Medication
On average, a broken ankle takes about 6 weeks for the broken ankles to heal and become the way they were before the injury. However, this is just a rough estimate. The actual duration would be based on the time taken by injured ligaments and bones to mend and heal again.
Procedures
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. This process can take several weeks or months, depending on the severity of the fracture and your body’s healing speed.
Therapy
- raise your ankle if possible
- gently hold an ice pack (or a bag of frozen peas) wrapped in a towel on your ankle for 15 to 20 minutes every 2 to 3 hours
- stop any bleeding – put pressure on the wound using a clean cloth or dressing
- if your ankle is not at an odd angle, wrap it loosely in a bandage to help support it
Self-care
Typically, a minor ankle fracture won’t prevent you from walking. You might even be able to walk right after the injury. If you have a serious break, you’ll need to avoid walking for a few months. How do you tell if your ankle is fractured? Symptoms of a broken ankle include: Immediate and severe pain. Swelling. Bruising. Tenderness when touched.
Nutrition
How long does it take for a fractured ankle to heal?
Do I need physical therapy after an ankle fracture?
What is the recovery time for ankle fractures?
Can you still walk if you have an ankle fracture?
Can you walk with a fractured ankle?
Typically, a minor ankle fracture won't prevent you from walking. You might even be able to walk right after the injury. If you have a serious break, you'll need to avoid walking for a few months. As your ankle gets better, you can slowly return to your usual activities.
What is the best treatment for a fractured ankle?
Foot and Ankle Fracture Treatment OptionsRest: Rest is key. ... Ice: Ice the area for 20 minutes at a time to help with swelling and inflammation. ... Compression: Wrapping the injury helps control swelling.Elevation: Keep your foot and ankle raised slightly above the level of your heart to help reduce inflammation.
How long does it take for a fracture in ankle to heal?
Recovering from a broken ankle A broken ankle usually takes 6 to 8 weeks to heal, but it can take longer. The doctor will tell you: how long you'll have to wear the boot or have the plaster cast on. how much weight to put on your ankle – you may be given crutches or a walking frame to help keep weight off it.
Will walking on a fractured ankle make it worse?
Also called an ankle fracture, it can be a very painful injury and needs to be seen by a medical professional as soon as possible because it may need treatment to heal properly. Walking on a broken ankle can make the injury worse, so if in doubt get it checked out.
Do I need a cast for a fractured ankle?
A broken bone must be immobilized so that it can heal. In most cases, this requires a special boot or a cast. Surgery. In some cases, an orthopedic surgeon may need to use pins, plates or screws to maintain proper position of your bones during healing.
Can a fracture heal without a cast?
Technically speaking, the answer to the question “can broken bones heal without a cast?” is yes. Assuming conditions are just right, a broken bone can heal without a cast. However, (and very importantly) it doesn't work in all cases. Likewise, a broken bone left to heal without a cast may heal improperly.
What is worse a fracture or a break?
There's no difference between a fracture and a break. A fracture is any loss of continuity of the bone.
Should I keep my walking boot on all day?
If supplied, wear the boot for comfort and use crutches when walking. It is ok to take the boot off at night, when resting at home and to wash.
What does a fractured ankle feel like?
Pain at the fracture site, which may extend from the foot to the knee. Significant swelling, either localized or along the length of the leg. Bruising that appears soon after the injury. Inability to walk, usually a sign of a severe break (it's possible to walk with less severe breaks)
Is a fracture a break?
A Fracture = A Broken Bone A “fracture” refers to a “break” in the bone, which can take many forms. There are numerous different types of fractures, with various different treatments. Some bone injuries are able to heal on their own, some require casting or splinting, and some even require surgery.
Do you sleep with a walking boot?
You DO have to put the boot back on before you put your feet down in the morning. You need to keep the boot close to you on the floor or on your nightstand so you can reach it easily. You SHOULD keep the boot on while you're laying around the house to prevent bumping the injury and to help the foot heal properly.
Can you wiggle your toes with a broken ankle?
Most believe that if they can wiggle their toes or move the ankle around that an ankle fracture has not occurred. The reason this is not true is because the nerves and muscles that allow the movement of the ankle have not been affected by the fracture.
What is the most common type of ankle fracture?
The fracture is described as a uni-, bi- or trimalleolar fracture. The most common types of ankle fracture involve a lateral malleolus fracture and a bimalleolar fracture that breaks both the fibula and the tibia. When two or three parts of the malleoli of the ankle are broken, the ankle is unstable, and surgery is necessary.
How long does it take to recover from knee surgery?
