Running a 5k or a marathon is a great challenge and accomplishment. Many people spend months preparing and training for these types of activities and work hard to bring out their best performance. Unfortunately, for some athletes, a 5k or marathon can mean a severe ankle fracture. Ankle fractures often occur when the ankle is rolled or due to a sudden amount of pressure. The fracture is only a partial bone break, but it can be as painful as a full bone break.

Symptoms

• Pain
• Swelling
• Blisters near the site of fracture
• Bruising almost immediately after an injury occurs
• Inability to walk or get mobile
• Ankle looks different from the other ankle
• Bone is protruding from the skin – this warrants an immediate visit to the emergency room    

Diagnosis

As soon as you receive an ankle injury, it is important that you seek the help of a podiatrist or trained medical professional. Ankle injuries can range from mild to severe. It is important to treat such injuries early so that no complications arise and so that the injury does not get worse.

Treating an Ankle Fracture

After you are diagnosed with an ankle fracture from your foot doctor, you may be instructed to do the following to help alleviate pain and heal the injury:

• Rest your ankle. This means to stay off of it completely and avoid bearing weight on the injury.
• Ice your injury regularly. Ice packs should be wrapped in a towel to prevent frostbite. Ankles should be iced for 15 minutes and then given a break. This should be repeated regularly.
• Compression is usually done with an ace bandage, a splint, or an air cast. This will help to reduce swelling of the ankle.
• Elevating the ankle so that it is positioned slightly higher than your heart will also help to reduce swelling.
• Immobilization may occur if the fracture is severe enough. This includes casting of the foot and ankle to prevent further movement which may exacerbate the injury.
• Medication may also be prescribed to help alleviate pain and swelling.

If you recently injured your ankle and noticed that it is swelling, bruised and painful, then it is time to call your podiatrist. Call Joseph Stuto, DPM of Brooklyn, New York. There Dr. Joseph A. Stuto and Joseph C. Stuto can get your fractured foot back into top shape. Call 718-624-7537and make an appointment today.