Broken Ankle Recovery Time: Home Treatment Tips!
Broken Ankle Recovery Time: Severe dislocations may require surgery, but stable fractures require 6-8 weeks in a cast, then a walking boot or shoe brace.
Goal of this guide:
- To show you what to expect with your broken ankle recovery time.
- At the end we offer some long term home treatment to assist in helping you get better faster!
Broken Ankle Overview:
- The terms ankle fracture and broken ankle are basically the same thing.
- This means that one of the bones of the ankle joint or broken, you can have multiple breaks with dislocations, or just one break in one area with no dislocation.
There are different types of breaks:
- There is a range that can go from minimal breaking in only one spot of the ankle, versus a complete crushing and destruction of the ankle.
- Obviously the more severe complete crushing would take much longer to heal, if ever.
- The more damage an ankle sustains, the more likely you are to need surgery.
Even if not broken, there could be ligament damage:
- The tricky thing with ankle fractures, is that you may also have been damaged ankle joint ligaments.
- The ligaments of the ankle hold the bones together and in the correct position.
- The problem with the broken ankle is, that you can develop long-term arthritis even if it does heal.
- The idea is to have the bones heal in a perfectly correct position, and reset the cartilage as much as possible, to prevent future rubbing and damage.
Ankle Joint Anatomy:
There are three bones that make up the ankle joint:
The talus:
- This is the top of the foot as it connects to the ankle joint.
- This is a bone that fits in between the tibia and fibula above it.
- This bone can move up and down for the most part, but not side to side within the ankle joint.
The fibula:
- This is the smaller bone that makes up the ankle joint.
- This bone only takes about 15% of the pressure of the fracture.
- If you simply have a small crack through here, you can get away without doing surgery.
- But if there is a severe fracture here, it may need to have to be replaced and fixed back into position.
- The fibula makes up the lateral malleolus, this holds that outside of your ankle together. This holds the talus inside the lateral malleolus.
Tibia:
- This is the shinbone, and much of the top half of the ankle joint.
- This takes about 85% of the pressure of the ankle joint.
- This bone is broken significantly, you may definitly need surgery, and have a long healing time.
What is the Ankle Joint?
- The tibia has two major components that make up the ankle joint: these include the medial malleolus in the posterior malleolus.
- These are the prominences that wrap around the talus and hold it into position.
- The medial malleolus is towards the center line of your body, and the posterior malleolus is the back of your ankle.
Classification of ankle joint fractures:
- Doctors can classify the severity of the fracture, and the specific location of the fracture.
- Specifically, if both the tibia and the fibula are broken, this is called a bi-malleolar fracture.
- Because both the medial and lateral malleolus are broken.
- If the lateral, posterior and medial malleolus are all broken, this is then termed at tri-malleolar or fracture.
Foot Doctors can also classify the ankle fracture based on the severity:
- If there is a fracture, which is not displaced. This is simply called the nondisplaced fracture.
- If there is over 1 to 2 mm of motion, this is now called a displaced fracture.
- If there is more than a few different cracks, the bone can almost crack into dust. This is referred to as a comminuted fracture. This is the most serious of fractures.
- If the fracture is open to the skin, this is called an open fracture.
- For example, the fracture can be called an open displaced fracture. This can also be a tri-malleolar fracture.
Causes of a broken ankle:
The most common causes of a broken ankle include:
- Twisting or rotating your ankle.
- Rolling your ankle down and inward.
- Tripping or falling.
- Severe fall injury.
- A severe impact during a car accident or collision.
- Bending or twisting during the sports game.
Broken ankle symptoms:
- Sometimes it could be difficult to realize if you have a broken ankle, because it is just a much more severe sprained ankle.
- Like mentioned earlier, damaging the ligaments can sometimes be more serious than a broken ankle.
The symptoms of a broken ankle that would lead you to believe it is broken rather than sprained include:
1)A history of trauma:
- A recently twisted or rolled ankle.
- Tripping or falling.
- Severe impact & falling may cause it.
2)Immediate pain directly after the trauma:
- Severe pain.
- Swelling of the affected area.
- Bruising.
- Tender to the touch.
- Inability to bear weight on the ankle.
