Physical Therapy for a Healed Broken Ankle

Written by Aubrey Bailey

05 December, 2018

Broken bones affect your ability to perform daily activities, typically requiring 4 to 6 weeks of immobilization as they heal. A broken ankle can be particularly frustrating because it also affects your ability to walk. Once the bone has healed, you may require physical therapy to improve movement and strength in your ankle, as well as your ability to walk and balance. Physical therapy may last several months, depending on your activity level prior to injury.

Range of Motion

Ankle and foot movement will likely be limited after your broken bone has healed -- particularly if you wore a cast or brace. Range-of-motion exercises are performed in physical therapy to improve ankle movement in all directions. These exercises often include lifting your foot up toward the ceiling, pointing your foot down toward the ground and rocking your foot from side to side. You might also perform ankle circles in both directions or write the alphabet in the air with your foot. Range-of-motion exercises typically begin 6 to 8 weeks after your injury.

Ankle and foot movement will likely be limited after your broken bone has healed -- particularly if you wore a cast or brace.
Range-of-motion exercises typically begin 6 to 8 weeks after your injury.

Strengthening

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Muscles in your ankle and foot lose strength while your broken bone is healing. Strengthening exercises are performed in physical therapy, typically no sooner than 8 weeks after injury. Elastic exercise bands can be looped over your foot at different angles to strengthen movements in all directions -- bending your ankle up and down and rocking it side to side. Stronger bands can be used as strength improves. You might also perform foot-strengthening exercises such as picking up marbles or scrunching up a towel with your toes. Calf raises -- repeatedly raising up onto your toes while standing -- help strengthen the muscles that move your body forward when you walk.

Muscles in your ankle and foot lose strength while your broken bone is healing.
Elastic exercise bands can be looped over your foot at different angles to strengthen movements in all directions -- bending your ankle up and down and rocking it side to side.

Balance Activities

Broken ankle bones often affect your balance and ability to walk normally. You may have been using crutches or walking with a brace on your leg for a period of time while your ankle was healing. Your physical therapist might have you perform activities such as standing on an uneven surface or standing on one foot to improve your balance. Other balance activities include walking on your heels and toes, and standing with one foot directly in front of the other. More difficult balance exercises, such as sports-specific drills and jumping rope, might also be incorporated if your doctor has cleared you for these activities.

Broken ankle bones often affect your balance and ability to walk normally.
Your physical therapist might have you perform activities such as standing on an uneven surface or standing on one foot to improve your balance.

Other Treatments

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Physical therapy after a broken ankle might include pain-relieving treatments such as heat, ice, electrical stimulation, massage or ultrasound -- using sound waves to heat deeper tissues. Your therapist may also stretch your ankle to decrease tightness in the muscles around your ankle and the ligaments that hold your bones together. However, according to a study published in March 2010 by "The Journal of Manual & Manipulative Therapy," treatment that focuses on a progressive exercise program provides the best outcomes after ankle fracture.