Whether you slipped after one too many drinks or got hurt on the football pitch after one too many tackles, breaking your ankle can be a traumatic experience. In the confusion caused by excruciating pain, it can be difficult to know what steps to take to make sure that you recover quickly and safely.
In this article, we’ll look at the step-by-step guide to recovering from a broken ankle. We’ll look at the treatment options available, the different types of braces and supports that can help, and how to make sure you’re back on your feet in no time, both physically and metaphorically.
We’ll also discuss how to deal with the psychological impact of a broken ankle, as well as the financial implications. So, if you’ve recently broken your ankle and you’re looking for a comprehensive guide to recovery, then you’ve come to the right place!
Understanding The Injury: What Is A Broken Ankle?
Understanding a broken ankle is the first step to recovery. A broken ankle is a fracture in one or more of the bones that make up the ankle joint. It can occur when the ankle is twisted, turned, or bent too far out of its normal position and can be caused by a variety of activities, from sports to everyday activities.
There are three main types of broken ankle injuries: a break in the shinbone (tibia), a break in the fibula (the smaller bone on the outside of the ankle), or a combination of these. Depending on the severity of the break, the bones may be completely separated or just partially cracked. In some cases, the ankle ligaments may also be damaged.
If bones heal out of place, you may develop lasting problems with strength, motion, balance, and arthritic changes. Seeking prompt medical care is critical, as underlying ligament tears or instability may also need treatment. Feel free to ask for detailed explanations and imaging so you understand the nature of your injury.
Seeking Medical Attention: When & Where To Go
Once you’ve taken the time to understand the injury, it’s essential to seek medical attention. If the break is severe, you should call 999 for an ambulance or go to your nearest Accident and Emergency department.
The medical professional will assess the injury and determine the best course of action. This may include arranging for further tests, such as an X-ray or an MRI, or referring you to an orthopaedic specialist for further treatment.
When you’re seeking medical attention, it’s important to be prepared. Make sure to bring a list of questions with you, and take notes during the appointment. It’s also helpful to have a friend or family member with you to take notes and support you.
Treatment Options: What Are The Options For Healing?
Once you’ve identified the severity of your broken ankle and have sought medical attention, it’s time to discuss your treatment options.
Depending on the severity of your injury, you may need to wear a cast or a brace. A cast will help to keep your ankle in the correct position while it heals. A brace, on the other hand, will allow you to move your ankle while it heals.
In some cases, surgery may be necessary to repair the broken ankle. This is typically done when the bones are severely broken or if there are pieces of bone that need to be removed. Surgery will typically require a period of rest and a longer recovery time.
Finally, your doctor may recommend that you use crutches or a walking stick to help you get around. These will help to keep your weight off of the ankle and can help to prevent further injury. And if you’re using a ling, make sure to keep it clean to avoid infection.
Surgery: Types Of Surgery For A Broken Ankle
Surgery is usually the last option when it comes to treating a broken ankle, but it may be necessary to ensure a full recovery. The type of surgery will depend on the severity of the fracture and the amount of damage to the ankle. Common types of surgery for a broken ankle include:
– Open Reduction and Internal Fixation (ORIF): This procedure involves the surgeon making an incision in the skin to access the fracture, followed by realigning the bones and stabilising them with screws, plates, and wires. The hardware implanted during ORIF surgery is made from durable stainless steel or titanium. It has holes that allow the surgeon to insert screws through the plates/rods and into the fractured bones on either side of the break. This approach immediately stabilises the reduction and secures bone fragments close together so healing factors can stimulate the bone to mend.
– Arthrodesis: In some cases of severe, comminuted breaks where the cartilage surface of the ankle joint becomes too damaged, arthrodesis surgery may be necessary. This technique involves fusing the bones in the ankle joint together to reduce pain and improve stability. Recovery takes at least three months for the fusion to fully integrate, followed by rehabilitation to build up lower limb strength and balance. Arthrodesis provides necessary pain relief and stability when ankle cartilage damage is beyond repair, though the surgery diminishes the ankle’s range of motion.
