The ankle is located at the crossroads of three bones: the tibia, the fibula and the talus. These bones are in the lower leg and when one of these bones is fractured, it results in a broken ankle. Apart from the broken bone, the ligaments and the ankle joints are also affected. Prompt medical attention is necessary to avoid the pain and problems that arise with a broken ankle. 

Causes of a broken ankle:

• Sudden twisting of the ankle when walking on uneven surfaces
• Tripping and falling from heights
• When a heavy weight falls on the foot
• Car accident
• Athletic activities
• Rolling the ankle
• High heels which cause the majority of twisted ankles

Symptoms of a broken ankle:

• Sudden and severe throbbing pain
• Bruising and swelling
• Tenderness in the area of the break
• Injured ankle being unable to endure weight
• Inability to wear shoes

Home remedies to treat a broken ankle if one is not able to get to a podiatrist immediately:

• Application of ice to the swelling
• Elevating the leg to lessen the swelling
• Wrapping the ankle in a compression wrap
• Pain relievers to help bear the pain
• Keeping off the foot until the doctor has examined it

Dr. Ryan L. D’Amico is a board certified podiatrist operating from his office Syracuse Podiatry located in Fayetteville, NY in the Syracuse area. He recommends that if the pain and swelling last longer than two to three days and it is painful to walk, a doctor should be consulted immediately for a correct diagnoses and treatment of the injury as fractures can be treated surgically or non-surgically. He specializes in foot and ankle reconstructive surgery and who better to visit when you are in pain.

He advises:

• Imaging tests to get a better picture of the problem
• Surgery if the ankle is unstable, has torn ligaments, and is dislocated
• Physical therapy and braces until full healing has taken place