A fractured ankle can range from a simple break in one bone, which may limit walking, to several fractures, which forces the ankle out of place and may limit weight-bearing for several months. Nearly 1.2 million people visited the emergency room in 2003 for ankle problems. While a proper diagnosis is attained through a doctor's physical exam, X-ray or CT scan, simple ankle fractures can be treated conservatively.
Support Shoe
A broken ankle will need support during the healing process, though a cast may not be necessary in minor cases. The American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons states that a high-top tennis shoe may serve the purpose, though a doctor must first determine the location and the severity of the ankle fracture before recommending this home treatment. Such a shoe will support the ankle by inhibiting excessive movement when walking. It may also remind the patient that he has an injured ankle and must limit excessive physical activity while the fracture heals. While treatment may be as simple as a high-top shoe, regular visits to the doctor are still necessary to ensure that the ankle is healing properly.
Medications
Over-the-counter nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, or NSAIDs, may be used to control pain and relieve inflammation associated with a broken ankle, states MayoClinic.com. NSAIDs such as ibuprofen and naproxen sodium reduce chemical signals related to pain and inflammation. Reducing inflammation around the injured area will allow the body to quickly heal the damaged bone. Although NSAIDs are available without prescription, they should still be used under a doctor's supervision. Those with heart, kidney, stomach or liver problems should avoid using theses medications unless a physician recommends them. Furthermore, a healthy patient should seek immediate medical treatment if she begins to cough or vomit blood or notices bloody, dark-colored or clay-colored stools or dark urine.
Home Exercises
When the ankle is nearly healed, the patient should perform exercises to increase the flexibility of stiff muscles and ligaments in the ankle. A doctor or physical therapist will recommend stretches and exercises that can be done at home until the ankle fully heals. Stretches will improve the range of motion of the ankle that has been immobilized during the healing process. Muscle strengthening exercises will add further stability to the ankle and help prevent re-injury. Home exercises should be done as often as recommended and should be continued after the ankle heals.
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