Fractured ankle
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 may be more appropriate to go to a minor injuries unit .
Try to avoid putting any weight on the ankle. Ask a friend or relative to drive you to hospital and support your weight as you walk on your other foot.
Raising the leg and applying an ice pack (try a bag of frozen peas wrapped in a tea towel) can help reduce pain and swelling while you make your way to hospital. You can also take over-the-counter painkillers, such as ibuprofen or paracetamol ,to help relieve the pain.
Call 999 for an ambulance if the anklelookslike it might bedislocated, or you can see bones poking through the skin.
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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