Broken Ankle – Symptoms and Causes

ByJanis Updated

Understanding Ankle Fractures

The ankle joint consists of three main bones that work together to support movement and bearing weight. These include the fibula (outer ankle bone), tibia (inner ankle bone), and talus (the bone that connects your foot to your leg).

Each plays an essential role in ankle stability. When you twist your ankle during a misstep or experience direct impact in an accident, these bones can crack or break.

The knobby bumps you feel on either side of your ankle are ends of the tibia and fibula, which commonly break during rolling injuries.

Ankle fractures vary widely in severity from tiny hairline cracks to complete breaks where bone pierces through skin. Treatment depends on how badly the bone is broken and which specific bone is affected.

For mild fractures:

  • Rest and limited weight-bearing
  • Immobilization with a cast or boot
  • Pain management

For severe fractures:

  • Doctors may need to perform surgery
  • They might also implant metal hardware like plates, screws, or rods
  • Physical therapy during recovery

The healing timeline typically ranges from 6-12 weeks depending on fracture complexity and your overall health status.

Signs of a Broken Ankle

A broken ankle often causes sharp pain right away. You may notice swelling and bruising around the ankle. The area will feel tender when touched.

Sometimes, the ankle looks misshapen or out of place. Walking becomes difficult and painful, and putting weight on the injured foot hurts.

When to See a Doctor

Contact a healthcare provider if your injury shows clear signs of deformity. You should also seek medical attention if:

  • Pain and swelling don’t improve with home treatment
  • Symptoms get worse over time
  • You have trouble walking normally

These symptoms may indicate a more serious condition that requires professional medical care.

What Causes Broken Ankles

Broken ankles typically happen when the ankle twists suddenly or receives a direct hit. Several common situations can lead to this injury:

  • Vehicle Crashes: The intense force during car accidents can crush the ankle bones, often requiring surgery to fix properly.
  • Falling Down: Simply tripping or falling can break ankle bones. Even jumping from a low height and landing on your feet can cause a break.
  • Wrong Steps: Sometimes just stepping incorrectly can twist your ankle enough to break a bone.

The ankle bones are vulnerable to both twisting forces and direct impacts, making these injuries fairly common in everyday activities and sports.

Risk Factors

Several factors can increase your chances of breaking your ankle:

  • High-impact sports like basketball, football, gymnastics, tennis, and soccer put stress on ankles through twists, falls, and direct hits.
  • Poor equipment or technique can lead to injuries. Worn-out shoes, improperly fitted footwear, or skipping warm-ups before exercise all raise your risk.
  • Rapid increases in activity may cause stress fractures. This applies to both experienced athletes and beginners who suddenly exercise more often or for longer periods.
  • Home hazards such as clutter and dim lighting increase fall risks that can result in ankle injuries.
  • Health conditions like decreased bone density (osteoporosis) make ankle bones more vulnerable to breaks.
  • Smoking habits affect bone health in two ways:
    • Increases risk of developing osteoporosis
    • Slows down healing time after fractures occur

Being aware of these risk factors can help you take steps to protect your ankles during daily activities and exercise.

Possible Problems

Broken ankles sometimes lead to issues later on. While most heal well, it’s good to know what might happen.

Joint arthritis can develop years after a break, especially if the fracture went into the joint area. If you notice ankle pain long after your injury has healed, get it checked by a doctor.

Bone infections may occur with open fractures where the bone breaks through the skin. This exposure allows bacteria to enter the bone.

Compartment syndrome is a rare but serious condition involving painful swelling in leg muscles. This can sometimes lead to disability if not treated quickly.

Nerve and blood vessel damage happens when the injury tears or harms these structures. Watch for:

  • Numbness
  • Poor circulation
  • Skin color changes

Without proper blood flow, bone tissue can die and collapse. Seek immediate medical care if you notice these symptoms.

Prevention

To lower your risk of broken ankles, follow these safety tips:

Footwear Matters:

  • Wear hiking shoes on rough ground
  • Choose sport-specific athletic shoes
  • Replace shoes when tread wears out or they become uneven
  • Runners should get new sneakers every 300-400 miles

Smart Exercise Habits:

  • Begin new fitness routines gradually
  • Start each workout slowly
  • Mix different activities, like swimming, biking, and running

Build Stronger Bones:

  • Eat calcium-rich foods such as milk, cheese, and yogurt
  • Ask your doctor about vitamin D supplements

Home Safety:

  • Keep floors clear of clutter to prevent trips
  • Remove obstacles from walking paths

Strengthen Your Ankles:

  • If you frequently twist your ankle, ask about specific strengthening exercises
  • These can help support the muscles around your ankle joint

Health Writer

Janis's areas of expertise include nutrition, exercise, stress management, and mental health. She is passionate about educating and empowering people to take control of their health and make positive changes that can last a lifetime. Janis believes that small, sustainable changes are the key to long-term success, and she works with her clients to develop personalized plans that fit their individual needs and lifestyles.