🦴 Ankle–Foot Fracture
An ankle–foot fracture is a break in one or more of the bones in the ankle or foot, usually caused by trauma, twisting injuries, or stress over time. Since the ankle and foot carry the body’s weight, fractures here can seriously affect mobility.

🔍 Types of Ankle–Foot Fractures
1. Ankle Fractures
The ankle joint is formed by three bones: tibia (shinbone), fibula (outer leg bone), and talus (ankle bone).
. Lateral malleolus fracture – break of the fibula on the outside of the ankle.
. Medial malleolus fracture – break of the inner tibia at the ankle.
. Bimalleolar fracture – both inner and outer ankle bones broken.
. Trimalleolar fracture – includes the back part of tibia too.
. Talus fracture – affects the small bone between tibia/fibula and heel bone.
2. Foot Fractures
The foot has 26 bones. Common fractures include:
. Metatarsal fractures – in the long bones of the midfoot.
. Calcaneus fracture – heel bone, usually from a fall.
. Navicular fracture – midfoot bone, often stress-related.
. Toe fractures – common and often from stubbing or dropping something heavy.

⚠️ Causes
. Sudden trauma (car accidents, falls, sports injuries).
. Twisting or rolling the ankle.
. Overuse (stress fractures in athletes, runners).
. Osteoporosis (weak bones fracture easily).

🩺 Symptoms
. Severe pain and swelling.
. Bruising and tenderness.
. Inability to walk or put weight.
. Visible deformity (in displaced fractures).

🏥 Diagnosis
. Physical examination (checking tenderness, swelling, range of motion).
. X-rays (main imaging test).
. CT or MRI (if more detail needed).

💊 Treatment
Depends on fracture type and severity:
1. Non-surgical treatment (for stable fractures):
. Rest, Ice, Compression, Elevation (RICE).
. Cast or walking boot to immobilize.
. Crutches to avoid weight bearing.
2. Surgical treatment (for severe/displaced fractures):
. Open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) – metal plates, screws, or rods to realign and stabilize bones.
. External fixation (pins and frame outside the body) in complex cases.

🏃 Recovery & Rehabilitation
. Healing time: 6–12 weeks (varies by fracture and patient health).
. Physiotherapy: to restore strength, flexibility, and balance.
. Return to normal activities/sports may take 3–6 months for major fractures.