Your Notifications
All done, no notifications

What is a Broken Ankle?

A broken ankle, also called an ankle fracture, is a condition in which one or more of the ankle joints' bones may break. This ailment usually results from a fall, twist, or direct contact and causes discomfort, swelling, and the foot's incapability to bear weight. The severity of an ankle fracture can vary, ranging from a single bone split to several fractures that may make the ankle unstable.

What is the Importance of Timely Treatment?

Timely treatment of a broken ankle helps in the following:

  • It keeps the bone from moving, preventing the fracture from worsening.
  • Prevent further damage to tendons and ligaments.
  • It helps reduce inflammation and promotes quicker healing.
  • Uses medication and immobility to relieve pain.
  • Ensures Proper Bone Healing and prevents abnormalities and misalignment (malunion).
  • Encourages healthy bone healing for maximum efficiency.
  • It reduces the chance of Chronic Problems and lowers the risk of chronic pain and arthritis.
  • Lowers the chance of immobility-induced blood clots (DVT).

What are the Common Symptoms of a Broken ankle?

Following are the signs and symptoms of a Broken ankle:

  • Extreme pain, particularly while bearing weight on the foot
  • Bruising and swelling in the ankle area
  • Deformity (in extreme conditions)
  • Walking difficulties or inability
  • Warmth and tenderness surrounding the affected area

Causes and Risk Factors of Broken Ankle

Causes

  • It can result from significant pressure on the ankle by tripping, slipping, or falling from a height.
  • Ankle twisting or rolling
  • Fractures can result from abrupt twisting actions, mainly when playing sports or walking unevenly.
  • Over time, minor bone fractures may result from repetitive strain from sports like dancing, running, or mountaineering.

Risk Factors

Certain factors that increase the chances of an ankle break are as follows:

  • Osteoporosis ( weak bones): Fractures from mild falls or injuries are more likely to occur in those with low bone density.
  • Activities with a High Impact: Ankle fractures are more common among athletes and people who participate in strenuous physical activity.
  • Age: Due to weakening bones and balance problems, older persons are more vulnerable.
  • Improper Footwear: Ankle problems can be exacerbated by wearing high heels, poorly fitted shoes, or insufficient athletic apparel.
  • Overweight: Ankle strain is increased by excess body weight, increasing the risk of fractures.
  • Past Ankle Injuries: The risk of re-injury increases if you have a history of ankle sprains or fractures.

Connect with our advisor for a PRIORITY response

Latest Research and Technologies in the Treatment of Broken Ankles in Thailand

Through the use of cutting-edge technologies and creative surgical methods, Thailand has made notable strides in the treatment of broken ankles. Hospitals use robotic-assisted surgery, the ARTIS Pheno robotic X-ray C-Arm for real-time imaging, and minimally invasive procedures to improve accuracy and recuperation. While thorough rehabilitation programs aid patients in regaining mobility more quickly, advanced MRI imaging guarantees a precise diagnosis.

Broken Ankle Prevention Tips

To help prevent or effectively manage a broken ankle if you already have it, the following is the advice to be considered:

  • Wear proper shoes: Choose footwear with non-slip soles and adequate arch support.
  • Strengthen Your Legs and Ankles: To increase strength and stability, do exercises like ankle rotations, calf raises, and balance training. Exercises like yoga and pilates help you become more flexible and avoid falls.
  • Maintain Bone Health: For strong bones, eat a diet high in calcium and vitamin D. If you have osteoporosis or a calcium deficiency, consider taking supplements.
  • Use precaution on uneven surfaces: Be careful on loose rugs, uneven pathways, and slick surfaces. When climbing stairs, use handrails.
  • Use supportive braces if necessary: Use ankle braces or taping for additional support if you have weak ankles or a history of injury.

Treatment options for Broken ankle

Open Reduction and Internal Fixation (ORIF): To treat severe ankle fractures, a surgical method known as Open Reduction and Internal Fixation (ORIF) is performed to realign the bones (open reduction) and stabilise them with metal implants such as screws or plates (internal fixation). It becomes essential for the misplaced, unstable, or complex fractures. After 6–12 weeks of minimal weight bearing, physical treatment is administered to regain strength and range of motion. Despite its effectiveness, infection, discomfort of the implant, and nerve damage are possible side effects. Depending on the severity of the damage, it may take three to six months to heal fully.


Cost Start From USD 7500 - USD 10000Explore Options

Ankle Arthroscopy: An ankle arthroscopy is a minimally invasive technique for evaluating and treating fractures and other ailments inside the ankle joint. It aids in fracture alignment, loose fragment removal, and assessment of cartilage damage. Although recovery times vary, physical therapy usually follows weeks of not bearing any weight..

Physical Examination

  • Examine the deformities, discomfort, bruising, and swelling.
  • Verify your range of motion and weight-bearing capacity.

Imaging tests

  • X-ray: Initial imaging to verify the location and extent of a fracture.
  • CT scan: This offers fine-grained bone pictures for intricate fractures.
  • MRI: MRI evaluates damage to cartilage, ligaments, and soft tissues.
  • X-rays: Sometimes, soft tissue injuries or invisible fractures on X-rays are treated with ultrasound.

