Ankle injuries can range from simple sprains to complex fractures. Understanding the signs, causes, and treatment options is essential for proper recovery and preventing long-term complications.
What Is Ankle Trauma?
Ankle trauma encompasses any injury resulting in new onset pain, swelling, or difficulty walking following an incident. This ranges from ligament stretching to severe fractures requiring surgical intervention.
Most Common Ankle Injuries
- Sprains: Ligament damage when the ankle rolls or twists beyond its normal range
- Fractures: Breaks in ankle bones such as the tibia, fibula, or talus
- Tendon/Ligament Tears: Injuries to supportive structures including the Achilles, peroneal, and tibialis anterior tendons
What Causes Ankle Trauma?
- Sports activities that involve high-energy movements, jumping and sharp changes of direction
- Falls: Both ground-level and height-related incidents
- Motor vehicle accidents: High-energy trauma requiring immediate care
- Everyday hazards: Curbs, uneven surfaces like sand, and stairs
Who’s at Risk?
- Young, Active Individuals: Sports participation and risk-taking behaviors increase exposure
- Elderly Patients: Age-related bone weakening and balance issues contribute to fall-related injuries
- Middle-Aged Adults: Sporadic intense activity without proper conditioning increases risk
Red Flags: When to Seek Immediate Care
- Open wounds or visible bone
- Inability to bear weight
- Severe, disproportionate pain
- Significant swelling or deformity
- Numbness or tingling
Dr. Manchanda recommends visiting the emergency room for any urgent circumstances.
Diagnosing and Treating an Ankle Injury
Healthcare providers start with a physical exam, comparing the injured ankle to the uninjured side. If a fracture is suspected, X-rays are used first, while CT scans help evaluate more complex breaks. When X-rays appear normal, but soft tissue damage is suspected, MRI or ultrasound may be ordered to assess ligaments, tendons, and cartilage.
Many ankle injuries can heal with conservative care, such as bracing or booting to protect the joint while it recovers. More severe injuries, including unstable fractures or tendon ruptures, may require surgery. Modern surgical techniques are designed to be less invasive, use stronger materials, and help patients get moving sooner with better long-term results.
Post Injury Care
Rehab is crucial after an ankle injury. Without it, patients risk stiffness, loss of function, arthritis, and instability. Even properly treated ankles carry a slightly higher arthritis risk than uninjured ones.
Protecting your ankle means daily motion and strengthening to help prevent stiffness and maintain function. Low-impact options, like pool exercises, are especially useful during recovery.
Prevention
- Stretch and maintain flexibility
- Condition before sports
- Use supportive bracing for past injuries
- Stay aware of your environment
Need Expert Ankle Care?
If you’re experiencing ankle pain, swelling, or mobility issues following an injury, don’t wait for complications to develop. Schedule an appointment with Dr. Manchanda today for comprehensive evaluation and personalized treatment plans designed to get you back on your feet safely and effectively.