- Obvious deformity on the ankle.
Do I Have A Sprained Or Broken Ankle?
It is impossible to tell for sure if there is a broken bone. But some signs make a broken bone more likely:
- Gross deformity.
- Dislocation of the ankle.
- Inability to move the ankle.
- Cracking noise during the injury.
Broken Ankle Swelling:
Swelling can occur with any ankle injury. It does not necessarily confirm that a bone is broken.
Swelling is common in:
- Inversion ankle sprains.
- High ankle sprains.
- Deep vein thrombosis.
- Lymphedema.
- Venous insufficiency.
Broken Ankle X-ray:
- An X-ray or CT scan is need to know the full extent of the break for sure.
- It is impossible to be 100% certain whether an ankle injury is a fracture or not without it.
- Even if it does not seem broken, an X-ray is usually still a good idea to make sure!
Broken Ankle Cast vs. Broken Ankle Surgery:
1)Broken Ankle Cast:
- The general rule is that if no bones are displaced or ligaments ruptured a broken ankle can be treated with a cast.
- The downside is, if proper healing is not attained, arthritis may set in during the future.
Indications for a broken ankle cast include:
- Non-displaced break.
- Less that 1-2mm of displacement
- Under 10 degrees of angulation deformity.
- No ligament rupture.
- No incongruity of the talar mortise.
2) Broken Ankle Surgery:
- Surgery is usually needed if there is bone displacement or ruptured ligaments.
- Without surgery there is a much greater risk of degenerative joint disease (ankle arthritis).
- Mal-union & non-union of the fracture fragments are also very possible.
Indications for broken ankle surgery:
- A displaced break.
- More than 1-2mm of displacement.
- Over 5-10 degrees of angulation.
- Ligamentous rupture.
- Incongruity of the talar mortise.
- Widening of the medial or lateral clear space of the ankle joint.
Broken Ankle Walking Boot Vs. A Cast:
1)Broken Ankle Cast:
This is usually needed in more severe situation where the podiatrist does not want to risk you walking on the fracture.
- Impossible to take the cast off.
- Better compliance.
2)Broken Ankle Walking Boot:
These are usually dispensed in less severe situation. Theoretically if the patient does not take the walking boot off, this should have the same offloading & healing capacity.
- They do come off.
- Can take it off to shower.
- Can take it off during bed.
- Otherwise should not walk on it.
Broken Ankle Recovery Time:
- Broken ankle recovery time definitely depends on the severity.
- A severely displaced ankle fracture will require surgery, possible plates and screws. This can require 2-3 weeks to heal the incision site, then a cast for 6-8 weeks.
- If surgery is not necessary, then a cast may be required for 6-8 weeks, then a walking boot for a further 3-4 weeks.
- X-rays are used in the mean time to check the progress of the fracture.
- It is important not to start walking too early or you may develop arthritis or a deformity of the ankle.
Broken Ankle Rehab:
- Broken ankle rehab is usually performed through physical therapy.
- Broken ankle rehab can take up to 6-12 months to regain your flexibility and normal walking from the time of the fracture.
- We find best results with orthotics, bracing and offloading following removal of the cast.
- The key is to find where your joints and ligaments are staying tight and make sure they do not stay that way permanently.
Home Treatment For Ankle Joint Rehab:
- After you are out of a cast or walking boot, you should transition to a rigid ankle support brace.
- These are our favorite braces.
- These stability braces are meant for when you immediately leave the immobilizing boot.
Best Ankle Stability Braces (Not for Compression):
The Best Overall Brace For Fit & Support.
Most Supportive Premium Brace.
Best Budge Supportive Brace.
Price:
from $129.00
from $51.00
$19.83
Overview:
Amazing brace, best fit and support combination: If you can afford it.
This is the best brace for pure support, but it can't fit in more snug shoes.
Outstanding brace for the price point. This is a figure 8 strap with laces, soft interface.
Pros:
Amazing brace. Best reviews and best fit. This is the Ferrari of braces if you can afford it.
This is a very highly rated, great reviewed brace. The support and stability is top notch for athletics. Very durable and does it's job.
Amazing reviews with proven track record. This is very soft and supportive in your shoe.