MediRehab (a chain of Rehab centres, part of MediGence) provides comprehensive rehabilitation services to support patients through Teleconsulations and online therapy sessions.

Initial Healing Phase for 0–6 weeks

  • Bracing or casting: This preserves the ankle while the bones recover.
  • Non-weight Bearing: To prevent straining the ankle, use a wheelchair, walker, or crutches.

Early Rehab for 6–8 weeks, if approved by the Physician

  • Exercises for Range of Motion: To avoid stiffness, make gentle motions.
  • Light exercises to sustain muscle strength are known as isometric strengthening.

Increasing Mobility & Strength for 8–12 weeks

  • Restoring strength, balance, and flexibility is the primary goal of physical therapy.
  • Partial Weight-Bearing: Use a brace or walking boot to gradually increase the ankle's pressure.

Complete Recuperation and resume activities for 3–6 months

  • Strength training: Ankle stability workouts using resistance.
  • Proprioception Training: Exercises to maintain balance to avoid re-injury.

Depending on the situation, your healthcare professional may prescribe medicine to help control your symptoms and support the treatment plan.

Instantly Connect with our Specialists

Doctor 1
Doctor 2
Doctor 3
Doctor 4
Doctor 5
Doctor 6
Doctor 7
Doctor 8

Hospitals for Broken ankle in Thailand

Bangpakok 9 International Hospital: Top Doctors, and Reviews
Bangpakok 9 International Hospital

Bangkok, Thailand

Bangpakok 9 International Hospital located in Bangkok, Thailand is accredited by JCI. Also listed below are some of the most prominent infrastructural details:

  • It would be prudent to summarise the Medical Services provided at the Bangpakok 9 International Hospital (BPK 9), Bangkok, Thailand:
  • Cosmetic Dentistry
  • Dental Implants
  • Electrocardiogram (EKG or ECG)
  • Exercise Stress Test
  • Health Screening
  • Laser Vagina Firming
  • Pediatric Physical Therapy
  • Perfect Slim by Vela II
  • Physical Therapy for Musculoskeletal
  • Prosthodontics
  • The Medical Services are also inclusive of the International Patient Services such as the ones listed here:
  • Thai, English, French, Arabic, Chinese, Myanmar, Cambodia, Bangladeshi, Bahasa and Tagalog are the languages in which there are Translation services available for International Patients.
  • Visa extension related assistance
  • International health insurance related assistance
  • Embassy and international organizations related assistance
  • A variety of meals of choice for International Patients
  • Email consultation services
  • Transfer to either airport and/or hotels
  • Prayer room
  • Four different types of rooms are available such as Deluxe room, two kinds of suites, and a VIP suite.
  • Hospital facilities like The Coffee shop, Food Hall, Cafe and Medical Spa.
  • Complete health and safety protocols are maintained in the various Medical Centers some of whom are as follows:
  • Aesthetic Center
  • 24 Hour Emergency Center
  • Allergy Center
  • Breast Center
  • bSmart Center
  • Checkup Center
  • Dental Center,
  • Happy Long Life Center
  • Medical Fitness Center
  • Psychiatric Center
  • Rehabilitation Center
  • Sleep Disorders Center
Bangkok Hospital: Top Doctors, and Reviews
Bangkok Hospital

Bangkok, Thailand

Bangkok Hospital located in Bangkok, Thailand is accredited by JCI. Also listed below are some of the most prominent infrastructural details:

  • It is recognised for the application of the newest healthcare technology.
  • Blood analysis center that is not just the best in Thailand but in Asia Pacific as well.
  • Biomolecule center that is the seed of healthcare equipment for Thailand and overseas.
  • International affiliations and collaborations with universities and hospitals in Japan and the United States of America.
  • 11 hospitals are recognised as Centers of Excellence.
  • Known excellence in Trauma, Orthopedics, Cardiovascular, Neurology as well as Cancer Care.
  • There is a proper streamlined patient services process followed in Bangkok Dusit Medical Services, Bangkok, Thailand.
  • A well developed research center showcases the intent of the organisation to provide research based treatment opportunities to the patients.
  • The group has several Medical industry partnerships as well to ensure healthcare solutions.
Sikarin Hospital: Top Doctors, and Reviews
Sikarin Hospital

Bangkok, Thailand

Apart from in-detail treatment procedures available, Sikarin Hospital located in Bangkok, Thailand has a wide variety of facilities available for International Patients. Some of the facilities which are provided by them are Airport Transfer, Choice of Meals, Interpreter, SIM, TV inside room. Also listed below are some of the most prominent infrastructural details:

  • Sikarin Hospital has a 258-bed capacity.
  • The hospital caters to the healthcare needs of both local and international patients.
  • Dedicated and skilled, experienced healthcare professionals are the strength of the organization.

