A broken ankle can be a very painful experience. It may take some time for the ankle to heal properly. Depending on the severity of the fracture, different physical therapy treatments can help speed up the healing process. Some of these treatments include using a brace or splint, elevating and icing the ankle, and exercises to improve range of motion and strength. If you have recently broken your ankle, it is important to consult a doctor or physical therapist to determine the best course of treatment. Physical therapy can be extremely beneficial in helping you recover from a broken ankle. Icing, elevation, and range-of-motion exercises are often recommended immediately after the injury occurs. These treatments can help reduce inflammation and pain. As the ankle begins to heal, your physical therapist may recommend more specific exercises to help improve strength and range of motion.

So, I got my cast off after my ankle fracture; now what?

Getting a cast out may seem like a wonderful time. But if your calf or ankle doesn’t look like the prettiest sight, then you have thinner skin. You can also feel swelling on a very fragile foot. We will teach you how to move the ankle and the foot efficiently! You should take a good shower time to get good hydration. Swelling can always occur. The knuckle has a distal joint and has an extended swelling risk. It’ll be fine! The important thing is to minimize swelling following the fracture.

If you have an Ankle Fracture, the first thing that is important to do is RICE, which stands for

  • REST when possible with the injured foot up.
  • ICE the area for 20 minutes at a time, 4-8 times per day.
  • COMPRESS the area with an Ace wrap or similar product.
  • ELEVATE the foot/ankle above the heart level as much as possible.

After the first few days, you can start thinking about physical therapy to help your mobility. A therapist can teach you exercises to regain range of motion and strength, help reduce swelling, and give tips on avoiding re-injury.

How do I know if I broke my ankle? Should I get an X-ray?

The most common symptom of an ankle fracture is pain. You may also have swelling, bruising, and difficulty in walking. If you think you may have fractured your ankle, you must see a doctor immediately. An X-ray is the best way to diagnose a fracture. Once the fracture has been diagnosed, your doctor will determine the best treatment for you.

There are three main types of ankle fractures:

  1. A fracture in the upper part of the fibula, the smaller bone on the outside of the ankle. This type of fracture is also called a Maisonneuve fracture.
  2. The two bones that make up the lower leg are a fracture in both the tibia and the fibula. This type of fracture is also called a Pilon fracture.
  3. A fracture in the tibia, the larger bone on the inside of the ankle.

Treatment options for an ankle fracture include:

  1. Wearing a cast or splint to immobilize the ankle and allow it to heal
  2. Surgery to repair the fracture using screws, plates, or other devices
  3. External fixation, which is a device that is attached to the bone with metal pins and holds the bone in place while it heals

If you have a fracture, it’s important to follow your doctor’s instructions for care and rehabilitation. With proper treatment, most people fully recover from an ankle fracture. However, some people may experience long-term problems, such as arthritis, joint stiffness, and chronic pain.

What is the cause of an ankle fracture?

Ankle fractures occur when falling on the foot, awkward landings on land, or contact sports injuries. Depending on how the injury occurred, ankle injuries can vary from very simple to complex. Not all ankle fractures are the same and treated equally.

There are different types of ankle fractures, depending on the location and severity of the break. The most common type is a dorsiflexion-plantar flexion (DFP) fracture, which occurs when the foot is forcefully dorsiflexed (or bent upwards) and then plantar flexed (or bent downwards). This type of fracture typically affects the middle of the fibula and can often be accompanied by a break in the tibia. Other types of ankle fractures include avulsion fractures (where a small chunk of bone is pulled away from the main bone), shear fractures (a break that occurs along the plane of the bone), and stress fractures (tiny cracks in the bone that occur from repetitive stress or overuse).

Ankle fractures can range from very mild to severe. In most cases, the bones can be aligned and set back into place without surgery. However, in more severe cases, surgery may be necessary to repair the break. The type of treatment required will depend on the severity of the fracture.

What are the symptoms of an ankle fracture?

