Ankle Fracture Treatment & Recovery

Ankle Fracture Treatment & Recovery

Ankle fractures are one of the most common injuries we treat, affecting people of all ages and activity levels. More than 180,000 Americans suffer broken ankles every year, ranging from simple hairline cracks to complex, multi-bone injuries.

At Princeton Brain, Spine & Orthopedics, our orthopedic surgeons provide comprehensive ankle fracture care, from urgent evaluation and advanced imaging to surgical repair and personalized rehabilitation. With multiple offices throughout New Jersey and Pennsylvania, we make it easy to get expert care close to home.

Whether you’re dealing with a simple ankle break or a complex, displaced fracture, our team is here to restore your ankle’s strength, stability, and mobility so you can return to the activities you love.

Understanding Ankle Fractures

The ankle is a weight-bearing joint made up of three bones: the tibia, fibula, and talus. Together, they create the hinge that allows your foot to move up and down and support your body during walking, running, and climbing.

When one or more of these bones breaks, the ankle can become unstable. Without prompt treatment, this instability may cause long-term issues such as:

• Improper bone healing (malunion or non-union)
• Chronic ankle pain or swelling
• Post-traumatic arthritis
• Instability and difficulty walking

That’s why expert orthopedic evaluation is critical after any ankle injury. Even if you can still walk on it, your ankle may still be fractured.

Immediate Care for a Broken Ankle

If you suspect an ankle fracture, acting quickly can help minimize swelling, pain, and long-term damage.

• Use the RICE protocol (Rest, Ice, Compression, Elevation): Rest your ankle, apply ice for 15-20 minutes at a time, use a supportive bandage if available, and keep your ankle elevated above your heart.
• Avoid putting weight on your ankle. Walking, even short distances, can cause the bone to shift, making the injury worse. Use crutches or ask for assistance.
• Seek emergency care immediately if you notice bone protrusion, severe deformity, inability to move your toes, numbness, or a cold/blue foot.
• Remove shoes and socks quickly. This helps prevent circulation issues once swelling increases.

At PBSO, we prioritize ankle injuries for same-day evaluation whenever possible.

How We Diagnose an Ankle Fracture

When you come to Princeton Brain, Spine & Orthopedics for a suspected ankle fracture, your visit will typically include:

• Physical examination: Assessing pain points, swelling, range of motion, and circulation.
• X-rays: The most common way to confirm an ankle fracture and determine its type.
• Advanced imaging (CT or MRI): Used for complex or subtle fractures that may not be visible on a standard X-ray.
• Functional assessment: Determining how stable your ankle joint is and whether surgical intervention may be required.

This detailed evaluation helps us create a treatment plan tailored to your specific fracture pattern and overall health.

Non-Surgical Ankle Fracture Treatment

Many ankle fractures, especially stable, non-displaced fractures, heal well without surgery. Our orthopedic specialists often recommend:

• Casting or splinting: A plaster cast or fiberglass cast for 6-8 weeks keeps the bones in proper position.
• Walking boots: For less severe fractures, these allow partial protection while letting you gradually bear weight.
• Careful monitoring: We schedule regular follow-ups and repeat X-rays to ensure the fracture is healing correctly.

In the first 4 weeks after an ankle fracture, patients should avoid weight-bearing and use crutches or a scooter. By weeks 4-12, weight-bearing is gradually reintroduced, followed by a transition to normal walking and formal rehab.

Surgical Treatment for Ankle Fractures

Surgery is often required when fractures are unstable, displaced, or involve multiple bones. Our board-certified orthopedic surgeons specialize in advanced procedures such as:

• Open Reduction and Internal Fixation (ORIF): The most common ankle fracture surgery, which realigns the bones and stabilizes them with plates and screws.
• Syndesmosis fixation: For high ankle injuries, special screws or tightropes stabilize the joint between the tibia and fibula.
• External fixation: For severe, complex fractures with significant swelling or tissue damage, temporary external frames may be used until definitive surgery is possible.
• Arthroscopic-assisted repair: A minimally invasive technique for joint surface fractures, reducing recovery time and preserving tissue.

Recovery and Rehabilitation

Rehabilitation is a vital part of recovery, whether your ankle fracture was treated surgically or non-surgically. At Princeton Brain, Spine & Orthopedics, we work closely with experienced physical therapists to create personalized rehabilitation programs tailored to your injury and lifestyle. These programs focus on:

• Restoring range of motion with gentle, guided mobility exercises.
• Rebuilding ankle strength through progressive resistance and targeted strengthening routines.
• Improving balance and stability using proprioceptive exercises such as single-leg stands, wobble board training, and dynamic movement drills.
• Preparing for a safe return to activity with sport-specific or work-specific functional training.

Most patients begin formal therapy around 6-8 weeks post-injury and continue for several months. With consistent, supervised rehabilitation, the majority of patients regain full function and return to normal daily activities within 4-6 months.

Frequently Asked Questions About Ankle Fractures

Why Patients Choose PBSO for Ankle Fracture Care

• Specialized expertise: Board-certified orthopedic surgeons with advanced training in ankle injuries.
• Comprehensive services: From diagnostics to surgery and rehab under one coordinated team.
• Convenient locations: Offices throughout New Jersey and Pennsylvania for easy access.
• Patient-focused approach: We create individualized treatment plans to meet your goals.

Expert Orthopedic Care When You Need It Most

At Princeton Brain, Spine & Orthopedics, we provide expert, compassionate care for ankle fractures, guiding you from treatment through full recovery. Our specialists focus on restoring mobility, preventing complications, and helping you return to daily activities. Contact us today to schedule a consultation.