– Osteotomy: This involves cutting and reshaping part of the bone to improve the alignment of the ankle joint.
– Arthroplasty: This is a procedure that involves removing part of the damaged bone and replacing it with a prosthetic device.
Your doctor will explain the risks and benefits associated with each type of surgery and help you decide which one is best for your recovery.
Rehabilitation: Exercises & Physiotherapy For Recovery
Once you’re back home from the hospital, it’s important to begin rehabilitation to ensure a full recovery from your broken ankle. Rehabilitation will help to strengthen the muscles and ligaments around your ankle, improve your range of motion, and reduce any pain or discomfort.
Rehabilitation typically involves a combination of exercises and physiotherapy. Depending on the severity of the break, your doctor may recommend specific exercises to help strengthen your ankle. These should be done regularly and in accordance with your doctor’s instructions.
Physiotherapy, such as ultrasound and massage, can also be beneficial over the course of your recovery. Your physiotherapist will work with you to design an individualised treatment plan that suits your needs. This may include stretching and strengthening exercises, massages, and other treatments to help reduce any pain or discomfort.
Physiotherapy helps prevent future sprains or instability. Be consistent with appointments and at-home ankle exercises. Expect soreness as your ankle regains its capability. Proper rehab lays the groundwork for an eventual return to sports.
At times there can be a long wait for services such as physiotherapy, and so you may decide to pay for treatment to speed up the recovery process. The cost of this may be recovered in a compensation claim following an accident or where there has been negligence on the part of a third party, such as an employer or local council. In this situation, it’s essential to get legal advice from an experienced personal injury lawyer.
Your doctor may also suggest wearing a brace or splint to provide further support to the area while you recover. This will help to keep your ankle in the correct position and reduce the risk of further injury.
Aftercare: What To Do To Maintain Recovery
Aftercare is just as important as rehabilitation when recovering from a broken ankle. Once you’ve reached the end of your rehabilitation, there are a few things you can do to maintain the recovery.
Firstly, it’s important to keep up with the exercises you’ve been given. Doing regular stretching and strengthening exercises can help to keep your ankle strong and flexible and reduce the risk of further damage.
It’s also important to wear the right shoes. Wearing shoes with good arch support and cushioning can help to reduce the impact on your ankle and reduce any pain or discomfort.
Finally, it’s important to take regular rest days. Taking a break from exercise and activities every once in a while can help to reduce the likelihood of suffering a relapse.
Self-Care: How To Look After Yourself And Reduce Risk Of Further Injury
Once you’ve been discharged from the hospital and have completed your recovery program, it’s important to start practising self-care. This will help to reduce the risk of further injury and ensure that you are able to get back to your regular activities as quickly and safely as possible.
- First, make sure that you are able to move your ankle freely and with a full range of motion. If you notice any pain or discomfort, then be sure to contact your doctor for advice.
- Second, start incorporating exercises into your daily routine that will help to strengthen your ankle and the surrounding muscles. This will help to ensure that your ankle can handle the strain of everyday activities without putting you at risk of further injury.
- Third, practise good posture and try to avoid putting too much strain on your ankle. This may mean avoiding long periods of standing or walking and using a cane or walker to provide extra support when needed.
- Finally, make sure that you are wearing supportive shoes that are designed to help prevent further injury to your ankle. Shoes with good arch support and cushioning in the heel can help to reduce the strain on the ankle and aid in recovery.
By following these steps, you will be able to reduce the risk of further injury and get back to your regular activities quickly and safely. Self-care is an important part of recovering from a broken ankle, so make sure to prioritise your own health and well-being.
The Bottom Line
Recovering from a broken ankle is a difficult journey, but it is an important one. By sticking to a recovery plan and following the advice of healthcare professionals, you can make a full recovery and get back to normal life. It may take time, but it is worth it in the end. With the right approach and dedication, you can make a successful recovery.
*This article is not intended to replace medical advice, diagnosis or treatment given by a qualified mental health professional. Instead, this article only provides information, not advice. For any medical enquiries, always consult your child’s GP first*