Ankle Breaks
What are Ankle Breaks?
Ankle breaks are fractures of one or more bones in the ankle area. Ankle breaks usually happen when there is an unusual rotation of the foot on the lower leg. There are 2 bones in the lower leg. You can have a tibia fracture or a fibular fracture, or both. Either bone can break and it can happen in more than 1 place.
Ankle Breaks
Why is an Ankle Fracture a Problem?
An ankle fracture hurts! But the there are 2 issues that can be problems.
- Proper healing is needed for the ankle and foot to work correctly.
- If the bones heal out of position, it can cause early wear and tear and lead to painful arthritis in the ankle.
To learn more about Ankle Fractures, this Article may help.
How do You Fix Ankle Breaks?
The quick answer is that it depends on whether the ankle fracture is stable or not. If the ankle break is stable:
- Patients wear an orthopaedic boot until the pain is better. They can usually walk in the protective boot.
- Physical therapy can begin when the pain has decreased. Therapy can help improve motion and strength in the ankle. This can help patients to return to sports or activity.
If the Ankle Fracture is unstable, surgery may be needed to put the bones back together.
What Happens with Ankle Surgery after a Broken Ankle?
Ankle ORIF X-ray image
An unstable ankle fracture may need an operation to fix it. During the surgery, the orthopedic ankle surgeon places the bones exactly where they should be for healing. The procedure is called Open Reduction Internal Fixation (ORIF).
- Open the skin to see the bones.
- Reduce or put the bones back in place.
- Internally Fix the bones by using plates and screws to hold them in place.
After surgery, you have to be off your feet for 2 to 6 weeks. The exact time depends on how complicated the surgery is. Patients will wear a cast for about 2 weeks after the surgery. They usually wear a boot for the next 6 weeks after the cast is removed. Patients are allowed to start walking in the boot at either 2, 4, or 6 weeks after the surgery depending on the injury. Most patients are out of the boot 8 to 10 weeks after surgery.
Will I have Physical Therapy After Ankle Surgery?
The quick answer is that you will need physical therapy after ankle surgery with ORIF. Here’s what to expect when a broken bone is healing after ankle surgery. The ankle becomes very stiff after surgery, especially after being in a cast and boot. Physical therapy usually begins around 4 weeks after the surgery. To schedule physical therapy at one of the 12 JOI Rehab Centers, please call 904-858-7045. Rehabilitation after ankle surgery will include:
Week 4-6 – work on motion of the ankle.
Week 6-8 – Start strength exercises.
Week 8-10 -Pool or Alter G activity
Image of the Alter G Treadmill JOI Rehab San Marco
Week 10-12 Focus on strength, balance, and agility.
The best foot or ankle surgery recovery tips are to have patience, listen to your doctor and therapist, and know what to expect with your rehabilitation.
When Can I Return to my Sport after Ankle Surgery for a Broken Ankle?
The quick answer is that you can usually return to your sport between 3 and 6 months after surgery. Everyone heals differently, so this can vary from one person to the next.
Book an Appointment with The Jacksonville Orthopaedic Institute Today!
JOI Physicians continue to offer online new patient appointments. This is another option to make it more convenient to make new patient appointments with less phone hold times. Follow the link below to select your JOI MD and schedule online.
New to JOI, you can now schedule your follow up appointments and cancel appointments on the JOI Portal.
To make appointments with JOI Rehab, please call 904-858-7045.