Preparing for an appointment

You will likely initially seek treatment for a broken ankle in an emergency room or urgent care clinic. If the pieces of broken bone aren't lined up properly for healing, you may be referred to a doctor specializing in orthopedic surgery.

What you can do

You may want to write a list that includes:

• Detailed descriptions of your symptoms
• Information about medical problems you've had
• Information about the medical problems of your parents or siblings
• All the medications and dietary supplements you take
• Questions you want to ask the doctor

For a broken ankle, basic questions to ask your doctor include:

• What tests will I need?
• What treatments are available, and which do you recommend?
• If I need a cast, how long will I need to wear it?
• Will I need surgery?
• What activity restrictions will I need to be follow?
• Should I see a specialist?
• What pain medications do you recommend?

Don't hesitate to ask any other questions you have.

What to expect from your doctor

Your doctor may ask some of the following questions:

• Was there a specific injury that triggered your symptoms?
• Did your symptoms come on suddenly?
• Have you injured your ankles in the past?
• Have you recently begun or intensified an exercise program?

What to do in the meantime

If your injury isn't severe enough to warrant a trip to the emergency room, here are some things you can do at home to care for your injury until you can see your doctor:

• Apply ice for 15 to 20 minutes at a time, every three to four hours to bring down the swelling.
• Keep your ankle elevated.
• Don't put any weight on your injured ankle.
• Lightly wrap the injury in a soft bandage that provides slight compression.