Cons:
The only downside besides cost, is complexity. This brace must be left or right. Not interchangeable. It is also for post-injury situations and good support. Not for compression!
The brace may be a little too big for a more snug shoe. This requires some room to fit and would be the main complaint. Hard interface along the padding.
The main downside is the durability and the ability for the material to give out. Great at first but maybe 3-4 months of continuous use prior to failure.
Important Tips:
Make sure to choose left vs. right. This is a high level brace mean specifically for injury support. This is not for compression or non-injury situations. It will be too tight.
This is a fantastic and supportive brace. Just make sure that your shoe will have some room for it to fit. Most good running shoes should let it fit.
This is an excellent starter brace if you have never had a brace before. It is a little longer to put with the straps and laces.
Amazon Reviewer Comments (Make sure to do your own review research through the link):
" I have never used a better brace and would highly recommend this over anything else on the market. Is it more expensive than the others? Absolutely. Is it worth it? Absolutely!"
"THIS IS THE BEST ANKLE BRACE ON THE MARKET. Steph "Chef" Curry rocks these bad boys. Google some of his in game photos and you'll see him usually wearing them in white."
"If this is put on correctly, it works really well and even supplies good arch support. The straps can be a little confusing at first, but it's important to get the hang of it. The lacing and unlacing seemed annoyingly time consuming at first, but I realized that it had become second nature in only three or four days."
Affiliate Link (Buying through these links helps support the site): Thank you!
Best Ankle Stability Braces (Not for Compression):
The Best Overall Brace For Fit & Support.
Price:
from $129.00
Overview:
Amazing brace, best fit and support combination: If you can afford it.
Pros:
Amazing brace. Best reviews and best fit. This is the Ferrari of braces if you can afford it.
Cons:
The only downside besides cost, is complexity. This brace must be left or right. Not interchangeable. It is also for post-injury situations and good support. Not for compression!
Important Tips:
Make sure to choose left vs. right. This is a high level brace mean specifically for injury support. This is not for compression or non-injury situations. It will be too tight.
Amazon Reviewer Comments (Make sure to do your own review research through the link):
" I have never used a better brace and would highly recommend this over anything else on the market. Is it more expensive than the others? Absolutely. Is it worth it? Absolutely!"
Affiliate Link (Buying through these links helps support the site): Thank you!
Best Ankle Stability Braces (Not for Compression):
Most Supportive Premium Brace.
Price:
from $51.00
Overview:
This is the best brace for pure support, but it can't fit in more snug shoes.
Pros:
This is a very highly rated, great reviewed brace. The support and stability is top notch for athletics. Very durable and does it's job.
Cons:
The brace may be a little too big for a more snug shoe. This requires some room to fit and would be the main complaint. Hard interface along the padding.
Important Tips:
This is a fantastic and supportive brace. Just make sure that your shoe will have some room for it to fit. Most good running shoes should let it fit.
Amazon Reviewer Comments (Make sure to do your own review research through the link):
"THIS IS THE BEST ANKLE BRACE ON THE MARKET. Steph "Chef" Curry rocks these bad boys. Google some of his in game photos and you'll see him usually wearing them in white."
Affiliate Link (Buying through these links helps support the site): Thank you!
Best Ankle Stability Braces (Not for Compression):
Best Budge Supportive Brace.
Price:
$19.83
Overview:
Outstanding brace for the price point. This is a figure 8 strap with laces, soft interface.
Pros:
Amazing reviews with proven track record. This is very soft and supportive in your shoe.
Cons:
The main downside is the durability and the ability for the material to give out. Great at first but maybe 3-4 months of continuous use prior to failure.
Important Tips:
This is an excellent starter brace if you have never had a brace before. It is a little longer to put with the straps and laces.
Amazon Reviewer Comments (Make sure to do your own review research through the link):
"If this is put on correctly, it works really well and even supplies good arch support. The straps can be a little confusing at first, but it's important to get the hang of it. The lacing and unlacing seemed annoyingly time consuming at first, but I realized that it had become second nature in only three or four days."
Affiliate Link (Buying through these links helps support the site): Thank you!