After surgery, rehabilitation is essential to restore strength and mobility. After surgery you will find your leg is splinted or in a cast. Pain will be managed with oral medications that reduce the need for the use of opioids. You will use a knee scooter or crutches. Weight bearing activity will be prohibited for 4-6 weeks after surgery. Sutures will be removed after two weeks and you will go to a removable boot. After about six weeks, you will be able to begin rehabilitation.
What is the best treatment for a fractured ankle?
Immobilization. Immobilization of an ankle fracture is commonly performed in the emergency room. 2 Usually, a splint or cast will be applied to hold the ankle in place while allowing the bones to heal. Immobilization also helps with pain as it will allow the ankle joint to rest and the swelling to subside. If the ankle fracture is not badly ...
When will ankle fractures be treated?
on January 20, 2020. No matter what type of ankle fracture has occurred, there are some basic treatment principles that can be accomplished with a few initial steps. Your surgeon will help guide you on treatment specifics, such as if surgery is necessary, but here are some of the basics. ERproductions Ltd / Getty Images.
What are the risks of ankle fractures?
Of particular concern with ankle fractures are people who may be at high risk for infection and healing complications. 3 These include people who smoke, have diabetes, or have peripheral vascular disease (circulation problems).
What is the most important factor to consider when deciding on the treatment of an ankle fracture?
Below are a few important considerations: Stability of the ankle joint: The most important factor to consider in deciding on the treatment of an ankle fracture is the stability of the ankle joint. 2 The ankle joint is where three bones come together, and allows the foot to bend up and down. If unstable, the function and stability ...
Why does my ankle wear out so quickly?
The reason the joint wears out quickly is similar to a car wearing out tires when the wheels are not properly aligned. The most common reason to perform surgery on a broken ankle is due to an unstable joint. 2 .
How to treat a broken ankle?
Ice and Elevation. Swelling is almost universally seen following a broken ankle. An important part of treatment of an ankle fracture is to minimize swelling . 1 Limiting swelling will help control the pain from the ankle fracture and minimize pressure on the surrounding tissues.
How long can you put weight on a broken ankle?
Sometimes, patients will not be able to place any weight on the ankle for several months, other times within days to weeks. 1 Determining when you can place weight on the broken ankle depends on the type of ankle fracture; this will have to be discussed with your doctor.
What to do if you break your ankle bone?
The doctor also may do a CT or CAT scan, or an MRI to determine if surgery is needed. If needed, the doctor will set the broken bone back in place and immobilize the ankle with a splint, cast, or other device. Surgery may be necessary to repair the break.
How to treat a swollen ankle?
Use crutches if necessary. I ce area. Use an ice pack or wrap the ice in a clean cloth. Do not place ice directly against the skin.
What to do if your ankle is numb?
Has a numb, cold, pale, or blue ankle /foot. Is unable to move the foot. Is in shock (faint, pale, with rapid shallow breathing) 1. Leave Protruding Bone Alone. If a bone has broken through the skin, don't push it back into place. Cover the area with a clean bandage and seek immediate medical attention. 2.
How to repair a broken ankle?
If you have more extensive damage to your ankle, or the fragments of broken bone are separated far from one another, your doctor will perform surgery to repair your fractured ankle with special screws or wires. Injuries resulting in broken skin require antibiotics given intravenously (into a vein) to prevent infection.
How long does it take to heal a broken ankle?
If your ankle fracture involves only one malleolus, and the segments of broken bone lie very close together, your doctor usually can treat the injury by immobilizing your ankle and foot in a cast for six to eight weeks.
What is the bone that is located in the lower leg?
The fibula — This is the thinner of the two bones of the lower leg. Its lower end forms a hard, bony knob, called the lateral malleolus, which you can feel at the outside of your ankle. The talus — This is a wedge-shaped bone that is located deep inside the ankle, braced between the heel bone and the ends of the tibia and fibula.
How to tell if you have a fractured ankle?
If you have a fractured ankle, your symptoms probably will include: 1 Pain, swelling, tenderness and bruising at your ankle joint 2 Inability to move your ankle through its normal range of motion 3 Inability to bear weight on your injured ankle — However, if you can bear weight on the ankle, don't assume there is no fracture. 4 In some cases, a "crack" or "snap" in the ankle at the time of injury 5 In open fractures, severe ankle deformity, with portions of the fractured bone visible through broken skin
What are the symptoms of a fractured ankle?
Symptoms. If you have a fractured ankle, your symptoms probably will include: Inability to bear weight on your injured ankle — However, if you can bear weight on the ankle, don't assume there is no fracture. In open fractures, severe ankle deformity, with portions of the fractured bone visible through broken skin.
Why do people get ankle fractures?
People involved in a wide range of athletic activities, including ballet dancers, snowboarders, basketball players and skydivers, are at high risk of ankle fractures because of the physical demands placed on their ankles.
