What do I do if I have broken my ankle?

Ankle fractures are a common injury that can occur at any age, and can often put a stop to the things you love doing for a period of time. Here we will discuss what to do if you have had an ankle fracture and how we can help!

An ankle fracture is a break in one or more of the bones that make up the ankle joint. It can result from a variety of causes, including falls, sports injuries, and car accidents. Ankle fractures can range from mild to severe, and treatment options will vary depending on the extent of the injury.

What are the causes of Ankle fractures? 

One of the most common causes of ankle fractures is a sudden twist or turn of the ankle. This can happen during physical activity, such as playing sports, or as a result of a slip or fall. Other causes include direct trauma to the ankle, such as being hit by a car, or a forceful impact to the ankle, such as landing hard after a jump. 

What are the treatment options available for Ankle Fractures? 

The treatment of an ankle fracture will depend on the severity of the injury. In some cases, the fracture may be treated with conservative management, which can include immobilisation of the ankle with a cast or brace, as well as pain management and rest.

In more severe cases, surgery may be necessary to repair the fracture and restore normal function to the ankle joint. The choice of surgical procedure will depend on the location and severity of the fracture, as well as your overall health and medical history.

One common surgical procedure used to treat ankle fractures is open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF).

This involves making an incision in the skin to access the fractured bone and using screws, plates, or rods to hold the bone fragments in place.

This type of surgery is often used for more severe fractures, and may require several months of recovery time.

Another surgical option is arthroscopic surgery, which involves inserting a small camera into the ankle joint to visualise the fracture and using small instruments to repair the fracture. This approach is less invasive than traditional surgery and may result in a faster recovery time.

In some cases, external fixation may be used to treat ankle fractures. This involves the use of metal pins and a frame to stabilize the bone fragments and allow for healing. 

Regardless of the type of surgery used, the ankle will typically require a period of immobilisation and physiotherapy to aid in your recovery. Close monitoring by your healthcare professional is important to ensure proper healing and prevent complications.

How can physiotherapy help following ankle fracture? 

Physiotherapy rehabilitation is an important part of the recovery process following an ankle fracture. We can help to improve your range of motion, strength, and flexibility in the ankle joint, as well as reduce pain and inflammation. 

Treatment options may include manual therapy, such as massage and stretching, as well as exercises to improve strength, balance, and proprioception.

Proprioception is the ability to sense the position and movement of the body, which is particularly important in the ankle joint to prevent future injury.

The latest research suggests that early mobilisation and weight-bearing exercises can be effective in treating ankle fractures, particularly in cases where surgery is not necessary. This approach can help to promote healing and prevent muscle wasting and joint stiffness. 

Other physiotherapy techniques that we can use to treat ankle fractures includes electrotherapy, such as ultrasound or electrical stimulation, and gait training, which involves learning to walk again after a period of immobilisation. Taping and bracing may also be used to provide support to the ankle joint during the recovery process.

What is the expected time of recovery following a fracture?

The expected time of recovery from an ankle fracture will vary depending on the severity of the injury, as well as the chosen treatment approach. In cases where conservative management is used, you may need to wear a cast or brace for several weeks, followed by several weeks of physiotherapy. Full recovery can take several months. 

In cases where surgery is necessary, recovery time may be longer, with patients requiring several weeks of immobilization and several months of physiotherapy before returning to normal activities.

It is important to follow the advice of your physio to ensure the best possible outcome from your ankle fracture treatment. Treatment options will vary depending on the severity of the fracture, but may include conservative management, surgery, and physiotherapy rehabilitation. 

The specific physiotherapy treatment plan will depend on your needs and goals. We will work closely with you to develop a personalised treatment plan and monitor your progress throughout the recovery process to ensure the best possible outcome.

With the right care and treatment, most people can expect a full recovery and return to their normal activities. Reach out to start on your path to recovery today and let us help get you started! 

This is absolutely not written to substitute medical advice and it is always important to see a qualified health care professional for a formal diagnosis. If any of the exercises cause pain during or after the exercise, discontinue and consult a physiotherapist.

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