If you have a broken ankle, you’re probably wondering how long it will be before it’s healed. Broken ankles can range from severely impeding your ability to walk, to being barely noticeable, depending on where the fracture occurred and how severe it is.

How many bones are in the ankle?

The ankle joint is comprised of three bones, which are the tibia, fibula and talus. The tibia is the commonly referred to as the shin. The fibula is the small bone that comes down from the lower leg, and is parallel to the tibia. The talus is a smaller bone between the tibia and the fibula.

What causes an ankle to break?

It’s fairly easy to break your ankle, especially if your bones are weak or you’re older. Breaks can occur from twists and falls, trauma (something falling on the ankle), unnatural twisting or rotating. Often, ankles break during a sports accident, but they can also break from something as innocuous as tripping on a sidewalk or missing a step.

How do I know if my ankle is broken?

The symptoms of a broken ankle include pain, swelling, redness and an inability to bear weight. Of course, if you have incurred an ankle injury, the only definitive way to tell if the bone is fractured is to visit an orthopedic doctor in Jacksonville. The orthopedic doctor will examine and X-ray or do a scan of the ankle to determine the extent of injury and treatment options.

How are broken ankles treated?

It depends on the situation, but treatment options include surgery, cast, pins, crutches and/or wheelchair during recovery. Pain medication may be prescribed as needed.

How long will it take to heal from a broken ankle?

Depending on the nature of the fracture and your body’s ability to heal, you can anticipate a recovery period of six weeks. Many variables contribute to the recovery window, however, such as your adherence to the doctor’s instructions and your overall health. During recovery, your doctor may need to take progressive X-rays or do stress tests to monitor the healing process.

If you suspect that your ankle might be broken, or your ankle joint simply doesn’t seem right after an accident, please seek the help of an orthopedic doctor. Contact us today to make an appointment for a consultation.