Ankle fractures are common injuries that can sideline you for several months. Minor breaks can usually be treated non-surgically, while severe fractures may require an operation. Regardless of the treatment, physical therapy is needed following an ankle fracture to help restore strength and mobility in your ankle and foot.
Ankle Fractures
There are three bones in each of your ankles and these bones are put under a great amount of stress every time you walk, run or jump. This leaves your ankle susceptible to fractures. Fractures are breaks in your bone and can range from tiny cracks to a complete shattering of the bone. They can cause throbbing pain, swelling, bruising, tenderness and an inability to put pressure on your foot. If you believe you have suffered an ankle fracture, contact your doctor immediately. He can use X-rays or other imaging scans to diagnose your injury.
Treatment
Treatment for an ankle fracture depends on the severity of the break. If the fractured bone remains in place and your ankle is stable, it can usually be treated with a combination of rest and pain medication. You will need to wear some sort of protective boot or cast, and you should avoid putting weight on the foot for several weeks. If your fracture is out of place, you may need surgery. During the operation, plates or screws are used to realign the bone while it heals. This ensures your ankle is stable and the bone heals properly.
Physical Therapy
Physical therapy is an important part of recovery regardless of how your fracture is treated. These exercises will help restore movement in your ankle and loosen stiff muscles and ligaments. Eventually, when your physician allows, you can begin strengthening exercises. These will help rebuild the muscles around your ankle, enabling them to become strong enough to allow you to walk without limping and eventually return to normal activities. Make sure to continue to wear your protective boot during this time. It is also important to follow your physician's directions regarding your recovery precisely. Putting stress on your ankle too early may cause your bone and bone fragments too move, jeopardizing your outcome.
Prognosis
It takes six weeks for a broken bone to heal. This time may be longer if tendons and ligaments are damaged during the fracture. It can take several months to be able to walk without a limp. While many people return to normal activities within three to four months, according to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, studies show that patients can still be healing from an ankle fracture two years after the injury.
