Broken Ankle

Treatment for ankle fractures depends on the severity of the fracture and may be nonsurgical or surgical.

Nonsurgical treatment

For a simple break in one bone that is stable, the doctor may recommend:

• Using a walking boot or cast and possibly crutches
• Resting the ankle
• Elevating the ankle
• Icing the injury area every couple of hours for a few minutes each time
• Taking pain relievers such as acetaminophen and ibuprofen to decrease pain and inflammation.

Surgical Treatment

Surgery may be necessary for serious fractures if the bones are misaligned. It is also useful for open fractures (also known as compound fractures) when fractured bones break through the skin.

In ankle fracture surgery, the surgeon moves bone pieces to their normal position and holds them together with special screws and metal plates. There are many new technologies in fracture fixation, and our surgeons have all the latest tools and techniques.

Recovery and rehabilitation

Healing time for ankle fractures depends on the type of injury. Recovery from ankle fractures commonly takes six weeks, but it may take longer for injuries involving both ligament and bone.

Medication

Medication is first given intravenously (also called IV). After several hours patients may start taking oral pain medication. The doctor decides which pain medication should be taken to manage the pain and for how long to minimize the risk associated with taking opioids.

Physical Therapy

Physical therapy is an important part of fractured ankle treatment. It begins after the fractures have started to heal and the walking boot or cast has been removed. Putting weight on the injured ankle too early may prevent the ankle from healing properly. The doctor may provide a specific recommendation about returning to athletic activity.