\u00a9 2022 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. This image is not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. Go to source This image is not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. Calcium 10. If your ankle is broken, then it likely won't be able to bear weight at all. Lying down: Your ankle must be elevated higher than your heart and chest. If the pieces of broken bone aren't lined up properly for healing, you may be referred to a doctor specializing in orthopedic surgery. Wrap about a cup of ice cubes in a towel. You can find out more about our use, change your default settings, and withdraw your consent at any time with effect for the future by visiting Cookies Settings, which can also be found in the footer of the site. These medical reviewers confirm the content is thorough and accurate, reflecting the latest evidence-based research. Your treatment depends on how bad the break is. Resisted Ankle Inversion Lastly, place the band ends in the same hand and cross your legs with the banded foot on top. . Rest for 2 minutes and repeat the movement twice. Aloe Vera Roll the ball back and forth for 1 minute. EFORT Open Rev. Make a donation. Cold compresses are user-friendly home remedies for fractures. A cast is a cement boot that immobilizes your foot and allows the broken ends of the bone in your ankle to unite naturally. If you feel pain, stop. In: Essential Orthopaedics. In the ankle, three different bones can be fractured: The tibia This is the larger of the two bones in the lower leg. Application of cold packs daily will speed up the healing process and minimize swelling and pain. Sarah on July 13, 2016: I shattered my ankle on 3 sides in April 2014. Blitz received his DPM from the New York College of Podiatric Medicine, then completed a residency focused on Elective & Reconstructive Foot & Ankle Surgery at the Swedish Medical Center, and was awarded an AO Trauma fellowship in Dresden, Germany, focused on trauma and reconstructive techniques. This image is not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. OTA International. Vitamin Supplements 11. Here are five things you can do for a friend or family member who is dealing with a broken ankle: 1. The precise location of your pain can help determine its cause. Below are a few important considerations: U.S. National Library of Medicine, MedlinePlus. Being diligent with it can help you regain function and get back to the activities you have been missing. Driving - Depending on the severity of the injury and if surgery is necessary, a person with a broken right ankle may not be able to drive for a short while. It usually takes 6-8 weeks for an ankle fracture to heal. To reduce your risk of fracture, avoid uneven surfaces for walking and running, wear proper shoes, and avoid exercising when you're tired. A calcaneus fracture is a fracture of the heel bone. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. Open fractures. "I didn't know that by elevating my leg helps the blood to flow, and doing foot exercises really helps a lot. He has over 17 years of podiatric experience and specializes in minimally invasive foot and ankle surgery. You heal best when you take good care of yourself. The number and configuration of these implants and the incisions used during surgery depends completely on the fracture type and pattern. This image is not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. Immediately rest, elevate, and ice your ankle. Use an assistive device: A cane or walker can help reduce stress on the affected joint and help improve mobility and stability, says Dr. Bilal. Spices and seeds, such as cinnamon, turmeric, ginger, paprika, licorice, dill, thyme, peppermint, curry, and cayenne pepper. Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 92,527 times. Elsevier; 2020. https://www.clinicalkey.com. Sit in a chair or on the couch. Limiting swelling will help control the pain from the ankle fracture and minimize pressure on the surrounding tissues. Standing like this will make sure that your spine is properly aligned. Schwartz's Principles of Surgery, Ninth Edition. Holding a cane with the hand opposite the hurting ankle can help alleviate pressure off the affected ankle. When two or three parts of the malleoli of the ankle are broken, the ankle is unstable, and surgery is necessary. While it often starts with home treatments, you may also need to have a virtual or in-person visit with a healthcare provider, get a prescription, or consider other treatment options. Take acetaminophen if you are in severe pain. Continuing your home exercise program is a component of your rehabilitation. As a small thank you, wed like to offer you a $30 gift card (valid at GoNift.com). Your doctor may move your foot into different positions to check your range of motion. Construction of our new facility in Broken Arrow is almost complete, and the grand opening is scheduled for January 2023. Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered. wikiHow is where trusted research and expert knowledge come together. Raise the healthy foot off the floor. Repeat this exercise three more times and switch with the other foot. Repeat 10 times for one set. If you use an elastic bandage, wrap it tightly around the area but not so tightly that it cuts off circulation to your toes. In extreme cases of ankle joint instability, metal plates and screws have to be inserted externally (called external fixation) or internally (called internal fixation) to hold the bones in place. If you do not have a splint but are wearing shoes that support your ankle, like hiking boots or regular boots, tighten the laces as tightly as they can go to keep your ankle immobile while you make your way to the hospital. The content of this article is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, examination, diagnosis, or treatment. This image is not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. It's actually better to see a foot specialist. Ice You can apply ice to reduce pain and. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/5\/57\/Treat-a-Broken-Ankle-Step-3-Version-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Treat-a-Broken-Ankle-Step-3-Version-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/5\/57\/Treat-a-Broken-Ankle-Step-3-Version-2.jpg\/aid4658690-v4-728px-Treat-a-Broken-Ankle-Step-3-Version-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"