A broken ankle can be the result of a sudden twisting motion in sports, trauma on the job as a result of an occupational injury or a simple accident. Rehabilitation protocols for a broken ankle often depend on the type and location of your injury but can include strength training, range of motion exercises, sport-specific activities and occupational therapy. Check with your doctor to determine the exact treatment protocol for your broken ankle.
Strength Training
These exercises are designed to help restore strength and stability to your ankle joint. They often begin with a light resistance and progress to stronger resistance training as your condition improves. These exercises include activities such as step-ups and body weight exercises as well as exercises that require weights. The specific exercises prescribed depend on your specific injury, so check with your doctor to determine which exercises are right for you.
Range of Motion Exercises
Range of motion exercises are often prescribed to help restore mobility to your joint. They often begin with passive flexibility training that does not require the use of your ankle muscles to perform and progress to harder stretches that require active muscular stimulation in your ankle. These stretches can also be performed using a resistance band, free weights or your body weight to increase the effectiveness of the stretch.
Sport-Specific Training
The third type of physical therapy you may undergo after a broken ankle is designed to help you return to your previous activity level in the sport of your choice. This type of therapy helps restore not only the strength and flexibility to your ankle joint but also helps you begin performing activities that you will be performing on the field of play. This may include cutting and balancing exercises, twisting and rotational exercises and other exercises tailored to your specific sport.
Occupational Therapy
Your therapist may prescribe exercises that help you prepare for a return to the workplace, depending on your specific injury and your specific job. These exercises can vary from helping prepare you to stand on your feet all day to exercises designed to strengthen your joint for specific tasks. Depending on your specific injury and your job, your doctor may prescribe a visit to an occupational therapist to help you get ready to go back to work.
