A broken ankle needs prompt, expert care to heal correctly and avoid long-term problems. The foot and ankle surgeons at Rocky Mountain Foot & Ankle treat the full range of ankle fractures from simple breaks to complex injuries requiring surgery. They'll guide you all the way through recovery.
What is an ankle fracture?
An ankle fracture is a break in one or more of the bones that form the ankle joint. Fractures range from small, stable cracks to displaced breaks involving multiple bones and ligaments. The right treatment depends on which bones are involved and whether the joint remains stable and aligned.
Symptoms of an ankle fracture
Signs of a broken ankle include immediate, intense pain, significant swelling and bruising, tenderness over the bone, deformity in severe cases, and inability to bear weight. Because these symptoms overlap with a bad sprain, imaging is essential for an accurate diagnosis.
Treatment options
Stable fractures often heal well with immobilization in a cast or boot and protected weight-bearing. Displaced or unstable fractures may require surgery to realign the bones and secure them with hardware so the joint heals in proper position. In every case, structured rehabilitation restores strength and motion and helps you return to full activity.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you walk on a broken ankle?
Sometimes, which is exactly why fractures get missed. Being able to put some weight on it doesn’t rule out a break. If pain and swelling are significant, get it imaged.
How long does a broken ankle take to heal?
Many ankle fractures heal over roughly six to twelve weeks, though complex injuries and surgical cases take longer. We’ll give you a personalized recovery plan.
Don’t let foot or ankle pain keep you from the things you love. Rocky Mountain Foot & Ankle has board-certified podiatrists in Murray, Draper, and Tooele serving patients across the Salt Lake City area. Call 801-261-1391 or request an appointment online. We get you in quickly, and appointments are always available.
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