Ankle fractures are common injuries that often are confused with ankle sprains. They are, however, more serious, involving a partial or complete break of the bone. They range from mild to severe, which means the treatments differ according to circumstance. Healing can begin from the moment the injury occurs and before diagnosis is sought, although this treatment is meant more to prevent further injury before your doctor can be consulted.
Instructions
Heal an Ankle Fracture
1. Elevate your ankle. This is important immediately after an ankle injury, especially if you are unable to seek medical treatment right away. You should rest it on a pillow or two and keep it even with or slightly higher than your hip. Keeping it elevated, and resting it as much as possible will help it begin to heal, while preventing further damage from occurring.
2. Apply ice. Either use an ice bag from the pharmacy or place pieces of ice in a plastic bag, wrapping the bag in a towel. Place over the injured area for 20 minutes each hour you are awake the first 24 to 48 hours after injury has occurred. This will help reduce both pain and swelling.
3. Wrap in a bandage. Using either an elastic bandage or compression stocking, wrap your ankle. Both of these items provide stability, preventing your fracture from becoming worse, and help immobilize your ankle while en route to your doctor. They also help reduce any inflammation associated with your injury.
4. Go to . Once you are with your doctor, he will touch the affected ankle in various locations, checking for the number and severity of broken bones. To verify his diagnosis, he may also order X-rays or other imaging tests such as a CAT scan, which will give him a clearer picture of your ankle fracture.
5. Receive a cast. Depending on the severity and type of fracture you have incurred, your doctor may apply a cast or splint to immobilize your ankle. The length of time it is required will again depend on the type and severity of your ankle fracture, and the amount of time the doctor believes it will take to heal properly.
6. Undergo surgery. Depending on the severity of your fracture, surgery may be required to repair the fractured bones. Because the injury and severity of the injury differs according to person, so too will the surgical procedure.
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