Walking on broken ankle after 4 weeks

“How long will it take me to heal?” This is one of the most frequently asked questions that Physical Therapists receive, regardless of which body part or injury is being treated. The short answer is almost always: it depends!

Every patient and every injury is different; every treatment plan and progression should be individualized depending on the person’s prior level of function and personal goals.

This article will outline a basic diagnosis of an ankle fracture, the goals of Physical Therapy, and the benefits of attending regular Physical Therapy sessions after you’ve been diagnosed with an ankle fracture. 

Can you walk with a fractured ankle?  

How long should you stay off a fractured ankle?  

Between known healing times and individual healing progression, each physician typically has guidelines they follow to help determine when to clear a patient to start partial weight-bearing.   

Can an ankle fracture heal in 4 weeks?  

It doesn’t mean those entire 4 to 8 weeks will be painful, non-weight bearing, completely restricted time. A lot of healing can occur early on with an ankle fracture. Bone tissue regenerates very quickly, laying down new stronger bone around the fracture site.  

What sometimes takes more time is this new boney tissue’s total healing and maturing process in order to be strong enough to withstand increased activity such as bending, squatting, walking, and especially higher-level activities such as running and jumping.    

What is the best treatment for a fractured ankle? 

The best treatment for a fractured ankle is early intervention and physical therapy. It is also important to avoid bed rest and ankle non-use.  

Early physical therapy can involve: 

• Personalized education 
• Pain control 
• Elevation 
• Gentle stretching 
• Mobility  
• Hands-on manual therapy 
• Strengthening 
• Balance training 
• Proprioception 
• Neuromuscular control 

We’re Here for You 

Physical therapy can help speed recovery and ensure a pain-free return to your prior level of function after an ankle fracture. Addressing mobility deficits, weakness, and poor balance as the fracture site heals speeds recovery and allows you to return to your sport or activity faster than without physical therapy. 

Physical Therapy can be a different process for every patient. Every injury and treatment progression looks different depending on patient tolerance, pain levels, and impairments. Every person has their own goals, job tasks, activities or recreation, and life to get back to. That’s where Ivy Rehab can help.  

If you have broken your ankle, our physical therapists are here to help. Visit our website to request an appointment online at the location near you.  

Article By: Nikki Cordes PT, DPT, OCS, SFMA  

Nikki began her physical therapy career five years ago. She graduated from Arcadia University with her Doctorate of Physical Therapy and completed her Orthopedic Board Specialty in Orthopedics. She loves working with the total joint replacement and athletic population and believes in the importance of providing hands-on, individualized, and functional care.  She currently is a Board-Certified Orthopedic Specialist and has participated as an Orthopedic Residency Mentor in the Ivy Rehab HSS Orthopedic Residency Program. Nikki enjoys working with various patients of all ages to reach their functional goals and full recovery. She currently treats patients at Ivy Rehab Physical Therapy in Newton, NJ. 

The medical information contained herein is provided as an information resource only, and does not substitute professional medical advice or consultation with healthcare professionals. This information is not intended to be patient education, does not create any patient-provider relationship, and should not be used as a substitute for professional diagnosis, treatment or medical advice. Please consult with your healthcare provider before making any healthcare decisions or for guidance about a specific medical condition. If you think you have a medical emergency, call your doctor or 911 immediately. IvyRehab Network, Inc. disclaims any and all responsibility, and shall have no liability, for any damages, loss, injury or liability whatsoever suffered as a result of your reliance on the information contained herein.

A broken ankle can severely limit your ability to perform basic functional tasks like running and walking. This painful injury can cause loss of lower extremity strength, range of motion, and pain. These impairments can make performing your normal everyday activities difficult or impossible.

You may benefit from physical therapy (PT) after a broken ankle to help you fully recover functional mobility and to return to your previous level of activity.

Ankle Fracture Symptoms and Causes

Your ankle is a joint where the talus bone of the foot and the tibia (shin bone) and fibula of the leg connect and move. Trauma here can cause a break in any or all of these bones and significant pain usually results immediately after the injury.

Ankle fractures almost always occur during a traumatic event to the body. Automobile accidents, falls, and sports injuries can all lead to ankle fractures. Common signs of an ankle fracture include pain, swelling, bruising, and an inability to bear weight on the broken ankle.

If you suspect you have a broken bone in your ankle, your first step should be to seek medical attention immediately. Failure to do so may result in a significant loss of function.

Treatment

While at the hospital following an ankle fracture, your healthcare provider may attempt to reduce the fracture. Fracture reduction is the term used to describe how a bone is fixed or set after it's broken.

The pieces of bone must be put in close proximity to one another so that healing can occur. Fracture reduction is essential to ensure that the bone heals properly and that permanent functional loss or deformity is avoided.

