How long does it take to walk after a broken ankle?
This break can take up to 6 weeks to recover without surgery, however the broken ankle recovery time after surgery can be up to 12 weeks in certain cases. Medial Malleolus Fracture A break of this kind is the tibia only. This fracture is not as common as the Lateral Malleolus fracture and occurs on the end of the tibia bone.
What to do if you break your ankle and need surgery?
Recovery time for a broken ankle is between six and 10 weeks. Whether you have surgery or not, you’ll probably need to wear a cast, splint or walking boot for about the first six weeks. Once your doctor has given you the go-ahead, you can start putting some pressure on your foot and slowly build up to walking again over a few weeks.
How long does it take to recover from a broken foot?
Apr 19, 2022 · Broken Ankle Recovery Time Most ankle fractures can take between 4-8 weeks to heal depending upon the extent of the damage. It may take a further period of time to regain the full range of motion and use of that ankle.
How long do you wear a boot for a broken ankle?
Mar 03, 2016 · Timeline from broken ankle to recovery. 9/6/15 broke ankle, couldn’t walk, NWB. 9/17/15 ankle surgery, in cast, not allowed to walk. 10/1/15 cast removed, stitches removed, given walking boot but still NWB. 10/23/15 started physical therapy, NWB exercises. 11/12/15 released by doctor, allowed to walk, FWB. 11/19/15 started “driving” practice. 11/23/15 able to drive, …
How long is rehab for a broken ankle?
In general, physical therapy for a broken ankle lasts about 6 to 8 weeks. Your personal experience with PT may be shorter or longer depending on your specific injury. Continuing your home exercise program is a component of your rehabilitation.Feb 4, 2022
How many hours a day should a broken ankle be elevated?
To reduce pain and swelling: Sit with your foot elevated higher than your knee at least 4 times a day. Apply an ice pack 20 minutes of every hour, you are awake, for the first 2 days.Jul 8, 2020
How do you regain the range of movement in ankle after broken ankle?
0:002:14Rehabilitation Exercises for a Broken Ankle - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipAgainst a wall with a wide stance. The back legs straight and heel on the floor to stretch theMoreAgainst a wall with a wide stance. The back legs straight and heel on the floor to stretch the soleus muscle. Bring the back leg forward slightly.
When does a broken ankle stop hurting?
After about a week or two, the worst pain is usually over. What happens next is that the fractured bone and the surrounding soft tissue begin to heal. This takes a couple of weeks and the pain you might experience during this stage is called subacute pain. The last stage of pain is chronic pain.
What is the fastest way to heal a broken ankle?
Rest: Rest is key. Staying off your injury will help you heal faster. You will likely wear a cast to help keep the foot and ankle immobilized. Ice: Ice the area for 20 minutes at a time to help with swelling and inflammation.
Will my ankle ever be the same after a break?
If you had surgery to repair more than one ankle bone, it could be two years before your ankle is back to normal. If you didn't need surgery, your ankle might heal within 12 to 16 weeks.Aug 2, 2021
What are the long term effects of a broken ankle?
Long term effects of ankle fractures have been reported to include physical, psychological, and social consequences [9]. It has been reported that physical impairments following ankle fractures may include pain, functional impairment and the development of post-trauma arthritis [16].Nov 21, 2012
Is physical therapy necessary after a broken ankle?
Even if your ankle fracture has healed, you still need physical therapy to ensure your ankle and lower leg are in pristine condition. When a fracture occurs, the area is generally immobilized, so the body can heal the fracture.Oct 4, 2019
How do I know if my broken ankle is healing?
Signs Your Broken Bone Is HealingWhat You Experience During Healing. The following steps are what you will go through as your broken bone is healing:Pain Decreases. ... Range of Motion Increases. ... Swelling Goes Down. ... Bruising Subsides. ... Orthopedic Clinic in Clinton Township, MI.Oct 9, 2020
Why am I so tired after breaking a bone?
When you sustain an injury that leads to a fracture then, your body will immediately begin to rush nutrients to the site of the damage. First, your body will enter a fight or flight state. This means that your heart rate will increase, you'll feel woozy, and you'll need to sit down.Jun 24, 2020
How long does an ankle stay swollen after a break?
You can expect swelling, discomfort or hypersensitivity for up to one year after fracture. This is normal and does not mean there is anything to worry about. Keeping moving helps.
How long does it take to recover from a broken ankle?