Broken Ankle Physical Therapy:
- Physical therapy is definitely needed to optimize recovery.
- The dangers of not having physical therapy following an ankle fracture are the lack of joint flexibility.
- It is very easy at the beginning to simply start walking differently to take pressure off your ankle, but the problem is that your keep walking that way even after the fracture heals.
- In our opinion this is the number one reason for long term problems, the joint contractures that develop can lead to knee, hip and back issues that then last a very long time.
- People may then need further surgery for those issues.
- Physical therapy can usually last for 3-4 weeks depending on injury coverage and severity of the fracture.
What If I have Pain 6+ Months Later?
- These are compression braces that should help you long term.
- These are meant more for compression and fit, rather than absolute stability:
Best Heel & Ankle Compression For Pain Relief:
Best Premium Brace (Support & Compression)
Budget Brace With Some Compression & Some Support.
Best Pure Compression & Slim Fit Ankle Support
Price:
$104.00
$13.95
from $22.99
Overview:
This is The Top Level Brace - Does Compression, Support & Great Fit.
This brace attempts mild compression and mild support.
Focused on great fit and excellent overall compression. Little focus on support.
Pros:
Excellent brace: Best overall mix of compression & support, and it still fits in most shoes! If you have a chronic injury and need to wear normal shoes => This is the BEST CHOICE.
Good rating at 4.3 with 2,000 reviews. It is cost effective and gives some support with some compression. Does both ok, but excellent when price is factored in.
Excellent reviewmost 2,000 5 star reviews. Great fit into almost any type of shoe. Very Slim, very cost effective.
Cons:
Expensive. It doesn't do any single thing the best. There are cheaper and more supportive braces, there are cheaper and more compressive braces. But no braces combine the two and still fit in a shoe.
Does not really do anything well. Weak support and not the best compression. Meant as an assist for chronic pain and low activity. Not for an acute injury.
Does not really provide stability. It still likely is not thin enough for a dress shoe or a dress heel combined with a sock.
Important Tips:
This is a high durability brace for everyday use. If you have chronic arthritis or pain with a high need for activity, this is your brace to use! **Gel inside seems to deteriorate after daily washing at about 1 year old**
This is mean for lower activity and better fit than a true supportive brace. Don't use this for an acute sprain or injury.
This is excellent for what it does. Which is simple compression with minimal support. This would be great with an orthotic and running shoe in a non-acute/severe injury.
Amazon Reviewer Comments (Make sure to do your own review research through the link):
"You will not go wrong forking over the money for this. I tried at least 6 different braces before buying this. All either had very little support and fell apart when washed, or lost stretch completely. This brace is the only one I’ll buy."
"Unlike a typical ankle brace, this wrap works like a brace with the abilty, based on how you wrap your ankle, to put direct pressure on the area were you need the most support. After wearing the wrap for a week straight, my ankle pain has been substantially reduced."
"So far, this has been outstanding. It's tight enough to stay secure and provide the necessary stability, while thin enough to wear with dress shoes. The quality is outstanding."
Affiliate Link (Buying through these links helps support the site): Thank you!
Best Heel & Ankle Compression For Pain Relief:
Best Premium Brace (Support & Compression)
Price:
$104.00
Overview:
This is The Top Level Brace - Does Compression, Support & Great Fit.
Pros:
Excellent brace: Best overall mix of compression & support, and it still fits in most shoes! If you have a chronic injury and need to wear normal shoes => This is the BEST CHOICE.
Cons:
Expensive. It doesn't do any single thing the best. There are cheaper and more supportive braces, there are cheaper and more compressive braces. But no braces combine the two and still fit in a shoe.
Important Tips:
This is a high durability brace for everyday use. If you have chronic arthritis or pain with a high need for activity, this is your brace to use! **Gel inside seems to deteriorate after daily washing at about 1 year old**
Amazon Reviewer Comments (Make sure to do your own review research through the link):
"You will not go wrong forking over the money for this. I tried at least 6 different braces before buying this. All either had very little support and fell apart when washed, or lost stretch completely. This brace is the only one I’ll buy."
Affiliate Link (Buying through these links helps support the site): Thank you!