It has also received many awards and certifications and some of them are:

  • APSIC CSSD Center of Excellence Award (2017-18)
  • Accreditation by the Joint Commission International
  • HA-Hospital/Healthcare Accreditation
  • HACCP Certificate of Registration
  • The Best Under a Billion Award 
  • ISO 14001 Environment Management System
  • ISO 9001 Quality Management System

The various clinics and centers of Sikarin Hospital are as follows:

  • Pediatric Institute
  • Orthopedic Institute
  • Dental Center
  • Health Check-up Center
  • Heart Disease Center
  • Cerebral and Nervous System Center
  • Internal Medicine Clinic
  • Diagnostic Radiology Center
  • Diagnostic Laboratory
  • Endoscopic Surgery Center
  • International Medical Center
  • Emergency Medical Center
  • Sikarin Beauty Center
  • Eye Center
  • Rehabilitation Center
  • Women’s Health Center
  • Ear, Nose and Throat Center
  • Specialized Internal Medicine Center
  • Center for Gastrointestinal and Liver Diseases

The medical technology present in Sikarin Hospital is outlined here:

  • MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) magnetic resonance imaging
  • Hybrid Operating Room
  • Endoscopic Surgery - Gastrointestinal medical technology with tiny capsules
  • S.R. Laboratory
  • Cardiac Catheterization Lab 
  • Dental Operating Microscope, an innovative endoscopic root canal treatment
  • 128-Slice CT Scan
  • ORTHOPANTOMOGRAPH OP 3D oral X-ray machine
  • Digital Mammogram
  • Optical Coherence Tomography
  • INFRARED (IR) IMAGING Surgical Technology “Cure Cancer” – Direct, Accurate, Fast
  • 3D endoscopic surgery technology
  • Laparoscopic Surgery
  • Dental Aerosol Suction Dental Intraoral Aerosol Remover
  • Comprehensive Dental Center
  • iTeroElement 5D

Our Services to better your experience

Opinion & Option

We submit the most accurate opinion and options from one or more countries for your review

Consult Privately

Consult with a certified specialist privately on our telemedicine platform even before you decide to travel

Logistics

We handle flights, visas, transfers, and accommodation—so you can focus on your health.

Recovery

Our In-house rehabilitation service packages to better your recovery and treatment outcome

Why Choose Thailand for Broken Ankle Treatment?

Thailand is a good option for treating broken ankles because of its excellent hospitals, knowledgeable orthopaedic surgeons, and reasonably priced modern medical equipment. Robot-assisted operations, 3D-printed casts, and minimally invasive surgery are available treatments. Numerous hospitals provide medical tourism services, guaranteeing foreign patients a seamless experience with top-notch care at less expensive costs than in Western nations.

Frequently Asked Questions

No, a broken ankle does not always require surgery. Casting, bracing, and rest can help heal minor fractures or stable breaks. Plates, screws, or rods are utilised for appropriate alignment, although surgery is required for severe fractures, misplaced bones, or ligament injury. A doctor determines the best course of action based on X-rays and the extent of the injury.

Depending on the severity, recovery from broken ankle treatment might take six weeks to six months. With a cast, minor fractures heal in 6–8 weeks, while complete healing from surgery takes 3–6 months. Physical therapy helps restore strength, mobility, and balance, and it takes six to twelve months to resume sports or other strenuous activities.

A broken ankle can temporarily impair daily life, making driving, walking, and engaging in physical activities more challenging. For mobility, you might require a wheelchair, a walker, or crutches. Routine chores may become difficult due to pain, oedema, and stiffness, but proper care and rehabilitation can eventually restore normal function.

The Risk depends on the type of treatment and the severity of the injury. Joint stiffness and poor bone healing (malunion) are complications of non-surgical therapy. Infection, blood clots, nerve injury, and implant failure are among the risk factors associated with surgery. An incomplete recovery might lead to persistent discomfort or long-term problems like arthritis.

Many Thailand hospitals provide medical tourism services, such as visa assistance, airport transportation, language interpreters, and reasonably priced treatment plans.Additionally, international patients benefit from excellent post-surgery care and rehabilitation.

A large number of institutions in Thailand offer medical tourism services to foreigners. In addition to providing top-notch medical care at reasonable costs, they also help with visas, housing, language support, and post-treatment care.

Modern equipment is available in Thailand hospitals to diagnose and heal broken ankles. They provide digital X-rays, CT scans, MRIs, and ultrasounds for thorough diagnosis. For challenging fractures, treatments include robotic-assisted surgeries, minimally invasive surgery, 3D-printed casts, and sophisticated implants.

As a division of MediGence, MediRehab provides all-encompassing care for broken ankles with an emphasis on physical therapy to increase muscle strength, decrease discomfort, and improve flexibility. To correct posture, stabilize the spine, and stop additional tension, therapists employ certain exercises. For the best care, MediGence helps locate reputable doctors and medical facilities.

Yes, you can consult with skilled orthopedics and specialists to get a second opinion on how to treat broken ankles in Thailand. Top hospitals provide individualised treatment regimens and cutting-edge tests to guarantee the most outstanding care.