Broken Ankle Recovery Time. The recovery time for a broken ankle is around 6-10 weeks. Whether you have surgery or not, you’ll probably need to wear a cast, splint or walking boot for around the first six weeks.
How to stay mobile after a broken ankle?
Knee scooters or “knee walkers” are another option to stay mobile while recovering from a broken ankle. They are more efficient than crutches and require less upper body strength. They are great on flat surfaces as you can scoot easily from point A to point B without getting exhausted, but they don’t work on stairs, slopes or uneven terrain. You also need to use your hands to operate the scooter so you still can’t carry things around, and they are bulky which makes them difficult to transport. It’s also difficult to navigate tight environments when on a knee scooter.
What are the bones that run from the knee to the ankle?
The ankle joint is made up of three bones. The tibia and fibula are the two long bones that run from your knee down to your ankle. The tibia, also known as the shinbone, is the weight-bearing bone and is the thicker and larger of the two. The fibula, or calf-bone, runs parallel and helps to stabilize the tibia.
What is the best way to diagnose ankle fractures?
The most commonly used imaging technique, X-rays can diagnose most ankle fractures. They will also determine the severity of the ankle fracture and whether there are any additional fractures in your leg or foot.
How do you know if you broke your ankle?
The most common symptom of a broken ankle is pain, which is usually immediate and intense. The pain may radiate up and down your leg and even down into your foot. Other symptoms of an ankle fracture or break are: In some cases, you may see exposed bone, which is called an open or compound fracture.
What is the most common fracture of the ankle?
Any one of these bones can break. However, the most common ankle fracture is known as lateral malleolus, which occurs in the fibula, just above the ankle joint. This accounts for around 55% of all ankle fractures (2). Any one of these bones can break.
What is the third bone in the ankle?
The fibula, or calf-bone, runs parallel and helps to stabilize the tibia. The third bone is the talus, a small wedge-shaped bone located deep in your ankle that supports both the tibia and the fibula. Any one of these bones can break. However, the most common ankle fracture is known as lateral malleolus, which occurs in the fibula, ...
What to do after a broken ankle?
Broken Ankle Recovery Exercises. You may be referred to a physiotherapist after your fracture has been treated to learn how to use your crutches, cane or walker to prevent undue stress on the healing fracture.
How long does it take for an ankle fracture to heal?
Most ankle fractures can take between 4-8 weeks to heal depending upon the extent of the damage. It may take a further period of time to regain the full range of motion and use of that ankle. Any ligaments and tendons involved will also need time to recover.
How to speed up ankle recovery?
More Tips to Speed up Broken Ankle Recovery 1 Do not try to bear weight on the injured ankle before the timescale your doctor has advised. Bearing weight on the injured foot before the ankle is ready can result in further injury and prevent a speedy recovery. 2 Use the mobility devices prescribed to ensure your weight is off the injured foot. 3 If you have had surgery, follow a healthy diet and nutritional supplementation to optimize bone healing. 4 Control your blood sugar levels if you have diabetes because uncontrolled glucose levels will delay bone healing. 5 Stop smoking as it affects wound and bone healing as well.
How to get rid of a swollen leg?
Lie down or sit on a hard surface with legs outstretched and knees facing the ceiling. Point the toes of your injured leg away from your body then towards your body. Repeat the pointing towards your other leg then pointing away.
How to get rid of a swollen ball of the foot?
Sit on a hard surface with the injured leg outstretched before you. Loop around your ball of foot with a piece of elastic tubing, holding the ends of the tubing in each hand. Push the ball of the foot away from the body against the tubing. Go back to the start position.
How to stretch a calf?
Stand up and face a wall with your hands braced on the wall at eye level. Hold injured foot back, toes facing slightly inward. Your other leg should be forward with the knee bent. Lean onto the wall until you feel a stretch in your back injured calf. Go back to the beginning position. Do this stretch a few times per day; holding the stretch for up to 30 seconds at a time.
How to stretch a broken ankle?
Sit on the floor with the injured foot stretched out before you. Place a towel around the ball of your foot; pull the towel gently towards your body without bending the knee. For better results in broken ankle recovery, this stretch should be repeated about 3 times; holding the stretch up to 30 seconds. 3.
