Ankle Fracture
Ankle fracture treatment in Thane. A broken ankle is one of the most common fractures. Some heal well in a boot or plaster; others need surgery to line the joint up precisely.
What Is an Ankle Fracture?
An ankle fracture is a break in one or more of the bones that make up the ankle joint. The ankle is formed by the lower ends of the two leg bones, the tibia (shinbone) and the fibula (the thin outer bone), sitting on top of a foot bone called the talus. Strong ligaments hold these bones together.
Most ankle fractures happen when the foot twists or rolls, for example on a stair, a pothole, a wet floor or during sport. Older people with weaker bones can break an ankle from a simple slip.
Because the ankle carries your full body weight, it needs to heal in exactly the right position. Even a small shift in the joint can lead to pain and arthritis later.
Types of Ankle Fracture
- Outer ankle (lateral malleolus) fracture: a break in the lower end of the fibula. This is the most common type, and many are stable.
- Inner ankle (medial malleolus) fracture: a break in the inner bump of the shinbone.
- Bimalleolar fracture: both the inner and outer sides are broken, which makes the ankle unstable.
- Trimalleolar fracture: the back of the shinbone is broken as well.
- Syndesmosis injury: the ligament that holds the two leg bones together is torn, sometimes without an obvious fracture.
Signs of a Broken Ankle
A broken ankle can be hard to tell from a bad sprain. Signs that point to a fracture include:
- Severe pain straight after the injury
- Being unable to put weight on the foot or take four steps
- Pain when you press on the bony bumps on either side of the ankle
- Fast swelling and bruising
- An ankle that looks out of shape
Not sure? Book a consultation to have it checked.
How It Is Diagnosed
Dr. Gadkari examines the ankle and foot, checks the blood supply and feeling, and arranges X-rays from several angles. Sometimes X-rays are taken while standing, to see whether the joint stays in line under weight. A CT scan helps plan surgery for complex fractures.
Treatment Options
Without Surgery
Stable fractures, where the bones have not moved and the joint is in line, usually heal in a walking boot or plaster for around six weeks. Follow-up X-rays check that the bones stay in place.
Surgery
Unstable fractures, where the bones have moved or the joint is out of line, usually do better with surgery. The broken pieces are put back in place and held with a plate and screws (internal fixation). This lets the joint heal in the right position.
Waiting for Swelling to Settle
If the ankle is very swollen, the operation may be done a few days later, once the skin is ready. The leg is kept raised and supported in a splint.
Anaesthesia
Usually a spinal anaesthetic or a nerve block, sometimes with sedation.
Lining Up the Bones
Through small cuts on the side of the ankle, the broken bones are moved back into position.
Fixing in Place
A thin plate and screws hold the bones while they heal. A torn syndesmosis ligament may be held with a screw or a strong cord.
Protecting the Repair
The ankle is placed in a splint or boot, and you are shown how to walk with crutches or a walker.
Your Recovery Timeline
Weeks 0 to 2
Leg raised as much as possible. Stitches removed at about two weeks after surgery.
Weeks 2 to 6
Boot or plaster. Weight-bearing as your surgeon advises, often limited after surgery.
Weeks 6 to 12
Gradually more weight and walking. Physiotherapy for movement, strength and balance.
3 to 6 Months
Most people are back to normal walking and work. Swelling can come and go for months.
6 to 12 Months
Return to running and sport for most people.
Typical milestones. Everyone heals at a different pace, and your physiotherapist will adjust the plan to you.
Common Worries, Answered
Will the plate set off airport scanners?
Sometimes, but it is rarely a problem. You do not need a certificate; simply tell the security staff if the scanner sounds.
Why is my ankle still swollen months later?
Swelling after an ankle fracture often lasts for several months, especially at the end of the day. Raising the leg, compression stockings and staying active help it settle.
Will I get arthritis later?
Putting the joint back in exactly the right position is the best protection. Some people develop ankle arthritis years later, especially after severe fractures that involve the joint surface.
Risks Explained Plainly
Surgery for an ankle fracture is common and usually successful. The main risks are wound healing problems or infection (higher in smokers and people with diabetes), blood clots, stiffness, irritation from the plate, which can be removed later if needed, and arthritis in the long term. Dr. Gadkari will explain how these apply to you before you decide.
Frequently Asked Questions
When can I walk on a broken ankle?
It depends on the fracture. Stable fractures can often take weight in a boot within days. After surgery, many people keep weight off the ankle for around six weeks while the bone heals. Dr. Gadkari will tell you exactly how much weight your ankle can take and when.
I have diabetes. Does that change how my ankle fracture is treated?
Yes. Diabetes can slow bone and wound healing and reduce feeling in the foot, so the ankle may need longer protection and closer follow-up. Keeping your blood sugar well controlled helps the fracture heal.
Do plates and screws have to be removed later?
Usually not. Most plates, screws and nails stay in for life without causing problems. They are removed only if they cause pain, irritation or infection, or in some younger patients.
Do I need an X-ray for a sprain?
You need an X-ray if you cannot take four steps on the injured leg, if a bone is tender to press, or if the joint looks deformed. These can be signs of a fracture rather than a sprain.
Book a Consultation
Talk to Dr. Gadkari about an ankle fracture. Message the clinic on WhatsApp or call, and they will find a time and place that suits you.
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