Broken Ankle Injury
The treatment of a broken ankle will depend on both the type of injury and its severity. For the ankle to work correctly, it relies on multiple small bones within the foot and leg to work well together. Damage to any of these bones could lead to an ankle injury and might involve a lengthy recovery process. Some of the ways people could fracture their ankle include:
- Suffering a direct blow to the ankle.
- An extreme rolling of the ankle that takes place during sports or a slip and fall injury.
- Direct trauma to the bottom of the foot following a fall from a great height.
- A plant and twist injury that could take place during an auto accident or a bicycle collision.
Regardless of how the injury occurs, it will be essential to start the treatment process as quickly as possible.
Stabilizing the Ankle Comes First
The first step in the treatment of a broken ankle is to stabilize the foot and the leg. This stability is important for several reasons, which include:
- If the ankle is stabilized, further damage is limited.
- This stability will allow the swelling to go down.
- Pain and discomfort will be minimized if the ankle is immobilized and not bearing any weight.
Once the ankle is stabilized and the swelling has gone down, the doctor will be able to perform a detailed examination of the injury location. He or she will be able to determine exactly where the break might be located and how the treatment will proceed. Also, imaging scans such as x-rays will be taken to localize the fractures. If there is any concern for ligament damage, an MRI scan might also be needed.
Possible Surgery for a Broken Ankle
If there are multiple injury locations throughout the ankle, or if any of the small bones have been displaced, then surgery might be required. Surgical repair of torn ligaments may also be needed. Depending on the location of these bone fractures, the type of operation could vary. During this operation, the doctor might use pins and screws to hold the bones together. Also, the doctor might need to fashion a new ligament if the old one cannot be repaired. Some of the risks of this surgical procedure include:
- A possible infection might develop at the surgical site.
- Possible blood loss with the operation.
- An allergic reaction to the anesthesia.
All of these risks are minimal, and extra precautions are taken to ensure that these don’t happen. After the surgery is completed, individuals should avoid bearing weight on their ankle until the doctor says this is safe. Then, physical therapy is often needed to restore flexibility, strength, and range of motion to the ankle.
Watch YouTube Video: Physical Therapy: Ankle Pump Exercises. This video explains how the ankle pump exercise can be one of the best ways to build strength back after suffering a broken ankle.
Contacting a Personal Injury Lawyer
A broken ankle could lead to a lengthy recovery. During this time, the individual might not be able to return to work or school. This is enough to place any family under extreme duress. Because of this, families should speak with a personal injury lawyer in Stockton. A compassionate injury attorney can help families review their options, pursue damages related to the accident, and assist in their recovery process. Help is always available, so meet with a Stockton personal injury lawyer today. Your family could be owed a financial award.
Personal Injury Lawyers in Stockton
I’m Ed Smith, a Stockton Personal Injury Lawyer. A broken ankle is a major injury that could lead to permanent mobility issues and chronic pain. Should you or someone care for sustain a fractured ankle in an accident, please reach out to me at (800) 404-5400 or (209) 227-1931 to receive free and friendly legal guidance and advice.
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