What kind of doctor do I see for a broken ankle?

You will likely initially seek treatment for a broken ankle in an emergency room or urgent care clinic. If the pieces of broken bone aren’t lined up properly for healing, you may be referred to a doctor specializing in orthopedic surgery.

Is a broken ankle a medical emergency?

If you are unable to see your doctor and have any of the signs or symptoms of an ankle fracture, you should go to an emergency department as soon as possible. The following signs and symptoms call for immediate care at an emergency department: Gross deformity of the ankle bones. Bones visible outside your skin.

Which type of medical professional would you go visit if you broke your leg?

The orthopaedist (a doctor who specializes in bone and joint disorders) treats fractures and recommends surgical interventions such as rodding surgery. The orthopaedist plays an important role in the lives of children and adults who have OI.

Which fracture is considered a medical emergency?

An open fracture (one in which the bone comes through the skin so you can see it or a deep wound that exposes the bone through the skin) is considered an emergency. Get medical care right away for this type of fracture. Any injury to the bones of the spine is also a medical emergency.

When should you go to the hospital for a broken ankle?

Go to the emergency room if: there is immediate bruising on the foot, significant deformity, or you are unable to walk or put any pressure on the affected ankle as it could be a fracture or broken bone.

How do you fix a broken leg without a doctor?

Treating a broken leg at home

Keep your leg as still as possible until help arrives.
Rest.
Put an ice pack wrapped in a pillowcase or towel on your leg to ease swelling.
If possible, keep your leg raised with pillows or cushions to reduce swelling.
Often with a broken leg, surgery is necessary.

Is fracture an emergency?

A fracture is a broken bone. It requires medical attention. If the broken bone is the result of major trauma or injury, call 911 or your local emergency number.

What’s the worst type of fracture?

Compound Fracture This is one of the most severe injuries: A compound or open fracture is when the bone pierces the skin when it breaks. Surgery is usually called for due to its severity and the risk of infection. Treatment for a Compound Fracture: This type of injury is an emergency.

How long does it take for a broken ankle to stop hurting?

Your doctor fixed a broken (fractured) bone without surgery. You can expect the pain from the bone to get much better almost right after the procedure. But you may have some pain for 2 to 3 weeks and mild pain for up to 6 weeks after surgery.

When to go to the doctor for a broken ankle?

A broken bone can be really painful, but you can manage your discomfort with first aid, medical help, and self-care until your ankle starts to feel better. If you suspect your ankle is broken, go to a doctor immediately to get a proper diagnosis because you’ll likely need medical treatment.

What are the different types of broken ankles?

Types of Ankle Injuries 2.1. Broken Tibia Ankle 2.2. Broken Fibula Ankle 3. Causes of a Broken Ankle Bone 4. Broken Ankle Symptoms 5. Broken Ankle Diagnosis 5.1. Diagnosing with Broken Ankle Pictures 5.1.1. Broken Ankle X-Ray 5.1.2. Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) 5.1.3. Computerized Tomography (CT) Scan 6. How to Treat a Broken Ankle 6.1.

What kind of X-rays do you need for a broken ankle?

X-rays are usually required to determine whether there is a broken bone as opposed to a soft-tissue injury like a sprain, since ankle sprains and breaks have similar symptoms. Other radiology imaging, such as a CT scan or MRI, may be needed to determine the full scope of the injury.

What happens if your ankle is broken at the Tibula?

If your ankle is broken at the tibula, your recovery time may be longer. The tibia, or shinbone, is the big bone in the lower part of your leg. Tibia fractures are often a result of a direct trauma and mean a long recovery time and a long period of immobility.

How much does a broken ankle cost without insurance?

Without health insurance, diagnosis and surgical treatment of a broken ankle typically costs just under $11,000 to $20,000 or more.

What kind of surgery is needed for broken ankle?

For surgical treatment of ankle fractures, the doctor places wires, screws or other hardware to hold the bones in place during healing; the exact treatment depends on the type and severity of fracture. The American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons [ 7] outlines the typical treatment for various types of ankle fractures.

What’s the name of the part of the ankle that is broken?

If the fractured parts of the bone have become separated or misaligned, it’s called a displaced ankle fracture. Commonly known as the shinbone. The thinner of the two lower leg bones. A small, wedge shaped bone that is located deep in the ankle and supports both the tibia and the fibula. How Can a Sprained Ankle or Broken Ankle Occur?

Can a broken ankle be seen on an ankle X-ray?

For this type of injury, an ankle X-ray may not show a fracture or demonstrate the instability associated with this injury, because the actual bone fracture is well above the ankle, and the ligament injuries can only be seen with other forms of imaging, such as an MRI. What are the symptoms of a broken ankle?