Will my ankle ever be the same after a break?

If it’s a low-to-medium grade ligament injury or a stable bone fracture, then it’s highly likely that the ankle will be similar to before. With more severe ligaments and unstable fractures, there is always some difference in flexibility and appearance.

What are the long term effects of a broken ankle?

Long term effects of ankle fractures have been reported to include physical, psychological, and social consequences [9]. It has been reported that physical impairments following ankle fractures may include pain, functional impairment and the development of post-trauma arthritis [16].

Why is my foot still swollen after I fractured?

Swelling is a normal component of the healing process. However, excessive swelling can be harmful or indicative of overuse/irritation to the injured area. Typically, with swelling we recommend frequent icing. Ice for 15-20 minutes at a time multiple times a day (2-3 minimum).

Why does my broken ankle still hurt after a year?

Some people may continue to experience pain long after the fracture and soft tissues have finished healing. This is what we call chronic pain. Chronic pain may be caused by nerve damage, the development of scar tissue, aggravation of underlying arthritis, or other causes.

How long does it take to walk normally after a broken ankle?

It takes around six to 10 weeks to recover from a broken ankle. During this time, you will probably need to wear a cast or boot. Most people are able to walk normally again and resume their daily activities by around three months.

How long is rehab for a broken ankle?

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.

How does fracture affect a person?

Fractures can break the skin (called open fractures) or not (called closed fractures). An injury that breaks a bone may also seriously damage other tissues, including the skin, nerves, blood vessels, muscles, and organs.

Do fractures cause permanent damage?

Unfortunately, some nerve damage will never heal completely, causing a lifelong impact. Nerves can also be torn. This type of damage can result from sharp bone fragments contacting the nerves after a break and is most likely to happen when the skin is torn.

Why is my ankle still swollen after 4 months?

But swelling that persists for more than three months may be a sign of trouble. The lining of the capsule surrounding a joint is called the synovium, and anything inside the joint that irritates the synovium will cause it to secrete fluid. Swelling inside of a joint is often a sign that something is causing irritation.

How long will my ankle be swollen after a fracture?

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.

When will my fractured ankle stop hurting?

Your doctor fixed a broken (fractured) bone without surgery. You can expect the pain from the bone to get much better almost right after the procedure. But you may have some pain for 2 to 3 weeks and mild pain for up to 6 weeks after surgery.

Why does my fracture hurt years later?

Arthritis. Fractures that extend into the joint can cause arthritis years later. If your ankle starts to hurt long after a break, see your doctor for an evaluation. Bone infection (osteomyelitis).