Leading a physically active lifestyle can increase your risk for an ankle fracture. As an orthopedic specialist, Ettore Vulcano, MD, is well-equipped to address ankle fractures and prevent long-term ankle issues.
Dr. Vulcano offers on-site diagnostics, including X-rays, to identify ankle fractures. He also provides minimally invasive surgeries to repair bone breaks and stabilize your ankle joint.
Learn more about options for treating an ankle fracture by scheduling a consultation online or by phone today.
There are three bones that make up your ankle joint. The tibia is the large bone at the top of the joint, the fibula is the smaller bone on the outside of the joint, and the talus is the dome-shaped bone in the lower part of the joint.
Any of these bones are at risk for a fracture, or a break in the bone, often due to overuse injuries, like twisting your ankle, or direct trauma to the ankle joint. The fracture can be a partial or complete break in the bone.
The two main types of ankle fractures include a stable fracture, when the bone remains intact, and an unstable fracture, where the bone separates.
When you have an ankle fracture, you may experience pain in the area of the break, which can also radiate up into your knee or down into your foot. Other common symptoms of an ankle fracture include:
In serious fractures where the bone breaks completely, you may also see a portion of your bone protruding through your skin.
If you have symptoms of an ankle fracture or are unable to put weight on the affected ankle, Dr. Vulcano discusses the activities that lead to pain and performs an exam of your ankle.
To confirm a fracture and understand the severity of your condition, Dr. Vulcano requests an X-ray or another imaging test. The results of your test help him create a treatment plan to ensure the proper healing of your ankle bones.
If you have a stable fracture, you might not need surgery. Dr. Vulcano can discuss options for healing the bone through rest and ice therapy.
You may need to spend some downtime elevating your ankle to reduce inflammation and encourage the bone to heal on its own, and over-the-counter or prescription medications can alleviate pain and inflammation.
For an unstable break, you may need surgery to realign the bones of your ankle joint and repair the surrounding soft tissues. Dr. Vulcano offers minimally invasive surgical techniques to make repairs and stabilize your ankle joint.
If a recent injury is causing severe pain in your ankle, don’t delay an evaluation for a fracture. Schedule an appointment with Dr. Vulcano online or by phone today.
Ettore Vulcano, MD (Mount Sinai Medical Center)
4302 Alton Road, Suite 220
Miami Beach, FL 33140
Phone:
(305) 674-2090
