Ankle Dislocation In san antonio

What Is a Dislocated Ankle?

A dislocated ankle occurs when the talus bone shifts out of alignment with the tibia and fibula, disrupting the ankle joint. In many cases, a dislocated ankle is associated with fractures or significant ligament damage.

Because the ankle joint supports your body weight and allows movement, dislocation can cause severe pain, instability, and difficulty bearing weight.

An ankle dislocation in San Antonio is typically treated as an urgent orthopedic condition requiring immediate medical attention.

What Causes an Ankle Dislocation?

  • Sports injuries

    High-speed movements, collisions, or awkward landings can force the ankle out of position.

  • Falls from height

    Landing improperly after a fall can place extreme stress on the ankle joint.

  • Motor vehicle accidents

    The force of impact may cause severe trauma, including a dislocated ankle.

  • Twisting injuries with significant force

    Sudden rotational movement can damage ligaments and shift the bones out of alignment.

  • High-impact trauma

    Direct blows or crushing injuries may result in joint displacement and fractures.

  • Workplace or industrial accidents

    Heavy equipment injuries or unstable surfaces can create the force necessary to cause a dislocated ankle.

Symptoms of an Ankle Dislocation

Common signs of a dislocated ankle include:

  • Severe pain at the ankle joint

  • Visible deformity or abnormal positioning

  • Rapid swelling

  • Bruising

  • Inability to bear weight

  • Limited or no range of motion

If the ankle appears visibly out of place, do not attempt to move or reposition it yourself. Seek emergency care immediately.

Orthopedic specialist McCarty evaluating ankle injury at Ortho San Antonio

Treatment Options for a Dislocated Ankle At Ortho San Antonio:

Treatment depends on the severity of the injury and whether fractures are involved.

  • Closed Reduction: In many cases, the first step is a procedure called reduction, where the bones are carefully repositioned into proper alignment. This is typically done under sedation to ensure patient comfort.

  • Immobilization: After realignment, the ankle is immobilized with a splint, cast, or brace to allow healing.

  • Surgical Treatment: If the dislocated ankle involves fractures or severe ligament damage, surgery may be required to stabilize the joint using plates, screws, or other fixation methods.

Our team at Ortho San Antonio provides individualized treatment plans based on each patient’s specific injury.

Surgical treatment for ankle dislocation at Ortho San Antonio by dr. Sarfani

Dislocated Ankle Recovery

Dislocated ankle recovery varies depending on the severity of the injury and whether surgery was required.

Most patients can expect:

  • Several weeks of immobilization

  • Gradual return to weight bearing as directed by a physician

  • Physical rehabilitation to restore strength and mobility

  • Follow-up imaging to monitor healing

Full dislocated ankle recovery may take several months. Early and appropriate treatment significantly improves long-term outcomes and reduces the risk of chronic instability or arthritis.

Our Locations

Meet Our Foot & Ankle Specialists

Shumaila Sarfani, MD

Board-Certified & Fellowship-Trained Foot & Ankle Orthopedic Specialist

Kathren Mccarty, DPM

Board-Certified Podiatric Foot & Ankle Surgeon

Is Your Ankle Severely Swollen, Painful, or Out of Place?