If you were watching the recent Giants game, you may have seen the moment running back Cam Skattebo went down with a severe ankle injury. It’s the kind of damage that makes you wince: a clear and severe deformity that is difficult to witness. When an injury is that visually dramatic, it’s often a sign of an ankle dislocation. In the following blog, Advanced Foot Care of NJ will explain how to spot the problem (and what to do if you’re affected!).

What Exactly Is an Ankle Dislocation?

Many people use “sprain,” “break,” and “dislocation” interchangeably, but they are very different injuries.

A sprain is a stretch or tear of a ligament.
A break (or fracture) is a crack or break in a bone.
A dislocation is a complete disruption of the joint itself.

A true ankle dislocation is a major traumatic event. It means the bones of the ankle joint—the tibia, fibula, and talus—have been forcefully knocked out of their normal positions.

This is a true medical emergency because it can compromise the blood supply and nerves to the entire foot.
In almost every case of a true ankle dislocation, the ligaments that hold the joint together are severely torn.
It is also extremely common for one or more of the bones to be fractured at the same time. This is often called a “fracture-dislocation.”

What Are the Signs of a Dislocation?

Unlike a mild sprain, an ankle dislocation is not a subtle injury.

The signs are immediate and severe:

Obvious Deformity: The foot will be visibly out of place, often at an unnatural angle.
Intense, Severe Pain: The pain is immediate and profound.
Inability to Bear Weight: It is impossible to stand or walk on the injured foot.
Rapid and Massive Swelling: The ankle will swell very quickly.
Numbness or Tingling: This is a danger sign that the nerves and blood vessels are being compressed.

What Should You Do for a Suspected Dislocation?

This is not a “wait and see” or “put some ice on it” injury. An ankle dislocation is a medical emergency that requires immediate treatment at a hospital.

Do NOT attempt to ‘pop’ the joint back in yourself!
The primary goal is to get the joint put back into place—a procedure called ‘reduction’—as quickly as possible to restore blood flow.
This must be done by a medical professional!

How Do We Treat an Ankle Dislocation?

After the joint is reduced in the ER and stabilized, you must see a podiatric specialist for a complete evaluation.

Full Diagnosis: We will take a new set of X-rays, and often a CT scan or MRI, to get a clear picture of the full extent of the damage.
- We need to identify every fracture and every torn ligament to build a proper treatment plan.
Immobilization: The joint will be immobilized in a cast or boot to protect it.
Surgical Repair: Most ankle dislocations require surgery. Because the ligaments are torn so severely, they often cannot heal on their own.
- Surgery is necessary to repair those ligaments and use plates or screws to fix any broken bones, ensuring the joint is stable for the long term.

Ultimately, a complete evaluation by a specialist is the most important step in preventing long-term pain, arthritis, and instability. If any of the above seems familiar, come see us!

At Advanced Foot Care of NJ, LLC, our doctor and staff proudly serve the communities of Little Falls, Cedar Grove, Verona, Stoney Road, Sandy Hill, Albion Place, and Great Notch. Contact us today to schedule an appointment.