Medication
An important part of treatment of an ankle fracture is to minimize swelling. 1 Limiting swelling will help control the pain from the ankle fracture and minimize pressure on the surrounding tissues.
Self-care
A few ways to further help prevent unwanted injuries or a Stress Fracture of the Ankle include: Consuming foods rich in calcium, such as milk, yogurt, and cheese, help build bone strength. Wearing appropriate footwear (like wearing the proper shoe size), may help prevent accidents
Nutrition
To treat a stress fracture in your foot, make a doctor's appointment as soon as possible since stress fractures can become serious if left untreated. While waiting for your appointment, rest your foot as much as possible. Additionally, ice the affected area for 20 minutes at a time, and compress the area with a loose bandage.
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Physical examination: A thorough physical examination is usually performed in identifying the correct location of the Ankle Stress Fracture. In addition to this, a complete medical history will aid in arriving at the cause of the injury
What are the treatments for an ankle fracture?
How can I prevent a stress fracture of the ankle?
What are the treatment options for a stress fracture in the foot?
How is an ankle stress fracture diagnosed?
How long does a stress fracture in the ankle take to heal?
How long does it take for a stress fracture to heal? Many stress fractures of the foot or ankle will heel in 4 to 6 weeks. However, healing times vary, depending on which bone is broken. Some foot bones, such as the navicular or the fifth metatarsal, can take a much longer time to heal than do others.
Can you walk with a stress fracture in the ankle?
Doctors do not recommend walking when you have a stress fracture because it may reopen the partially healed fracture, and you may have to begin the recovery process again. Although you can walk, doctors would recommend staying away from hard surfaces and not walking long distances.
What is the most common treatment for a stress fracture?
Stress injuries can be found in the shin bone, foot, heel, hip and lower back. Treatment for stress fractures usually involves rest while the bone heals and changing your activity level to prevent another injury.
What does a doctor do for a stress fracture?
To reduce the bone's weight-bearing load until healing occurs, you might need to wear a walking boot or brace or use crutches. Although unusual, surgery is sometimes necessary to ensure complete healing of some types of stress fractures, especially those that occur in areas with a poor blood supply.
Do you need a boot for a stress fracture?
The boot you have been given is for your comfort only and is not needed to aid fracture healing but will help to settle your symptoms and should be worn for walking for 6 weeks. Follow up: You will see a Foot and Ankle Specialist about 6 weeks after your injury.
Will an ankle brace help a stress fracture?
Wearing an ankle brace such as the Aircast Air-Stirrup may also help you heal more quickly from a stress fracture and prevent re-injury. For lower leg stress fractures products such as the Aircast Leg Brace have been recommended by physicians and medical professionals.
Do stress fractures show up on xray?
X rays may show signs of a stress fracture – although x rays are usually normal for about 10-14 days after the onset of pain and swelling. In some cases, the signs of a stress fracture may not show up on an X ray for as long as four or five weeks or may never show up on a conventional X ray.
Is heat good for stress fractures?
Applying heat would increase circulation to the injury site, and bring about the inflammatory properties that aim to heal the tissues. Moreover, heat can reduce muscle stiffness, and encourage movement. Is heat good for the healing of a broken bone? The answer is yes in the later stages of healing.
What's the difference between a fracture and a stress fracture?
A stress fracture is a micro-break or crack in the bone. It's a common overuse injury among athletes. While a regular fracture is a traumatic injury that occurs immediately during impact, a stress fracture develops over time. Bones are tough but also have some flexibility.
Do stress fractures hurt all the time?
At first, you might barely notice the pain associated with a stress fracture, but it tends to worsen with time. The tenderness usually starts at a specific spot and decreases during rest.
Why do we have stress fractures in our ankles?
Stress fractures are common in foot and ankle bones because we continually place force on them by standing, walking, running and jumping. In a stress fracture, the bone breaks but usually does not shift position (become "displaced"). The forces that cause a stress fracture in the foot or ankle are similar to those when you bend a paper clip.
What to take for pain after stress fracture?
As for pain, it is best to take acetaminophen (Tylenol) instead of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs ( NSAIDs ), which includes ibuprofen (Advil) and naproxen (Aleve).
What bones make up the ankle joint?