Best Heel & Ankle Compression For Pain Relief:
Budget Brace With Some Compression & Some Support.
Price:
$13.95
Overview:
This brace attempts mild compression and mild support.
Pros:
Good rating at 4.3 with 2,000 reviews. It is cost effective and gives some support with some compression. Does both ok, but excellent when price is factored in.
Cons:
Does not really do anything well. Weak support and not the best compression. Meant as an assist for chronic pain and low activity. Not for an acute injury.
Important Tips:
This is mean for lower activity and better fit than a true supportive brace. Don't use this for an acute sprain or injury.
Amazon Reviewer Comments (Make sure to do your own review research through the link):
"Unlike a typical ankle brace, this wrap works like a brace with the abilty, based on how you wrap your ankle, to put direct pressure on the area were you need the most support. After wearing the wrap for a week straight, my ankle pain has been substantially reduced."
Affiliate Link (Buying through these links helps support the site): Thank you!
Best Heel & Ankle Compression For Pain Relief:
Best Pure Compression & Slim Fit Ankle Support
Price:
from $22.99
Overview:
Focused on great fit and excellent overall compression. Little focus on support.
Pros:
Excellent reviewmost 2,000 5 star reviews. Great fit into almost any type of shoe. Very Slim, very cost effective.
Cons:
Does not really provide stability. It still likely is not thin enough for a dress shoe or a dress heel combined with a sock.
Important Tips:
This is excellent for what it does. Which is simple compression with minimal support. This would be great with an orthotic and running shoe in a non-acute/severe injury.
Amazon Reviewer Comments (Make sure to do your own review research through the link):
"So far, this has been outstanding. It's tight enough to stay secure and provide the necessary stability, while thin enough to wear with dress shoes. The quality is outstanding."
Affiliate Link (Buying through these links helps support the site): Thank you!
Pain Relief Options:
- Consider menthol as an alternative to icing.
- Studies have shown that the pain relief can last 2x as long.
- This is safer than long term NSAIDs or other pills.
Best Bottom of the Foot & Heel Pain Relief Products
Best & Proven Pain Relieving Gel.
Roll On Version of Biofreeze Gel.
A giant container of value size biofreeze.
Menthol Based Ointment with Hemp Extract
Price:
$29.87
$25.90
$143.14
$36.97
Overview:
The Proven and Scientifically Published Menthol Based Gel
Same as biofreeze gel, but the roll-on is prefered by some people for their feet, less messy.
8.1 lbs(3.67 kg) of Value Sized Biofreeze!
This is an alternative cream: Basically Biofreeze + hemp extract.
Pros:
Scientifically proven to loosen up and relief pain up to 2x longer than Ice. Less effort than ice and great reviews. 900+ 5 star reviews on Amazon.
The roll-on application of this biofreeze can be easier to apply. Less overall mess.
If you know you already love it and trust the reviews. This is a great value that lasts a long time.
It has great reviews, loved by the all natural crowd. 100s of 5 star reviews with a near perfect rating.
Cons:
Don't put this on open sores or mucous membranes, it will burn! It can run out quick and doesn't prevent pain, just helps it.
Not as easy to spread in other areas, main difference is the roll on applicator, same solution.
A gigantic bottle that could fall over and injure you! Seriously this could be too big in some situations.
Basically looks like menthol(active Biofreeze ingredient), but with hemp extract SKYROCKETING the price.
Important Tips:
Menthol is the active ingredient in this and other hemp based creams. It works similar to ice, but once you apply it you can just move on rather than waiting 20 minutes. **Works great to get your through the night if you have pain sleeping**
Roll-on method is best for the bottom of the feet. No other real advantage. Most patients like it prior to bed for easy sleeping without foot pain.
If you know you love it, this stuff works all over the sore areas in your body not just your foot. I have had many people get me to order this for them in the past and LOVED IT!
The hemp extract is almost nothing and likely a marketing gimmick. It's basically Biofreeze with some hemp extract raising the price.
Amazon Reviewer Comments (Make sure to do your own review research through the link):
"Like I stated earlier, I am a huge fan of this product and I will happily buy this product again. I'm so glad I finally found it online (lol), rather than having to make a trip to the pharmacy."
