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
To aid in the healing process, if your ankle is not immobilised, it is also recommended that you do gentle rotating exercises to help prevent stiffness. A brace that provides good compression and reduces swelling could also significantly reduce pain. Following a fracture or break, a common symptom can be excessive swelling on the site of the break.
Therapy
Ankle range of motion (ROM) exercises are one of the first things your PT will prescribe once you get out of your cast or brace after an ankle fracture. Your physical therapist may passively move your ankle joint through various motions, and he or she may have you actively move your ankle to improve the motion around the joint.
Self-care
Treatment
- Medications. Your doctor may recommend an over-the-counter pain reliever, such as acetaminophen (Tylenol, others).
- Therapy. After your bone has healed, you'll probably need to loosen up stiff muscles and ligaments in your ankles and feet.
- Surgical or other procedures. ...
Nutrition
How long does it take for a fractured ankle to heal?
Can you help with fast heal for ankle fracture?
What to expect from physical therapy after an ankle fracture?
What to do after an ankle fracture?
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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 an ankle fracture 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.
Can you walk with a fracture in ankle?
Broken ankle — can you still walk? 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 long does it take to walk after an ankle fracture?
If you don't need surgery, you might be able to walk on your own within six to eight weeks. If your fracture did require surgery, you may get a walking cast after two weeks; four to six weeks later, you may be able to apply some weight and be moved to a cast with a walker or crutches.
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.
Do you 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.
How do I know if my ankle is fractured?
If you have a broken ankle, you may experience some of the following signs and symptoms:Immediate, throbbing pain.Swelling.Bruising.Tenderness.Deformity.Difficulty or pain with walking or bearing weight.
Which is more painful sprain or fracture?
Sprains. Sprains can be extremely painful, and are easy to confuse as a break. Many times, they are more painful than a fracture, which has been confirmed by science.
What is the most common ankle fracture?
The most common fracture is to the bony bump on the outside of the ankle, the lateral malleolus. The lateral malleolus is the bottom of the fibula, the smaller lower leg bone. The bump on the inside of your ankle, the medial malleolus, is less commonly fractured.
Can a fracture heal in 2 weeks?
How Long Does a Fracture Take to Heal? Most fractures heal in 6-8 weeks, but this varies tremendously from bone to bone and in each person based on many of the factors discussed above. Hand and wrist fractures often heal in 4-6 weeks whereas a tibia fracture may take 20 weeks or more.
Do all broken ankles need surgery?
If the fracture is not out place and the ankle is stable, it can be treated without surgery. Treatment may be with a short leg cast or a removable brace. Patients are typically advised not to put any weight on the ankle for 6 weeks.
How painful is a broken ankle?
If you fractured your ankle, you will likely experience immediate, sharp pain and possible swelling. Additional symptoms include: Pain that spreads throughout the foot and up your leg, toward your knee. Intensifying pain if you try to bear weight on your foot.
Can an ankle fracture heal in 4 weeks?
You can expect most ankle fractures depending on how severe they are, to take 4-8 weeks for the bones to heal completely and up to several months to regain full use and range of motion of the joint.
How do I know if my fracture is healing?
Most doctors check x-rays to see if bones are healing. The calcified blood clot around the fractured ends of the bones will show up on x-rays and is called “callus”. Callus is just new bone that has formed and grown across the fracture site. It's another sign that the broken bone is healed.
Can a fracture heal in 3 weeks?
How Long Does a Fracture Take to Heal? Most fractures heal in 6-8 weeks, but this varies tremendously from bone to bone and in each person based on many of the factors discussed above. Hand and wrist fractures often heal in 4-6 weeks whereas a tibia fracture may take 20 weeks or more.
What is the best way to see ligaments in ankle?
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). MRI uses radio waves and a strong magnetic field to create very detailed images of the ligaments that help hold your ankle together. This imaging helps to show ligaments and bones and can identify fractures not seen on X-rays.
What tests can you take for a broken ankle?
Tests. If your signs and symptoms suggest a break or fracture, your doctor may suggest one or more of the following imaging tests. X-rays. Most ankle fractures can be visualized on X-rays. The technician may need to take X-rays from several different angles so that the bone images won't overlap too much. Stress fractures often don't show up on ...
