What are some common causes of ankle fractures?
Ankle fractures are most commonly caused by sudden impact or trauma to the ankle, although even a simple misstep can lead to one, too. Some of the most common reasons you might suffer a fractured ankle include:
- A car accident
- Falls
- A heavy item falling on your ankle
- Missteps and overuse.
Who is at risk for a fractured ankle?
Given enough bad luck, anyone can suffer a fractured ankle from an accident or fall. However, some situations might heighten your risk of an ankle fracture.
Sports
Many sports, especially high-impact activities such as football or soccer, can lead to ankle injuries.
Inadequate warmups
Sudden increases in regular movement without properly warming up increases your chances of stress fractures.
Your job
Certain occupations can put you in harm’s way. Construction work, for example, puts you at risk for both falls and heavy objects landing on your ankle
Pre-existing conditions
A pre-existing condition, such as osteoporosis, can weaken your bones, raising your risk of fractures.
How is an ankle fracture treated?
Dr. Bloome will prescribe a treatment based on the severity of the injury and your lifestyle choices. For less severe fractures, he may recommend immobilization, rest, medication, and physical therapy.
More severe injuries might require surgery. Dr. Bloome provides the most appropriate surgical procedure to get you on your feet again, and he makes sure you know what to expect throughout the process.
What is the recovery time for an ankle fracture?
Depending on the severity of your fracture, you can expect to spend between six weeks and several months recovering. Generally, the more complex the fracture, the more time Dr. Bloome allows for recovery, including physical therapy.
If you’re an athlete curious about when you can return to your sport, check in with Dr. Bloome before resuming your typical physical activity.
If you’ve injured your ankle and want to get back on your feet as quickly and safely as possible, call the David M. Bloome, MD practice in Houston to book your consultation, or schedule one online today.