"The main ingredient is menthol and the cool sensation is long lasting. You have to try this product. Trust me, I've tried them all and there's no comparison!"
"This stuff is GREAT! Value sized!!"
"The cream helps with my nerve pain for several hours , giving me relief on the job. It doesn't take much , I use very little , it goes along way, as long as it is rubbed in properly. I will definitely be purchasing this again. I also gave to a friend that has fibromyalgia, she said it helped with her aches and pains to relieve pressure for a few hours. This is definitely a 5 star purchase."
Affiliate Link (Buying through these links helps support the site): Thank you!
Best Bottom of the Foot & Heel Pain Relief Products
Best & Proven Pain Relieving Gel.
Price:
$29.87
Overview:
The Proven and Scientifically Published Menthol Based Gel
Pros:
Scientifically proven to loosen up and relief pain up to 2x longer than Ice. Less effort than ice and great reviews. 900+ 5 star reviews on Amazon.
Cons:
Don't put this on open sores or mucous membranes, it will burn! It can run out quick and doesn't prevent pain, just helps it.
Important Tips:
Menthol is the active ingredient in this and other hemp based creams. It works similar to ice, but once you apply it you can just move on rather than waiting 20 minutes. **Works great to get your through the night if you have pain sleeping**
Amazon Reviewer Comments (Make sure to do your own review research through the link):
"Like I stated earlier, I am a huge fan of this product and I will happily buy this product again. I'm so glad I finally found it online (lol), rather than having to make a trip to the pharmacy."
Affiliate Link (Buying through these links helps support the site): Thank you!
Best Bottom of the Foot & Heel Pain Relief Products
Roll On Version of Biofreeze Gel.
Price:
$25.90
Overview:
Same as biofreeze gel, but the roll-on is prefered by some people for their feet, less messy.
Pros:
The roll-on application of this biofreeze can be easier to apply. Less overall mess.
Cons:
Not as easy to spread in other areas, main difference is the roll on applicator, same solution.
Important Tips:
Roll-on method is best for the bottom of the feet. No other real advantage. Most patients like it prior to bed for easy sleeping without foot pain.
Amazon Reviewer Comments (Make sure to do your own review research through the link):
"The main ingredient is menthol and the cool sensation is long lasting. You have to try this product. Trust me, I've tried them all and there's no comparison!"
Affiliate Link (Buying through these links helps support the site): Thank you!
Best Bottom of the Foot & Heel Pain Relief Products
A giant container of value size biofreeze.
Price:
$143.14
Overview:
8.1 lbs(3.67 kg) of Value Sized Biofreeze!
Pros:
If you know you already love it and trust the reviews. This is a great value that lasts a long time.
Cons:
A gigantic bottle that could fall over and injure you! Seriously this could be too big in some situations.
Important Tips:
If you know you love it, this stuff works all over the sore areas in your body not just your foot. I have had many people get me to order this for them in the past and LOVED IT!
Amazon Reviewer Comments (Make sure to do your own review research through the link):
"This stuff is GREAT! Value sized!!"
Affiliate Link (Buying through these links helps support the site): Thank you!
Best Bottom of the Foot & Heel Pain Relief Products
Menthol Based Ointment with Hemp Extract
Price:
$36.97
Overview:
This is an alternative cream: Basically Biofreeze + hemp extract.
Pros:
It has great reviews, loved by the all natural crowd. 100s of 5 star reviews with a near perfect rating.
Cons:
Basically looks like menthol(active Biofreeze ingredient), but with hemp extract SKYROCKETING the price.
Important Tips:
The hemp extract is almost nothing and likely a marketing gimmick. It's basically Biofreeze with some hemp extract raising the price.
Amazon Reviewer Comments (Make sure to do your own review research through the link):
"The cream helps with my nerve pain for several hours , giving me relief on the job. It doesn't take much , I use very little , it goes along way, as long as it is rubbed in properly. I will definitely be purchasing this again. I also gave to a friend that has fibromyalgia, she said it helped with her aches and pains to relieve pressure for a few hours. This is definitely a 5 star purchase."
Affiliate Link (Buying through these links helps support the site): Thank you!
