Broken ankle (fractured ankle) Whatīanga raparapa tāwhatiwhati

A broken ankle at the tibia or fibula is usually caused by:

• rolling your ankle while stepping on an uneven surface
• a car accident
• falling from a height onto a hard surface
• playing sports.

A break in the talus tends to be caused by a blow to the bottom of your foot, for example, in a car accident or a fall from a height onto a hard surface.

Symptoms of a broken ankle might include:

• throbbing pain
• swelling
• bruising or bleeding under the skin
• tenderness
• trouble or pain with walking or putting weight on the foot
• loss of the usual shape of the joint, called deformity
• bone sticking through the skin, called an open fracture.

If you have any symptoms of a broken ankle you should see your healthcare provider, podiatrist or physiotherapist as soon as possible.

If your ankle is a very funny shape, the foot is pointing in an odd direction or there is a bone sticking through the skin, you need to seek help immediately.

They will diagnose you by listening to your explanation of what happened, examining your ankle and looking at an x-ray of your ankle.

X-rays

If the broken bone is in a good (stable) position, you may not need surgery. You may be put into a plaster cast or a moonboot to support your ankle and prevent it from moving while the bone heals.

If the bones are not in a good position or are unstable, you may need an operation to put them in the right position and fix them in place. The bone (orthopaedic) surgeon may need to use a metal rod or a plate and screws to hold your bones in place.

If your ankle is swollen, you may need to wait a few days before surgery because the tight skin can make it difficult for wounds to heal. During this time you will be put in a plaster backslab. This is a half plaster cast that goes around the back of your leg. Keep your leg raised on an elevated surface and supported by a pillow.

If you have a plaster cast, you will need to take care of it correctly.

Care of your cast

Raise (elevate) your leg to the level of your heart when you are resting to help reduce any swelling. You may feel some numbness or tingling in your leg or foot, but this will eventually get better. If the numbness or tingling does not get better when you elevate your leg, or it is getting worse, see your healthcare provider.

Your healthcare provider will tell you how much weight you can put on your leg.

You should try to move as soon as possible. This will prevent you from getting problems such as deep vein thrombosis, infections and muscle weakness.

Deep vein thrombosis and plaster casts

If you have been admitted to hospital, a physiotherapist or occupational therapist can assess what help you will need at home and arrange it for you.

Your physiotherapist will teach you how to walk with a walking frame or crutches without putting too much weight on your leg. They will also advise you on exercises you should do and will help you return to your normal activities and sports.

Walking frames

Using a pair of crutches

If you have not been admitted to hospital or have left hospital and need help with a walking frame or crutches, talk to your talk to your healthcare provider. They can refer you to a physiotherapist.

A podiatrist may be able to provide ACC-funded shoe inserts (orthotics) to help stabilise your foot and ankle during your recovery. They can also discuss the best footwear choices to help with your rehabilitation.

Foot orthotics