A disease or illness and injury act like a long pause in all the creative and developing procedures of life. The condition can be worse if injury results in the breaking of any bone or joint. It is so because the skeletal system is responsible for stability, protection, and mobility; bones and joints are central characters of the system. Hence, if joints or bones get hurt, it can significantly interfere with daily activities. To continue your regular life activities, you need to contact surgeon immediately.
Moreover, fractures can disrupt the function of other body organs in numerous ways. For instance, they can be harmful by inducing different infections. The ankle plays a pivotal role in movements and maintaining body balance while standing; an ankle fracture can be a disaster and ruin all your plans for the short or long term. We’d like to briefly analyze the fractured ankle treatment and how long it takes to recover from a broken ankle.
Fractured Ankle
The ankle joint constitutes three major bones: the tibia, fibula, and talus. Collectively, these three bones form the basic structure of the ankle joint. A fractured ankle, or broken ankle, is a condition in which one or all of the three constituting bones of the ankle joint break.
Causes and Probability
The cause of an ankle fracture may vary depending on lifestyle, profession, and other life activities.
- Twisting, rotating, or rolling of the ankle is high on the list of causes of broken ankle. All these may happen more likely to sportspeople or players, as well as to the persons performing excessive physical work.
- Having tremendous pressure on the ankle joint due to falling from height. Laborers, engineers, or mountain climbers are at high risk.
- Impact of vehicle accidents
Symptoms
Its symptoms include immediate and severe pain, swelling, or bruising. Furthermore, the inability to put weight on the ankle is the most common and definite symptom. Deformity, Numbness, and coolness in the foot (in some cases) may also occur due to a broken ankle.
Treatment
Depending upon the severity of the fracture, doctors suggest a suitable intervention. It may be surgical or non-surgical. Moreover, some fractures, like open ankle fractures, need surgery urgently.
Factors Interfering The Recovery Period of Fractured Ankle
The recovery period for ankle fractures is associated with numerous factors. Variations in these factors can significantly prolong or lessen the healing time. Here is a summary of important factors;
The most common types of broken ankle
An ankle can crack in many ways. It can be a single bone or open fracture in which bone comes out of the skin). Moreover, conditions of dislocation and non-dislocation have notable effects. According to the complexity of fracture, it can be classified into the following categories.
Lateral malleolus Fracture
The lump on the outside of the ankle is the formation of the lateral malleolus. It may break due to repetitive stress on the ankle, for instance, when running or when you twist your ankle vigorously. It is more likely a single bone damage and hence needs less recovery time. If dislocation of bone occurs in addition to fracture, its severity increases and, therefore, the time of healing.
Bimalleolar Ankle Fracture
As the name suggests, bimalleolar indicates the breakage of two bones, the fibula and tibia. It is a severe injury and usually may occur as a result of a fall from a height or accident. Severe ligament damage may happen in addition to fractures. Therefore, it often requires surgical treatment, and hence, You may recover from a fractured ankle this time in months.
Trimalleolar Ankle Fracture
Similar to bimalleolar fracture, tri malleolar fracture also results in high energy impact, that is, an accident or a fall from height. However, it is different from bimalleolar in the sense that it involves the breakage of the fibula, the base of the tibia, and the back of the tibia. In simple words, three fractures or breakings. It is the most severe type of broken ankle and for sure needs surgical intervention. Hence, its recovery time is much longer than that of the previous two types.
Medial Malleolus Fracture
A specific type of crack in the bony extension on the inside of the ankle the medial malleolus. Usually, trauma or a twisting injury, including a fall or an ankle sprain, comes high on the list of the reasons. The troubled leg may be painful, swollen, bruised, and difficult to bear weight on. For the ankle to heal properly and regain its function, proper treatment is essential.
Posterior Malleolus Fracture
The term “posterior malleolus fracture” describes a fracture in the bony prominence located directly above the ankle joint at the back of the tibia. High-energy trauma, such as car crashes or falls, can be the reason. Options for treatment vary depending on the fracture’s location and severity. A patient must adopt conservative measures, including rest and immobilization.
Treatment Approaches
The treatment type matters a lot to the longevity of the healing time of any fracture. The same is true for ankle fractures. Depending on the type of fracture, there are two possible fractured ankle treatment approaches.
Surgical Treatment
Surgical methods are preferable in case of open fracture or fracture in which dislocation of bones occurs. However, surgery may be required in some other cases as well. Surgical procedures are an indication of long recovery time and may extend over months or a year.
Non-surgical Treatment
Non-surgical approaches may treat less severe cases. Although it can also take more than three months for recovery in some cases, usually its execution takes weeks.
General Health condition
Overall, the health condition of patients is a matter of attention and has a massive impact on recovery time. Patients with medical conditions like diabetes, hypertension, and obesity can have various complications in healing. Moreover, patients with severe medical issues like cancer cannot quickly recover, and therefore, they take more than usual time to heal.
