An ankle injury can be painful, limiting, and stressful, especially if it involves a fracture. A broken ankle requires prompt attention from a qualified specialist to prevent long-term complications and ensure a full recovery. For residents of McKinney, TX, consulting a foot and ankle specialist near me, like Dr. Eitan Ingall, MD, ensures accurate diagnosis, effective treatment, and personalized care tailored to each patient’s needs.

This blog provides a detailed overview of broken ankle treatment, what to expect during evaluation and recovery, and why seeking care from an experienced orthopedic doctor in McKinney, TX is essential.

Understanding Broken Ankles

The ankle is a complex joint made up of three bones: the tibia (shinbone), fibula (outer leg bone), and talus (foot bone). A fracture occurs when one or more of these bones break due to trauma, sports injuries, or falls. Broken ankles can vary in severity:

• Stable fractures – The bones remain aligned, and the ankle is generally stable.
  
• Unstable fractures – The bones are displaced, requiring more intensive intervention.
  
• Open fractures – Bone breaks through the skin, needing urgent surgical care.
  

Symptoms of a broken ankle often include:

• Severe pain, swelling, and tenderness.
  
• Bruising or discoloration.
  
• Inability to bear weight or walk.
  
• Deformity in the ankle shape (in displaced fractures).
  

Early evaluation by a foot and ankle specialist helps prevent complications like chronic instability, arthritis, or improper healing.

Immediate Steps After an Ankle Injury

If you suspect a broken ankle, taking quick and appropriate action can reduce damage and improve recovery outcomes:

1. Immobilize the ankle – Avoid moving the foot and use a splint or support if available.
   
2. Apply ice – Reduce swelling and pain by applying an ice pack for 15-20 minutes every 2-3 hours.
   
3. Elevate the ankle – Keep the foot elevated above heart level to minimize swelling.
   
4. Avoid weight-bearing – Do not attempt to walk on the injured ankle until evaluated by a specialist.
   
5. Seek immediate medical attention – Contact a foot and ankle specialist near you or visit an urgent care facility for imaging and diagnosis.
   

Prompt action can help determine whether the fracture is stable or requires surgery, minimizing long-term complications.

Diagnosing a Broken Ankle

Accurate diagnosis is a crucial first step in treatment. During a consultation with a foot and ankle specialist, such as Dr. Eitan Ingall, MD, the process typically includes:

• Medical history review – The specialist will discuss how the injury occurred, past injuries, and any pre-existing conditions.
  
• Physical examination – Checking for swelling, tenderness, deformity, and the ankle’s range of motion.
  
• Imaging tests – X-rays, CT scans, or MRI may be used to determine the fracture’s type and severity.
  

This thorough evaluation allows the specialist to recommend the most appropriate treatment plan, tailored to the patient’s activity level and overall health.

Treatment Options for Broken Ankles

Treatment depends on the fracture type, severity, and patient factors. The primary goal is to realign the bones, promote proper healing, and restore mobility.

1. Non-Surgical Treatment

Stable fractures or minor breaks can often be treated without surgery. Methods include:

• Casting or splinting – Immobilizes the ankle while the bones heal.
  
• Bracing – Provides support while allowing limited movement.
  
• Physical therapy – Gradual exercises to restore strength, balance, and flexibility.
  

Non-surgical treatment is ideal for fractures that are stable and well-aligned, allowing the body to heal naturally under expert guidance.

2. Surgical Treatment

Unstable, displaced, or open fractures often require surgical intervention. Surgical options may include:

• Internal fixation – Using screws, plates, or rods to stabilize the bones.
  
• Minimally invasive procedures – Smaller incisions, reduced tissue trauma, and faster recovery.
  
• Reconstructive surgery – For complex fractures involving multiple bones or joints.
  

Minimally invasive foot and ankle surgery is particularly beneficial because it minimizes pain, reduces recovery time, and improves precision during fracture repair.

Recovery and Rehabilitation

Recovery time varies depending on the fracture type and treatment method. Key aspects of post-treatment care include:

• Immobilization period – Typically 4-6 weeks for non-surgical fractures; surgical patients may require additional support.
  
• Weight-bearing guidance – Gradual return to walking under the specialist’s supervision.
  
• Physical therapy – Essential for restoring strength, balance, and mobility.
  
• Follow-up visits – Regular imaging and check-ups ensure proper bone healing and prevent complications.
  

Patients treated by an experienced orthopedic doctor in McKinney, TX often experience faster, more complete recoveries thanks to personalized care and advanced surgical techniques.

Preventing Future Ankle Injuries

After recovery, taking preventive measures is important to avoid reinjury:

• Wear supportive shoes appropriate for your activity.
  
• Strengthen ankle and leg muscles with exercises.
  
• Use braces or supports during high-risk activities or sports.
  
• Maintain a healthy weight to reduce stress on the ankle joints.
  
• Address underlying conditions like osteoporosis or balance issues.
  

Consulting a foot and ankle specialist near you for regular check-ups can help detect and manage risks early.

Why Choose Dr. Eitan Ingall, MD

For residents of McKinney, TX, Dr. Eitan Ingall, MD, offers specialized care for all foot and ankle injuries, including broken ankles. With fellowship training in foot and ankle surgery, Dr. Ingall combines extensive experience with advanced techniques, including minimally invasive procedures, to provide personalized care.

Patients benefit from:

• Accurate diagnosis and tailored treatment plans.
  
• Access to both non-surgical and surgical options.
  
• Support throughout recovery and rehabilitation.
  
• A compassionate, patient-centered approach.
  

Choosing Dr. Ingall ensures that every patient receives the highest standard of care, maximizing the chance for a full, functional recovery.

FAQs About Broken Ankle Treatment

1. How long does a broken ankle take to heal?
   Healing varies by fracture type and treatment. Non-surgical fractures typically take 6-8 weeks, while surgical cases may require 8-12 weeks with gradual physical therapy.
2. When should I see a foot and ankle specialist?
   See a specialist immediately if you experience severe pain, swelling, inability to bear weight, or deformity after an ankle injury.
3. Can all broken ankles be treated without surgery?
   Not all. Stable, non-displaced fractures may heal without surgery, but displaced, unstable, or open fractures usually require surgical intervention.
4. What is minimally invasive ankle surgery?
   This technique uses smaller incisions and advanced tools to reduce tissue trauma, minimize pain, and speed recovery compared to traditional surgery.

Conclusion

A broken ankle is a serious injury that requires prompt evaluation and expert care. Consulting a foot and ankle specialist near you ensures proper diagnosis, effective treatment, and guidance through recovery. Whether through non-surgical care or advanced minimally invasive surgery, the goal is to restore mobility, strength, and long-term ankle health.

For residents in McKinney, TX, Dr. Eitan Ingall, MD, provides specialized orthopedic care for all foot and ankle injuries, including broken ankles. With extensive experience and a patient-centered approach, Dr. Ingall develops personalized treatment plans that optimize recovery and help patients return to an active lifestyle safely and confidently.

Don’t let a broken ankle limit your life. Schedule a consultation with Dr. Ingall today to take the first step toward healing and long-term foot and ankle health.