If you were watching the Bills game during the divisional round, you saw Bo Nix lead an overtime drive to seal the win, much to our dismay. But the real shocker came after the game when Coach Payton said Nix had actually fractured his right ankle on the final drive. While most of us aren’t finishing NFL playoff games on a broken bone, the mechanics of Bo’s injury are a perfect lesson on how a routine moment can turn into a surgery with us at Syracuse Podiatry.

Anatomy of Bo’s Ankle Fracture

What happened to Nix is a classic example of how high-velocity force and adrenaline interact. The injury occurred during a scramble late in overtime, and when he planted his foot firmly to cut, his ankle joint was under immense stress.

In a fracture like this, the force often overwhelms the lateral malleolus (the bony bump on the outside of your ankle). If the foot is everted, meaning it’s forced outward while your body weight is moving inward, the pressure can crush or snap the bone.

Why Surgery Is Needed for Ankle Fractures

Coach Payton confirmed Nix is heading to surgery post-game. In the podiatry world, surgery for a fracture like this is about restoring the scaffolding of the ankle. If a bone is even a few millimeters out of place, it changes how your joint glides.

Over time, that tiny misalignment leads to early-onset arthritis and chronic pain. By using small plates and screws, surgeons ensure that the joint of your ankle stays perfectly square and allows for the explosive movement that Bo will need next season.

How You Can Prevent Ankle Fractures

You might not be facing a blitzing linebacker, but you can definitely take a page out of the pro-athlete playbook to keep your ankles safe in your own daily life.

1. Match Your Shoes to the Surface: If you are going for a jog on an uneven trail or playing a game of pickup ball, you need footwear with lateral stability that prevents your foot from rolling outward under pressure.
2. Train your Balance: You can train this by simply standing on one leg while you brush your teeth or using a balance board. This trains your nerves to react faster, so if you step on a stray rock or a curb, your muscles can catch you before the bone snaps.
3. Don’t ignore the Pre-Pain: Many major fractures are preceded by minor sprains or weak feelings in the ankle. If you feel like your ankle is wobbly, it’s usually a sign that your ligaments are tired. Strength training for your calves and the small muscles in your feet creates a natural brace that protects your bones from taking the full force of a fall.

For advice related to any podiatric concerns you’re facing, the expert team at Syracuse Podiatry is here to help guide you. Contact us today so Dr. Ryan L. D’Amico, Dr. Donal M. Erickson, Dr. Keith Sherman, and Dr. Nicholas Cronin can elevate your foot health and help your feet feel their best.