An ankle fracture can cause pain and swelling. You will probably be unable to bear weight on your broken ankle. Fractures are treated based on severity and may include immobilization, crutches and surgical repair. Regardless of treatment, rehabilitation is an important part of your recovery. Your doctor or physical therapist may recommend a series of home exercises to strengthen your ankle during and after healing.
Plantarflexion and Dorsiflexion
Stretching your ankle helps increase your range of motion following a fracture. Sit down and raise the leg with the affected ankle off the ground until you can reach your foot with your hand. Relax your foot. Place your hand on top of your foot and gently push down so that your toes are pointing toward the ground; this is plantarflexion. Continue to push until you feel a stretch in your ankle. Hold this position for 30 seconds, and repeat five times.
For dorsiflexion, place your hand on the ball of your foot and push your ankle upward so your toes are pointing toward the ceiling. Push until you feel a stretch in your ankle. Hold this position for 30 seconds. Relax and repeat. Complete one set of five repetitions.
Eversion and Inversion
For these stretches, you will move your ankle from side to side. Sit down with your foot in a relaxed position. Place your hand around your ankle and slowly move your ankle so your foot is facing out from your body -- eversion. You will feel a stretch in the side of your ankle. Hold this position for a count of 30 seconds. Relax and repeat five times. Next, use your hand to move your ankle so that your foot is facing inward for inversion. Push until you feel a stretch in the side of your ankle. Hold this position for 30 seconds, and repeat five times.
Balancing Exercise
Your ankle may be weak and unable to balance your body weight after you haven't used it for a few weeks. Stand on your affected leg and lift your unaffected foot up to knee level. Extend your arms out to your sides to help maintain your balance. Stand close to a wall or chair for support if you need it. Try to balance on your affected leg for 60 seconds. Repeat five times. If you are able to complete this exercise with ease, try closing your eyes, standing on a pillow or keeping your hands at your sides.
Towel Scrunching
Towel scrunches can improve flexibility and function following a broken ankle. Place a towel flat on the floor in front of a chair. Sit back in the chair. Take off your socks and shoes. Use your toes to scrunch the towel. Start at the point of the towel that is closest to you and work your way to the other end. Once completed, use your toes to straighten the towel out again. Relax and repeat. Complete one set of 10 repetitions.
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