With all ankle dislocations, there is a worry about the possibility of associated neurovascular damage (damage to the major blood vessels). Because of the potential for long-term consequences, they must be recognized and treated as soon as possible, generally with reduction of the dislocation, and occasionally even before X-rays are obtained. Here we talk about how we treat a dislocated ankle and how our home GP support for dislocated ankle in Manilva can help.
What is a dislocated ankle?
The ankle is a hinge joint that links the lower leg to the foot. It is made up of three bones. The ankle mortise is formed when the tibia and fibula of the leg come into touch with the talus of the foot, establishing a joint. A large portion of the ankle's weight bearing occurs between the tibia and the talus, which is where the bulk of the weight bearing occurs. While the form of the mortise aids in the alignment of the ankle joint, the surrounding ligaments play a critical role in giving stability to the joint.
An example of a dislocated joint is a scenario in which the bones that come together to form a joint no longer retain their usual contact with one another. In the ankle, this indicates that the tibia and talus have lost their natural anatomical connection and are no longer in a stable position.
Ankle dislocation is most usually linked with fractures of the distal extremities of the tibia and fibula (known as the malleolus) in conjunction with injury to the ligaments that support the ankle joint, which is the most common complication. Isolated ligament injuries, which occur less often, may result in a dislocation.
In what circumstances should you seek medical attention for a dislocated ankle?
The objective of emergency treatment for an ankle dislocation once the first examination by our home GP support for dislocated ankle in Manilva is completed, is to lessen the severity of the injury and reposition the bones as near to their natural anatomic position as feasible. With mild traction, the bones will often return to their original positions. It is sometimes necessary to provide medicine to the patient in order to sedate him or her and let the surrounding muscles relax.
- As soon as there is indication that the blood and nerve supply to the foot is in peril, or when the skin is tented and stretched, it is possible that efforts to shrink the ankle joint will be required even before an X-ray can be obtained in order to maintain nerve and blood vessel function.
- The blood and nerve supply to the foot are checked again once the ankle discomfort has been alleviated, and a temporary plaster or fibreglass splint is applied to keep the foot stable.
- An orthopaedic or podiatry consultation may be required immediately, particularly if there are any unstable fractures present, if there is any nerve or artery injury, or if the ankle cannot be reduced and an emergency surgery is required.
- While it is possible to lessen the severity of an ankle dislocation, surgery is often necessary in order to fix the components that have been injured. The decision on whether or not surgery is necessary, as well as the kind of surgery that may be required, is made on an individual basis for each patient and their condition.
Home GP support for dislocated ankle in Manilva
If you think that you or someone you know has a dislocated ankle, call our home GP support for dislocated ankle in Manilva right away at +34 952 811 818. A dislocated ankle should be recognised and treated as soon as possible.