Joint injuries are fairly common, and ankle injuries are one of the most common joint-related issues you can suffer. If you’re worried that you’ve fractured your ankle, here are the signs to look for. Keep in mind that, though you can check for this symptoms, it’s not possible to diagnose an ankle fracture without an X-ray. If you think it may be broken, it’s time to see your doctor.
Symptoms of a Broken Ankle
- Pain. The pain may be moderate to severe, and it’s not always localized at the fracture. You may also experience pain throughout the foot area or even in your knee. The pain is generally too severe to allow walking without support.
- Swelling. The joint may swell because of excess fluid caused by tissue damage.
- Bruising. Eventually, the area will probably bruise. Again, this isn’t specific to the actual ankle fracture. Bruising may spread down to the toes or upwards into the leg.
While many people assume that an ankle break is easily noticeable, only severe fractures are actually seen by the naked eye. If the ankle looks strange, inspect it closely. Severe breaks may have more obvious characteristics, such as exposed bone or misplaced bone that gives skin an oddly stretched appearance.
Some people may even experience nerve damage with their ankle break. Possible signs of nerve damage include tingling, burning, difficulty moving toes or walking, and pale skin.
When to See the Doctor
If you think your ankle may be fractured, you should schedule an appointment with your doctor ASAP. However, you may experience some relief if you apply ice to the area and take an OTC pain medications. Certain situations require an immediate trip to the doctor or emergency room.
If your ankle
- Looks deformed
- Shows bone
- Can’t move
- Is numb
- Is blue
Then you should see your doctor immediately. Likewise, if you can’t bear to put any weight on your ankle, then you need to schedule an appointment or visit the emergency room. If you have any more questions or need to schedule an appointment, please contact Casteel Foot & Ankle Center by phone at (972) 412-4449 for additional assistance.