A dislocated ankle is a serious injury where the bones of your ankle are forced out of their normal alignment, sometimes along with a fracture. This requires immediate medical attention to avoid long-term complications like arthritis or chronic pain.
Ankle dislocations often happen as a result of high-impact trauma such as falls, car accidents, or sports injuries. Getting prompt treatment is essential for a successful recovery.
This article will provide a comprehensive guide to dislocated ankle recovery, covering everything from defining the injury and explaining the common causes to outlining the symptoms, diagnosis, treatment options, and strategies for a smooth recovery. We’ll also discuss steps you can take to prevent future ankle dislocations.
Understanding ankle dislocation
An ankle dislocation occurs when the bones that form your ankle joint move out of their normal positions.
What is an ankle dislocation?
The bones of the ankle joint are the tibia and fibula in your lower leg, which form a kind of cup (called the ankle mortise) around the talus bone of your foot. When you dislocate your ankle, the bones in this joint are no longer aligned as they should be.
An ankle dislocation can occur with or without a fracture. Ligaments are often damaged as well.
When you’re being examined for a dislocated ankle, your healthcare provider will also want to rule out other injuries to your foot, knee, or even your spine.
Types of ankle dislocations
Dislocations can occur in different directions: posterior (backward), anterior (forward), lateral (to the side), or superior (upward). Each of these dislocations has its own mechanism of injury.
Dislocations can also occur in conjunction with pilon fractures, which are fractures of the distal tibia (the end of the tibia closest to the ankle).
What causes a dislocated ankle?
Usually, a dislocated ankle is the result of a traumatic injury like a fall, car accident, or sports accident. High-impact sports and activities can make you more prone to this type of injury.
Doctors may also want to know how the injury happened because the mechanism of injury (for instance, inversion or eversion) can help them diagnose the problem and figure out the best treatment. Inversion injuries, where the ankle rolls inward, often cause lateral dislocations.
Other risk factors include:
- Poor physical conditioning
- Skipping your warm-up
- Wearing poorly fitted shoes
- A history of ankle injuries
Symptoms and diagnosis
If you’ve dislocated your ankle, you’ll likely know it pretty quickly. Here are some of the symptoms you’re likely to experience.
Symptoms of a dislocated ankle
- Pain. Typically, the pain will be severe.
- Deformity. The ankle joint may look misshapen.
- Inability to bear weight. It’s usually not possible to put any weight on the injured ankle.
- Other symptoms. You may also have swelling, bruising (ecchymosis), numbness, and weakness in the joint.
Diagnosis
To diagnose a dislocated ankle, your doctor will likely take these steps:
- Physical examination. Your doctor will examine your ankle for deformity, swelling, and tenderness.
- Imaging. X-rays are necessary to confirm the dislocation and check for any fractures. A CT scan or MRI may be needed to further evaluate the bones and soft tissues in the area.
- History. Your doctor will ask how the injury occurred.
Treatment of an ankle dislocation
The treatment for a dislocated ankle often starts with immediate care to realign the bones and stabilize the joint. More involved cases may require surgery to repair damaged ligaments or fractures.
Immediate management
The first step is to reduce the dislocation, which means a healthcare professional will need to realign your bones. This can be painful, so you’ll likely be given some anesthesia or sedation to keep you comfortable.
Once your ankle is back in place, your healthcare team will immobilize the joint. They’ll probably use a cast or splint to keep your ankle stable while it heals.
Surgical intervention
If your ankle dislocation is severe or involves unstable fractures, surgery may be necessary to repair the damage. The most common procedure is open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF), which involves using screws, plates, or wires to stabilize the bones.
Pain management
Dislocated ankles hurt! Your doctor will likely recommend pain relievers to manage your discomfort. Over-the-counter options like acetaminophen (Tylenol) and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) or naproxen (Aleve) can be helpful.
Another strategy is to apply ice to the injured area to reduce swelling and pain. Aim for 15- to 20-minute icing sessions every hour.
Recovery and rehabilitation
Recovering from a dislocated ankle takes time and dedication. A structured rehabilitation program is essential to regain full function and prevent future injuries.
Immobilization period
After a dislocated ankle, you’ll likely need to keep the joint immobilized for 6 to 12 weeks, depending on how severe the injury was and whether you needed surgery. This period of rest is crucial to protect the healing tissues.
Physical therapy
Physical therapy is a cornerstone of dislocated ankle recovery. A physical therapist will guide you through exercises and activities designed to restore your ankle’s function, strength, and range of motion.
Physical therapy typically includes:
- Range-of-motion exercises to improve flexibility
- Strengthening exercises to rebuild the muscles around the ankle
- Proprioceptive exercises to enhance balance and coordination
- Gradual return to weight-bearing activities, starting with partial weight-bearing and progressing to full weight-bearing as tolerated
Assistive devices
In the initial stages of recovery, you’ll probably need to use crutches to avoid putting weight on the injured ankle. As you progress, you may transition to a brace, which provides support and stability during weight-bearing activities.
Preventing future ankle dislocations
Once you’ve dislocated your ankle, you’re more likely to do it again. Here are some ways to prevent future injuries:
- Strengthening exercises: Regular ankle exercises help to stabilize the joint. Talk to your doctor or physical therapist about the best exercises for you.
- Proper footwear: Wear supportive shoes that fit well, especially when you’re active.
- Avoiding falls and trauma: Remove hazards from your environment and take other precautions to prevent falls.
- Addressing underlying medical conditions: Manage any health conditions that increase your risk of falling.
In Closing
If you suspect you’ve dislocated your ankle, getting a diagnosis and starting treatment as soon as possible can help you avoid long-term problems.
Rehabilitation also plays a critical role in your recovery. You’ll likely need physical therapy to get your ankle working as it should.
Finally, remember that prevention is key. Strengthening exercises, supportive footwear, and fall prevention strategies can help you reduce your risk of dislocating your ankle again. Taking these steps can keep you active and on your feet for years to come.