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Ankle Fracture Specialist

Eugene Stautberg, MD

General Orthopedic Surgeon & Foot and Ankle Specialist located in Pearland, TX

Being active in sports or work can put you at increased risk for suffering from broken bones, fractures, in your foot or ankle. At his Houston, Sugar Land, Baytown & Pearland, TX orthopedic offices, Eugene Stautberg, MD specializes in treating conditions affecting your foot and ankle, including the repair of fractures. Using the latest technology, Dr. Stautberg can confirm a fracture diagnosis, and he offers effective treatments, including surgery, to repair the break and restore your bone health. Schedule a consultation online or by using the online booking feature to learn more about treating ankle bone fractures.

Ankle Fracture Q & A

What is a fracture?

A fracture of your ankle means you have broken one or more of the bones that make up your ankle joint, including:

  • Tibia: Your shinbone
  • Fibula: The smaller bone in your lower leg
  • Talus: The small bone between the heel bone and your tibia and fibula

You can also experience a condition known as a calcaneus fracture, a fracture of your heel bone.

Fractures often result from participating in fast-paced sports, taking a fall, or being involved in a car accident. The injury might make it difficult to walk without severe pain.

What are the symptoms of a fracture?

Common symptoms of a fracture include:

  • Severe and immediate pain
  • Swelling and bruising
  • Difficulty putting weight on the affected foot

A noticeable deformity of your ankle may also be a sign of a bone fracture, and you should seek immediate medical treatment to prevent further injury.

How is a fracture diagnosed?

Dr. Stautberg initially discusses your activities or the accident that triggers your pain.

He may request an imaging test, such as an X-ray or CT scan, to get a closer look at the bones of your ankle. These tests also help Dr. Stautberg determine the extent of your injury.

What treatment options are available for fractures?

Depending on the location of your injury and the severity of your fracture, Dr. Stautberg may recommend either nonsurgical or surgical treatment of the injured ankle.

Nonsurgical treatment options may include stabilizing the affected bone with a brace or a cast to allow for proper healing. You may need to wear the brace or cast for several weeks to allow your bone to heal back together.

If the fracture is severe, Dr. Stautberg may need to perform surgery to repair the bone and restabilize your ankle joint. Your surgical recovery time depends on how severe your fracture is and where the fracture occurs.

Will I need physical therapy after fracture surgery?

Dr. Stautberg may recommend physical therapy once your ankle has time to heal and after he removes your cast. Physical therapy can improve your range of motion and strengthen the muscles surrounding your fractured bone.

For diagnosis and treatment of an ankle fracture, schedule an appointment online or by calling the Houston orthopedic office.