Ankle fractures
Fracturing one or more of the three bones that make up the ankle joint
A break or breaks in the bones of the ankle and lower leg, that may or may not puncture the skin.
What is an ankle fracture?
Need to know
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What are the symptoms of ankle fractures? icon plus
While it may often be obvious that you've fractured your ankle, sometimes the symptoms are milder and you think its just a sprain. Its always worth seeing an expert to set your mind at rest.
Symptoms include:
- pain
- swelling
- bruising which may extend into the foot
- finding it difficult to move your foot or stand on it
- skin damage in severe injuries
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How is a fractured ankle diagnosed? icon plus
Your consultant will examine the area carefully and ask you details about the injury. They'll also request an X-ray to confirm the presence of a fracture. -
Potential treatment options icon plus
The treatment of a broken ankle depends on whether or not the bones are out of position (displaced) and whether the ligaments have also been damaged so that the ankle is unstable and likely to cause long-term problems.
The treatment may involve just a few weeks off your feet in a supportive boot or plaster and using crutches. If the injury is more severe it may require surgery to pin or plate the bones and repair the ligaments. Ankle fractures usually take about six weeks to heal but can sometimes take several months to get back to full mobility.
Our foot and ankle consultants
Our foot and ankle specialists are highly experienced, many holding senior positions in NHS teaching hospitals. Their skills are matched by their integrity and compassion with every patient.
Learn more about ankle fractures
What is the difference between a fracture and a break?
Our locations
From complex foot and ankle surgery to diagnostic tests and procedures, we provide orthopaedic exceptional care across our network of hospitals, outpatient centres and specialist clinics.
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The Wellington Hospital
Wellington Place
St John's Wood
London NW8 9LE
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London Bridge Hospital
27 Tooley Street
London
SE1 2PR
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The Lister Hospital
Chelsea Bridge Road
London
SW1W 8RH
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The Princess Grace Hospital
42-52 Nottingham Place
London W1U 5NY
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Institute of Sport Exercise and Health (ISEH)
170 Tottenham Court Road
London
W1T 7HA
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London Ankle & Arthritis Centre
Platinum Medical Centre
15-17 Lodge Road, St John's Wood
London NW8 7JA
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HCA UK at The Shard
The Shard
32 St Thomas Street
London SE1 9BS
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Chelsea Outpatients
272 & 280 Kings Road
London SW3 5AW
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Outpatients and Diagnostics at 30 Devonshire Street
30 Devonshire Street
London W1G 6PU
Book an appointment
Our team can help with any enquiries or you can make an appointment with one of our experienced consultants.
Call us today
020 7079 4344