Ankle fractures are common injuries, especially among athletes, although anyone can break an ankle. At Foot and Ankle Associates of South Florida, Dr. Iliya Beylin helps patients from in and around Plantation and Coral Springs, Florida, to recovery from ankle fractures and get back their normal activities quickly. If you think you’ve broken your ankle and want expert advice from a board-certified foot and ankle surgeon, call or schedule a consultation online today.

Are ankle fractures common?

Ankle fractures are very common injuries. In fact, over five million ankle injuries occur each year in the United States alone. Since the mid-1900s, this rate of ankle injuries has increased significantly in many industrialized countries, most likely due to growth in the number of people involved in athletics and the size of the elderly population. 

Are there different kinds of ankle fractures?

The vast majority of ankle fractures are categorized as malleolar fractures which involve the bone on the outside of the ankle. The different fractures are classified by their location and the other bones involved.

Typical causes of ankle fractures include:

• rolling/ twisting ankle
• fall from heights
• motor vehicle accidents

How are ankle fractures treated?

Ankle fractures require a careful approach to proper management due to the many small bones, muscles, and tendons that make up the joint. The treatment for an ankle fracture will depend on the severity of your injury, amount of displacement of the fracture, your medical condition, and age. If you have a simple non- or minimally displaced fracture, you'll wear an immobilizing cast for 6-8 weeks. Displaced or open fractures require surgical intervention. You'll need physical therapy as it is essential to rehabilitate your ankle once the fracture is healed.

Dr. Beylin also offers PRP treatments to enhance the healing process. PRP treatments involve taking a small sample of your blood and separating the platelets to create a concentrated serum which is injected into your injured ankle.

Platelets contain human growth factors, which carry the essential nutrients for cell regeneration, a critical part of the healing process. Typically, you’ll have several PRP injections throughout your recovery.

Can I play my sport after a broken ankle?

In most cases, you’ll be able to get back to your beloved sport once your ankle heals and you complete enough physical therapy. Recovery does take time, so be patient with yourself and take your return to sports slowly and gently.

Call or make an appointment online today to learn more about fractured ankle care with Dr. Beylin.