Physical activity is, of course, one of the tenets for a healthy life, but unfortunately, it comes with at least a certain degree of sports injury risk, like perhaps sustaining a broken ankle. The good news, though, is that you can count on our experienced Centerville podiatrists at Sunshein Podiatry for professional care if this happens. When we treat the injury, you'll likely want to know what to expect from the recovery process.
What Are Common Causes of a Broken Ankle?
Beyond sporting activities and structured exercise programs, many everyday situations can result in a broken ankle. The ankle joint is formed by three bones—the tibia, fibula, and talus—and fractures occur when excessive force is placed on any of them. Motor vehicle accidents, slips on wet or uneven surfaces, falls from ladders or stairs, and even missteps during routine activities can all lead to ankle fractures. While the cause of the injury may vary, the overall approach to treatment and recovery is often similar and focuses on proper diagnosis, stabilization, and guided healing.
How Is a Broken Ankle Diagnosed and Treated?
Our skilled ankle and foot surgeons at Sunshein Podiatry begin by carefully evaluating the injury to determine the severity and best course of treatment. Diagnosis and treatment typically include:
- Injury assessment. We review the circumstances of the injury and examine your ankle for signs of swelling, bruising, tenderness, or deformity.
- Imaging tests. X-rays to confirm the fracture, identify which bones are affected, and check for proper alignment. Additional imaging may be used for more complex injuries.
- Non-surgical care. Using a splint, cast, or walking boot to stabilize the ankle and keep the bones properly aligned during healing.
- Weight-bearing restrictions. It may be necessary to recommend limited weight on the injured ankle to prevent further damage and support recovery.
- Pain management. We might also prescribe or suggest medications to help reduce pain and inflammation.
- Surgical treatment (when needed). In severe cases, surgery is performed to realign and secure the bones using hardware, such as plates or screws.
This streamlined approach allows our team to promote proper healing while minimizing complications and supporting a safe recovery.
What Can You Expect While Recovering From a Broken Ankle?
Prepare yourself, as it's a gradual process that depends on the severity of the fracture, the specific bones involved, and the patient’s overall health and activity level. While most fractures take approximately 4 to 8 weeks to heal, full recovery often extends beyond that initial timeframe.
During the early stages of recovery, immobilization plays a key role. A cast, boot, or splint helps protect the ankle and keep the bones in proper alignment while new bone forms. We typically advise patients to avoid putting weight on the injured ankle, using crutches, a walker, or a knee scooter as needed to reduce stress on the joint.
As healing progresses, follow-up appointments in our Centerville office allow our doctors to monitor bone alignment and ensure the fracture is healing correctly. Once it's safe to do so, patients may transition to partial weight-bearing and begin gentle movement exercises. Physical therapy is often recommended to help restore strength, flexibility, balance, and range of motion in the ankle.
Swelling, stiffness, and discomfort can persist even after the bone has healed, making continued rehabilitation important. Gradually returning to normal activities helps reduce the risk of reinjury and long-term complications, such as joint instability or arthritis. With proper care and adherence to medical guidance, most of our patients regain function and safely return to their regular routines.
You can count on our dedicated team to properly diagnose your ankle injury and explore all the right avenues for healing.