Dislocated ankle

When the ankle is dislocated, there is damage to the ankle joint, and often the ligaments and surrounding structures, such as nerves and blood vessels, are affected. Bone fractures may also be present with a dislocated ankle. This is a serious ankle injury, and it is important to go to the emergency room quickly. Curious to learn more about the causes and treatment? Feel free to read on. We’re happy to explain.

What is the cause?

The cause of a dislocated ankle is usually a sprain in which one or more ankle ligaments tear. This often occurs in athletes who suddenly change direction while running, land on an uneven surface after a jump, or land awkwardly during contact with an opponent.

A dislocated ankle can also result from a traffic accident or a fall from a great height. You are more likely to dislocate your ankle if you have previously sprained it. In that case, the strength and stability of the ankle are reduced.

Symptoms of a dislocated ankle

There are several complaints and symptoms you may experience with a dislocated ankle:

• Severe and sharp pain
• The ankle becomes swollen, blue, and warm
• Significant misalignment of the foot and ankle
• Inability to move the ankle/foot
• Bruising and swelling around the ankle joint
• Sometimes there are sensory disturbances and circulation problems in the foot

Treatment of a dislocated ankle

If the ankle is dislocated, there is also a possibility that it is broken. An X-ray must be taken for this reason. The ankle must be repositioned by a specialist. This must be done carefully to prevent further damage to surrounding structures (such as blood vessels and nerves).

Recovery

Once the ankle is back in the correct position and there is no fracture, it is important to begin moving it gently again. However, putting too much weight on it too soon is not advisable. You can use crutches to help with this. You may also wear an ankle brace to ensure stability and relieve some pressure on the ankle. Once it is possible to bear weight on the ankle again, it is important to strengthen and stabilize it. This can be done through exercises. Recovery usually takes several weeks to months.