Broken Ankle
Ankle injuries are common and can occur during sports activities, at home or during daily routines. A fractured ankle is a partial or complete break of one or more bones in the joint. These injuries often occur during physical activities such as running and jumping, but can also be caused by falls, trips or car accidents. Although the severity can vary, most ankle injuries are treatable.
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What Is Broken Ankle?
A broken ankle refers to a fracture or break in one or more of the bones that make up the ankle joint. This can include fractures of the tibia (shin bone), fibula (the smaller bone next to the tibia), or the bones of the foot (such as the talus).
What Are the Symptoms of Broken Ankle?
If an ankle fracture is suspected, an immediate medical examination is essential. Ankle fractures can easily be confused with sprains or strains. A medical specialist can determine the exact cause of the swelling, bruising and pain.
Symptoms of a broken ankle include:
- Immediate pain after the injury.
- Swelling, bruising and, in some cases, visible deformity.
- Difficulty walking, bearing weight or wearing shoes.
- Pain or tenderness when moving the ankle.
If the symptoms persist despite rest, ice, compression, and elevation, it is essential to consult an orthopaedic specialist, who will conduct a clinical examination and, if necessary, request an X-ray.
How Do You Treat Broken Ankle?
After diagnosis, the orthopaedist will develop a personalised treatment plan based on the type of fracture and the patient's needs, deciding whether surgery is necessary.
Stable fractures
Stable fractures, in which the broken bones remain aligned with each other and are just out of place, are usually treated without surgery and with immobilisation. The doctor may suggest non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen for pain relief. Physiotherapy is often recommended to help the patient regain ankle strength.
Unstable fractures
Unstable fractures are most common high-impact injuries and among the elderly. These fractures involve bones breaking repeatedly or damaging surrounding ligaments. Typically, surgery is required to restore ankle alignment. The orthopaedic surgeon will use pins, screws, plates or other instruments to stabilise the area. After surgery, physical therapy will be prescribed to help the patient regain strength and stability. NSAIDs may also be helpful in reducing pain and swelling.
Recovery time
Recovery time depends on the severity of the fracture and factors such as the desired physical activity and the extent of the surgical intervention. On average, ankle fractures take about two months to heal, with persistent pain gradually improving.
Swelling and bruising reduce in the first weeks, but residual swelling may persist for months. Ankle stiffness is common, making it difficult to regain normal mobility.
Stable fractures require avoiding putting weight on the ankle for about four to six weeks, using crutches or a brace, before beginning physical therapy. After two months of physical therapy, most patients can resume daily activities, while returning to low-impact sports takes about three to four months.
Ankle fractures can range from a minor inconvenience to a life-changing injury. At UPMC Salvator Mundi International Hospital, you will find the right orthopaedic specialist for your problem.
Reviewed March 2025.