The calcaneus (heel bone). The navicular, a bone near the ankle. Navicular stress fractures take a long time to heal. The bones that make up the ankle joint – particularly the tibia and fibula. Anatomical drawing of the foot, showing the metatarsal and navicular bones. (Illustration by Joseph Yu, BS.)
What is stress fracture?
A stress fracture is a type of bone break or crack in the bone. Stress fractures occur when a small or moderate amount of force is applied to a bone repeatedly and over time. This is different from a traumatic fracture, in which a significant amount of force is applied suddenly, such as in the case of a severe ankle twisting injury, ...
What bones are affected by stress fractures?
What bones in the foot and ankle are affected by a stress fracture? Any of the bones of the lower leg, ankle and foot can experience a stress fracture. The most commonly affected bones are: The metatarsals, which connect the toes to the midfoot. The calcaneus (heel bone). The navicular, a bone near the ankle.
How does stress fracture occur?
Stress fractures generally occur by one of two ways: People with healthy bones overuse the foot and ankle by frequent, repetitive motion. This is particularly the case in athletes who participate in high-impact sports such as running track and field, football, basketball, soccer, tennis, gymnastics or cheerleading.
How long does it take for a fractured foot to heal?
Many stress fractures of the foot or ankle will heel in 4 to 6 weeks. However, healing times vary, depending on which bone is broken. Some foot bones, such as the navicular or the fifth metatarsal, can take a much longer time to heal than do others.
Who gets Stress Fracture of the Ankle? (Age and Sex Distribution)
Individuals of all age, race, or ethnic groups, and belonging to any gender, may develop Stress Fracture of the Ankle
What are the Risk Factors for Stress Fracture of the Ankle? (Predisposing Factors)
Some of the risk factors associated with Stress Fracture of the Ankle include:
What are the Causes of Stress Fracture of the Ankle? (Etiology)
The common causes associated with Stress Fracture in the Ankle include:
How is Stress Fracture of the Ankle Diagnosed?
Tests a physician may use to diagnose Stress Fractures of the Ankle include:
What are the possible Complications of Stress Fracture of the Ankle?
Some Stress Fractures of the Ankle may not heal properly, which can result in prolonged/chronic pain
How is Stress Fracture of the Ankle Treated?
Nonsurgical treatment measures for Stress Fracture of the Ankle include:
How can Stress Fracture of the Ankle be Prevented?
To prevent Stress Fractures of the Ankle, one should be careful and consciously aware, while performing any physical activities, such as sports, or even some normal daily activities that could lead to situations involving accidents.
What causes stress fractures?
Stress fractures are most often associated with athletic activity, but other factors increase the risk as well. Any condition that causes a decreased bone mass will increase the risk of a stress fracture, including: 1 Post-menopausal women and women who have irregular menstrual cycles, resulting in amenorrhea 2 2 Tobacco use 3 Moderate to heavy alcohol use 4 Lower body mass 5 Medications such as corticosteroids and DMPA (Depo-Provera) 6 Inadequate levels of calcium and vitamin D 3 7 Abnormalities of foot structure or foot biomechanics, such as a high-arched or flat foot
Where do stress fractures occur?
The bones of the legs and feet are where stress fractures most frequently occur. The bones that are most often affected include the lower parts of the tibia and fibula bones of the leg and the second and third metatarsal bones of the foot. A stress fracture can develop after repeated excess pressure or loading on a bone.
Can stress fractures be seen on X-rays?
A stress fracture that is developing may not always show up on an X-ray, which can make diagnosis difficult. It is not uncommon for initial X-rays of bone to show no fracture, while a follow-up X-ray—days or even weeks later—will reveal that a stress fracture has in fact occur red.
Do runners have a higher risk of tibial fractures?
Runners have a higher than average risk of tibial stress fractures, and activities that involve a lot of stress on the forefoot, such as dancing or track and field, 1 bring an increased risk of stress fractures of the metatarsals or navicular bone of the foot.
Can running cause stress fractures?
These types of bone fractures are often associated with running and other athletic activities, especially when there's been recent increase inactivity. Stress fracture location is sometimes linked to a particular sport or activity. Runners have a higher than average risk of tibial stress fractures, and activities that involve a lot ...
