What is a Fractured Ankle?
A fractured ankle is a common injury that occurs when one or more of the bones in the ankle joint are broken. The ankle joint is made up of three bones: the tibia, the fibula, and the talus. An ankle fracture can involve any of these bones and can range from a minor crack or chip to a complete break that causes the bone to protrude through the skin.
The severity of the fracture and the symptoms experienced will depend on the location and extent of the injury. It is important to seek medical attention from an ankle fracture specialist if you suspect you have a fractured ankle, as proper diagnosis and treatment can help to prevent long-term complications and promote faster healing.
What Causes a Fractured Ankle?
The most common cause of ankle fractures is trauma, such as a fall, a sports injury, or a car accident. In these cases, the ankle bone can be broken due to the force of impact or a sudden twisting motion. Ankle fractures can also occur as a result of overuse, particularly in athletes who engage in repetitive activities that place a lot of stress on the ankle joint.
People with weakened bones due to osteoporosis or other medical conditions may also be more prone to ankle fractures. In some cases, ankle fractures can occur spontaneously, without any apparent cause or trauma. It is important to consult with a foot fracture specialist if you suspect you have a fractured ankle, as the underlying cause can help to guide appropriate treatment and prevention strategies.
Who Should Visit an Ankle Fracture Specialist?
Anyone who has experienced a sudden or acute ankle injury may benefit from seeing our ankle fracture specialist at OrthofootMD in Singapore. This includes people who have suffered falls, twists, or other injuries that involve the ankle joint.
The severity of the break and any associated injuries such as a fractured ankle with torn ligaments or dislocated joints can make the fracture worse and may require an extensive treatment. Other factors that may worsen an ankle fracture include age, bone health, and the type of activity in which the injury occurred.
Ankle Fracture Diagnosis
An ankle fracture is diagnosed by our specialist, Dr Gowreeson through a physical examination of the ankle to look for signs of swelling, tenderness, or deformity. After this, an X-ray is taken in order to confirm the presence of a fracture and determine its location and severity. In some cases, you may be ordered an MRI or CT scan for a more detailed image of the fracture to check for any associated soft tissue injuries.
The severity and location of the fracture will determine the specific treatment plan, as well as the patient's age, overall health, and other factors. It's important to seek medical attention from a specialist if you suspect you have an ankle fracture to prevent further damage and promote proper healing.
Precautions Before Ankle Fracture Treatment
Before treating your foot fracture that may involve surgery, several precautionary steps may be taken by the specialist, such as medical evaluation, medication review, fasting, anaesthesia discussions, pre-operative skin preparation, and others. These steps are important for minimising the risk of complications and promoting successful healing. Patients should follow all pre-surgery instructions carefully to ensure a positive outcome.
Treatment Options for Ankle Fracture
Ankle fracture treatment can involve various approaches depending on the severity of the fracture in your foot.
1. Immobilisation
The first step in treating an ankle fracture is to immobilise the ankle using a cast or brace. This helps to prevent further injury and promote healing. During this stage, you may experience some discomfort, swelling, and limited mobility.
2. Pain Management
Pain medication may be prescribed to manage the pain and discomfort associated with the fracture in your foot. The specialist will discuss the medication options with you and explain any potential side effects.
3. Rest and Elevation
Resting the ankle and keeping it elevated can help to reduce swelling and pain. You may be advised to avoid putting weight on the affected ankle and to use crutches or a walker to move around.
4. Physical Therapy
Once the fracture has healed, physical therapy may be recommended to help restore strength and mobility to the ankle. During physical therapy, you will work with a therapist to perform exercises and stretches that target the ankle.
5. Surgery
In severe cases, surgery may be required to realign the bones and stabilise the ankle. If surgery is necessary, our specialist will discuss the procedure with you in detail and explain post-care steps after the ankle fracture treatment.