Broken ankle: waiting for surgery
There was surprisingly little pain. My ankle was stabilized at the ER and I was sent home with instructions to stay off my left leg (non weight bearing or NWB) and keep it elevated while awaiting surgery. Oh, and I wasn’t allowed to shower either. (Try washing your hair in the kitchen sink while standing on one leg.)
Broken ankle surgery
That happened 11 days later on September 17. Right before going into the OR the nurses told me this was going to be a painful surgery. Such an inadequate word to describe the horror of the next 24 hours. The pain was excruciating. It felt like someone was sawing away at my ankle with a hacksaw.
Removing stitches, and do you want a cast or a boot?
The cast came off and I didn’t want to look at my foot but got a glimpse of it anyway. My exact words were, “I look like Frankenstein.” My foot was laced with wounds: a five inch long one on the left side, one inch across the top of my foot, and three inches on the right side.
Learning to walk again after a broken ankle
When I got home I took out the crutches and practiced walking while putting some pressure on the left foot. I found it impossibly clunky to try and walk with the boot on so I ditched it immediately. My foot needed a lot of support which the boot did not provide. Not having anything suitable I ordered orthopedic shoes which helped me a lot.
Driving after a broken ankle
It’s illegal to drive with a cast or a boot on either foot. When I became FWB I was legally allowed to drive but couldn’t since my car has a manual transmission which requires the use of both feet. So I had to learn how to drive again.
Walking without a limp
While I was able to walk on my own, limping was a problem. I began using one crutch (on the good side) for support most of the time while training myself to walk properly.
Pain during and after a broken ankle
For me there wasn’t a lot of pain when I first broke my ankle. I rated it as a 3 out of 10.
How long does it take for a broken ankle to heal?
A broken or fractured ankle is painful and will reduce your mobility. When surgery is not recommended, it will take at least 6 weeks for the bone to heal. This recovery time will vary greatly, depending on the extent of the break.
How to stop ankle pain from swelling?
You’ll want to keep your foot elevated as much as possible. The goal is to reduce swelling in the ankle and decrease pain. You’ll want to apply ice to the area when the injury first occurs to try and decrease the pain. You can also take some Ibuprofen to help with the pain. 3.
How to heal a broken bone?
Start Taking Supplements. If you’re lacking in the calcium department, you’ll have a harder time healing. Calcium is a supplement that’s recommended for anyone with a broken bone so long as the person doesn’t consume excess amounts of the mineral. Fish oils have also been shown to speed up the healing process.
What will a doctor do if you have a broken bone?
What your doctor will do is monitor the healing process with repeated X-rays. The doctor will be checking to see how well the bone has healed. If you damaged ligaments or tendons, your recovery time may be even longer.
Why do you need a knee scooter?
Stable and easier to get around in, a knee scooter eliminates the risk that you’ll slip and potentially fall. When you use crutches, there are times when you’ll instinctively put your foot down. If you bear weight on your ankle, it may slow down your recovery time. Click here to see knee scooters we recommend. 2.
What can you do if you have a fracture?
A lot of people will ignore this plan, but it’s the worst thing that you can do. You may, if you have a fracture, use alternative forms of healing, too. Ultrasound, electrical stimulation and even magnet healing therapies are available. The efficacy of these treatments are unknown, but they may help you heal faster.
Can you take a shower with an ankle cast?
You’ll want to shower, or you can try and take a bath with your ankle in a cast. A shower chair may not help speed up healing, but it will ensure that you don’t put weight on your ankle during the healing process.
What to do if you have a broken ankle?
If you have suffered a broken ankle, you may benefit from the skilled services of a physical therapist to help you return to optimal function once your fracture has healed. Your physical therapist (PT) may use various treatments and modalities to help control your pain or swelling or to improve the way your ankle moves.
What to do after ankle fracture?
Plyometric Exercise. If you participate in high-intensity sports, you may want to perform plyometric exercises like jumping and hopping to prepare for a return to the sport after an ankle fracture.
What can a physical therapist do for ankle fractures?
Your physical therapist can prescribe the right exercises for you to do at the right stage of healing to ensure that you can return to optimal mobility quickly and safely. Your PT will likely prescribe a specific exercise program during your ankle fracture rehabilitation. The goals of the program are to help improve ankle mobility, strength, ...
How to improve ankle ROM after a fracture?
Another fun exercise to do to improve ankle ROM after a fracture is to do ankle alphabet. Simply pretend that your toes are a pencil, and draw letters with your foot by moving your ankle. Draw each letter slowly and deliberately in both upper and lower case. This can be performed several times per day.
