Do ankles always swell when broken?
Swelling is another sign of injury. If the swelling comes on gradually and is mild, the injury is likely a sprain or less severe. More immediate and significant swelling indicates a bony injury and possible fracture. When severe fractures occur, blistering of the skin is not uncommon.
How long will my ankle be swollen after fracture?
The ligaments are then often torn too, and cartilage may be damaged. The foot and ankle become swollen, painful and can no longer hold any weight. It takes several days or weeks for the swelling to go down completely, and can take months for the ankle joint to fully recover from the fracture.
What are the long term effects of a broken ankle?
Long term effects of ankle fractures have been reported to include physical, psychological, and social consequences [9]. It has been reported that physical impairments following ankle fractures may include pain, functional impairment and the development of post-trauma arthritis [16].
Can you break your ankle and not have swelling?
It depends on the type and cause of the fracture (motor vehicle accident versus a fall, for example). You may or may not have severe bruising and swelling. The only way to make a determination if there is a fracture or sprain is to see a doctor. To diagnose your injury, your doctor will do different tests.
How painful is a fractured ankle?
If you fractured your ankle, you will likely experience immediate, sharp pain and possible swelling. Additional symptoms include: Pain that spreads throughout the foot and up your leg, toward your knee. Intensifying pain if you try to bear weight on your foot.
Do you ever fully recover from a broken ankle?
You can expect most ankle fractures depending on how severe they are, to take 4-8 weeks for the bones to heal completely and up to several months to regain full use and range of motion of the joint. More severe fractures, especially those requiring surgical repair, may take longer to heal.
How much force does it take to break an ankle?
As a rough estimate, it would take 218 pounds of pressure to produce a tibial fracture in a healthy adult using a hammer. You could decrease the force requirement by choosing a tool with less surface area, such as a hatchet—then again, you’d be increasing the risk of soft tissue damage and significant blood loss.
Will my broken ankle ever stop hurting?
Immediately after you suffer the injury, an intense ache or sharp pain is typically produced by both the fracture and by other injuries to your body near the fracture site. Unfortunately, the pain doesn’t stop there. You may also experience pain during the fracture healing process.
How do you sleep with a broken ankle?
Invest in a specialized pillow, like a body pillow, for elevation—keeping the broken bone above your heart prevents blood from pooling and causing swelling. Try sleeping on your back first while propped up on a few pillows.
What causes swelling in the ankle and leg?
Injury to the foot or ankle An injury to the foot or ankle could cause swelling in the ankle and lower leg. One of the most common causes of injuries to this area is a sprained ankle. A sprained ankle can occur as a result of a simple misstep, or a sports or exercise injury.
What are the symptoms of a broken ankle?
Compartment syndrome. This condition can rarely occur with ankle fractures. It causes pain, swelling and sometimes disability in affected muscles of the legs. Nerve or blood vessel damage. Trauma to the ankle can injure nerves and blood vessels, sometimes actually tearing them.
What to do if your ankles are swollen?
Use our free symptom checker to find out what’s causing your swollen ankles. Detailed physical examination. Your doctor will examine the area of swelling but will also look for signs of problems with your heart, kidneys, and liver as these can lead to swelling throughout the body.
Why are my ankles so swollen during pregnancy?
Swollen ankles are a common side effect of pregnancy. During pregnancy, the body produces more blood and bodily fluids to support the developing fetus. Swelling is a common side effect of pregnancy, especially in the third trimester. It can affect the ankles, feet, legs, face, and hands.