How to Diagnose Stress Fracture of Ankle

Unlike fractures that take place because of accidents and traumas, stress fractures occur in response to undue stress on bones or joints. Stress on the joint usually occurs when you perform a jerky in-and-out motion or an extensive bending of the joint. Frequent overuse of the ankle joint when exercising or playing strenuous sports such as basketball or football may also give rise to stress fracture of the ankle. A prompt diagnosis and treatment of the stress fracture can spare the joint from further damage. Various procedures used for precise diagnosis of a stress fracture are readily available.

Instructions

• 1

  Undergo an updated diagnostic technique, such as multiplanar X-ray reconstruction, for the diagnosis of a stress fracture of the ankle. Multiplanar X-ray reconstruction offers three-dimensional enhancement to a normal X-ray, thereby giving closer access to the actual point of breakage.

• 2

  Get a computed tomography (CT) scan to add more accuracy to the diagnostic procedure. Look for tiny, thin lines showing on the bone that might indicate it is fractured.

• 3

  Examine the affected part carefully to get an idea of the intensity of the damage incurred on the joint. Look for signs such as pain, swelling, bruising, and a crackling sound of the joint.