How long do you have to wear a cast after a fracture?
If your fracture can be treated without surgery, you probably will wear a cast for about six to eight weeks. Once your cast is removed, you may need physical therapy before you can resume your normal activities. Total recovery time varies depending on the severity of your injury and the physical demands of your lifestyle.
How to help swelling in ankle?
Ice: Ice the area for 20 minutes at a time to help with swelling and inflammation. Continue icing every 40 minutes. Compression: Wrapping the injury helps control swelling. Elevation: Keep your foot and ankle raised slightly above the level of your heart to help reduce inflammation.
How to treat a fractured foot without surgery?
To treat foot fractures and ankle fractures without surgery, we typically follow the RICE protocol: 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.
What to do if your foot is displaced?
If the fracture in your foot or ankle is displaced, or has caused misalignment of the bones, your orthopaedic surgeon will need to put the bones back into the correct position using specialized hardware such as plates, screws or pins. If necessary, we will perform bone grafting and may need to reconstruct soft tissues such as ligaments and tendons.
What is nonunion ankle surgery?
Non-Union Ankle Fracture Surgery. A non-union is a broken bone that did not heal properly. Treatment may entail surgery to remove an infection if present, to better stabilize the fracture, or to stimulate bone growth with a bone graft.
Why is it important to seek treatment for a fracture?
Seeking treatment for fractures is very important in order to ensure healing takes place as quickly as possible. A fracture refers to an injury or break to the bones. There are many types of fractures, ranging from small hairline fractures to traumatic bone breaks.
What tests are needed to diagnose a foot fracture?
To diagnose a foot and ankle fracture, you should be seen by an orthopaedic specialist to assess the severity of the injury and determine a plan for treatment. Imaging tests will likely be ordered, which may include: Musculoskeletal ultrasound. MRI. CT scans.
How long does it take to recover from a foot fracture?
Foot and Ankle Fracture Surgery Recovery. Depending on the severity of your foot and/or ankle fracture, it can take anywhere from several weeks to several months to fully recover. Speak with your doctor about what recovery may mean for you.
Why is it important to have surgery on ankle fractures?
For more serious fractures in which bones or bone fragments are misaligned , surgical intervention is necessary to prevent improper healing (malunion) that would impede proper movement in the ankle and possibly lead to other complications.
What is a broken ankle?
A broken ankle is a fracture or multiple fractures of one or more of three bones in the ankle joint: the tibia (shinbone), the fibula (outer bone of the lower leg), and the talus. Broken Ankle?
What is a Pilon fracture?
Pilon fracture (also called a plafond fracture): This is a fracture through the weightbearing “roof” of the ankle (the central portion of the lower tibia). This is usually a higher energy traumatic injury resulting from a fall from a height.
What are the different types of ankle fractures?
Within each of the above types, the fracture will be either: 1 Nondisplaced – Bones are broken but still in correct position and alignment. 2 Displaced – Fractured portions of bone are separated or misaligned. The treatment will be based on fracture alignment and stability of the ankle.
Why does my ankle break?
But they can also be caused by a high-force impact, such as from a fall or automobile collision. Breaks that occur suddenly, during a specific incident or injury, are known as traumatic ankle fractures. But a bone in the ankle can also break due to repetitive stress or impact over time. These are called stress fractures.
Which fracture has the most cartilage damage?
As the number of fracture lines increase, so does the risk of long-term joint damage. Trimalleolar ankle fractures and pilon fractures have the most cartilage injury and, therefore, have a higher risk of arthritis in the future.
Where do stress fractures occur?
Stress fractures can occur in any of the three ankle bones, especially the tibia or fibula. They are also common in the navicular bone, which is separate from the ankle, but lies directly beneath the talus.
What to do if your ankle is broken?
Sensation and movement in both your ankle and foot. If the doctor suspects a broken bone, they will ask for ankle X-rays. The doctor may also ask for X-rays of your knee, shin, or foot, depending on where the pain is. Ankle Fracture Treatment Self-Care at Home.
How to treat a swollen ankle?
Apply cold packs to the injured area to decrease swelling and pain. Do not apply ice directly. Cold packs are effective for up to 48 hours. Ibuprofen ( Advil, , Motrin) may be ideal for ankle injuries because it acts as both a pain medicine and a medicine to keep inflammation down.
What causes a fracture in the ankle?
Ankle Fracture Causes. When you stress an ankle joint beyond the strength of its elements, you injure the joint. If only the ligaments give way and tear, you have sprained the ankle. If a bone gives way and breaks, you have an ankle fracture. Fractures can occur with simultaneous tears of the ligaments.
What is the fibula?
