Ankle Fracture Specialist
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Alexander J Pappas, DPM
Board Certified Podiatrist & Foot and Ankle Surgeon located in Hudson, FL, Brooksville, FL, & Lutz, FL
Ankle fractures are one of the three most common types of bone fractures today. Board-certified foot and ankle surgeon Alexander J. Pappas, DPM, expertly evaluates, diagnoses, and treats your ankle fracture immediately, which ensures that you’ll get back on your feet without major life disruption. Dr. Pappas works in offices in Hudson, Brooksville, and Lutz, Florida, so call the one nearest you or set up an appointment with online scheduling now.
Ankle Fracture Q & A
What is an ankle fracture?
An ankle fracture is a break in one of the bones within your ankle joint. This includes:
- Lateral malleolus: Outer knobby ankle bone
- Medial malleolus: The inner knobby ankle bone
- Posterior malleolus: The end of the tibia (shinbone) in your leg
Fractures can occur in one or more areas at the same time. Ankle fractures are either nondisplaced (still positioned properly) or displaced (out of alignment), with the displaced ankle fractures being the more serious type.
How do ankle fractures happen?
Common causes of ankle fractures are:
- Sports injuries
- Auto accidents
- Twisting injury
- Trip-and-fall accidents
- Missteps
- Blow to the ankle
Ankle fractures can occur at the same time as other injuries, including foot fractures and ankle sprains.
You can also have a stress fracture — a fracture caused by long-term stress — in your ankle, particularly if you’re an athlete who trains aggressively.
What treatment does an ankle fracture require?
Some nondisplaced ankle fractures can heal successfully without surgery. Your immediate treatment usually includes ankle joint immobilization, rest, anti-inflammatory medication, and other conservative care. Physical therapy is also important after an ankle fracture.
Dr. Pappas monitors your ankle’s healing through X-rays at a few points over the next several weeks to make sure your recovery is on track.
Serious ankle fractures — including displaced fractures and nondisplaced fractures that don't respond to nonsurgical care — usually require surgery. Although a nonsurgical approach for severe fractures is possible in rare circumstances, for example in people who aren’t healthy enough to undergo surgery, it’s not the preferred approach.
Without surgery, a severe or nonhealing fracture can cause ankle joint instability, leaving you constantly at risk for another injury. Dr. Pappas is a highly trained and board-certified foot and ankle surgeon who can skillfully repair your ankle fracture using safe, effective, and proven techniques.
How long does an ankle fracture take to heal?
Ankle fractures take a minimum of six weeks to heal, but it’s not all downtime. You have physical therapy regularly to rebuild strength, range of motion, flexibility, and overall function in a safe manner.
For efficient and compassionate care for ankle fractures, contact Alexander J. Pappas, DPM, in any of his Tampa Bay area offices by phone or through the online appointment maker now.
