An ankle fracture occurs when you have broken one or more of the bones found in the ankle joint. This is a painful condition that often renders one incapable of walking. Left untreated, a broken ankle can cause long-term disability.
In this post, we’re going to address three things you need to remember about ankle fracture treatment in Northern VA. Without further ado, let’s dive right on in.
1. Ankle fracture treatment may require surgical intervention
Not all broken ankles need invasive treatment protocols. In order to determine the best course of action, podiatrists study the alignment of the broken ankle bones as well the stability of the entire ankle joint.
Mild ankle breaks – those that show no bone displacement and where the ankle joint is stable – do not require surgery. A splint or leg cast may be used as a treatment in this case.
Surgical intervention is reserved for serious ankle fractures where bones have become misaligned and need assistance to set properly so as to avoid future complications.
2. Recovery times vary from individual to individual
Patients are often keen to know the healing times when researching ankle fracture treatment in Northern VA.
The truth of the matter is that this depends on a variety of factors including:
- the severity of the fracture,
- the patient’s health status,
- the patient’s age and,
- the type of treatment administered.
While your bones can heal within a 6-week period, surrounding soft tissues and ligaments generally take longer to rehabilitate. For those who undergo ankle fracture surgery, the time frame might be drastically different.
When you receive an all-clear from the podiatrist during your 6-week checkup, physical therapy can then begin.
3. Faithfully follow your recommended treatment plan
Recovery can be hard for some people. However, no matter how much you’re tempted to cut your treatment period short, don’t do it. Don’t rush to put weight on the injured leg. Follow the ankle fractures treatment Northern VA plan as it’s been laid out.
If the bones in your broken ankle don’t heal well – i.e., there is a malalignment of any kind – this can lead to future issues such as arthritis. And as foot and ankle specialists, trust us, healing a fractured ankle is far easier than trying to resolve arthritis in the future.
Get the help you need
Our podiatrists here at District Foot and Ankle are foot and ankle fracture specialists. Contact us to schedule an appointment today.