How long does it take for a foot fracture to heal completely. What are the different types of foot fractures and their symptoms. What treatment options are available for foot fractures. How can you optimize the healing process for a broken foot.

Understanding Foot Fractures: Types and Causes

Foot fractures are common injuries that can occur due to various reasons, ranging from accidents to overexertion. These breaks in the bones of the foot can vary significantly in severity and location, affecting the healing process and recovery time.

Common Types of Foot Fractures

• Tarsal fractures: Involving the seven bones at the posterior end of the foot that form the ankle
• Metatarsal fractures: Affecting the long bones in the midfoot
• Lisfranc fractures: Occurring at the junction between the metatarsal bones and the tarsals
• Calcaneal fractures: Impacting the heel bone (calcaneus)

Are certain foot bones more susceptible to fractures than others. While any bone in the foot can break, metatarsal fractures are particularly common, especially in athletes and active individuals. The fifth metatarsal, located on the outer edge of the foot, is often fractured due to sudden twisting motions or direct impact.

Causes of Foot Fractures

Foot fractures can result from various incidents and conditions:

• Accidental falls or missteps
• Motor vehicle accidents
• Dropping heavy objects on the foot
• Overtraining or repetitive stress (common in runners)
• Osteoporosis and other degenerative bone conditions

Can everyday activities lead to foot fractures. While it’s less common, even simple activities like stubbing your toe forcefully can result in a minor fracture. However, most significant foot fractures are typically the result of more substantial trauma or underlying health conditions that weaken bone structure.

Recognizing Symptoms of Foot Fractures

Identifying the symptoms of a foot fracture is crucial for seeking timely medical attention and ensuring proper healing. While symptoms can vary depending on the location and severity of the fracture, there are several common indicators to watch for:

• Throbbing or intense, continuous pain
• Tenderness when touching the injured area
• Pain that worsens with activity and eases at rest
• Inability to bear weight on the affected foot
• Swelling and bruising around the injury site
• Noticeable foot deformity in severe cases

Is it possible to mistake a foot fracture for a sprain. Yes, it’s quite common for people to confuse a fracture with a sprain, especially in the early stages of the injury. Both conditions can cause pain, swelling, and difficulty walking. However, fractures tend to cause more intense, localized pain and may result in visible deformity. When in doubt, it’s always best to consult a medical professional for an accurate diagnosis.

The Importance of Prompt Medical Attention

Seeking immediate medical care for a suspected foot fracture is crucial. Delaying treatment can lead to complications such as:

• Improper healing, resulting in chronic pain or deformity
• Increased risk of arthritis in the affected joint
• Prolonged recovery time
• Potential need for more invasive treatments if the fracture worsens

How can you differentiate between a minor injury and a fracture requiring medical attention. While minor injuries may improve with rest and home care, any persistent or severe pain, inability to bear weight, or visible deformity warrants a medical evaluation. Remember, only a healthcare professional can definitively diagnose a fracture through physical examination and imaging studies.

Treatment Options for Foot Fractures

The treatment of foot fractures varies depending on the type, location, and severity of the break. A foot and ankle specialist will develop a personalized treatment plan based on these factors, as well as the patient’s age, overall health, and activity level.

Conservative Treatment Approaches

For many foot fractures, non-surgical treatments can be effective:

• Immobilization: Using a cast, walking boot, or special shoe to restrict movement
• Rest and elevation: Keeping weight off the injured foot and elevating it to reduce swelling
• Pain management: Over-the-counter or prescription medications to alleviate discomfort
• Crutches or a cane: To assist with mobility while keeping weight off the injured foot

How long does immobilization typically last for a foot fracture. The duration of immobilization can range from 4 to 8 weeks, depending on the specific fracture and individual healing progress. Your doctor will monitor the healing through regular check-ups and X-rays to determine when it’s safe to begin bearing weight on the foot again.

Surgical Interventions

In some cases, particularly for severe or complex fractures, surgery may be necessary:

• Open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF): Realigning the bone fragments and securing them with screws, plates, or wires
• External fixation: Using an external frame to hold the bones in place, typically for severe fractures
• Bone grafting: Adding bone tissue to promote healing in cases of nonunion or significant bone loss

What factors determine whether surgery is necessary for a foot fracture. The decision to pursue surgical treatment depends on several factors, including the fracture’s stability, alignment of bone fragments, involvement of joints, and the patient’s overall health and lifestyle needs. Your orthopedic surgeon will discuss the pros and cons of surgical versus non-surgical options based on your specific case.

The Healing Process: Timelines and Expectations

Understanding the healing timeline for foot fractures can help patients set realistic expectations and adhere to their treatment plans. While individual healing times can vary, there are general timelines associated with different types of fractures.