How to prevent foot fractures?
You can prevent fractures and other injuries to your foot by taking these steps: Warm up and stretch before you exercise. Wear the right shoes for the kind of exercise or sports you are doing. Replace athletic shoes every year, and replace running shoes every 300 to 400 miles. Don’t run or walk on uneven surfaces.
What is stress fracture?
A stress fracture of the bone or ankle is a break in the foot or ankle bones. It is also called a hairline fracture. These breaks often happen because of repeated stress on the foot bones over time from things like running, sports, or other kinds of exercise The two most common kinds of stress fracture are a metatarsal (foot bone) ...
What is the term for a broken bone that is pushed through the skin?
However, if they are put under too much pressure, they can fracture (break). There are 3 different kinds of breaks: Compound fracture. The broken bone is pushed through the skin. This is called an open fracture or compound fracture. Partial fracture. The fracture goes only part way through the bone. Stress fracture.
How many metatarsal bones are there in each foot?
They help you balance when you stand and walk, and help support the weight of your body. You have five metatarsal bones in each foot. Talus fracture. The talus is a small bone that is between the heel bone and the tibia and fibula, the two bones in your lower leg.
What to do if you think you have a broken bone?
If you think that you have a broken bone, you should get medical treatment right away. Keeping the bone still and weight off the injured foot or ankle can keep your injury safe while waiting for medical help. Find a Provider. Causes. There are many causes for stress fractures in the foot and ankle.
How to tell if you have a fractured foot?
Even if you don’t have a fracture, your doctor can prescribe treatment that will help you heal faster and with fewer long-term effects. Common symptoms of a foot fracture include: A foot bone that is out of place. Swelling, bruising, or bleeding. Intense pain around the injured part of your foot.
Where does a stress fracture occur?
Small cracks form in the bone dur to repeated pressure. A stress fracture is also known as a hairline fracture. Stress fractures most commonly happen in the bones in the foot or the ankle. These include:
What is stress fracture?
Stress fractures are tiny cracks in your bones that occur when overly tired muscles can no longer absorb the shock of repeated impact. When this happens, the forces are transferred to your bones, causing stress fractures. Stress fractures are most common in weight-bearing bones in the foot, shin and ankle.
How long does it take for a stress fracture to heal?
Recovery Time. Stress fractures typically take 6 to 8 weeks to heal, and it is normally recommended to switch to non-weight bearing activities such as swimming and biking. Make sure you consult your doctor for which activities are appropriate for your recovery.
What causes stress fractures in athletes?
The major cause of stress fractures is overuse. They are especially common in athletes that participate in high-impact activities, such as basketball, gymnastics, tennis, and long-distance running.
Can stress fractures hurt?
There may also be swelling on the top of the foot, around the ankle or the shin. The area of the stress fracture may feel tender to the touch, and in some cases bruising may be present. You might feel a generally dull pain with sharpness with each step.
How to build up bone strength?
Eating foods rich in calcium and vitamin D can also help build up your bone strength. When starting new activities, make sure to do it gradually, then slowly increase time and distance. Also make sure to wear proper shoes and equipment.
Do you need a cast for stress fractures?
Some types of stress fractures may need a cast or a medical walking boot like the Aircast Airselect Short, because those bones take longer to heal. For more serious stress fractures, surgery may be required. A fastener will be placed in the bones to hold them together during the healing process.
Does stress fracture go away?
Stress fractures are associated with gradual pain that increases during weight-bearing activity. The pain may decrease with rest or even go away entirely when you aren't doing the activities that cause pain like running, walking or jumping.
1. Severe pain during physical activities
When a bone develops tiny cracks, you may feel only mild pain. However, you notice the pain increases in intensity when you walk, run, or jump. If you engage in athletic activities regularly, you may notice an inability to maintain your usual performance level.
2. Pain that gets better with rest
Because overuse causes stress fractures, the pain from a stress fracture may initially alleviate during rest. However, if you leave a stress fracture in your ankle untreated, you eventually feel pain at all times when bearing weight on your foot, even when you’re not engaging in athletic activities.
