Ankle Sprains & Fractures
Ankle sprains and fractures are among the most common foot and ankle injuries, often resulting from twisting, falling, or sports-related trauma. A sprain involves stretching or tearing of the ligaments, while a fracture means a break in one or more bones of the ankle joint.
At The Medical Group of New Jersey, our podiatry and orthopedic teams specialize in rapid diagnosis, personalized treatment, and guided rehabilitation to help patients recover safely and return to full activity.
Symptom Onset & Initial Evaluation
Ankle injuries usually cause sudden pain, swelling, and bruising after an awkward step or fall. You may hear or feel a “pop” at the time of injury, followed by difficulty bearing weight. Common symptoms include:
- Immediate swelling and tenderness around the ankle
- Bruising or discoloration
- Instability or weakness when walking
- Sharp pain when rotating or flexing the foot
During your visit to The Medical Group of New Jersey, your podiatrist will examine the ankle for deformity, tenderness, and range of motion. Special tests, such as the anterior drawer or squeeze test, help identify ligament injury.
Diagnosis
Accurate diagnosis ensures proper treatment and recovery. Your podiatrist may order:
- X-rays: To rule out fractures or assess bone alignment
- MRI: To evaluate ligament or tendon damage in severe sprains
- CT scan: For complex fractures involving the joint surface
At The Medical Group of New Jersey, imaging is performed on-site for efficient, same-day diagnosis.
Treatment
Treatment depends on whether the injury is a sprain or a fracture, and its severity.
Conservative (Non-Surgical) Care
- RICE protocol: Rest, Ice, Compression, Elevation during the first 48–72 hours
- Bracing or walking boot: To stabilize the joint and protect ligaments
- Physical therapy: Restores strength, balance, and flexibility
- Pain management: NSAIDs or targeted anti-inflammatory therapy
Surgical Care
If bones are displaced or ligaments are completely torn, your podiatrist or orthopedic surgeon may recommend:
- Open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) for fractures
- Ligament repair or reconstruction for severe instability
- Postoperative rehabilitation to optimize recovery
Ongoing Management & Prevention
Rehabilitation plays a key role in preventing chronic ankle instability or arthritis. At The Medical Group of New Jersey, our podiatrists guide patients through progressive physical therapy and home exercises to rebuild joint strength.
Long-term prevention includes:
- Wearing supportive shoes and ankle braces during sports
- Performing balance and strengthening exercises
- Addressing underlying foot alignment issues with orthotics
With proper care and follow-up, most patients regain full ankle function without long-term limitations.