It’s awful that around four out of 10,000 people experience a broken ankle each year.

Hurting your ankle can be painful and inconvenient, especially when there’s a broken bone involved. If you’ve broken your ankle, you know that this injury can significantly impact your everyday life. Understanding the recovery process and expected healing time is crucial for those dealing with this injury.

What is the fractured ankle heal time exactly? There are countless lifestyle factors that can speed you up or slow you down. Read on to learn all about healing a broken ankle.

The Kind of Ankle Injury

When someone sustains a broken ankle, they experience damage to one or more of the bones in the ankle joint. This injury commonly occurs due to the following:

  • Falls
  • Accidents
  • Sports-related incidents

The severity of the fracture, the type of fracture, and the individual’s overall health play a role in determining the expected healing time.

Getting Medical Help for Ankle Pain

The recovery process for a broken ankle involves several key steps. The initial step after sustaining the injury is to seek medical attention promptly.

Your doctor will examine your ankle to see how much damage there is. They may even want to take an X-ray. Based on their findings, they’ll recommend an appropriate ankle treatment plan.

Taking It Easy

Rest and recovery are paramount in the healing journey. The injured individual will likely be advised to avoid putting weight on the affected ankle.

This often requires the use of crutches or other assistive devices to prevent further strain on the injured area. Keeping weight off the ankle reduces the risk of further damage and allows the bones to begin healing.

Pain Management

Pain management is another crucial aspect of the recovery process. Ankle injuries can be accompanied by significant pain and discomfort.

Doctors may prescribe pain medications or recommend over-the-counter options to help manage the pain. Elevating the injured ankle and applying ice packs will also help.

Medical Interventions

Depending on how bad the ankle fracture is, a cast, splint, or even surgery might be necessary. These interventions help stabilize the bones, promoting proper healing.

The healthcare provider will monitor the healing progress through regular check-ups and X-rays. It’s important for individuals to attend all follow-up appointments to ensure that the healing is on track.

Fractured Ankle Heal Time

The expected healing time for a fractured ankle can vary. In general, minor fractures might take around six weeks to heal. More complex fractures, or those that require surgical intervention, can take several months to fully heal.

It’s important to note that while the bones may heal within a certain timeframe, complete recovery, including regaining full strength and mobility, may take longer.

Throughout the recovery process, patience is key. Pushing the injured ankle too soon can lead to setbacks and prolonged healing time. Engaging in physical therapy is often recommended to aid in restoring strength, flexibility, and range of motion to the injured ankle.

Do You Need Help With Ankle Fracture Recovery?

It’s possible to speed up your expected fractured ankle heal time. You need to take care of yourself and get the right medical help.

Do you need ankle care in the Boise, Idaho area? Contact Flint Foot and Ankle Institute to get the care that you deserve.