Fractured ankle
How do I know ifmy ankle is broken?
If you injure your ankle, the following can be signs of a fracture:
- pain and tenderness particularly in the bones around the ankle
- being unable to walk or put any weight on the ankle
- swelling and significant bruising
- a 'crack' sound during the injury
- the ankle being a funny shape (dislocated)
- bone poking out of the skin (open or compound fracture)
Because of the shock and pain of breaking your ankle, you may also feel faint, dizzy or sick.
If the injury is not severe it can be difficult to tell if your ankle is broken or just sprained . An X-ray is needed to confirmwhether theankle is broken and help determine the most appropriate treatment.
Medically Reviewed by a doctor on 21 Dec 2018
Introduction
A broken or fractured ankle is a relatively common injury, often caused by twisting the ankle, a fall, or a sporting accident.
How do I know ifmy ankle is broken?
If you injure your ankle, the following can be signs of a fracture: pain and tenderness particularly in the bones around the ankle being unable to walk or put any weight on the ankle swelling and
What you shoulddo
If you think you may have broken your ankle, go to your nearest accident & emergency (A&E) department as soon as possible. Ifit feels like only a minor fractureand it is not an emergency, it
How a broken ankle is treated
If your ankle is dislocated or the bones are badly misaligned (displaced) the doctor or paramedic may decide to manipulate them back into place (reduction). This is to avoid potential problems with th
When to see your GP
Check the ankle regularly and see your GP if: the pain gets worse or is not relieved by ordinary painkillers your GP may be able to prescribe a stronger painkiller you develop any other medical pro
When to go back to hospital
Go back to your nearest A&E department if: you have pins and needles or numbness in your toes the skin around your ankle or foot has turned blue the ankle becomes very swollen youre having p
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