Sports Medicine: Ankle Dislocation or Subluxation
A subluxation is a partial dislocation. When an ankle is subluxed or dislocated, the ligaments are often stretched or torn, and there may be a break in the bone.
What Are Ankle Dislocations or Subluxations?
The ankle joint is made up of two lower leg bones (tibia and fibula) and a foot bone (talus). A dislocation is an injury to a joint causing the bones to no longer meet together correctly. In the ankle, this can occur when the talus no longer is in position with the tibia and fibula. A subluxation is a partial dislocation. When an ankle is subluxed or dislocated, the ligaments are often stretched or torn, and there may be a break in the bone.
What Are the Signs & Symptoms?
- sudden joint pain, swelling and bruising
- unable to bear weight
- a deformed looking ankle with limited or no movement in the foot or ankle
Increased Risk
- repeated injury to the ankle like previous ankle sprain(s)
- contact sports or sports that require side-to-side movements and jumping (football, basketball, soccer)
- having dislocated the ankle in the past
- shoes not having enough support
- looseness of joints and ligaments
How are Ankle Dislocation or Subluxations Treated?
- Medicine
- Anti-inflammatory medicines, such as ibuprofen (Motrin® or Advil®) or naproxen (Aleve®) may be recommended. Take these as directed by your health care provider.
- Other minor pain relievers, such as acetaminophen (Tylenol®), may be used.
- Muscle relaxers or anesthesia may be needed to allow the muscles to relax and decrease pain.
- Use of cold and heat
- Cold should be applied for 10 to 15 minutes every 2 to 3 hours and after any activity that makes symptoms worse. Use ice packs or an ice massage.
- Heat should not be used on a new injury but may be used before doing stretching and strengthening activities prescribed by your health care provider or athletic trainer. Use a heat pack or a warm soak. Apply for 10 to 15 minutes.
- Once the joint has been reduced (put back in place) x-rays should be done to look for broken bones.
- Orthopedic aids
- A cast or walking boot may be recommended to hold the ankle in place, keep it from moving, and allow the swelling to go down.
- Surgery may be needed for more severe injuries and complex fractures.
- Rehabilitation will be needed following immobilization or surgery to reduce swelling and regain motion, strength, and balance. This should be done under supervision of a physical therapist or athletic trainer.
How To Prevent
- Do correct warm-up and stretching before activity.
- Wear protective equipment and support (ankle brace).
- Use proper technique during running, cutting and jumping.
- Maintain good conditioning, flexibility, muscle strength, endurance and cardiovascular fitness.
When To Call a Doctor
Call your health care provider or the Sports Medicine team at 614-355-6000 if one or more of these happens
- pain, numbness, or turning pale in arms, hands, feet or legs
- pain, swelling or bruising get worse in spite of treatment
- new, unexplained symptoms develop
Helping Hands Patient Education Materials
Written and illustrated by medical, nursing and allied health professionals at Nationwide Children's Hospital, Helping Hand instructions are intended as a supplement to verbal instructions provided by a medical professional. The information is periodically reviewed and revised to reflect our current practice. However, Nationwide Children's Hospital is not responsible for any consequences resulting from the use or misuse of the information in the Helping Hands.
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