How long does it take to walk properly after a broken ankle?

If you don't need surgery, you might be able to walk on your own within six to eight weeks. If your fracture did require surgery, you may get a walking cast after two weeks; four to six weeks later, you may be able to apply some weight and be moved to a cast with a walker or crutches.

Do you have to learn to walk again after broken ankle?

It takes around six to 10 weeks to recover from a broken ankle. During this time, you will probably need to wear a cast or boot. Most people are able to walk normally again and resume their daily activities by around three months. Endurance will improve over time and as your strength improves.

What happens if you walk on a broken ankle too soon?

Putting weight on your ankle too soon may mean the bones do not heal properly. You may need to have your duties at work changed if your job requires walking, standing, or climbing stairs. At a certain point, you will be switched to a weight-bearing cast or splint.

How do you know your broken ankle is healing?

Most doctors check x-rays to see if bones are healing. The calcified blood clot around the fractured ends of the bones will show up on x-rays and is called “callus”. Callus is just new bone that has formed and grown across the fracture site. It's another sign that the broken bone is healed.

Can I walk on broken ankle after 5 weeks?

Ankle fractures can take a long time to heal. Recovery depends on how much damage was done when you fractured your ankle. Most people can put weight on their ankle within 16 weeks after surgery.

Broken Ankle | Learning to Walk Again: stairs

How do you get rid of stiffness in a broken ankle?

How long does it take to get full range of motion after ankle surgery?

From Weeks 13–16, you should gain a full range of motion in non-fused joints, and you'll be approaching a restoration of near normal strength.

How do you rebuild ankle strength?

Put the heel of your good foot on top of the toes of your injured foot. Gently pull your toes and ankle towards your face on the injured ankle and the good foot can provide resistance on top. Hold for 5 seconds. Repeat 10 times.

How do I start walking after cast removal?

Wash in warm soapy water and apply body lotion daily. Crutches can be used for partial support but you can begin walking on your leg as soon as it is comfortable enough or as per the advice of your doctor. You may be limping on the injured foot for a few weeks after removal of the cast.

Why is my ankle stiff after fracture?

There are two reasons why stiffness seems to last a long time after casting a joint for a fracture. First there's the joint itself. After injury, the repair processes can be damaged and slow to return to normal. At the same time, animal studies have shown us that muscles shorten up when joints are immobilized.

How long does it take to strengthen ankles?

If your ankle disorder requires surgery, full recovery may take several weeks or months. You may also need physical therapy to help strengthen your ankle. Physical therapy may last as long as 12 months.

How often should you do ankle rehab exercises?

Talk to your doctor or physical therapist about the timing of strengthening exercises for the ankle. Typically you can start them when you are able to stand without increased pain or swelling. Do 8 to 12 repetitions of these exercises once or twice daily for 2 to 4 weeks, depending on the severity of your injury.

Will my broken ankle ever be the same?

If it's a low-to-medium grade ligament injury or a stable bone fracture, then it's highly likely that the ankle will be similar to before. With more severe ligaments and unstable fractures, there is always some difference in flexibility and appearance.

How long does an ankle stay swollen after a break?

The ligaments are then often torn too, and cartilage may be damaged. The foot and ankle become swollen, painful and can no longer hold any weight. It takes several days or weeks for the swelling to go down completely, and can take months for the ankle joint to fully recover from the fracture.

Does ankle stiffness go away?

The most common causes include injury, arthritis and normal wear and tear. Depending on the cause, you may feel pain or stiffness anywhere around the ankle. Your ankle may also swell, and you may not be able to put any weight on it. Usually, ankle pain gets better with rest, ice and over-the-counter pain medications.

Can I walk after 6 weeks ankle fracture?

If you don't need surgery, you might be able to walk on your own within six to eight weeks. If your fracture did require surgery, you may get a walking cast after two weeks; four to six weeks later, you may be able to apply some weight and be moved to a cast with a walker or crutches.

Should I keep my walking boot on all day?

You SHOULD keep the boot on while you're laying around the house to prevent bumping the injury and to help the foot heal properly. Listening to your doctor and following the treatment plan will help to get you better and out of the boot faster!

What helps broken bones heal faster?

When should you start ankle rehab?

Start rehab with range-of-motion exercises in the first 72 hours after your injury. Continue with further rehab, including stretching, strength training, and balance exercises, over the next several weeks to months. You can do rehab exercises at home or even at the office to strengthen your ankle.

Do you need physical therapy after wearing a boot?

Were you immobilized in a cast or cam boot? Physical therapy will help to strengthen and stabilize your ankle joint after an injury, especially after a period of immobilization. You might notice when you are taken out of a cast or cam boot that your calf is significantly smaller compared to your other leg.

How do I stop my ankle from rolling?

Is cycling good for ankle injury?

Gentle cardiovascular exercises

It is still possible to do some forms of cardio training while recovering from a sprained ankle. Examples include gentle exercises that get the heart pumping, such as swimming or riding a stationary bicycle or elliptical.

Why are my ankles tight?

Stiff ankles and feet–If the smaller muscles are too weak to support your foot and ankle, your body reacts by increasing the tension where it can: in the bigger muscles. This causes tightness in the calf and ankle. Stretching might help a bit, but improved control and strength in the foot is the solution.