Tips for a Better Recovery After an Ankle Fracture

Julio Jones 3 months ago 3 min read

Anyone who has broken an ankle, whether it is a simple break in which just one bone cracked or a complicated break, knows how excruciating the experience can be. Healing time for an ankle fracture is typically between 6 and 12 weeks; shorter if no surgery is necessary and longer otherwise. It would help if you had time to heal completely and are proportional to the degree of the break, general health, and age. Working with Marque A. Allen DPM, FACFAS, you will know what to do during your recovery.

Here are some of the ways to speed up and improve the quality of your recovery:

Watch for symptoms and report any problems

It would help if you kept a journal or used a digital app to record your symptoms to monitor your progress while you heal. It would help if you did it with your physical therapist and on your own throughout the weight-bearing and non-weight-bearing weeks. Getting prompt medical attention for an illness may prevent persistent pain and arthritis from developing due to a botched recovery.

Set objectives for pain-free ankle function with your doctor’s help

The end objective of your rehabilitation is to eliminate your discomfort and return your ankle to its pre-injury level of functionality. It may be difficult and time-consuming for some forms of ankle fractures. Ankle function and gait may be permanently impaired after an injury. Discuss your goals with your doctor and understand how realistic they are.

Avoid strenuous physical activity

For some patients, rest is the most challenging part of their therapy. It is not easy to take it easy on your feet when you have got a lot going on. However, it would help if you didn’t put weight on your hurt foot. Do what your doctor tells you to do regarding weight bearing. Getting a shower chair is another smart move for maintaining stability in a wet environment.

Invest in equipment to make your life easier

You might consider buying tools to help you while in a cast, just in case. You will be gentler on your ankle and yourself and save a lot of energy by not becoming angry. You must focus on rest and healing rather than becoming down on yourself because of your fractured ankle’s restrictions.

Don’t smoke, and eat well!

If your body is in good shape, it will recover quickly and with fewer side effects. The first thing to do is take a diet rich in calcium, and vitamin D. Bone healing requires both substances. Likewise, quitting smoking hastens recovery. Cigarette smoking and nicotine use are associated with a higher incidence of bone fractures and a slowed healing rate.

Regaining painless ankle function after an ankle fracture or dislocation is the goal of treatment. It’s doable, but it will need effort on your side. Always take things slowly at first. Applying pressure on the bone too quickly might lead to complications. It is also important to take a break if physical exertion causes discomfort. As your ankle recovers, you may expect regular checkups from your doctor. Consult with Marque Allen, DPM, FACFAS, for the best recovery after an ankle fracture.