Because the feet and ankles support the entire weight of the body, the likelihood of sustaining an injury are great. With so many bones in the feet, a fracture can affect a patient in a number of ways. For this reason, treatment for an ankle fracture may vary. Regardless of the severity, sticking to the treatment plan for a broken ankle can help ensure that the ankle recovers fully.
Step 1
Have the ankle examined directly after the injury to determine the full extent of the injury. It is best for a patient to visit an emergency room for direct care instead of waiting for an appointment with their physician or a specialist. A fracture often involves swelling and sometimes bleeding that can make it slightly more difficult to accurately identify the severity of the injury. Hospitals generally have an orthopaedic surgeon on call who can treat and stabilize injuries like a broken ankle and follow up with the patient’s doctor thereafter.
Step 2
Have a cast applied to the ankle or have the treating physician provide a cast boot. Some fractures are small and don’t require a full cast for recovery. Larger bones or more severe injuries may need a cast to correct the bone alignment as it heals. A cast boot is similar in purpose but can be removed as needed. A cast or cast boot is also helpful in protecting the ankle from further injury during the rehabilitation process. Using crutches can also minmize the amount of weight placed on the ankle.
Step 3
Avoid high impact activities or exercises. Although the ankle may appear to be healed, patients must remember that the bone is more fragile because it just experienced a break. A broken bone that is healed is often more susceptible to sustaining another break in the future. Patients should ask their physician for recommendations on what exercises or activities to avoid.
Step 4
Ask for a referral to a physical therapist. While a patient’s physician works to treat the medical symptoms of their fracture and prevent other symptoms, a physical therapist is helpful in teaching how to incorporate rehabilitative exercises that will promote a successful recovery.
Step 5
Wear supportive footwear to provide adequate support and prevent future injury. Supportive footwear can be purchased at most shoe retailers.
