Think you have a Pott’s Fracture? In this article, we will be discussing Pott’s fracture in detail. We will tell you all the signs and symptoms you need to look out for, the certain activities that can put you at risk of Pott’s fracture and how you can treat this condition if you realize that you have it.
Whenever you run or jump or play a game of football, you make use of your ankle. Can you imagine a situation where one of the important bones in your ankle joint is fractured?
Even attempting to imagine it can appear very painful but that is exactly what happens in people with Pott’s fracture. They are unable to make use of their ankle because one of the bones of the ankle is fractured. This condition can be very destabilizing especially if you are a professional athlete.
What Is Pott’s Fracture?
Pott’s fracture is also known as Pott’s Syndrome I or Dupuytren fracture. It is the type of ankle fracture in which there is a break in one of the bony protrusions by the side of the ankle known as malleoli.
There are two important malleoli in the ankle joint namely:
- The medial malleoli
- The lateral malleoli
Pott’s fracture can affect any of these two malleoli.
Causes Of Pott’s Fracture
Pott’s fracture is usually caused by activities that place intense stress on bones of the leg known as the tibia and the fibula.
The common causes of Pott’s fracture are:
- Jumping from a high spot and landing on an uneven surface can result in the fracture of the medial or lateral malleoli.
- When you make a sudden change in direction, that directly affects the ankle joint. For example in sports like football or ice hockey.
- A direct force to the ankle during an accident such as a road traffic accident can result in a Pott’s fracture.
Signs And Symptoms
Here are the signs and the symptoms you may notice if you have Pott’s fracture:
- You feel a sudden onset of intense ankle pain.
- A bump or a deformity is seen in the ankle due to a dislocation of one of the bones of the ankle from the joint following the fracture.
- It may become very difficult to stand or walk so you start limping.
- A tearing sound may be heard in the ankle during the time of injury.
- Pain at the back, front or sides of the affected ankle.
- Numbness in the affected ankle.
Treatment
- For first aid; apply ice, compress, rest and elevate the leg. The best thing you can do is see a professional as quickly as possible.
At the hospital, the following will happen:
- Medical History and Physical Examination: In the medical history, the Doctor will ask you some questions regarding the pain you have been feeling from the fracture and will proceed to examine you afterward.
- Investigation: The Doctor may request for an X-ray, MRI or CT scan to confirm the diagnosis.
- Treatment: The Doctor will immediately place you on drugs to relieve the pain you might be feeling.
- Your leg will be put in a cast to facilitate proper healing of your bones.
- You may also have to use crutches for a number of weeks.
- Depending on the severity of the injury, the Doctor might refer you to a Physical Therapist for rehabilitation or a Surgeon for definitive treatment.
- Please do not return to any intense physical activity until the Doctor says it is safe to do so.
Treating Pott’s Fracture With 9INE POINT Health
If you realize that you are not able to improve your Pott’s Fracture on your own and it doesn’t appear to provide relief from the pain you feel, you need to work with a sports medicine professional. 9INE POINT Health can help to link you up with the best local providers.
You can search for providers by type or skill. Let’s say you want to work with a Sports Physician that also knows Active Release Technique, 9INE POINT Health will show you the best local options so you can compare 9INE POINT Numbers.
KHO Health was acquired by was acquire by 9INE POINT in the summer of 2019 and is now referred to as 9INE POINT Health.
9INE POINT Health was created by 9INE POINT in '19 as a means to provide athlete-driven resources to "Protect Athletes' Minds, Body and Belly". As well as be a platform for healthcare providers and other specialists to display their knowledge.
