One wrong step off a curb, a hard tackle on the field, or a sudden twist on the stairs can leave you with a broken ankle and a long road to recovery. The bones in your ankle are surprisingly easy to crack, chip, or shatter, and walking on an injured ankle, even when it still seems to function, can turn a simple break into a serious problem. Prompt, expert evaluation and the right treatment plan make all the difference in how quickly you get back on your feet.
At Sweeney Foot & Ankle Specialists, Dr. D. Sean Sweeney, DPM, FACFAS, and Dr. Christy Leahey, DPM, FACFAS, bring more than 20 years of experience treating fractures of every severity. Their warm, patient-centered approach has earned them recognition as Best Podiatrist in The Woodlands by Living Magazine every year since 2012.
What Is an Ankle Fracture?
An ankle fracture is a break in one or more of the bones that form the ankle joint. The cause is usually a fall, a twisting motion, a sports collision, or a heavy blow. The type of break depends on the force and direction of the injury:
- Spiral fractures often result from twisting injuries.
- Avulsion fractures happen when a piece of bone is pulled away by a ligament, typically producing a clean, straight break.
- Comminuted fractures involve crushed bone from a bad fall or heavy impact.
Even if you can still bear weight, walking on a fractured ankle can worsen the damage. A professional evaluation is always the safest first step.
How Ankle Fractures Are Diagnosed and Treated
Your provider will examine the ankle and foot for swelling, tenderness, and displaced bone, often checking the leg from the knee down. X-rays confirm the exact location, type, and severity of the break. From there, treatment is tailored to your injury.
Closed Reduction
For a clean break with minimal soft-tissue damage, the bone is manually realigned, often with a light anesthetic to relax the muscles. No incision is required.
Open Reduction
If the bone has pierced the skin, is badly displaced, or is accompanied by severe tissue injury, surgery is needed. General anesthesia is used while incisions are made to realign the bone, repair soft tissue, and stabilize the fracture with screws or plates.
Casting, Boots, and Bracing
After alignment, the ankle is typically immobilized in a cast for four to eight weeks. Less severe fractures may only require a walking boot, brace, or splint to keep the bone in place while it heals.
Healing and Recovery
Following your treatment plan closely is the key to a strong recovery. Expect to limit activity, take prescribed medication, and elevate your ankle above heart level to control swelling and pain. Once cleared by your provider, physical therapy or guided home exercises, such as writing the alphabet in the air with your toes, can help rebuild strength and flexibility. Sweeney Foot & Ankle Specialists also offers in-office physical therapy and MLS laser therapy, an FDA-cleared treatment with an 85–90% efficacy rate in reducing pain and inflammation and shortening post-surgical recovery time.
Why Choose Sweeney Foot & Ankle Specialists for Ankle Fracture Treatment in The Woodlands, TX?
Choosing the right provider for a broken ankle shapes how well and how quickly you heal. Dr. Sweeney and Dr. Leahey are board-certified by the American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons and combine compassionate care with leading-edge technology.
Our patients appreciate prompt scheduling for urgent injuries, clear communication at every visit, and personalized recovery plans built around their lifestyle. With two convenient offices in The Woodlands and Magnolia, families across Greater Houston trust us to deliver expert, neighborly care.
Get Back on Your Feet Sooner
A fractured ankle doesn’t have to sideline your life. With accurate diagnosis, advanced treatment options, and a recovery team that genuinely cares, Sweeney Foot & Ankle Specialists helps you heal faster and return to the activities you love. Schedule your consultation today at our The Woodlands office at (281) 292-4944 or our Magnolia office at (281) 789-4956.