracture can result in infection and a condition known as compartment syndrome. This condition damages the blood vessels and nerves in the area, making it difficult for a person to walk properly. Several different factors can cause an ankle fracture, including working on construction sites and osteoporosis. To avoid this condition, make sure you wear appropriate footwear when working. A medical professional will be able to diagnose the condition and make a proper treatment plan.
Nonsurgical treatment for an ankle fracture
Nonsurgical treatment for an ankle fracture involves immobilizing the ankle in a cast or splint. These devices are usually made of fiberglass or plaster. They often have a side-to-side and posterior piece, with space between them to accommodate swelling. These braces provide good stabilization for the ankle and may require removal after a few weeks.
The treatment options for an ankle fracture depend on the type of fracture and the location of the bone break. In cases where the bone is fractured near the tibia, nonsurgical treatment may be sufficient. The doctor may recommend a short leg cast and high-top tennis shoes to protect the ankle. In other cases, a surgical procedure may be indicated.
Postoperative rehabilitation for an ankle fracture can be slow. The ankle may be in a cast or brace for up to six weeks, and the patient may need to use crutches until the fracture heals completely. During this time, the patient may be unable to bear weight on the ankle for up to 12 weeks. Initial physical therapy treatments are typically focused on controlling pain and swelling. Some patients may also receive electrical stimulation treatments. Others may receive massages to help with muscle pain.
Surgery to realign the bone
Surgery to realign the bone after an ankle fracture can help you regain your ankle’s normal alignment and position. Broken ankles can be extremely painful, and this procedure can help restore proper function and positioning of the joint. In some cases, surgery is not necessary, but it is still a viable option if you are unable to live without your ankle.
Depending on the severity of the injury and whether it is an open fracture, an ankle realignment can be performed to correct the misalignment and regain the ankle’s normal function and stability. A surgeon will remove any fracture fragments that are lodged in the joint and realign the bone. The surgeon may also repair damaged ligaments or place pins to hold the bone in place while it heals.
Recovery time for an ankle fracture varies. It may be six to eight weeks, but this is dependent on the severity and location of the fracture. After surgery, the patient will be admitted to a hospital recovery room, where hospital staff will monitor vital signs and administer painkillers. Some patients may need to stay overnight, but this depends on their progress.
Recovery from surgery
A two to three-hour surgery can be performed to repair an ankle fracture. The patient is sedated and given spinal anesthesia. This is a pain-relieving medicine, which will ensure a pain-free recovery. After the surgery, the patient will need to rest and follow instructions for proper care. Following the procedure, the patient should not change the bandage or cast, take pain medications as directed, and drink plenty of fluids.
An ankle fracture is not a life-threatening condition, but it does require the appropriate treatment. The first step is antibiotics, which are given before surgery. Once the patient has undergone the anesthesia, the surgeon will start the procedure. The surgery involves making incisions in the skin of the ankle and repositioning the broken bones. The surgeon may place screws or plates to secure the bones in place. The doctor may also use a cast or boot to protect the foot from further injury.
Recovery from surgery for an ankle fracture may take several weeks. The ankle is immobilized for the first few weeks after surgery, and patients may need to use crutches, knee scooters, or wheelchairs to get around. Shower chairs are also useful for helping patients to keep their ankle elevated. During the first few weeks, the patient may be unable to put weight on the ankle, so icing may be necessary.
Complications of surgery
Ankle fractures are among the most common orthopedic conditions, but they can also have significant effects on quality of life and functioning. They often result in long-term immobility and pain, limiting patients’ ability to perform routine activities. Though the outcome of ankle fracture surgeries is not fully understood, it is essential to understand the risks of surgery and determine if it is necessary for an individual patient.
Surgical treatment for an ankle fracture can result in postoperative complications, but these are often mild and treatable with medications and repeated outpatient controls. If complications are more serious, revision surgery is often required. This is especially true if a patient’s pain has not been alleviated and/or their function has deteriorated.
After the surgery, the patient will need to visit the doctor regularly to make sure the bone heals properly. The surgery is typically performed to move the bone fragments back into the correct alignment. It may involve the use of metal plates or screws to hold the pieces together. The surgeon may also insert a rod into the bone, which will prevent the fracture from moving back out of place.