The most common symptom of an ankle fracture is pain. This pain is usually severe and may be accompanied by swelling, bruising, and difficulty putting weight on the affected foot. In some cases, the bone may protrude through the skin. If this occurs, it is important to seek medical attention immediately, as there is a risk of infection.

Other symptoms of an ankle fracture may include:

  • Tenderness to touch
  • Numbness or tingling in the foot or toes
  • Instability in the foot and ankle joints
  • Inability to move the foot or ankle

What are the risk factors for an ankle fracture?

Several risk factors can increase your risk of sustaining an ankle fracture. These include:

  1. Age: The risk of ankle fractures increases with age. This is partly because bones become more brittle with age and are more likely to break.
  2. Osteoporosis: This condition causes the bones to become weak and fragile, which increases the risk of fractures.
  3. Certain medical conditions: Conditions such as diabetes and rheumatoid arthritis can increase the risk of ankle fractures.
  4. Athletic activities: Certain sports, such as football, basketball, and tennis, put a lot of stress on the ankles and feet and can increase the risk of fractures.

What are the complications of an ankle fracture?

If not treated properly, an ankle fracture can lead to several complications. These include:

  • Chronic pain: This is a common complication of ankle fractures. The pain may be constant or only occur when the joint is moved. In some cases, the pain can be severe enough to interfere with daily activities.
  • Arthritis: This is a common complication of ankle fractures, especially in older adults. Arthritis can cause pain, stiffness, and swelling in the joint. In severe cases, it can lead to deformity of the joint.
  • Infection: This is a serious complication that can occur if the bone breaks through the skin. Infection can cause fever, chills, and swelling. It can also lead to sepsis, a potentially life-threatening condition.
  • Nerve damage: This is a rare complication that can occur if the fracture damages the nerves around the ankle. Nerve damage can cause numbness, tingling, and weakness in the foot or leg.

What is the prognosis for an ankle fracture?

The prognosis for an ankle fracture depends on the severity of the break. In most cases, the bones can be aligned and set back into place without surgery. However, in more severe cases, surgery may be necessary to repair the break. The type of treatment required will depend on the severity of the fracture.

If treated properly, most people make a full recovery from an ankle fracture and are able to return to their normal activities. However, some people may experience chronic pain or arthritis in the joints. In rare cases, complications such as infection or nerve damage can occur.

How is it diagnosed?

Ankle fracture is determined by X-Ray. Usually, physical therapists are going to give you thorough evaluations. It is intended to provide a detailed explanation of what happened in a medical accident. Physical therapy is necessary to monitor your strength to stand up to the injuries and assess for swelling and pain. They’ll check on the foot and leg for any injuries. When ankle fractures appear, your doctor may suggest X-Rays, MRIs, and/or CT scans to examine the bones, muscles, ligaments, and tendons around your ankle.

Your physiotherapist will also look at how your injury happened. If you fell on your outstretched hand, for example, you may have broken both the radius and ulna bones in your forearm. This is called a Colles’ fracture. A fall onto your heel can cause a calcaneus (heel bone) fracture, sometimes called a Pilon fracture.

How can a physical therapist help?

When your ankle fracture requires immobilization, using casts or protective boots, or using crutches while walking, your body may become stiff. Occasionally surgeries are required in order to repair fractures. When your cast is taken out, it is possible to return your muscles and joints to their original position and mobility. Physical therapy will assist you in improving ankle stability that you’ve never used before. Exercises will also be used to improve the range of motion in your ankle and reduce stiffness. But first, you need to have your ankle injury assessed by your physical therapist.

A physical therapist can help you by:

  • Designing an individualized activities of daily living to meet your needs and goals
  • Teaching you exercises to improve range of motion, strength, balance, and coordination.
  • Using manual therapy techniques to help reduce pain and swelling
  • Providing information on how to protect your ankle from re-injury
  • Progressing you safely as you heal

What are the goals of physical therapy?

The main goals of physical therapy for an ankle fracture are to reduce pain and swelling, regain range of motion, improve strength and balance, and return to your previous level of activity.

Your physical therapist will work with you to create an individualized treatment plan that includes specific exercises and activities to help you meet your goals.

