Foot and ankle fractures are breaks in one or more ankle bones. These fractures may:
- Be partial (the bone is only partially cracked, not all the way through)
- Be complete (the bone is broken through and is in 2 parts)
- Occur on one or both sides of the ankle
Severe ankle fractures may require surgery. Fractures may need surgery if:
- The ends of the bone are out of line with each other (displaced)
- The fracture extends into the ankle joint
- Tendons or ligaments (tissues that hold muscles and bones together) are torn
- Your doctor thinks your bones may not heal properly without surgery
- In children, the fracture involves the part of the ankle bone where bone is growing
When surgery is needed, it will likely involve inserting metal pins, screws, or plates to hold the bones in place as the fracture heals. Casts, splints, and crutches are often prescribed as part of the surgical healing process. Pain can be addressed using elevation and medications like ibuprofen, naproxen, and acetaminophen.