What is the best way to diagnose fractures?
Bone scan. A bone scan can help your doctor diagnose fractures that don't show up on X-rays. A technician will inject a small amount of radioactive material into a vein. The radioactive material is attracted to your bones, especially the parts of your bones that have been damaged.
How to reduce swelling in ankle?
Apply ice for 15 to 20 minutes at a time, every three to four hours to bring down the swelling. Keep your ankle elevated. Don't put any weight on your injured ankle. Lightly wrap the injury in a soft bandage that provides slight compression. By Mayo Clinic Staff.
What to do if you have a broken bone?
Depending on the amount of pain and swelling you have, you may need a muscle relaxant, a sedative or a local anesthetic to numb the area before this procedure. Immobilization. A broken bone must be immobilized so that it can heal. In most cases, this requires a special boot or a cast. Surgery.
What to do after bone healing?
After your bone has healed, you'll probably need to loosen up stiff muscles and ligaments in your ankles and feet. A physical therapist can teach you exercises to improve your flexibility, balance and strength.
What to do if you have a displaced fracture?
Reduction . If you have a displaced fracture, meaning the two ends of the fracture are not aligned well, your doctor may need to manipulate the pieces back into their proper positions. This process is called reduction. Depending on the amount of pain and swelling you have, you may need a muscle relaxant, a sedative or a local anesthetic to numb the area before this procedure.
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 ...
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 is an open fracture?
Open fractures: There are some types of injuries that require surgery, one particular case is an open fracture. This is when the skin overlying the broken bones is disrupted, and the fracture is exposed to outside the body.
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 stop bleeding from a swollen ear?
2. Stop Bleeding. Apply steady, direct pressure with a cloth for 15 minutes and elevate the wound. If blood soaks through, apply another cloth over the first and seek immediate medical attention. 3.
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 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 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 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 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.
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.
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 is the talus?
The talus supports the lower ends of the tibia and fibula, and it forms a solid base for the normal range of ankle movements. Although there are many ways to fracture an ankle bone, the most common injuries involve a sharp twist of the ankle or a direct impact that fractures at least one of the bony knobs in the ankle.
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 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.
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.
What are the three bones that make up the ankle?
Conditions We Treat: Ankle Fractures (Broken Ankle) The ankle joint is made up of three bones: the tibia, fibula and talus. If you injure your ankle, one or several of these bones may break (fracture). Ankle fractures vary in severity and should be evaluated by a physician.
What is the best treatment for a broken ankle?
Nonsurgical treatment for stable fractures typically includes immobilizing the ankle in a cast, brace or a boot. Your physician may also recommend avoiding putting weight on your broken ankle for a certain period of time.
Do all ankle fractures require surgery?
Not all ankle fractures require surgery. The treatment depends on the location and number of fractures and whether the ankle is stable after injury. A stable fracture means that the broken bones remain in alignment. This can be determined with an X-ray stress test.
Can you have surgery for a broken ankle?
Most unstable ankle fractures, and occasionally stable ankle fractures, could benefit from a surgery. A surgery to repair a broken ankle usually includes aligning the bones followed by internal fixation (connecting the bones with screws, plates or wires).
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 are the procedures that surgeons perform at the same time?
All of the surgeons are accustomed to treating injuries that require multiple surgeries at the same time, including re-plantation of limbs and toes and specialized microvascular procedures to repair bones and soft tissues.
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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 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.
Overview
A broken ankle, or ankle fracture, is one of the most common causes of ankle pain. An ankle fracture happens when you break one or more bones in your ankle joint.
Symptoms and Causes
It’s not always easy to know if that pain in your ankle means your ankle is sprained or broken. And if your ankle is broken, you probably won’t know if you’ve broken more than one bone until your healthcare provider can take a look.
Diagnosis and Tests
Your healthcare provider has several tests they use to diagnose ankle fractures and determine the extent of your injury. Tests your provider might use to examine your fracture can include:
Management and Treatment
Ankle fracture treatment depends on factors such as the number of ankle bones broken. Not all broken ankles require surgery, but all broken ankles require some level of care to heal.
Prevention
Many ankle fractures happen after traumatic events such as motor vehicle accidents, falling or being injured playing sports.
