FOOT AND ANKLE INJURY

Symptoms | When to call | Homecare Advice

Injury Definition

• Injuries to a bone, muscle, joint or ligament of the ankle and foot

Types of Injuries

• Fractures (broken bones)
• Dislocations (bone out of joint)
• Sprains - Stretches and tears of ligaments
• Strains - Stretches and tears of muscles (pulled muscle)
• Contusion  (bruise) - A direct blow or crushing injury
• Achilles Tendon Rupture - Pain in the Achilles tendon (area above heel and behind ankle), with weakness or inability to extend the foot (e.g. can't stand on tiptoes).

Ankle Sprain

• This ankle sprain occurred while playing basketball.
• There is moderate swelling of the lateral aspect of the ankle.

Ankle Fracture - Compound

• This is a compound (open) fracture because the broken bone cut through the skin on the side of the ankle.

X-Ray Showing Ankle Fracture

• The x-ray shows that both bones of the ankle joint (tibia and fibula) have been fractured (cracked)

See More Appropriate Topic (instead of this one) If

• ANIMAL BITE to foot or ankle
• BURN of foot or ankle
• PUNCTURE WOUND to foot or ankle
• SKIN INJURY is main concern
• TOE INJURY is main concern

Disclaimer: This information is not intended be a substitute for professional medical advice. It is provided for educational purposes only. You assume full responsibility for how you choose to use this information.

Adult SelfCareNavigator. Copyright © 2000-2004 David Thompson, M.D. FACEP

Reviewed 8/2004

Revised 8/2004