You can expect most ankle fractures depending on how severe they are, to take 4-8 weeks for the bones to heal completely and up to several months to regain full use and range of motion of the joint. More severe fractures, especially those requiring surgical repair, may take longer to heal.
How long is physical therapy after ankle fracture?
In general, physical therapy for a broken ankle lasts about 6 to 8 weeks. Your personal experience with PT may be shorter or longer depending on your specific injury. Continuing your home exercise program is a component of your rehabilitation.
When will my fractured ankle stop hurting?
Your doctor fixed a broken (fractured) bone without surgery. You can expect the pain from the bone to get much better almost right after the procedure. But you may have some pain for 2 to 3 weeks and mild pain for up to 6 weeks after surgery.
Why does my healed broken ankle still hurt?
Some people may continue to experience pain long after the fracture and soft tissues have finished healing. This is what we call chronic pain. Chronic pain may be caused by nerve damage, the development of scar tissue, aggravation of underlying arthritis, or other causes.
How do I know if my broken ankle is healing?
Signs Your Broken Bone Is Healing
- What You Experience During Healing. The following steps are what you will go through as your broken bone is healing:
- Pain Decreases.
- Range of Motion Increases.
- Swelling Goes Down.
- Bruising Subsides.
- Orthopedic Clinic in Clinton Township, MI.
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 do I know if my fracture has healed?
When you touch the fractured area, the pain will lessen as the fracture gets more solid. So, one way to tell if the broken bone is healed is for the doctor to examine you – if the bone doesn’t hurt when he touches it, and it’s been about six weeks since you broke it, the bone is most likely healed.
What are the signs and symptoms of a broken ankle?
These common signs and symptoms for broken ankle are Pain to touch with limited movement of the ankle Swelling and/or bruising on the affected area Inability to walk or stand and bear weight on the ankle
What are the treatment options for a broken ankle?
The first aim is to minimize the swelling to control the pain and minimize damage to surrounding tissues. After the x-ray, the doctor can tell how bad the fracture is. Splinting of the ankle is done initially to immobilize the fracture and it will be kept in place for a few days to give room if the swelling persists.
How long does it take to recover from a broken ankle?
Some would prefer to get the fractured ankle moving before sending the patient home in around 2-3 days. Appointment will be scheduled. In 10 days, the stitches will be removed and the ankle will be in plaster cast for approximately six weeks.
How long do you have to wear a cast for ankle fracture?
If the results of your physical examination suggest that that you have a fractured ankle, your doctor will order X-rays to confirm the diagnosis. If your fracture can be treated without surgery, you probably will wear a cast for about six to eight weeks.
