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Ankle fractures: What can help get you back on your feet again?

Photo of a physical therapist treating a foot

Using a removable brace or splint and starting gentle exercises or physical therapy (physiotherapy) within days of ankle fracture surgery can have short-term benefits. But moving the ankle too soon can also cause problems with wound healing.

When people twist their ankle, their upper ankle sometimes breaks (ankle fracture). This is a more serious injury that also affects your shinbone and/or calf bone. The ligaments are then often torn too, and cartilage may be damaged. The foot and ankle become swollen, painful and can no longer hold any weight. It takes several days or weeks for the swelling to go down completely, and can take months for the ankle joint to fully recover from the fracture.

Research on the effectiveness of rehabilitation interventions

Interventions during immobilization

Interventions done after the immobilization phase

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Updated on June 24, 2022

Next planned update: 2025

Publisher:

Institute for Quality and Efficiency in Health Care (IQWiG, Germany)

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