Average Healing Times for Common Foot Fractures

• Toe fractures: 4-6 weeks
• Metatarsal fractures: 6-8 weeks
• Lisfranc fractures: 6-12 weeks (or longer for severe cases)
• Calcaneal fractures: 8-12 weeks (up to several months for full recovery)

Do all foot fractures heal at the same rate. No, healing rates can vary significantly based on factors such as the patient’s age, overall health, the severity of the fracture, and compliance with treatment protocols. Younger patients and those in good health generally heal faster than older individuals or those with underlying health conditions.

Stages of Bone Healing

The bone healing process occurs in several stages:

1. Inflammation (first few days): Blood clot formation and initial cellular repair response
2. Soft callus formation (2-3 weeks): Development of new blood vessels and soft tissue around the fracture
3. Hard callus formation (3-12 weeks): Calcium deposition and formation of new bone tissue
4. Bone remodeling (several months to years): Gradual reshaping and strengthening of the healed bone

Can anything be done to speed up the bone healing process. While the body has its own timeline for healing, certain factors can optimize the process:

• Proper nutrition, especially adequate calcium and vitamin D intake
• Quitting smoking, as nicotine can impair bone healing
• Following medical advice regarding weight-bearing and activity restrictions
• Engaging in prescribed physical therapy exercises
• Managing underlying health conditions that may affect bone health

Rehabilitation and Physical Therapy for Foot Fractures

Rehabilitation plays a crucial role in recovering from a foot fracture, helping patients regain strength, flexibility, and function. Physical therapy typically begins once the bone has shown sufficient healing and the treating physician gives clearance.

Key Components of Foot Fracture Rehabilitation

• Range of motion exercises: Gentle movements to improve flexibility and prevent stiffness
• Strengthening exercises: Targeted activities to rebuild muscle strength in the foot and ankle
• Balance and proprioception training: Exercises to improve stability and reduce the risk of future injuries
• Gait training: Instruction on proper walking techniques as weight-bearing is resumed
• Manual therapy: Hands-on techniques to address soft tissue restrictions and joint mobility

When does physical therapy typically begin after a foot fracture. The timing of physical therapy initiation varies depending on the fracture type and treatment method. For conservatively treated fractures, therapy might begin as early as 4-6 weeks post-injury. In surgical cases, it may start within a few days of surgery for gentle exercises, with more intensive therapy beginning once cleared by the surgeon, often around 6-8 weeks post-operation.

Gradual Return to Activities

Returning to normal activities and sports after a foot fracture requires a gradual, structured approach:

1. Progressive weight-bearing: Gradually increasing the amount of weight placed on the healed foot
2. Activity-specific exercises: Tailored exercises that mimic the movements required for work or sports
3. Cardiovascular conditioning: Low-impact activities to maintain overall fitness during recovery
4. Sport-specific training: For athletes, a phased return to sport-specific drills and activities

How long does it typically take to return to sports or high-impact activities after a foot fracture. The timeline for returning to high-impact activities varies widely depending on the fracture severity, treatment method, and individual healing progress. Generally, it can take anywhere from 3 to 6 months, or even longer for complex fractures. A gradual return to activity under the guidance of a physical therapist and clearance from the treating physician is crucial to prevent re-injury.

Potential Complications and Long-Term Considerations

While most foot fractures heal without significant issues, it’s important to be aware of potential complications and long-term considerations that may arise during or after the healing process.

Common Complications of Foot Fractures

• Malunion: Improper alignment of the bone as it heals
• Nonunion: Failure of the bone to heal completely
• Post-traumatic arthritis: Development of arthritis in the affected joint
• Chronic pain: Persistent discomfort even after the fracture has healed
• Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS): A rare condition characterized by severe, ongoing pain and sensitivity

What factors increase the risk of complications after a foot fracture. Several factors can contribute to an increased risk of complications:

• Severity of the initial injury
• Delayed or improper treatment
• Poor blood supply to the affected area
• Smoking or use of tobacco products
• Certain medical conditions, such as diabetes or osteoporosis
• Advanced age
• Non-compliance with treatment protocols

Long-Term Considerations

Even after a foot fracture has healed, there may be ongoing considerations:

• Changes in foot shape or alignment that may require orthotic devices
• Increased susceptibility to future injuries in the affected area
• Potential limitations in high-impact activities or certain types of footwear
• Need for ongoing exercises to maintain strength and flexibility

Can a healed foot fracture affect gait or walking patterns long-term. In some cases, particularly with severe or complex fractures, there may be subtle changes in gait or foot mechanics even after healing. These changes are often manageable with proper footwear, orthotics, or ongoing physical therapy. However, most patients who follow their treatment plan diligently can expect to return to normal walking patterns without significant long-term effects.

Preventive Measures and Foot Health Maintenance

While not all foot fractures are preventable, there are steps individuals can take to reduce their risk and maintain overall foot health. Implementing these preventive measures can help protect your feet from injuries and promote long-term foot and ankle wellness.

