Getting from place to place during the winter can be treacherous.  Whether driving in a car or traveling on foot, it is important to take precautions.  When walking, make sure to take it slow.  Ice can be lurking underfoot and being mindful of it can help keep you from taking a spill.  For the elderly, this is especially important.  According to Dr. Gudren Mirick from Hennepin County Medical Center, the most common injury from falls in the winter is an ankle fracture.  Giving consideration to the type of shoes you are wearing is key.  Winter boots are the best choice, but if you don’t have them, make sure that your shoes have good traction.  Put away your heels until springtime, you might end up with a broken ankle.

Broken ankles need immediate treatment. If you are seeking treatment, contact Dr. Rosa Roman from Ankle and Foot Center. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet. 

Broken Ankles
A broken ankle is experienced when a person fractures their tibia or fibula in the lower leg and ankle area. Both of these bones are attached at the bottom of the leg and combine to form what we know to be our ankle.

When a physician is referring to a break of the ankle, he or she is usually referring to a break in the area where the tibia and fibula are joined to create our ankle joint. Ankles are more prone to fractures because the ankle is an area that suffers a lot of pressure and stress. There are some obvious signs when a person experiences a fractured ankle, and the following symptoms may be present.

Symptoms of a Fractured Ankle

• Excessive pain when the area is touched or when any pressure is placed on the ankle
•  Swelling around the area
•  Bruising of the area
• Area appears to be deformed

If you suspect an ankle fracture, it is recommended to seek treatment as soon as possible. The sooner you have your podiatrist diagnose the fracture, the quicker you’ll be on the way towards recovery.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in Bloomfield, NJ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.