Broken ankle in Barranquilla, Colombia

How do you know if your ankle is broken or sprained?

They can look alike: both cause pain, swelling and bruising. Signs of a fracture include being unable to take four steps in a row, intense pain when pressing the bone along the ankle edges or the base of the little toe, deformity, having heard a crack, or a high-energy injury. Only an X-ray can confirm it.

What should you do on the way to the emergency room?

Do not put weight on the foot, immobilize it as it is with a pillow or cardboard and bandages, apply cold wrapped in cloth, elevate it and remove toe rings or tight socks. If there is a wound with exposed bone, cover it with a clean cloth. Do not try to realign the ankle.

What happens in the emergency room?

X-rays are taken, circulation and sensation in the foot are checked and, if the fracture is displaced, it is aligned and splinted. The orthopedist then decides whether it can be treated with a cast or boot or needs surgery.

How long does recovery take?

Usually six to eight weeks for the bone to heal, followed by several weeks of physical therapy. Planning early how you will get around at home, work and on transport helps a lot during recovery.

Find broken ankle specialists

On MedicosDoc you can find orthopedic and trauma surgeons. If you suspect a fracture, go to the emergency room.