Blisters, which should be treated promptly.Swelling, which may occur along the length of the leg or be more localized at the ankle.Pain at the site of the fracture, which can extend from the foot to the knee. One or all of these signs and symptoms may accompany an ankle fracture: Ankle fractures are commonly caused by the ankle twisting inward or outward. Some fractures also may involve injuries to important ankle ligaments that keep Ankle fractures can range from less serious avulsion injuries (small pieces of bone that have been pulled off) to severe, shattering-type breaks. Some distal tibia fractures can involve the rear (posterior) part of the bone, which also are known as posterior In the ankle, fractures involve the far (distal) ends of the tibia and/or the fibula. The fibula forms the lateral (outside) malleoli.Ī fracture is a partial or complete break in a bone. The tibia has a medial (inside) malleoli and a posterior malleoli. U.S.The ends of these bones are called malleoli.Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Full recovery after ankle fracture surgery may take up to 6 months. As the ankle heals, muscle-stengthening exercises, range-of-motion exercises and balance training may all be used to increase movement and mobility. Physical therapy exercise treatments focus on improving range of motion without putting excessive strain on the healing bone or ligaments. Massage may also be used to ease muscle pain. Initial physical therapy treatments may focus on controlling pain and swelling with the use of ice or electrical stimulation treatments. The patient may not be able to bear weight on the ankle for up to 12 weeks. A physical therapist works with the patient to make sure that he or she is using crutches safely. After surgery, the ankle is put in a cast or set in a brace for about 6 weeks. Rehabilitation after ankle fracture surgery is often a slow and cautious process. Rehabilitation After Ankle Fracture Surgery Recovery times vary for each patient, but most individuals can return to all normal activities within 3 to 4 months. Physical therapy treatments may include:ĭepending on the patient's physical job requirements or athletic activities, a physical therapist may create a tailored treatment plan. Once the cast or brace has been removed and patients can begin moving the ankle, physical therapy and home exercise are extremely important for a full recovery. A physical therapist will help the patient to walk safely using crutches or a walker, or another assistive device. If the ankle fracture does not require surgery, it is often treated with a cast or removable brace, and patients are typically advised not to put any weight on the ankle for about 6 weeks. Nonsurgical Rehabilitation for Ankle Fracture Without proper rehabilitation, complications such as chronic pain, inflammation and weakness may cause difficulty walking and performing physical activities. After the ankle bone has healed from the initial treatment for the fracture, and patients can bear weight on the joint, a physical therapy regimen is implemented to strengthen muscles and increase mobility. Stable fractures can usually heal on their own within a few weeks, while more complicated ones may require surgery to reposition the broken bone.Īlthough the methods used to treat ankle fractures vary, rehabilitation is always necessary after the initial treatment, to restore full movement and mobility to the ankle and help the patient return to all usual activities. Treatment for a broken ankle depends on the type and severity of the individual fracture, but may include wearing a cast or brace, applying ice and taking anti-inflammatory medication. The more bones that are broken, the more complicated and severe the fracture is. This injury can include injury to one or more of the bones that make up the ankle joint. An ankle fracture, commonly known as a broken ankle, involves any type of break or crack, often caused by a sports injury or a fall, in the tibia, fibula, or talus.
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