Often asked: What To Expect At Orthopedist For Broken Ankle?

How long does it take to fully recover from a broken ankle?

You can expect most ankle fractures depending on how severe they are, to take 4-8 weeks for the bones to heal completely and up to several months to regain full use and range of motion of the joint. More severe fractures, especially those requiring surgical repair, may take longer to heal.

How long does it take to walk normally after a broken ankle?

It takes around 6- 10 weeks to recover from a broken ankle. During this time, you will probably need to wear a cast or boot. Most people are able to walk normally again and resume their everyday activities by around three months – endurance improves over time and as your strength improves.

How long does it take for a broken ankle to stop hurting?

Generally, broken ankles heal within 6 to 12 weeks. Injuries that don’t need surgery may heal in 6 weeks. During this time, your doctor may take regular X-rays to check on the bone. Injuries that need surgery can take 12 weeks or longer to heal.

How long before you can put weight on a broken ankle?

Your provider will tell you when it is OK to place any weight on your injured ankle. Most of the time, this will be at least 6 to 10 weeks. Putting weight on your ankle too soon may mean the bones do not heal properly.

Why does my broken ankle hurt more at night?

Bone stress injuries occur because of an unfamiliar increase in physical activity and is related to overuse, under recovery and several considerations that result in the bone not being able to keep up with the required adaptations. A fracture can result and this will cause pain at night time.

Why does my broken ankle still hurt after a year?

Some people may continue to experience pain long after the fracture and soft tissues have finished healing. This is what we call chronic pain. Chronic pain may be caused by nerve damage, the development of scar tissue, aggravation of underlying arthritis, or other causes.

Why is my ankle still swollen after 3 months?

But swelling that persists for more than three months may be a sign of trouble. The lining of the capsule surrounding a joint is called the synovium, and anything inside the joint that irritates the synovium will cause it to secrete fluid. Swelling inside of a joint is often a sign that something is causing irritation.

Can a broken ankle heal in 3 weeks?

THURSDAY, Jan. 24, 2019 (HealthDay News) — Three weeks in a cast or brace may be just as effective in healing ankle fractures as the typical six weeks, a new study shows.

How long will my ankle be swollen after cast removal?

For how long will I experience swelling and/or discomfort in my foot/ ankle? You can expect swelling, discomfort or hypersensitivity for up to one year after fracture. This is normal and does not mean there is anything to worry about. Keeping moving helps.

Can you wiggle your toes with a broken ankle?

Most believe that if they can wiggle their toes or move the ankle around that an ankle fracture has not occurred. The reason this is not true is because the nerves and muscles that allow the movement of the ankle have not been affected by the fracture.

What is the best pain relief for a broken ankle?

Medications. To reduce pain and inflammation, your doctor may recommend an over-the-counter pain reliever, such as acetaminophen (Tylenol, others) or ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin IB, others) or a combination of the two. If you’re experiencing severe pain, your doctor might prescribe stronger pain medications.

How much force does it take to break an ankle?

As a rough estimate, it would take 218 pounds of pressure to produce a tibial fracture in a healthy adult using a hammer. You could decrease the force requirement by choosing a tool with less surface area, such as a hatchet—then again, you’d be increasing the risk of soft tissue damage and significant blood loss.

Can you walk on a fractured ankle with a boot?

Once the initial swelling improves over the first several days, either a cast or a fracture boot can be applied to the ankle to properly protect and immobilize it. Both a cast and a boot can provide adequate protection to the ankle.

How do you shower with a broken ankle?

How to Shower With A Broken Ankle

1. Recruit Help. Whenever there’s someone around to help you out, make sure they’re standing by your side when you’re getting in and out of the shower /tub.
2. Try to Take Baths As Often As Possible.
3. Shower with Confidence.
4. Clean Your Boot/Cast.

What does a broken ankle feel like?

With a sprain, you feel pain. But if you have numbness or tingling, your ankle is most likely broken. Where is the pain? If your ankle hurts or is tender to the touch directly over your ankle bone, you probably have a fracture.