Ankle Specialist

Conroe, TX | Spring, TX | The Woodlands, TX

Whether your ankle pain is due to a sprain, fracture, arthritis, or another issue, the resulting pain can make it difficult to walk or even stand. At Woodlands Foot and Ankle Center, our ankle specialists can diagnose and treat any ankle issues. Dr. Gregory Vidovic has extensive training in foot and ankle trauma, and he specializes in reconstructive rear foot and ankle surgery. Not every ankle problem requires surgery, but the podiatry staff of Woodlands Foot and Ankle Center can help determine what treatment is best for you. We proudly serve clients throughout Conroe TX; The Woodlands TX; Spring TX; and beyond. Contact our team today to schedule your appointment!



What is an Ankle Fracture?

A fracture is a partial or complete break in abone. A ‘broken’ bone mean the same thing. Fractures in the ankle can range from the less serious avulsion injuries (small pieces of bone that have been pulled off) to severe shattering type breaks of the tibia, fibula, or both. 

Ankle fractures are common injuries that are most often caused by the ankle rolling inward or outward. Many people mistake an ankle fracture for an ankle sprain, but they are quite different and therefore require an accurate and early diagnosis. They sometimes occur simultaneously.

Symptoms

An ankle fracture is accompanied by one or all of these symptoms:

• Pain at the site of the fracture, which in some cases can extend from the foot to the knee
• Significant swelling, which may occur along the length of the leg or may be more localized
• Blisters may occur at the fracture site. There should be promptly treated by a foot and ankle surgeon
• Bruising that develops soon after the injury
• Inability to walk-however, it is possible to walk with less severe breaks, so never rely on walking as a test of whether a bone has been fractured
• Change in the appearance of the ankle-it will look different from the other ankle
• Bone protruding through the skin-a sign that immediate care is needed. Fractures that pierce the skin require immediate attention because they can lead to severe infection and prolonged recovery

Diagnosis

Following an ankle injury it is important to have the ankle evaluated by a foot and ankle surgeon for proper diagnosis and treatment. If you are unable to do so right away, go to the emergency room and then follow up with a foot and ankle surgeon as soon as possible for a more thorough assessment. 

The affected limb will be examined by the foot and ankle surgeon by touching specific areas to evaluate the injury. IN addition, the surgeon may order x-rays and other imaging studies, as necessary. 

Non-Surgical Treatment 

Treatment of ankle fracture depends upon the type and severity of the injury. At first, the foot and ankle surgeon will want you to follow the R.I.C.E protocol:

• Rest: Stay off the injured ankle. Walking may cause further injury.
• Ice: Apply an ice pack to the injured area, placing a thing towel between the ice and the skin. Use ice for 20 minutes and then wait at least 40 minutes before icing again
• Compression: An elastic wrap should be used to control swelling
• Elevation: The ankle should be raised slightly above level of your heart to reduce swelling

Additional treatment options include: 

• 
  Immobilization. Certain fractures are treated by protecting and restricting the ankle and foot in a cast or splint. This allows the bone to heal.
• Prescription Medication. To help relieve the pain, the surgeon may prescribe pain medications or anti-inflammatory drugs.

When is Surgery Needed?

The vast majority of ankle fractures can be treated nonsurgically and heal well with proper care. However, for some ankle fractures, surgery is needed to repair the fracture and other related soft tissue injuries, if president. The types of doctors that can help are orthopedic surgeons and a certain subspecialized podiatric surgeons that have completed training in reconstructive rearfoot and ankle trauma surgery.UIts always best for patients to choose a doctor that makes them feel comfortable and that they trust. Surgery is typically reserved for more severe injury cases, and patient’s should weigh all of their options before deciding which treatment is best suited for them. The surgeon will select the procedure that is appropriate for your injury based on all of the clinical exam and the radiologic information available

Follow-Up Care:

It is important to follow your surgeon’s instructions after treatment. Failure to do so can lead to infection, deformity, arthritis and chronic pain. 

For More Information: 

There are some fantastic resources online for patients to research their injury. For more information, check out the Patient Education link on this website or resources published by the American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons (ACFAS) or The American Foot and Ankle Orthopedic Society (AOFAS).

ACFAS Patient Education https://www.foothealthfacts.org..

AIFAS Patient Education: https://www.footcaremd.org/con…