Ankle Fracture
What is an ankle fracture?
The ankle is a hinge joint made up of three bones (the tibia, the fibula and the talus). An ankle fracture is a break or crack to one or more of the ankle bones. This injury can happen for many reasons, ranging from twisting your ankle after stepping off a curb or whilst playing sport to falling from a height or a road traffic accident. The severity of an ankle fracture can greatly vary, which then defines the symptoms and treatment required.
What are the symptoms of an ankle fracture?
The main symptoms of an ankle fracture include immediate pain, swelling and difficulty putting weight through the ankle. In severe cases the ankle may be deformed or the fractured bone can even protrude through the skin. You should seek medical advice if you have the symptoms of an ankle fracture.
How is an ankle fracture treated?
Initially you will need to be examined by a doctor and have an X-ray to confirm that there is a fracture. The treatment for an ankle fracture will depend on the number of broken bones, the position of the bones and your general health. Typically there are two types of treatment options, that include non-surgical and surgical.
Non-surgical treatment is for stable and well aligned ankle fractures. In most cases you will need the ankle to be immobilised for up to six weeks.
Initially you will be placed into a temporary cast below the knee (back-slab) to allow the swelling to settle. You can then be transferred into either a full cast below the knee or a surgical boot. The medical team looking after you will advise on how much weight you can put through your leg.
Surgical treatment may be required to fix the bones with plates and screws if the ankle fracture is unstable and not well aligned. If you have swelling, you may have to wait until the swelling has gone down before you can have surgery. Keeping your leg elevated will help reduce the swelling. Your doctor will discuss with you in more detail what surgical treatment for an ankle fracture involves and explain the surgical risks.
Wellbeing Advice
Patients that have a healthy diet, take regular exercise and refrain from smoking are more likely to experience a quicker recovery with a more successful outcome from their surgery.
If you have any concerns about your general health and well-being (diet, exercise, smoking cessation) you are encouraged to discuss this with your GP, who will be able to provide advice on the options available to you.
Testimonials
My condition had deteriorated to the point that I was unable to walk for extended periods of time without pain and swelling of the ankle, and I would rarely be able to join in most family activities. The support and guidance provided by Mr Ramasamy were exemplary and enabled me to make a fully informed decision regarding the options available to me. Now, the pain is much more manageable and the stability that the treatment has provided is such that I feel that I regained a significant part of my life and as such my confidence.
I found Mr Ramasamy extremely professional and reassuring. On the day of my procedure I received the most efficient, organised and professional care in my life. Your nurses were the best I have ever experienced. Mr Ramasamy’s team, in theatre made me feel at ease and made the whole procedure more bearable. They go way beyond the extra mile for their patients.
I wanted to share my excellent experiences and compliment Mr Ramasamy and his team. I found him extremely professional and reassured that he understood how much pain I was in. On the day of my procedure, it was the most efficient, organized and professional care I have ever received – from checking into reception to being allocated a bay and taken into theatre – your nurses in the recovery area were the best I have ever received. Mr Ramasay’s team, especially in theatre, made me feel at ease, kept me informed throughout the whole procedure and made the whole procedure more bearable.
Frequently Asked Questions
After your appointment you will be emailed an invoice to be paid within 30 days via a bank transfer.
Our practice is covered by the major healthcare insurance providers. If you have private medical insurance, please contact your insurer to confirm that you are covered for your consultation and imaging appointments and whether you will need a GP referral. Please do this prior to seeing your Consultant. Your insurance company will provide you with an authorisation code which we will need when booking your appointment, along with your policy or membership details. All of this information can be obtained from your insurance company.
Depending on your specific insurance policy you may liable for some of the costs and there may be certain outpatient treatments such as joint injections and blood tests that may not be fully covered by your insurance policy. Please note, even if you are privately insured, you are entirely responsible for all of your consultants’ fees and that the contract you undertake is with your consultant and not your insurance company.
In most cases, your outpatient costs should be covered by your insurance company, but please check as this can vary depending on your individual insurance and excess policy. If you are a self-pay, new appointments are £250 and follow up appointments are £175.
If you have not seen the Consultant previously for this problem, you have a different problem or if it is more than 1 year since your last appointment then please book a new appointment.
If you are claiming through your health insurance, they may require a referral from your GP or therapist before authorising your consultation and treatment. If you are unsure then please call 01908 014 486 or email us on admin@mercuryfootandankle.clinic and one our team will be able to assist you. If you are paying for treatment yourself then you do not need a referral letter.
To arrange an appointment with one of our Consultants, please call 01908 014 486 or email us on admin@mercuryfootandankle.clinic
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