Causes of Ankle Fractures

Ankle fractures are usually caused by external forces, osteoporosis or chronic diseases, and common causes include falls, sports injuries and traffic accidents. Treatment should be conservative or surgical intervention depending on the type and severity of the fracture.

1. External force: The most common cause of ankle fractures is external force acting directly or indirectly on the joint. Falling on the foot, spraining during exercise, or impact in a traffic accident can all lead to fractures. Such fractures are usually accompanied by severe pain, swelling, and limited mobility. In terms of treatment, mild fractures can be treated with plaster fixation, ice compresses, and painkillers such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen. Severe fractures may require surgical reduction and internal fixation, such as plate or screw fixation.

2. Osteoporosis: Osteoporosis patients have reduced bone density and are prone to fractures. Even slight external force may cause ankle fractures. This condition is common in the elderly and postmenopausal women. The key to preventing osteoporotic fractures is to increase bone density. It is recommended to supplement calcium and vitamin D and do appropriate weight-bearing exercises, such as walking or Tai Chi. In terms of treatment, in addition to fixation and drug analgesia, long-term management of osteoporosis is also required, such as the use of bisphosphonates or hormone replacement therapy.

3. Chronic diseases: Certain chronic diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis or diabetes increase the risk of ankle fractures. These diseases may cause joint structural damage or neuropathy, making the joints more fragile. Treatment requires simultaneous treatment of the primary disease and fractures. For example, patients with rheumatoid arthritis can use anti-inflammatory drugs such as methotrexate, and patients with diabetes need to strictly control blood sugar. Fractures are treated similarly to other types, but special attention should be paid to wound healing and infection risks.

There are many causes of ankle fractures, and treatment methods vary depending on individual circumstances. Regardless of the severity of the fracture, timely medical treatment and proper care are the key to recovery. In daily life, paying attention to safety protection and maintaining bone health can effectively reduce the risk of fractures.