Symptoms of a fractured ankle

Written by Wang Cheng Lin
Orthopedics
Updated on September 11, 2024
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For patients with ankle fractures, the main symptoms are swelling, pain, limited mobility, and significant tenderness upon pressing. There may also be a sensation and sound of bone rubbing together. Typically, a straightforward X-ray is sufficient to make a clear diagnosis. In cases of ankle fractures without displacement, an active conservative treatment is generally recommended. This usually involves strict immobilization with a plaster cast, elevating the affected limb to facilitate venous return and reduce swelling. Medications that improve blood circulation and promote bone healing are used in treatment. Normally, the treatment period is about one and a half months. With follow-up X-rays showing bone callus formation, the plaster can be removed and exercises to strengthen the ankle joint can be commenced.

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Written by Li Jie
Orthopedics
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Can a fracture be moved?

Bone fractures, as the name suggests, refers to a crack-like fracture in a bone. Although it is a simple fracture and the bones are not obviously displaced, maintaining proper alignment is still important. However, a fracture does represent a change in the continuity of the bone. If effective repositioning and fixation are not carried out, displacement of the fracture can occur. Therefore, it is generally advised for patients to use a cast or a brace for external fixation. If the patient moves frequently without effective fixation, the crack fracture may develop into a displaced fracture. Once a displacement occurs, it can become complicated, potentially requiring surgical treatment. Therefore, patients with bone fractures are advised to rest and avoid vigorous activities, and to ensure effective repositioning and fixation.

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Written by Lv Yao
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Will a bone fracture be painful?

A bone fissure is actually a type of fracture, which refers to a fracture where there is a crack in the cortical bone, but the stability of the bone remains intact. Symptoms of a bone fissure include pain, swelling, and limited mobility. Treatment for a bone fissure should follow the same protocols as for fractures, such as appropriate immobilization, early local cold compresses to reduce swelling, and alleviating the severity of pain and swelling. Therefore, pain is present when a bone fissure occurs, as it is a type of fracture. During treatment, it is important to monitor for disturbances in sensory and blood circulation in the limbs, particularly the extremities. Sometimes, a bone fissure can cause increased local swelling, leading to sensory and circulation disturbances in the extremities. In such cases, observation is crucial, and it is advisable to seek treatment at an orthopedic department in a reputable hospital if a bone fissure occurs.

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Written by Li Jie
Orthopedics
1min 41sec home-news-image

Symptoms of bone fracture

Bone fracture, as the name suggests, is a type of fracture characterized by a crack in the bone. Since it is a fracture, it shares all the common characteristics of fractures. Firstly, there is pain. The pain at the site of the bone fracture is very evident. Secondly, there is swelling. Local swelling should also be very apparent. Although it might be less severe than general displaced fractures, it is more pronounced than the swelling from soft tissue contusions. Thirdly, there is limited functionality. After a bone fracture, due to severe pain, sometimes, as the continuity of the bone is interrupted, the lever action of the bone may be reduced or lost, hence, the patient's limb movement will be restricted. Additionally, fractures have two characteristic complications: abnormal movement, and bone crepitus or bone friction sensation. Another possible sign is deformity. However, because patients with bone cracks often do not have noticeable displacement, deformity is not significant. However, during a physical examination of the patient, bone crepitus or bone friction sensation might be detectable. Yet, due to the lack of significant displacement, it is not necessary to forcefully elicit these signs. In cases where there is evident pain, swelling, and restricted activity, bone fracture should be suspected and it is advised that the patient should promptly visit a hospital for radiographic confirmation to avoid delays in diagnosis and treatment.

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Written by Lv Yao
Orthopedics
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What is the best treatment for a bone fracture?

A bone fissure, also known as a crack fracture, involves only a cortical crack, with no significant compromise to the bone's firmness and stability. Therefore, conservative treatment can be chosen for a crack fracture, using supports or external fixation to promote healing and recovery of the fracture. However, during the external fixation process, it is crucial to monitor the limb's blood circulation and sensation to prevent symptoms associated with high pressure in the basement membrane.

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How to treat a fracture?

Patients with bone fractures, due to the force applied causing partial fractures in the bone, do not necessarily represent a complete break and won’t exhibit noticeable symptoms of displacement or misalignment. Generally, patients with bone fractures only require a plaster cast for immobilization, typically for about four weeks. After a month, you can visit the hospital to get an X-ray to check for osseous union at the fracture ends. If the fracture ends have achieved osseous union, then normal activities and weight-bearing walking can be resumed. Thus, for bone fractures, simply applying a plaster cast for immobilization for four weeks is sufficient.