3. Tenderness and inflammation
Do you have certain spots on your ankle that feel tender and inflamed? It’s likely that these spots indicate the location of the stress fractures. Inflammation is one of the primary defenses of the immune system against trauma and disease-causing organisms. It almost always signals that there’s an unhealed injury or infection.
4. Bruising
When there’s a blow to your body, blood vessels often break and cause bruises on the surface of the skin. Sometimes bruises occur when injuries affect blood vessels deeper in the body, such as with a stress fracture.
Diagnosing your ankle stress fracture
If you’re experiencing symptoms in your ankle, don’t wait for the pain to become severe. You can get a proper diagnosis and treatment by seeing a doctor, and it’s best to treat a fracture early rather than risk more damage to the bone.
Why is it important to have surgery on ankle fractures?
For more serious fractures in which bones or bone fragments are misaligned , surgical intervention is necessary to prevent improper healing (malunion) that would impede proper movement in the ankle and possibly lead to other complications.
What is a broken ankle?
A broken ankle is a fracture or multiple fractures of one or more of three bones in the ankle joint: the tibia (shinbone), the fibula (outer bone of the lower leg), and the talus. Broken Ankle?
What is a Pilon fracture?
Pilon fracture (also called a plafond fracture): This is a fracture through the weightbearing “roof” of the ankle (the central portion of the lower tibia). This is usually a higher energy traumatic injury resulting from a fall from a height.
What are the different types of ankle fractures?
Within each of the above types, the fracture will be either: 1 Nondisplaced – Bones are broken but still in correct position and alignment. 2 Displaced – Fractured portions of bone are separated or misaligned. The treatment will be based on fracture alignment and stability of the ankle.
Why does my ankle break?
But they can also be caused by a high-force impact, such as from a fall or automobile collision. Breaks that occur suddenly, during a specific incident or injury, are known as traumatic ankle fractures. But a bone in the ankle can also break due to repetitive stress or impact over time. These are called stress fractures.
Which fracture has the most cartilage damage?
As the number of fracture lines increase, so does the risk of long-term joint damage. Trimalleolar ankle fractures and pilon fractures have the most cartilage injury and, therefore, have a higher risk of arthritis in the future.
Where do stress fractures occur?
Stress fractures can occur in any of the three ankle bones, especially the tibia or fibula. They are also common in the navicular bone, which is separate from the ankle, but lies directly beneath the talus.
What is the best treatment for a fractured ankle?
Immobilization. Immobilization of an ankle fracture is commonly performed in the emergency room. 2 Usually, a splint or cast will be applied to hold the ankle in place while allowing the bones to heal. Immobilization also helps with pain as it will allow the ankle joint to rest and the swelling to subside. If the ankle fracture is not badly ...
How to treat a broken ankle?
Ice and Elevation. Swelling is almost universally seen following a broken ankle. An important part of treatment of an ankle fracture is to minimize swelling . 1 Limiting swelling will help control the pain from the ankle fracture and minimize pressure on the surrounding tissues.
What are the risks of ankle fractures?
Of particular concern with ankle fractures are people who may be at high risk for infection and healing complications. 3 These include people who smoke, have diabetes, or have peripheral vascular disease (circulation problems).
What is the most important factor to consider when deciding on the treatment of an ankle fracture?
Below are a few important considerations: Stability of the ankle joint: The most important factor to consider in deciding on the treatment of an ankle fracture is the stability of the ankle joint. 2 The ankle joint is where three bones come together, and allows the foot to bend up and down. If unstable, the function and stability ...
Why does my ankle wear out so quickly?
The reason the joint wears out quickly is similar to a car wearing out tires when the wheels are not properly aligned. The most common reason to perform surgery on a broken ankle is due to an unstable joint. 2 .
How long can you put weight on a broken ankle?
Sometimes, patients will not be able to place any weight on the ankle for several months, other times within days to weeks. 1 Determining when you can place weight on the broken ankle depends on the type of ankle fracture; this will have to be discussed with your doctor.
What is an open fracture?
Open fractures: There are some types of injuries that require surgery, one particular case is an open fracture. This is when the skin overlying the broken bones is disrupted, and the fracture is exposed to outside the body.
Terminology
Causes
Epidemiology
Risks
Specialist to consult
Clinical significance
Symptoms
Diagnosis
Treatment
Prevention