There are more than two dozen bones in each foot and three bones in each ankle joint, according to MayoClinic.com. These bones make a broken ankle a common injury because of the amount of stress most people put on their feet by doing simple day-to-day tasks like walking and exercising. While the medical treatment for a broken ankle depends on the exact area in which the break occurred and the severity of the break, there are some things you can do to help the healing process and reduce pain associated with broken and fractured ankles.
Step 1
Get help from a doctor. Only a qualified doctor can determine the severity of the condition. In some cases, surgery or immobilization via a cast or splint may be necessary to protect the ankle and help it heal.
Step 2
Rest your ankle as much as possible. Stay off the hurt ankle, as walking may cause further injury. If you must walk during the early stages of healing, always use crutches to help you move around without putting pressure on the damaged foot.
Step 3
Apply ice or an ice pack to the injured area. Do this for 20 minutes at a time. Wrap the ice pack or ice cubes in a thin towel and place it directly on the injured ankle. After 20 minutes have passed, remove the ice or ice pack and wait at least 40 minutes before applying ice again.
Step 4
Wrap an elastic wrap around the ankle. This will help control swelling. Elastic wraps made specifically for hurt ankles are widely available in most drug stores, pharmacies and grocery stores.
Step 5
Elevate your injured ankle. Raise it slightly above your heart when in a resting position. Elevating your ankle can help to reduce swelling.
Step 6
Get prescription strength pain relievers. If you only have a minor injury, your doctor may recommend over-the-counter drugs instead. Always follow the manufacturer's dosage instructions when taking prescription or over-the-counter drugs.
Tips and Warnings
- Symptoms of a broken ankle include the inability to walk, significant swelling in a localized area or around the entire leg, pain near the area of injury, change in the temperature of your ankle and the bone protruding through the skin.
Things You'll Need
- Crutches
- Ice or ice pack
- Thin towel
- Elastic ankle wrap
- Prescription or over-the-counter pain reliever
