An ankle fracture is a fracture of one or more bones-bone the one on the ankle. This often occurs as a result of sports injuries, sprains, falls, or experiencetraffic accident.
Ankle fractures vary in severity, from cracks, fractures, to broken bones that penetrate the skin. Ankle fractures can occur at any age, but this condition is more common in boys between the ages of 25 and up.
The ankle has 3 bone parts, namely the tibia or calf bone, fibula or shinbone, and the talus as its base. The ankle is also covered with a capsule and joint fluid, to prevent friction between the bones.
Symptoms of Ankle Fractures
There are several signs or symptoms that can be recognized if someone has suffered a broken ankle, including:
- There was the sound of something snapping at the scene.
- The ankle is a throbbing pain.
- Bruising and swelling of the ankle.
- Ankle shape is not normal because there is a dislocation (shift) of the bone.
- The pain increases with activity, and decreases with rest.
- Difficulty moving the legs or supporting weight on the feet.
- The broken area becomes tender to the touch.
- Bleeding occurs when the bone penetrates the skin.
When to go to the doctor
Immediately consult an orthopedic doctor if you have an injury ankle or ankle, especially if the signs and symptoms of an ankle fracture occur as described above.
Patients who experience bleeding due to the injury, especially to shock, need to be immediately taken to the emergency department (IGD). Symptoms of shock can include:
- Dizzy
- Dark view
- A cold sweat
- Heart beat
Ankle Fracture Diagnosis
Doctors can suspect a patient has a broken ankle through an explanation of what happened at the time of the injury and a physical examination. During a physical examination, the doctor will see and feel the patient's ankle, or move the patient's leg if necessary.
To confirm the suspicion of a broken ankle, the doctor will carry out supporting examinations in the form of:
- Photo X-rayX-rays can show the condition and location of the fracture in the ankle. This scan needs to be done from several sides so that the fracture can be seen clearly.
- CT scanImaging with a CT scan can show details of the bone and surrounding tissue. The results of the scan can help doctors determine the best treatment for the patient.
- MRIThis scan is done to see the condition of the joint tissue, using radio waves and strong magnets.
- Bone scanThis examination is carried out if there is a suspicion that the bone has experienced abnormalities (eg cancer) before the injury. In this procedure, a radioactive substance is injected into a vein before a scan is performed.
Ankle Fracture Treatment
If you feel symptoms of a broken ankle, you are advised not to move much. Below are the first aids that can be done before going to the hospital:
- Stop bleeding immediately, if bleeding occurs. Bleeding can be stopped by pressing the wound with a clean cloth or gauze.
- Cover the injured wrist with an elastic bandage, but not so tightly that the leg becomes numb (numbness).
- Cold compress the injured ankle, using an ice cube wrapped in a cloth or towel, for a maximum of 20 minutes.
- Lie down and support the injured leg with a pillow so that it is higher than your chest, to reduce pain and swelling in the area of the fracture.
After arriving at the hospital, the patient will receive further treatment. There are several actions that doctors take to treat a broken ankle, namely:
- Give pain medication
Drugs that can be given include paracetamol or ibuprofen.
- Doing reduction
Reduction is an action to return the bone to its original position. The doctor will give the patient a sedative or anesthetic before doing the reduction.
- Support the patient's feetThe patient's leg will be supported by a cast or leg brace for a while, so that the broken bone does not move.
- Doing operation
Surgery is performed to attach the pen, when reduction and installation of a cast or foot brace is not possible. After the broken bones are fused, the pen will be surgically removed.
Patients in a cast or leg brace can walk with a cane. The length of time it takes for the cast or leg brace to be removed depends on the severity of the ankle fracture, but is usually around 6 weeks.
While using a cast or leg brace, there are several things to consider, namely:
- Avoid strenuous activities, such as lifting heavy weights and exercising.
- Keep the cast or leg brace from getting wet.
- Move your toes and bend your knees regularly to reduce stiffness.
- Call your doctor if your cast is cracked, too tight or loose, or if your ankle or foot is painful or uncomfortable.
Do not forget to check back with the doctor a few weeks after the first treatment, to find out the condition of the ankle.
Complications of Ankle Fractures
Although rare, a broken ankle can lead to complications such as:
- bone infection (osteomyelitis)
Bones can be exposed to infection-causing bacteria when fractures protrude through the skin.
- arthritis (arthritis)Ankle fractures that injure the joint can cause: arthritis a few years later.
- Nerve or blood vessel damage
A foot injury or ankle fracture can damage nearby nerves and blood vessels. Symptoms that appear generally in the form of numbness.
- Compartment syndromeCompartment syndrome causes pain, swelling, and stiffness of the muscles, making the muscles immobile.
Ankle Fracture Prevention
Ankle fractures can be prevented by the following steps:
- Using the right shoesMake sure the shoes you use have the right size and match the activity you are doing. Do not wear shoes with thin or slippery soles.
- Doing stretchStretching is important, both in warming up before exercise and cooling down after exercise.
- Not exercising regularly excessiveDo not force yourself to exercise excessively, to avoid injury.
- Maintain bone condition
Consuming drinks and foods rich in calcium and vitamin D can help maintain bone density.
- Maintain weight idealWith an ideal body weight, the load on the ankles is not excessive.