Post-Care Steps After Ankle Fracture Treatment
After undergoing treatment for your fractured ankle, it is important to follow certain post-care steps to promote proper healing of your foot and prevent further injury. This includes following the fracture specialist’s instructions, resting and elevating your ankle, applying ice, taking pain medication as prescribed, and using crutches if necessary. You may also be required to wear a cast or boot if recommended and attend physical therapy sessions.
Possible Side Effects of Ankle Fracture Treatment
There are potential side effects such as pain and swelling that you can experience after your ankle fracture treatment. Treatment often requires immobilisation of the foot, which can result in limited mobility, stiffness, and muscle weakness. In rare cases, infections, nerve damage, blood clots, and joint stiffness can occur. It is important to discuss potential side effects with our specialist and follow the recommendations for treatment and aftercare to minimise these risks.
Why Choose OrthofootMD for Ankle Fracture Treatment in Singapore?
If you are seeking professional help for an ankle or foot fracture in Singapore, OrthofootMD is here to help. Dr Gowreeson is a highly experienced orthopaedic specialist with expertise in treating foot and ankle fractures using minimally invasive surgical techniques.
At OrthofootMD, we pride ourselves on providing care and compassion to our patients. Our approach is grounded in evidence-based orthopaedic practice, which incorporates technology and knowledge in orthopaedic surgery. We understand that every patient is unique and therefore, follows a patient-centric approach, with a focus on providing personalised care and treatment plans to ensure each patient receives the care that they need.
Dr. Gowreeson - Ankle Fracture Specialist
Dr Gowreeson Thevendran is an orthopaedic surgeon and a specialist in treating lower limb orthopaedic conditions, including fractures. He has several qualifications to his name, including a Bachelor of Medicine and Surgery from the University of Bristol, England. He is also a Fellow of the Royal College of Surgeons in Edinburgh, a Diplomate of the Faculty of Sports and Exercise Medicine, and a Fellow of the Academy of Medicine in Singapore. Dr Gowreeson previously served as the Chief of Foot & Ankle Surgery in the Department of Orthopaedics at Tan Tock Seng Hospital before starting his private practice.
Insurance and Medisave Coverage for Ankle Fracture Treatment
OrthofootMD accepts a range of insurance plans and Medisave for different orthopaedic treatments. However, patients are advised to check with the clinic to confirm the coverage and eligibility of their treatment for Medisave claims.
Get Professional Help From an Ankle Fracture Specialist in Singapore
Suffering from an ankle fracture? Seek the help of our expert orthopaedic in Singapore.
At OrthofootMD in Singapore, our orthopaedic specialist Dr Gowreeson provides our ankle and foot fracture patients with a proper diagnosis and personalised treatment plan. With the use of appropriate technology and techniques, he is able to provide the proper treatment for a variety of foot and ankle issues such as plantar fasciitis, flat foot surgery, and others.
Book an appointment to find out how we can help you get back into action.
Frequently Asked Questions About Foot Fracture Specialist
A doctor who specialises in the treatment of musculoskeletal injuries and conditions, such as an orthopaedic surgeon or a podiatrist, can treat a fractured ankle. If you suspect you have a fractured ankle or are seeking sprained ankle treatment, you can seek medical attention from our qualified specialist at OrthofootMD in Singapore.
Clinic Location
OrthofootMD@Novena
- Mount Elizabeth Novena
38 Irrawaddy Road #05-42 Mount Elizabeth Novena Specialist Centre Singapore 329563
OrthofootMD@Mount Alvernia Hospital
- (Mount Alvernia Hospital)
820 Thomson Road #01-01/02 Mount Alvernia Medical Centre A Singapore 574623
Dr Gowreeson Thevendran is currently an orthopaedic surgeon with Island Orthopaedic, a one-stop care centre for orthopaedic health under Healthway Medical Group. He specialises in treating lower limb orthopaedic conditions, as well as trauma and fracture surgery of both the upper and lower limbs. Prior to establishing his private practice, Dr Gowreeson was Chief of Foot & Ankle Surgery at the Department of Orthopaedics at Tan Tock Seng Hospital (TTSH). Today, he continues to serve the Orthopaedic Department at TTSH as a visiting consultant.