Some of the things you may do in physical therapy for an ankle fracture include:

  • Passive range of motion exercises: These are exercises where your physical therapist moves your ankle for you. This helps to reduce pain and swelling and maintain or improve the range of motion.
  • Active range of motion exercises: These are exercises where you move your ankle yourself. This helps to strengthen the muscles around your ankle and improve your range of motion.
  • Strengthening exercises: These exercises help to improve the strength of the muscles around your ankle. This is important for regaining normal function and preventing re-injury.
  • Balance and coordination exercises: These exercises help to improve your balance and coordination. This is important for helping you return to your previous level of activity.
  • Education: Your physical therapist will provide you with information on how to protect your ankle from re-injury. They will also give you tips on how to reduce pain and swelling.

Your physical therapist may also use other treatments, such as ice, heat, electrical stimulation, or ultrasound, to help reduce pain and swelling. Manual therapy techniques, such as massage, joint mobilization, and soft tissue mobilization, may also be used to help reduce pain and swelling.

When should I see a physical therapist?

If you have an ankle fracture, contact your doctor or a physical therapist to begin your individualized treatment plan.

It is important to see a physical therapist when your doctor tells you that it is okay to start moving your ankle again in order to reduce pain and swelling, regain range of motion, improve strength and balance, and return to your previous level of activity. A physical therapist will create an individualized treatment plan that includes specific exercises and activities to help you meet your goals.

If you have an ankle fracture, contact your doctor or a physical therapist to begin your individualized treatment plan. You can have access to your physiotherapist directly.

What are the best options?

In general, here are three of the most common therapies used to treat broken ankles.

  1. Cryotherapy: This therapy uses cold temperatures to reduce inflammation and pain. It is often used in combination with other therapies, such as electrical stimulation or massage.
  2. Electrical Stimulation: This therapy uses electrical currents to stimulate the muscles and promote healing. It is often used in combination with other therapies, such as cryotherapy or massage.
  3. Massage: This therapy uses gentle, rhythmic strokes to promote healing and relaxation. It can be used alone or in combination with other therapies, such as cryotherapy or electrical stimulation.

Physical therapists have been trained in treating ankle fractures with the aid of specialized training. If you are unsure about the qualifications, you should seek out physical therapists at a local physical therapist’s office or clinic with this certification or medical experience. General suggestions on how best to locate the nearest physical therapist to your location.

Range Of Motion Exercises

If your ankle has been fractured, an easy introduction to movement exercises is exactly what you need. While you’re in the process of healing, it is essential to keep your ankle as mobile as possible. This will reduce stiffness, help with the formation of new bone tissue and promote better blood circulation. The following exercises are a great way to start getting your ankle moving again.

Passive range of motion exercises

  1. Laying flat on your back, bring your affected leg up and rest your foot on the thigh of your other leg.
  2. Use your good leg to slowly move your injured ankle up and down, taking care not to push too hard or too fast.
  3. Another way to do this exercise is by sitting in a chair with your affected leg propped up on a stool or another chair in front of you. Again, use your good leg to move your injured ankle up and down.

Active range of motion exercises

  1. Start by sitting on the floor with both legs out straight in front of you.
  2. Use your hands to grab hold of your injured ankle and pull your foot up towards you, keeping your leg as straight as possible.
  3. Once you’ve pulled your foot as far up as you can, point your toes away from you and then back towards you.
  4. Repeat this exercise 10 times before switching legs.

If you’re feeling any pain during these exercises, stop immediately and consult your doctor or physiotherapist. Once you’ve been cleared to start doing more strenuous activities, there are a few other things you can do to help keep your ankle mobile:

  1. Take regular walks – this is a great way to get some low-impact exercise while also getting some fresh air.
  2. Swim – swimming is another great way to get some exercise without putting too much strain on your ankle.
  3. Ride a bike – bicycling is a low-impact activity that is also great for your overall fitness.
  4. Do some light weightlifting – lifting weights can help to improve your ankle’s range of motion and strength.

By following these exercises and tips, you’ll be well on your way to recovering from your ankle fracture in no time.