Suffering from a broken ankle is a common injury that results in various treatment options based on the severity and type of fracture. Recovering from a broken ankle, however, makes it difficult to perform cardiovascular training that includes walking or jumping. Your doctor and physical therapist formulate a personalized treatment and rehabilitation program that includes basic exercises to regain strength, function and range of motion along with improving your cardiovascular fitness.
Therapy
After suffering from a broken ankle, your doctor may prescribe surgery to repair the fracture or a cast to reduce the swelling and allow the body to carry out the natural healing process. When the pain and swelling reduces, your therapy and rehabilitation process begins with exercises to regain flexibility and strength in the ankle joint. The exercises avoid direct pressure on the ankle joint and begin with moderate intensity to avoid reinjuring the ankle. By gradually increasing the intensity of the exercises and reducing the rest intervals between each set, you keep your heart rate elevated to improve your cardiovascular endurance.
Considerations
Talk to your doctor and therapist about the specifics for your personalized rehabilitation program. Consider the time frame when you can put weight on the injured ankle and leg. This time frame affects how soon you can resume participating in traditional cardiovascular training such as walking, running or jumping. Ask about any contraindicated cardiovascular exercises with specific risks and if there are any additional exercises you can perform on the weak bone.
Goal
The overall goal of ankle rehabilitation is to regain mobility, flexibility and strength while decreasing pain and swelling. As a result, cardiovascular exercises commonly get overlooked within the rehabilitation program. Over time, as your ankle heals, you will have the strength and ability to perform higher-intensity exercises that will help return to full fitness along with regaining neural control and coordination.
Intensity
As you start the rehabilitation process for a broken ankle, start slowly and get help when you need it. Perform cardiovascular and endurance exercises on crutches for 20 to 30 minutes two to three days per week. Keep the intensity light during the first few weeks and gradually increase to 30 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise for four to five days per week. The cardiovascular exercises help to burn extra calories while improving your cardiovascular endurance and overall fitness level.