Adherence to Medical Advice
Compliance with instructions from your doctor plays a crucial role in your recovery. These instructions include medication, exercises, therapies, and time of rest. Ignoring any of these can negatively influence your healing rate.
Things You Can Do And Don’t Help Your Recovery
Here are some highlights in terms of Dos and Don’ts that can contribute to promoting your recovery and preventing complications
| Dos | Don’ts |
| Take proper rest and keep your leg elevated | Avoid weight-bearing activities |
| Stick to your surgeon’s instructions and medications | Do not try to overspeed the healing process |
| Use crutches or braces to avoid pressure on the affected area | Avoid unhealthy habits such as smoking |
| Use ice packs in episodes after the surgeon’s recommendations | Do not ignore consulting your surgeon in unusual conditions like pain |
| Be patient and try to keep yourself calm | Do not ignore any recommended therapy or follow-up visit |
Prevention After Surgery
A smooth recovery and the least risk of complications essentially require prevention. Good wound care not only speeds up rehabilitation but also saves you from infections. Moreover, strategies like the use of crutches or braces as per requirement, avoiding weight on the injured ankle until it heals, and implementation of physical therapy significantly contribute to rebuilding strength and flexibility. The creation of a safe home to eliminate hazards and avoid excessive activity too soon remains highly beneficial. Furthermore, eating a nutritious diet full of vitamins and minerals, especially Cancium and vitamin D would support the healing process. Routine check-ups also support bone healing and boost recovery. For a quick recovery gradualy increase the physical activity advised by the doctor. Smoking impairs the healing process, so avoide it. Hence, you can avoid complications and be sure about the long-term success of your operation by remaining proactive and vigilant.
When To Call A Doctor
Surgeries are complicated procedures and usually require an extended recovery time. A patient and his family must be aware of the situations that indicate a call to the doctor. Here are some prominent situations that a doctor must attend after ankle surgery.
- Signs of infection: Redness, warmth, swelling, pus, foul odor, or fever.
- Severe pain/swelling: excessive swelling despite elevation that does not go away with medication.
- Circulation/nerve issues: Frequent Numbness, tingling, pale/blue toes, or difficulty moving toes.
- Blood clot symptoms: Calf pain, swelling, redness, or warmth in the leg.
- Cast/dressing problems: Wet, tight, damaged cast, pressure sores, blisters, or foul odor.
A Note From The Orthocenter
At Orthocenter, our primary objective is to help patients struggling to resume their mobility. Our well-renowned Orthopedic Surgeon provides excellent treatment and care for ankle fractures and guarantees a speedy and safe recovery. His mastery in delivering individualized care during your healing process and knowledge of the most recent methods help restore joint function and lessen discomfort.
Thus, we are always there to assist you in identifying any strange symptoms or any post-surgery concerns. We feel pride in prioritizing your health. Therefore, you can rely on us to help you regain your mobility and confidently resume your regular activities. To find out more about our expert ankle surgery services, get in touch with us right now.
Wrapping Up
In conclusion, joints and bones are basic components of the skeletal system that perform prominent functions of body stability and movement. The ankle joint supports the weight of the body, and mobility is impossible without a healthy ankle joint. The severity of a broken ankle determines the possible intervention, whether surgical or non-surgical. Hence, to recover from a fractured ankle depends upon some detrimental factors. The wide variety of particular orthopedic treatment center options can address various musculoskeletal disorders. An orthopedic surgeon can guide you rightly to which ankle fracture treatment would be better for you. However, after analyzing all the details, recovery time for a broken ankle is more likely to range from 6 weeks to 12 months.
FAQs
What Can Be The Recovery Period Of A Broken Ankle?
Although complete healing may take several months, recovery from a broken ankle usually takes 6 to 12 months. While serious fractures or those requiring surgery may take up to a year to fully recover, mild fractures heal more quickly. Physical therapy and heeding medical recommendations expedite the process.
What Treatments Are Available For Broken Ankles?
Physical therapy, pain management, immobilization (cast, boot, or splint), and surgery with plates or screws for serious fractures are all part of the treatment for a fractured ankle. The severity of the fracture determines the appropriate course of action.
Can I Walk On A Broken Ankle After Treatment?
A fractured ankle might worsen or take longer to heal if you walk on it too soon. Most people need six to twelve weeks after therapy before they can start to bear weight. Depending on your level of recuperation, your doctor will advise you on when to begin using crutches, a walking boot, or to bear your entire weight. You should always heed medical advice to prevent complications.
What Can Be The Long-Term Effects Of A Broken Ankle?
The long-term impact of a broken ankle includes arthritis, persistent pain, and stiffness. Plus, it decreases the range of motion, weakness, instability, and damage to the nerves. Rehab and appropriate therapy can lessen these problems.
Is It Possible To Drive With A Fractured Ankle?
Which foot is affected, and how severely, are detrimental factors in this regard. It’s generally not advised until you’re able to bear weight safely.
