Ankle Pain and Fractures

U.S. News & World Report Best Hospitals for orthopedics

Nationally Ranked in Orthopaedics – #1 in DFW

UT Southwestern Medical Center is ranked the No. 1 hospital for orthopaedic care in Dallas-Fort Worth and among the best nationally by U.S. News & World Report.

Ankle injuries can happen suddenly or develop over years. Either way, they can keep patients from enjoying the activities they love.

UT Southwestern Medical Center’s orthopaedic surgery team is made up of specialists who focus on specific areas of the body, resulting in highly specialized care. Our ankle experts have advanced skills and tools to help restore function to injured ankles for patients of all ages and activity levels.

Our multidisciplinary team of foot and ankle surgeons, physical therapists, primary care sports physicians, and advanced practice providers works together to create a comprehensive treatment plan for each patient with an ankle injury.

What Are Ankle Pain and Fractures?

Ankle sprains, strains, and fractures (bone breaks) are common injuries that can result from an injury, fall, or accident.

A sprain occurs when ligaments in the ankle are torn or partially torn. A fracture happens when a bone in the ankle breaks. Other ankle pain can result from sudden injury or long-term wear.

Regardless of the cause, these conditions can make it difficult or painful to walk.

What Are the Types of Ankle Pain and Fractures?

Injuries include:

Achilles tendon rupture
Arthritis, which is joint inflammation
Sprains and strains, such as high ankle sprains
Fractures
Sports-related sprains, strains, and fractures

Why Choose UT Southwestern for Ankle Pain and Fracture Care?

UT Southwestern’s physicians work to provide each patient with attentive, personalized care to relieve the pain and mobility problems associated with ankle conditions.

Our foot and ankle experts offer leading-edge treatments, such as regenerative medicine and shockwave therapy or extracorporeal pulse activation therapy (EPAT). We recommend evidence-based solutions and work in partnership with patients to create individual treatment plans that best achieve the outcome the patient wants. Patients also have access to clinical trials, when appropriate.

Many of our doctors specialize in sports-related injuries, helping athletes recover from injury and return to competition.

Our patients benefit from:

Fellowship-trained foot and ankle surgeons who treat all types of ankle pain and fractures
Advanced imaging and diagnostic tools that help identify problems and guide treatment planning
The latest nonsurgical and surgical treatment options
Care at a leading academic medical center known for orthopaedic expertise and innovation

What Are the Symptoms of Ankle Pain and Fractures?

Symptoms of a sprain or fracture of the ankle include:

Pain that worsens when the patient bears weight on the hurt ankle
Swelling or bruising
Restricted range of motion or instability

How Are Ankle Pain and Fractures Diagnosed?

To diagnose the severity of an ankle injury, we will examine the ankle and get a history of the injury. The doctor might order additional tests to determine the extent of the injury. These include:

X-rays
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), which can help spot stress fractures and soft-tissue injuries, such as ankle ligament sprains
Computed tomography (CT) scan, which offers a comprehensive view of the bones and joints
Musculoskeletal ultrasound, which delivers results faster than MRI or CT scans, shows movement within the joint, and can be combined with ultrasound-guided injections

How Are Ankle Pain and Fractures Treated?

We often use rest and anti-inflammatory medication to manage ankle sprain pain. Other conservative treatments include:

Casts, splints or boots
Physical therapy
Regenerative injections, in which a small amount of blood is drawn and spun in a centrifuge to separate the platelets; the platelets are then injected into the ankle to speed healing
Shockwave therapy or extracorporeal pulse activation therapy (EPAT), which uses pressure waves to stimulate blood flow and help promote healing

Ankle Surgery

Ankle sprains and fractures often can heal with nonsurgical treatments. However, depending on the severity and location of a fracture, surgery might be required.

Our specialists work closely with each patient to determine if they require surgery. When surgery is needed, we offer minimally invasive reconstruction surgery, as well as traditional open surgery.

Our experienced surgeons are experts in total ankle replacement, which uses customized, 3D-printed models and components to help patients achieve their movement goals.

What Support Services for Ankle Pain and Fractures Does UT Southwestern Offer?

Physical therapist works on man's ankle during physical therapy session

UT Southwestern has a wide range of support services available to patients receiving either nonsurgical or surgical care for ankle conditions. The services include:

Physical therapy and rehabilitation programs
Pain management
Education to aid recovery and long-term ankle health

What Clinical Trials Are Available for Ankle Pain and Fractures?

UT Southwestern participates in research studies designed to improve care for people with ankle problems. Some patients may be eligible to take part in clinical trials that explore new treatments or approaches.

Ask our doctors about current studies, or search for clinical trials.

Related Conditions and Treatment

Surgeon in scrubs standing in an advanced operating room

Award-Winning Care

We’re one of the world’s top academic medical centers, with a unique legacy of innovation in patient care and scientific discovery.

Why UT Southwestern

UTSWMyCare

UT Southwestern’s patient care app – UTSWMyCare – helps you easily manage your health and stay connected to UTSW and your provider, all in a secure and safe environment.

Learn More