What is a fracture?

A fracture is a broken bone, which means that one or more of the bones that make up a joint are separated into pieces. Many ligaments are damaged as well.  A fracture can consist of one broken bone or multiple broken bones can occur. 

The difference between an ankle sprain and a fracture: 

•If only the ligaments give way and tear, you sprained your ankle

• If a bone gives away and break, you have an ankle fracture

Signs and Symptoms of a fracture:
• Immediate and severe pain
• Swelling
• Bruising
• Bleeding
• Tenderness
• Numbness and tingling
• Inability to walk or bear weight on the joint
• Deformity (Out-of-place), bone protruding through the skin

Immediate Treatment:

For best results treatment should be started immediately to stop the swelling and to ease the pain.
We at Raleigh Orthopaedic refer to the RICE protocol:
• Rest: The injured tissue needs time to heal, walking should be held to a minimum.
• Ice: Applying ice can ease pain and may reduce swelling. It can be applied for 20-30 minutes at a time, as needed. Time between each icing should be at least 20 minutes.
• Compression: Gentle compression pushes extra swelling away from the ankle and provides support. Types of compression include: ace bandage, OTC type bracing.
• Elevation: Keeping your ankle above your heart helps to control swelling.

What to expect when you visit a doctor for a fracture:

The time frame to visit a doctor may range from 1-3 days. This is normal and acceptable. At the visit, you will be evaluated by a Medial Provider. He or She will palpate (feel around the injury), X-ray, and go over your history to the accident. When examination is complete, the foot fracture will be placed in a short leg cast or a 3D boot. Sometimes, the provider may offer a prescription for pain and/or inflammation. You will be asked to follow up in 2-4 weeks. The follow up appointment helps the provider know if you are healing or if there is more than just a sprain.

What to expect from a visit to Urgent Care or Emergency Room:

If you decide to go to the Urgent Care or ER after your incident, you will be treated by a medical professional, much the same way as if you were to come straight to an Orthopaedic provider. There you will be treated for your inflammation, pain, and will get X-rays to rule out any fracture to your ankle. You will be sent home to follow up with an Orthopaedic professional. There is much confusion about how long to wait to follow up with an Orthopaedic doctor.

When to follow up with an Orthopaedic provider after Urgent Care or Emergency Room Visit:

It is recommended that you use the RICE protocol until you get in to see an Orthopaedic provider of medicine. It is not rare that the Urgent Care or ER provider will tell you to follow up the next day.  However, following up the next day is not necessary. The recommended time frame to follow up with Orthopaedic medical care for a fracture is 10 days, unless the fracture was NOT put in a splint, then you should follow-up within 24-48 hours.