An ankle fracture is a form of injury to the bone, often a break, that varies in severity and may require surgical treatment.
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An ankle fracture occurs when one or more bones in the ankle joint break. This kind of injury can happen for many reasons, including falling, sports injuries or various types of accidents. Ankle fractures can occur quite easily; even if jumping from a low height, the landing impact can still cause a fracture. The severity of an ankle fracture can vary greatly, which then defines the treatments and symptoms of the fracture.
The main symptoms of ankle fracture include:
A person suffering from an ankle fracture may also become dizzy from the pain, and in severe cases the fractured bone may protrude from the leg. It is possible to hear the fracture when it happens. You should consult a doctor if you experience any of the above symptoms after experiencing something that could result in an ankle fracture.
To prevent an ankle fracture, make sure you take proper precaution on uneven surfaces or when walking across areas with a risk of falling. If taking park in sport, make sure you complete a warmup exercise beforehand; these will stabilise the muscles and mitigate risk of injury.
If you choose to run on hills, make sure the surface is not too slippery, and avoid running too fast downhill. Take time to ensure all your clothing/wearables are suited for your body, especially your shoes. You can also improve the durability of your bones by incorporating calcium rich foods, such as cheese and green leafy vegetables, into your diet.
High risk sports such as football, tennis and gymnastics can cause ankle injuries, in extreme cases resulting in an ankle fracture. Additionally, sudden increases in activity levels during exercise can cause a fracture if a misstep occurs. Low lighting levels can cause missteps around the home resulting in painful falls; make sure to declutter and to keep your light levels appropriate.
If you suffer from decreased bone durability from conditions such as osteoporosis, be sure to take extra precaution with sporting activities as you are at a heightened risk of suffering an ankle fracture.
You will need surgery on your ankle if the severity and location of your fracture requires you to do so by a healthcare professional. Surgery will repair the bone in a better position to reduce the risk of a deformity or loss of function.
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