Falls, car accidents, and sports injuries are the most common causes of ankle fractures. An ankle fractures or breaks if the force placed on the bones around the ankle joint is more than they can handle. Symptoms of an ankle fracture are difficult to ignore as they are usually severe pain, swelling, bruising, and deformity, depending on the severity of the fracture.
When someone falls, they often land on their feet, and this can cause the ankle to twist in an unnatural way. An ankle fracture can also be a result of any type of car crash, probably due to the ankles being in the foot compartment and receiving the full force of the car’s impact. The bones in the foot and ankle can break, become crushed, or punctured. Sports are also a very common cause of fractures, not only due to bad falls but also extreme rotations where the ankle twists too far inward or outward, such as in basketball, football, and soccer.
Ankle Fractures Incidence
As more people engage in sports, including seniors, the incidence of ankle fractures continues to rise. Each year, there are approximately 187 people who sustain ankle fractures per every 100,000 people in the U.S. An overwhelming number of people who develop ankle fractures are women – in a study of ankle fracture incidence rate from 2012 to 2016, fifty-six percent of ankle fractures occurred in women, while 44 percent occurred in men.
The higher rate of ankle fractures in women could be due to the type of footwear women often choose to wear. High heels are the ankle’s worst enemy, as they increase the risk of the foot twisting or bending out of shape.
A lot of people play sports and exercise without practicing proper safety measures, such as stretching before the activity, strengthening the lower extremity, and proper sports techniques, which is not good. This increases the risk of all types of injuries, including ankle fractures.
A lot of people also wear fashionable footwear that is unsupportive and increases the risk of falls and unnatural twisting of the foot. This makes even normal movements, such as walking, a risky activity that could lead to injury.
Preventing Ankle Fractures
An ankle fracture can limit your ability to walk, exercise, and play sports. Prevention is key to preserving the structure and strength of your ankle bones and avoiding pain and mobility limitations.
To prevent ankle fractures, consult a podiatrist or a doctor who specializes in diagnosing, treating, and preventing foot and ankle issues. Some things that may help prevent ankle fractures include wearing supportive shoes, avoiding jumping into activities quickly, building bone strength through diet and exercise, and strengthening your leg and foot muscles. Additionally, using ankle braces or tape when participating in sports or other physical activities can also help. There are different types of ankle fractures, and treatments vary depending on the location and severity of the injury.
Ankle Fracture Treatment in San Antonio, TX
The podiatric surgeons at The Podiatry Group of South Texas provide top-notch podiatry care to the communities in South Texas. If you suspect a fractured ankle, visit one of our doctors to receive the appropriate fracture care, as well as rehabilitation services to safely and fully recover from your injury.
Our podiatrists work with patients and can help you enjoy a physically active lifestyle – including the improvement of your athletic performance and fitness through our sports medicine program – and prevent ankle injuries such as fractures. To schedule an appointment with one of our doctors, call our clinic nearest you or use our convenient online request form.
