Ankle Fractures (Broken ankle) Causes, Symptoms & Treatment

Overview

An ankle fracture, commonly known as a broken ankle, occurs when one or more bones forming the ankle joint are fractured.

The ankle consists of three prominent bones: the tibia (shinbone), which bears most of the body’s weight and forms the inner part of the ankle; the fibula, a slender bone along the outer leg; and the talus, a small bone that sits atop the heel bone. When one of these bones is  broken, the others may also sustain injury.

Ankle fractures can involve any of these bones and are generally classified as stable or unstable. Stable fractures maintain adequate bone and ligament support, allowing minimal movement at the fracture site. Unstable ankle breaks are more severe and typically include torn ligaments, compromising joint stability.

What causes Ankle Fractures(Broken ankle)?

Ankle fractures typically occur when the ankle is twisted, rolled, or subjected to sudden force. They may result from acute injuries such as falls, vehicle accidents, or even a simple misstep. In some cases, stress fractures develop gradually from repetitive strain without sufficient rest or recovery time.

• How the Injury Occurs: An ankle fracture happens when the force applied to the joint exceeds the strength of the bones or supporting ligaments, causing one or more bones to crack or displace.
• Common Everyday Causes: Ankle fractures can also occur during slips on wet surfaces, missing a step on stairs, workplace accidents, or motor vehicle collisions, where sudden impact or awkward landings put excessive stress on the ankle joint.

Common Sports Leading to Ankle Fractures:

• Running: Repetitive impact on hard surfaces can lead to stress fractures or acute twists during uneven terrain.
• Basketball: Sudden jumps, quick pivots, and landing on another player’s foot can cause rotational ankle injuries.
• Soccer: Rapid direction changes and foot-to-foot collisions often result in twisting or rolling of the ankle.
• Football: Tackles, uneven landings, or forceful contact can fracture the bones supporting the ankle joint.
• Tennis: Quick lateral movements and abrupt stops increase strain on the ankle, making it prone to inversion injuries.

Symptoms

Pain is the most common sign of an ankle fracture, usually occurring immediately after the injury, and may be intense. Other frequent symptoms include:

• Pain that worsens with movement or activity and improves with rest.
• Swelling and bruising surrounding the ankle joint.
• Tenderness when touching the affected bone or nearby areas.
• Difficulty or inability to bear weight on the injured foot.
• Visible deformity or misalignment of the ankle in severe cases.

Non-operative treatment

The management of an ankle fracture depends on its type and severity. Stable fractures are often treated without surgery, focusing on immobilization to allow  the bone to heal naturally. This typically involves resting the ankle and avoiding weight-bearing activities until recovery progresses.

Conservative treatment options include:

• Applying ice to reduce pain and swelling.
• Elevating the leg to minimize fluid buildup and promote healing.
• Using nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen or naproxen for pain relief.
• Wearing a splint, cast, walking boot, or supportive brace to keep the ankle stable during recovery.
• Engaging in physical therapy exercises to restore strength, flexibility, and range of motion once healing allows.

Try these exercises to help address your condition:

Below is a PDF of the Exercise Program

Ankle Fracture

Surgical Treatment

If an ankle fracture is unstable, displaced, or severely misaligned, surgery may be required to restore proper joint function and prevent long-term complications such as arthritis. During the procedure, an orthopedic surgeon realigns the fractured bones and stabilizes them using metal plates, screws, or pins.