Ankle Fracture SPECIALIST IN HOUSTON TX AND NEARBY AREAS
OF
EXPERIENCE
APPROACH
TO PODIATRY
DOCTOR-PATIENT
RELATIONSHIPS
COMPASSIONATE
CUSTOMER SERVICE
What is AN
Ankle fracture?
Ankle fractures refer to breaks or fractures in one or more of the bones that make up the ankle joint. The ankle joint consists of three main bones: the tibia (shinbone), fibula (smaller bone in the lower leg), and talus (bone in the foot). An ankle fracture can involve any or all of these bones.
Ankle fractures can cause significant pain, swelling, bruising, and difficulty bearing weight on the affected ankle. Treatment for ankle fractures may involve immobilization with a cast or splint, realignment of the bones (reduction) if necessary, and in some cases, surgical intervention to stabilize the fracture with plates, screws, or pins.
What can cause ankle fractures?
Ankle fractures can be caused by various factors and situations, including:
The most common cause of ankle fractures is a traumatic event or injury. This can occur due to falls, sports-related accidents, motor vehicle collisions, or direct blows to the ankle joint. The forceful impact on the ankle can cause the bones to break or fracture.
Ankle fractures can also result from excessive twisting or rolling of the ankle joint. This often happens during activities that involve sudden changes in direction, uneven surfaces, or landing incorrectly from a jump. The twisting motion can put excessive stress on the bones, leading to fractures. Falling from a height or experiencing a significant impact while landing can also result in ankle fractures. This can occur in situations such as tripping on stairs, slipping on icy surfaces, or falling from a ladder or elevated platform.
Participating in high-impact sports or activities that involve rapid movements, jumping, or contact can also increase the risk of ankle fractures. Sports like basketball, soccer, football, and skateboarding are examples of activities where ankle fractures can occur due to the combination of force and sudden movements. Weakening of the bones due to conditions like osteoporosis can make them more susceptible to fractures. In individuals with osteoporosis, even a minor fall or twist can lead to an ankle fracture. Repeated stress on the ankle joint, such as in activities that involve repetitive impact or excessive load-bearing, can contribute to stress fractures. Stress fractures are hairline cracks in the bones and can occur over time due to overuse or repetitive strain on the ankle.
How to tell if you have an Ankle fracture?
Determining whether you have an ankle fracture requires a proper medical evaluation by a Podiatrist. However, there are some signs and symptoms that may indicate a potential ankle fracture. If you experience any of the following, it is important to seek medical attention for a thorough examination and diagnosis by a podiatrist.
Severe pain
An ankle fracture typically causes intense pain, especially when you try to move or put weight on the affected ankle. The pain may be constant, throbbing, or sharp.
Swelling and bruising
Ankle fractures often result in significant swelling around the injured area. The ankle may appear swollen, puffy, or larger than usual. Bruising may also develop around the ankle, extending to the foot.
Inability to bear weight
An ankle fracture can make it difficult or impossible to bear weight on the injured ankle. Attempting to walk or put weight on the ankle may cause severe pain or a feeling of instability.
Deformity or misalignment
In some cases, an ankle fracture may cause a visible deformity or misalignment of the ankle joint. The ankle may look visibly out of place or have an abnormal shape compared to the uninjured ankle.
Limited range of motion
An ankle fracture can restrict the normal range of motion in the ankle joint. Movements such as flexing the foot upward (dorsiflexion) or pointing the toes downward (plantarflexion) may be significantly limited or extremely painful.
Treatment for
Ankle fractures IN HOUSTON TX at Vital Podiatry
At Vital Podiatry, a qualified podiatrist will conduct a thorough evaluation and personalized treatment plan for an ankle fracture. They will consider various factors to provide the most appropriate and effective treatment options for optimal recovery and long-term ankle health.
Initially, the podiatrist may recommend immobilizing the ankle to allow the bones to heal properly. This typically involves the use of a cast, splint, or walking boot to restrict movement and provide support to the injured ankle. In cases where the fracture results in misalignment or displacement of the bones, a podiatrist may perform a reduction procedure. This involves manipulating the bones back into their proper position, either manually (closed reduction) or surgically (open reduction).
Some ankle fractures require surgical intervention, especially if the fracture is severe, involves multiple bones, or is associated with ligament damage. Our podiatrists can perform procedures such as internal fixation, where the fractured bones are realigned and stabilized using screws, plates, or rods. We can also prescribe pain medications or recommend over-the-counter pain relievers to manage discomfort during the healing process. They may also utilize techniques like ice therapy or recommend specific exercises to help alleviate pain.
Our team of podiatrists closely monitors the progress of ankle fracture healing through regular follow-up appointments. They may order additional imaging tests, such as X-rays, to assess the healing process and make any necessary adjustments to the treatment plan.
Fast and Efficient FOOT SPECIALIST IN HOUSTON TX
Vital Podiatry is dedicated to providing you with treatment options that are fast and easy so you can be back on your feet in no time.
Simply call us for a quick consultation over the phone or book an appointment to see a doctor in person. Our staff is always available on the phone, and we also book urgent appointments.
The doctor will conduct all relevant tests to accurately diagnose your foot condition. Since we offer in-clinic X-rays and vascular studies, it makes getting the results quicker and easier.
Depending on your diagnosis, our team will come up with a custom treatment plan tailored to your requirements and lifestyle. We work based on a holistic approach and make a treatment plan accordingly.
Throughout the treatment, our doctors will monitor your progress and make adjustments as needed. This ensures that you get the best approach to healing your foot condition.
Don’t let foot pain hold you back any longer. Schedule your appointment with Vital Podiatry today.
We are very proud of the treatment we have given to our patients. Through the years, we have received many positive reviews. We implore you to browse through them to learn more about our care and services.
Vital Podiatry did a wonderful job on diagnosing my issues in timely fashion. I was quickly taken in as a new patient and treated with respect.
Vital Podiatry is very understanding and takes the time to explain all remedies and procedures. The front office staff and assistants are extremely nice and personable.
The culture at every level is outstanding. From the excellent bedside manner during the physical examination to the post-operative care, the nursing care was amazing.
INSURANCE LIST
At Vital Podiatry, we believe that everyone deserves to have healthy and pain-free feet, which is why we accept a wide range of insurance plans to ensure our patients can receive the treatment they need without any financial burden.
See Your Podiatrist Today IN HOUSTON!
If you’re suffering from foot or ankle pain, don’t wait any longer to get the treatment you need. Book an appointment with Vital Podiatry today and take the first step toward getting the relief you need. At our podiatry practice, we offer a range of effective treatment options to help relieve your pain and improve your quality of life. Our experienced team of podiatrists develops a personalized treatment plan for your foot that is suited to your needs and goals.