Depending on the type of fracture, a broken ankle can take anywhere from several weeks to months, or even a year, to heal.
Award-winning, board-certified orthopedist and surgeon Dr. Sumit Dewanjee at FXRX in Tempe and Phoenix, Arizona, has significant expertise in treating broken bones. He uses the most advanced therapies available for ankle fractures, from casting a nondisplaced crack to intricate surgeries that ensure the bones are held in place until they heal.
You can’t always prevent a broken ankle. After all, a simple stumble can result in a fracture. But there’s much you can do to ensure a successful recovery.
Here are a few essential tips from our FXRX team that can help you recover smoothly from a fracture.
Follow your orthopedic treatment plan
The first step toward full recovery from a broken ankle is following your treatment plan carefully. Depending on your injury, Dr. Dewanjee may recommend a cast, brace, boot, or ankle surgery to immobilize the involved bones.
You receive explicit instructions throughout your treatment, including avoiding weight-bearing until cleared. This step is often crucial to healing and may mean using crutches or another assistive device for several weeks.
Every instruction we give you is crucial for proper bone healing, alignment, and restoration of mobility.
Manage pain and swelling after an ankle fracture
Pain and swelling are common after a broken ankle. To speed up healing and reduce discomfort, Dr. Dewanjee may recommend elevating your ankle above heart level when resting. You may also benefit from taking anti-inflammatory medications as directed.
These simple steps make a big difference in successful treatment, especially in the early stages of an ankle fracture.
Commit to physical therapy for ankle recovery
Once your fracture begins to heal, physical therapy becomes essential.
A structured rehab program helps:
- Restore mobility
- Build ankle strength and stability
- Prevent stiffness
- Protect against future ankle injuries
Consistency is key. Do your prescribed exercises both in therapy sessions and at home. Avoid doing too much or too little for the best ankle rehab results.
Transition safely back to walking
When we clear you, you move from crutches to partial weight-bearing, and eventually back to walking. Resist the temptation to rush.
Again, depending on the type of fracture, putting weight on your ankle too soon can delay bone healing or cause reinjury. Supportive shoes or a walking boot are helpful during this transition.
Dr. Dewanjee and your physical therapist are also interested in taking you beyond walking when applicable. For instance, if you’re an athlete or active individual, they design strategies that help restore or improve your pre-injury mobility and strength.
Notably, Dr. Dewanjee also has significant experience working with high school, collegiate, and professional athletes. His goal is to ensure your bones, joints, muscles, ligaments, and tendons provide the support necessary for accomplishing your athletic goals.
Nutrition and lifestyle support bone healing
What you eat directly affects your ankle fracture recovery time. To help bones heal faster:
- Eat foods rich in calcium and vitamin D
- Stay hydrated
- Balance your diet with fresh fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean protein
- Avoid smoking, which slows bone repair
A healthy lifestyle that nourishes bones, muscles, tendons, and ligaments can help speed up your recovery from a broken ankle.
Stay in touch
While most ankle fractures heal well, complications can occur. It’s essential that you keep your follow-up and physical therapy appointments as scheduled.
We also recommend contacting the office immediately if you notice:
- Persistent, new, or worsening pain
- Tingling or numbness in your toes
- Redness, warmth, fever, or other signs of infection
- Increased or persistent swelling and bruising
Catching problems early helps prevent long-term issues and ensures a quicker recovery.
If you live in the Phoenix or Tempe area and are struggling with a fracture that’s not healing as you expected, schedule a visit with us at FXRX today. Call our office or request an appointment online.
