According to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, a compound ankle fracture occurs when several bones in your ankle become broken and your ankle becomes misaligned. This injury often requires surgery and up to three months of not being able to place weight on the ankle. After removal of your cast, your doctor may recommend exercises to help restore strength, function and range of motion to your ankle. Do not do exercises without his approval.
ABC Exercise
The ABC exercise is a simple range-of-motion exercise that can help restore function to your ankle after an injury. To complete this exercise, sit down with your back straight in a chair. Your healthy leg should be positioned with your knee bent and your foot flat on the floor. Straighten your affected leg and raise it so your foot is off the floor. Use your big toe to slowly write the letters of the alphabet as large as you possibly can without bending your knee or moving your hip. Complete one set of three repetitions, twice a day.
Heel Raises
Heel raises can help to strengthen your foot and ankle after a compound ankle fracture. Position yourself with your back straight and your feet shoulder-width apart in front of a chair or counter top -- anything that you can hold onto for support. Slowly raise off your heels and onto your toes. You should feel a light stretch in the back of your lower leg. Hold this position for 5 seconds. Relax and repeat three sets of 10 repetitions daily.
Ankle Pumps
Performing ankle pumps can help to increase your range of motion in your affected ankle. Sit in a chair with your back straight. Your healthy leg should be bent at the knee with your foot flat on the floor. Straighten your affected leg so that your knee is fully extended and your lower leg is in line with the chair seat. Gently pump your foot and bend your ankle as if you were using the gas pedal in your car. Complete three sets of 10 repetitions daily.
Towel Stretch
A towel ankle stretch can help strengthen and increase the function of your foot, ankle and lower leg -- all of which may be weak as the result of surgery or long-term immobilization. Sit in a chair or on the floor with your affected leg fully extended in front of you. Roll a towel along its length, and place the center of the towel on the ball of your foot. Hold each end of the towel in one of your hands. Gently pull back on the towel. You should feel a stretch in the back portion of your lower leg. Hold this position for 25 seconds. Relax and repeat three times.
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