Fractured ankle
When to go back to hospital
Go back to your nearest A&E department if:
- you have pins and needles or numbness in your toes
- the skin around your ankle or foot has turned blue
- the ankle becomes very swollen
- youre having problems with your plaster cast
- there is a foul-smelling discharge from a surgical woundon your ankle
Thesesigns may indicate an infection or a problem with the nerves or blood supply to the ankle.
Medically Reviewed by a doctor on 21 Dec 2018
Introduction
A broken or fractured ankle is a relatively common injury, often caused by twisting the ankle, a fall, or a sporting accident.
How do I know ifmy ankle is broken?
If you injure your ankle, the following can be signs of a fracture: pain and tenderness particularly in the bones around the ankle being unable to walk or put any weight on the ankle swelling and
What you shoulddo
If you think you may have broken your ankle, go to your nearest accident & emergency (A&E) department as soon as possible. Ifit feels like only a minor fractureand it is not an emergency, it
How a broken ankle is treated
If your ankle is dislocated or the bones are badly misaligned (displaced) the doctor or paramedic may decide to manipulate them back into place (reduction). This is to avoid potential problems with th
When to see your GP
Check the ankle regularly and see your GP if: the pain gets worse or is not relieved by ordinary painkillers your GP may be able to prescribe a stronger painkiller you develop any other medical pro
When to go back to hospital
Go back to your nearest A&E department if: you have pins and needles or numbness in your toes the skin around your ankle or foot has turned blue the ankle becomes very swollen youre having p
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