Ankle Fracture Treatment

Ankle Fracture Repair: Comprehensive Guide to Ankle Fracture Treatment in Houston

Ankle fractures can be incredibly debilitating, impacting your daily activities and overall mobility. At Houstonian Foot and Ankle, led by Dr. Elnaz Sabeti, DPM, we specialize in providing state-of-the-art ankle fracture treatment in Houston to help you get back on your feet as quickly and safely as possible. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about ankle fracture repair, from symptoms to recovery.

Understanding Ankle Fractures

An ankle fracture occurs when one or more bones in the ankle joint break, often due to trauma such as a fall, sports injury, or accident. The ankle is made up of three bones: the tibia (shinbone), fibula (smaller bone of the lower leg), and talus (small bone that sits between the heel bone and the tibia and fibula). Ankle fractures can vary from simple breaks in one bone, which may not hinder walking, to complex fractures that involve multiple bones and require surgical intervention.

Common Causes of Ankle Fractures:

• Slips and falls, particularly on uneven surfaces.
• Sports injuries, especially in high-impact sports like football, basketball, or soccer.
• Car accidents or other significant trauma.
• Overuse injuries in athletes or individuals with poor bone health.

Symptoms of an Ankle Fracture

Recognizing the symptoms of an ankle fracture is crucial for timely diagnosis and treatment. Common symptoms include:

• Severe pain: Pain at the site of the fracture that intensifies with movement.
• Swelling and bruising: The ankle may appear swollen and discolored.
• Deformity: In severe cases, the ankle may appear misaligned or deformed.
• Inability to bear weight: Difficulty walking or standing due to pain and instability.
• Tenderness: Sensitivity to touch at the fracture site.

If you experience these symptoms, it’s essential to seek immediate medical attention. Delaying treatment can lead to complications, including chronic pain and arthritis.

Diagnosis of Ankle Fracture Treatment in Houston 

Diagnosing an ankle fracture involves a combination of physical examination and imaging tests. Your doctor will assess your ankle for swelling, bruising, and range of motion. The following diagnostic tools are commonly used:

• X-rays: The most common imaging test, X-rays provide a clear view of bone fractures and help determine the severity and type of fracture.
• CT Scans: For more complex fractures, a CT scan can offer detailed images of the bone and surrounding tissue.
• MRI: This imaging technique is used to assess soft tissue damage around the ankle.

Treatment Options for Ankle Fractures

The type of treatment for an ankle fracture depends on the location and severity of the break. Treatments range from conservative management to surgical intervention.

Non-Surgical Treatment

For less severe fractures, non-surgical methods may be sufficient. These include:

• Immobilization: Casting or bracing the ankle to keep the bones in proper alignment while they heal.
• Rest, Ice, Compression, and Elevation (RICE): To reduce swelling and pain.
• Medications: Pain relievers and anti-inflammatory medications to manage pain and swelling.
• Physical Therapy: Once the bone has healed, physical therapy can help restore strength, flexibility, and range of motion.

Surgical Treatment: Ankle Fracture Treatment in Houston 

When the fracture is severe or involves multiple bones, surgery may be necessary. Surgical ankle fracture repair involves repositioning the bones to their correct alignment and securing them with screws, plates, or rods.

Types of Ankle Fracture Surgery:

• Open Reduction and Internal Fixation (ORIF): The most common procedure where the surgeon realigns the bones and secures them with metal implants.
• External Fixation: Used when there is significant swelling or damage to the surrounding tissues. Pins are placed into the bone above and below the fracture, connected to a metal frame outside the skin to stabilize the bones.

Benefits of Surgical Treatment:

• Restores normal alignment of bones.
• Improves stability and function of the ankle joint.
• Reduces the risk of future arthritis and other complications.

Recovery and Rehabilitation

Recovery from an ankle fracture can vary depending on the type of fracture and the treatment method. Non-surgical treatments may take several weeks, while surgical repair could take several months.

Key Steps in Recovery:

• Immobilization: Initially, the ankle is immobilized to allow the bones to heal properly.
• Weight-Bearing Restrictions: You may need to avoid putting weight on the ankle for a specified period.
• Physical Therapy: Gradual reintroduction of movement and exercises designed to strengthen the ankle and improve flexibility.
• Follow-Up Care: Regular check-ups with your orthopedic surgeon to monitor healing progress.

Tips for a Smooth Recovery:

• Follow your doctor’s instructions carefully.
• Use crutches or a walker as recommended to avoid putting pressure on the ankle.
• Engage in physical therapy to regain mobility and strength.

Choosing the Right Ankle Fracture Treatment in Houston

Selecting the right clinic for ankle fracture treatment is critical for optimal recovery. At Houstonian Foot and Ankle, our board-certified surgeon Dr. Elnaz Sabeti, specializes in both non-surgical and surgical treatments tailored to your specific needs. With state-of-the-art facilities and a patient-centered approach, we provide comprehensive care from diagnosis to rehabilitation.

Why Choose Us?

• Expert Team: Our highly skilled surgeons are experienced in handling complex ankle fractures.
• Personalized Care: We develop customized treatment plans that focus on your individual needs and goals.
• Advanced Technology: Utilizing the latest surgical techniques and imaging technologies for accurate diagnosis and treatment.

Schedule an Appointment Today

Don’t let an ankle fracture keep you sidelined. Schedule your appointment with Dr. Sabeti at Houstonian Foot and Ankle for expert ankle fracture treatment in Houston.

Clinic Details:

• Location: 14770 Memorial Dr. Suite 150, Houston, TX 77079
• Phone: (281) 501-3443
• Fax: (281) 715-5337
• Email: info@houstonianfoot.com
• Hours: Monday to Friday, 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
• Contact Us: Visit Houstonian Foot and Ankle or call us to schedule an appointment.

Preventing Ankle Fractures

While not all ankle fractures can be prevented, there are steps you can take to minimize your risk:

• Wear Appropriate Footwear: Choose supportive shoes, especially when engaging in sports or high-impact activities.
• Strengthen Your Ankles: Regular exercises that improve balance and strengthen the muscles around your ankle can help.
• Be Mindful of Surfaces: Avoid walking on uneven or slippery surfaces that increase the risk of falls.
• Maintain Bone Health: A diet rich in calcium and vitamin D, along with regular weight-bearing exercises, can keep your bones strong.

Conclusion

Ankle fractures can be painful and disruptive, but with the right care, you can achieve a full recovery. At Houstonian Foot and Ankle, we provide comprehensive ankle fracture treatment in Houston, utilizing advanced techniques to restore your mobility and get you back to your active lifestyle. If you suspect an ankle fracture or need expert care, contact us today to schedule a consultation.

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