What happens after a fractured ankle?
After a period of immobilization in a cast or brace, you may notice that the muscles around your ankle have become significantly weakened. This is common after an ankle fracture, and your PT will likely prescribe exercises to improve your ankle strength. 1
How to improve flexibility after ankle fracture?
Flexibility Exercises. To improve muscular flexibility around your ankle after a fracture, you can perform a few different exercises. 1 . Towel calf stretching can improve the flexibility of the muscles on the back of your lower leg. Simply wrap a towel around your toes and give a slow, gentle pull to stretch your calf.
How to stretch the front of your ankle?
To stretch the muscle on the front of your ankle, perform the kneeling anterior tibialis stretch. Kneel down with your ankle and toes pointed, and gently press upon your foot to stretch the front of your lower leg. Hold each stretch for 15 to 30 seconds. Then move on to the next exercise group—ankle strengthening. 3.
How long does it take to rehab a broken ankle?
In general, physical therapy for a broken ankle lasts about 6 to 8 weeks.
How to get back to walking after a broken ankle?
Exercise to improve functional mobility and walking ability. You'll most likely be required to perform a home exercise program for your broken ankle. This program may continue for several months after physical therapy has stopped, and the program may be an important component in your long-term rehab success.
Why do you put your ankle in a cast?
The pieces of bone must be put in close proximity to one another so that healing can occur. Fracture reduction is essential to ensure that the bone heals properly and that permanent functional loss or deformity is avoided. After your ankle fracture is reduced , your ankle will most likely be placed in a cast.
How to heal a fractured ankle?
Exercises for ankle fracture rehabilitation may include: 1 Exercises for ankle range of motion 2 Ankle strengthening exercises 3 Hip and knee exercises (to help improve walking ability) 4 Balance and proprioception exercises 5 Exercise to improve functional mobility and walking ability
What bone is the ankle?
Your ankle is a joint where the talus bone of the foot and the tibia (shin bone) and fibula of the leg connect and move. Trauma here can cause a break in any or all of these bones and significant pain usually results immediately after the injury. Ankle fractures almost always occur during a traumatic event to the body.
What is Wolff's law?
Wolff's law states that bone grows and remodels in response to the stress that is placed upon it. Your physical therapist can help prescribe exercises that apply the right stress in the correct direction to ensure that maximal bone healing occurs and that your fractured ankle will function properly. 1 .
What is the best treatment for ankle fracture?
An ankle fracture can lead to significant loss of function and limit your ability to walk, run, or participate fully in work and recreational activities. Physical therapy after an ankle fracture can help you improve mobility and help you safely return to normal activity and function.
An update on the physical problems
The physical problems I’ve been dealing with this last year are pain, swelling, numbness and stiffness. Last June I reported being 95 percent recovered and able to do almost all of my normal activities. I think it’s more like 97 percent now. A couple of things I can do now that I wasn’t able to before are running and jumping jacks.
Photos of my ankle one year later
The left ankle is the one that had surgery. They look the most alike in the morning when there’s no swelling. The left one will always be a little bigger now with all the hardware installed. I don’t plan to have it removed because it’s not causing me any problems and I really don’t want another surgery.
An update on the emotional problems
I didn’t talk about it much before but the emotional challenges are almost as difficult as the physical ones. I’ve experienced fear, depression, helplessness, flashbacks and frustration.
How long has it been since my ankle is still flexible?
It’s been 3,5 years since my injury and my ankle is still getting more flexible.
Why is my ankle swollen?
It doesn’t matter if you’re munching on kale chips or cream and onion potato chips. Processed food can be the reason your ankle is still swollen – there is normally way too much salt, fat and other additives in it. By the way, if you’re struggling with your diet and have no idea on what to eat, contact me!
Why is it important to sleep during recovery?
You might have spent days sleeping during the early stages of your recovery but it’s important that you still get enough sleep even after going back to your normal daily routine. Lack of sleep slows down your recovery. It is during sleep that your body is able to fully recharge and recover.
Can standing too much cause a swollen ankle?
During recovery, it’s easy to fall back to your normal routine before the accident. But there is a fine line here – sitting in the office for hours on end may be causing your swollen ankle. And conversely, you may also be standing too much, putting strain on your ankle. Go over how you are moving on a regular day to see if you’re sitting or standing too much.