Preuss Podiatry provides ankle fracture treatment and ankle sprain care in Louisville, KY and Floyds Knobs, IN. Our board-certified foot and ankle surgeons diagnose the injury, treat it, and guide you through recovery so your ankle heals strong.
Are you someone that has suffered from a trauma that resulted in an ankle fracture or sprain? The podiatrists at Preuss Podiatry are here to help! Accidents such as falls, automobile wrecks, and sports related incidents can lead to sudden injury.
Is it a sprain or a fracture?
A sprain and a fracture can feel the same: pain, swelling, bruising and trouble walking. The only way to know for sure is an exam and x-rays. A fracture that is treated like a sprain may not heal correctly, so it is worth having an injured ankle checked.
Ankle sprains
Ankle sprains consist of damage to the ligaments of the ankle. Bracing, rest, and physical therapy are treatments for rehabilitation of an ankle sprain.
Most ankle sprains happen when the foot rolls inward and stretches or tears the ligaments on the outside of the ankle. Sprains range from mild stretching to a complete tear. Depending on how bad the sprain is, treatment may include:
- Rest, ice, compression and elevation
- An ankle brace or walking boot
- Physical therapy to restore strength, balance and range of motion
- A gradual, guided return to sports and activity
Chronic ankle instability
If your ankle keeps rolling or feels loose after an old sprain, the ligaments may not have healed fully. For ankle sprains that keep coming back, the doctors also perform lateral ankle ligament reconstruction to restore stability to the ankle.
Ankle fractures
Ankle fracture treatment involves surgical intervention to repair the fracture and restore function of the ankle.
An ankle fracture is a break in one or more of the bones that form the ankle joint. Some fractures can be treated in a cast or boot. Fractures where the bones have shifted out of place usually need surgery to line up the bones and hold them with plates or screws while they heal.
Stress fractures
A stress fracture in the foot and ankle is a tiny, painful hairline crack in the bone. Rest, immobilization, and offloading are key factors in a full recovery. See our Sports Medicine page for more on stress fractures.
When to call us
Call Preuss Podiatry if, after an ankle injury, you have:
- Pain or swelling that does not improve within a few days
- Trouble putting weight on your foot or walking more than a few steps
- Pain directly over the ankle bones
- An ankle that looks out of shape
- Numbness or tingling in the foot
What to expect at your visit
Your doctor will examine your ankle and take x-rays to check for a fracture. If needed, advanced imaging such as an MRI shows ligament damage in more detail. You will leave with a diagnosis and a plan, whether that is a brace, a boot, physical therapy or surgery.
Schedule an appointment
Please call Preuss Podiatry and schedule an appointment if emergency care is needed. With three locations in Louisville, KY and one in Floyds Knobs, IN, the specialists are conveniently located to serve you wherever you are!
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I go to the ER or a podiatrist for an ankle injury?
Call us first. We can often see injuries quickly, which may save you a long ER wait. Go to the ER right away for an open wound, a badly misshapen ankle, or a cold or numb foot.
How long does an ankle sprain take to heal?
Mild sprains often improve within a few weeks. More serious sprains take longer and need rehabilitation so the ankle does not keep rolling.
Will I need surgery for a broken ankle?
Not always. It depends on the type of fracture and whether the bones have shifted. Your surgeon will explain your options.