The fibula is a smaller bone that parallels the tibia in the lower leg and makes up the lateral, or outside, of the ankle joint. The far ends of both the tibia and fibula are known as the malleoli (singular is malleolus). Together they form an arch that sits on top of the talus, one of the bones in the foot.
What is the most common injury to the ankle?
Ankle Fracture Overview. Ankle injuries are among the most common of the bone and joint injuries. Often, the degree of pain, the inability to walk, or concern that a bone may be broken is what might cause you to seek care in an emergency situation.
Why does my ankle stop walking?
It is usually pain in the ankle that stops you from walking. Swelling frequently occurs around the ankle too. Swelling suggests either soft tissue damage with possible blood around the joint or fluid within the joint itself, most likely blood. When blood is in the joint, it is called hemarthrosis.
What are the bones that make up the ankle joint?
These 3 bones (tibia, fibula, and talus) make up the bony elements of the ankle joint. A fibrous membrane called the joint capsule, lined with a smoother layer called the synovium, encases the joint architecture. The joint capsule contains the synovial fluid produced by the synovium.
What is the procedure for a broken ankle?
As part of the treatment of your broken ankle at the hospital, before you receive treatment and start your recovery, your doctor will take a fractured ankle x-ray. The results of this x-ray are used as the basis for creating a broken bone report.
How long does it take to recover from a fractured ankle?
You will be in fractured ankle recovery for several weeks. The ankle is a crucial joint, attached to the bottom end of the two long bones of the lower leg, the tibia and fibula. It plays a key role allowing the foot to pivot and flex whilst walking, as well as assisting with keeping balance.
Why does it take so long to recover from a broken ankle?
One of the most common reasons why fractured ankle recovery time can take longer than expected is the onset of one or more complications. As with any serious injury, there is a likelihood of complications setting in for a broken ankle, including conditions such as:
What does it mean when your ankle snaps?
Snapping noise – if you heard a bone snap when you hurt your ankle, this is one of the primary fractured ankle signs. If you exhibit one or more of these symptoms after hurting your ankle, you may need treatment, and then will have a period of fractured ankle recovery.
What causes hairline fractures in ankles?
The most common being: Sporting injuries – which overstress of overuse the ankle, can cause a hairline fracture.
What to do if your ankle isn't showing up on an x-ray?
CT scan – if the damage to your ankle does not show up on an x-ray, the doctor may try and CT scan. Although not as good as an MRI scan, it is a quicker procedure and helps to uncover damage to tissue, ligaments and nerves at the same time.
How often do you have to see a doctor for a fractured ankle?
Once you have been discharged from the hospital and sent home, during the course of your recovery you will have to visit your doctor every 2 or 3 weeks. At these follow-up appointments your doctor will check that your fractured ankle recovery is proceeding well and that no complications have set in.
What to do if you have a broken foot?
If you suspect that someone has a broken foot, it's important that he receives medical treatment to assess the severity of the break and devise a treatment plan. A doctor can ensure that the diagnosis of a break is correct and that the pain in the foot is not caused by another condition.
How to reduce swelling in foot after fracture?
Once your foot is wrapped, sit or lie down and elevate your foot above the level of your heart to further decrease swelling. For tips about how to recognize the symptoms of a fracture in your foot, keep reading.
What is the procedure to check for a hairline fracture in the foot?
At the hospital or doctor's office, your practitioner will conduct a series of examinations and tests, most likely including an X-ray of the bones in the foot. An X-ray will show whether the bone is fractured severely or if it only has a hairline fracture, or if there is no fracture at all.
How to heal a fractured bone?
3. Take some acetaminophen. Your fracture is likely to cause some considerable pain, so treat the pain safely while promoting healing in your bones. Avoid naproxen sodium and ibuprofen, which some doctors believe have the potential to delay the healing process with bone injuries.
What is a fracture in the foot called?
A fracture is a break in your bone or the surrounding cartilage, and the severity of a foot fracture can range from what is called a "hairline" or "stress" fracture to a full break across the foot.
What is a foot fracture?
Article Summary X. A foot fracture is a beak in the bone or cartilage of your feet and can range in severity from a small, hairline fra cture to a full break across the whole foot.
How long should you wait to treat a fractured foot?
This is universal for any kind of bone fracture or stress fracture, and is the best way to treat a fracture at home for the first 72 hours after your injury or until you can seek medical care. Rest. Immediately stop what you are doing and refrain from any activities that cause pain to your foot.
What Is An Ankle Fracture?
Symptoms
Diagnosis
Expected Duration
Specialist to consult
Prevention
- Your doctor will examine your ankle to check for points of tenderness. The precise location of your pain can help determine its cause. Your doctor may move your foot into different positions to check your range of motion. You may be asked to walk for a short distance so that your doctor c…
Treatment
When to Call A Professional
Prognosis
Further Information