After your ankle fracture is reduced, your ankle will most likely be placed in a cast. This immobilizes the ankle and allows the bones to heal properly. Many times after an ankle fracture, you will require some sort of assistive device to walk.

You may also be under specific weight-bearing restrictions. Be sure to ask your healthcare provider how much weight you are allowed to put on your ankle as it heals.

Can You Feel Broken Bones Healing?

Physical Therapy

Once your fracture is reduced and immobilized, you may be referred to physical therapy to learn how to possibly use an assistive device like crutches, a cane, or a walker. Your physical therapist should also be able to help you understand your weight-bearing restrictions.

Gentle exercise for the muscles of the knee and hip may be performed to ensure that the muscle groups that help you walk do not get too weak while the fracture heals. If you are in a cast or a brace, most likely you will not be performing exercises for your ankle.

After your fractured ankle has healed, your healthcare provider will remove the cast and allow you to bear more weight on your ankle. You may be using an assistive device like a quad cane or crutches to walk.

At this point, your physical therapist can fully evaluate your ankle to help provide the proper treatment. Components of the ankle evaluation may include:

• Gait
• Range of motion
• Strength
• Swelling
• Pain

Scar assessment if you had an open reduction internal fixation (ORIF) surgery

After a thorough evaluation, your physical therapist can begin providing treatment. He or she may use therapeutic modalities like heat, ice, or electrical stimulation to help treat swelling or pain around your ankle.

What to Expect From Physical Therapy

Exercises

An ankle fracture exercise program should be the main component of your ankle rehabilitation following a fracture. Be sure to follow your physical therapist's directions closely and ask questions if you have any.

Exercises for ankle fracture rehabilitation may include:

• Exercises for ankle range of motion
• Ankle strengthening exercises
• Hip and knee exercises (to help improve walking ability)
• Balance and proprioception exercises
• Exercise to improve functional mobility and walking ability

You'll most likely be required to perform a home exercise program for your broken ankle. This program may continue for several months after physical therapy has stopped, and the program may be an important component in your long-term rehab success.

Wolff's law states that bone grows and remodels in response to the stress that is placed upon it. Your physical therapist can help prescribe exercises that apply the right stress in the correct direction to ensure that maximal bone healing occurs and that your fractured ankle will function properly.

Gait training will also be important following an ankle fracture. Your physical therapist can help you progress from using an assistive device to walking independently.

If you have had surgery to reduce your ankle fracture, there may be scar tissue around the incision. Your physical therapist can perform scar tissue massage and mobilization to help improve the mobility of the scar. He or she can also teach you how to perform scar massage techniques on your own.

Physical Therapy After a Fracture

How Long Will Physical Therapy Last?

Everyone heals differently, and everyone's ankle fracture injury is different. Your physical therapist should discuss with you your overall prognosis with your ankle fracture rehab. This prognosis typically depends on how well your ankle is moving when your first start rehab.

In general, physical therapy for a broken ankle lasts about 6 to 8 weeks. Your personal experience with PT may be shorter or longer depending on your specific injury.

Continuing your home exercise program is a component of your rehabilitation. Being diligent with it can help you regain function and get back to the activities you have been missing.

A Word From Verywell

An ankle fracture can lead to significant loss of function and limit your ability to walk, run, or participate fully in work and recreational activities. Physical therapy after an ankle fracture can help you improve mobility and help you safely return to normal activity and function.

Frequently Asked Questions

• When will I be able to walk after a broken ankle?

  If you don't need surgery, you might be able to walk on your own within six to eight weeks. If your fracture did require surgery, you may get a walking cast after two weeks; four to six weeks later, you may be able to apply some weight and be moved to a cast with a walker or crutches. It may then be a few more weeks before you can fully bear your weight and walk without any aids..

  Learn More: When Can I Start Running After an Ankle Fracture?

• What exercises should I do once I’m out of an ankle cast?

  Begin with range of motion exercises. A physical therapist can maneuver your ankle at first. Then you will begin exercises on your own such as pointing your toes and moving your foot in and out. These may be slightly painful as you get used to moving the joint again, but they should not cause severe or lasting pain.

  Can an ankle fracture heal in 4 weeks?

  While each individual case is different, in general, it can take four to eight weeks for your ankle fracture to heal. If you had to have surgery, it could take up to several months.

  What happens if you walk too soon on broken ankle?

  Putting weight on your ankle too soon may mean the bones do not heal properly. You may need to have your duties at work changed if your job requires walking, standing, or climbing stairs. At a certain point, you will be switched to a weight-bearing cast or splint. This will allow you to start walking.

  Should a broken ankle still hurt after 4 weeks?

  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.

  How long does a broken ankle take to walk on?

  A broken ankle usually takes 6 to 8 weeks to heal, but it can take longer. The doctor will tell you: how long you'll have to wear the boot or have the plaster cast on. how much weight to put on your ankle – you may be given crutches or a walking frame to help keep weight off it.