Strategies for Preventing Foot Fractures

• Wear appropriate footwear: Choose shoes that fit well and provide adequate support for your activities
• Use protective gear: Wear steel-toed boots in hazardous work environments
• Practice proper form during sports and exercise: Learn and maintain correct techniques to reduce injury risk
• Gradually increase activity levels: Avoid sudden increases in exercise intensity or duration
• Maintain a healthy weight: Excess weight puts additional stress on your feet and ankles
• Address underlying health conditions: Manage conditions like osteoporosis that can weaken bones

How can athletes reduce their risk of stress fractures in the foot. Athletes can minimize their risk of stress fractures by:

• Incorporating proper warm-up and cool-down routines
• Gradually increasing training intensity and volume
• Using appropriate footwear for their sport and replacing shoes regularly
• Cross-training to distribute stress across different muscle groups and bones
• Ensuring adequate nutrition, particularly calcium and vitamin D intake
• Listening to their body and allowing for adequate rest and recovery

Ongoing Foot Health Maintenance

Maintaining good foot health goes beyond fracture prevention. Consider these habits for overall foot wellness:

• Regular foot inspections: Check for any unusual changes, cuts, or sores
• Proper hygiene: Keep feet clean and dry to prevent infections
• Nail care: Trim toenails straight across to prevent ingrown nails
• Stretching and exercises: Perform foot and ankle exercises to maintain flexibility and strength
• Regular check-ups: Visit a podiatrist for routine examinations, especially if you have chronic health conditions

Can certain dietary choices impact foot health and fracture risk. Yes, nutrition plays a significant role in bone health and fracture prevention. A diet rich in calcium, vitamin D, and other bone-supporting nutrients can help maintain strong bones and reduce fracture risk. Foods like dairy products, leafy greens, fatty fish, and fortified foods contribute to bone health. Additionally, staying hydrated and maintaining a balanced diet supports overall foot health by promoting good circulation and tissue repair.

How Long Does It Take For a Foot Fracture to Heal

If you’ve stumbled down some stairs, been in a motor vehicle accident or even overtrained for a marathon, you could have sustained a foot fracture. Foot fractures vary in type, severity, and recovery time. Here’s more on this common podiatric problem and how long it takes for a foot fracture to fully heal.

Types of Foot Fractures

Fracturing or breaking, one or more bones in your foot can vary in severity. Stubbing and breaking a little toe, while painful, may require nothing more than bandaging to the adjoining toe.

However, more serious fractures can happen if you drop something heavy on your foot if you’re in a car accident (particularly a front-end crash), or if you train too strenuously for a sporting event. Osteoporosis and other degenerative bone conditions can also lead to fractures.

In general, the most common foot fractures that podiatrists see are:

• Tarsal fractures, involving the seven bones at the posterior end of the foot and make up the ankle
• Metatarsal fractures, located on the long bones in the midfoot
• Lisfranc fractures, involving the juncture between the metatarsal bones and the tarsals
• Calcanealfractures, involving the heel bone (calcaneus)

Symptoms of Foot Fractures

Get medical attention immediately if you suspect you have a foot fracture. Concerning symptoms include:

• Throbbing pain
• Continuous, intense pain
• Tenderness when touching the injured area
• Pain that eases at rest and worsens with activity
• Inability to bear weight on the foot
• Swelling and bruising
• Noticeable foot deformity

If you do not have most of these symptoms and your pain is not as intense as described above, you may only have a sprain rather than a fracture. Sprains can often be healed with at-home remedies, such as the RICE method, a tried and true first aid protocol:

Rest the foot (get off of it)

Ice the Injured area

Compress with an ACE bandage

Elevate the foot above the level of your heart

However, it is always best to see a foot and ankle surgeon when you have a foot or ankle injury. Often, the only way to distinguish a sprain from a fracture is to get an X-ray and an evaluation from a foot and ankle surgeon. Foot fractures that heal without medical intervention can produce a deformity and you can lose mobility in your foot.

Treatment Options for Foot Fractures

Your foot and ankle doctor will evaluate your foot and recommend treatment options if it is indeed fractured. Your plan will be customized according to your injury, age, mobility, and overall health.

In general, most foot fractures require immobilizing and keeping your body weight off the broken foot using a walking boot, cast, crutches, or a combination of these. Physical therapy is an important part of the healing process because it helps regain muscular strength and balance. Plus, if your bones are brittle due to osteoporosis or other bone density problem, your podiatric team may advise taking calcium and vitamin D supplements to improve bone health.

For more problematic fractures, your foot doctor may use local anesthesia to numb your foot and manually realign displaced bone ends. Many breaks need surgical fixation with pins, wires, screws, or plates which may or may not remain in place permanently.

Healing Time for Foot Fractures

Foot fractures do take time and patience to heal completely. In general, you may expect full healing within three to six months. Your podiatrist will X-ray your foot to confirm this.

However, healing times do vary with age and overall health. For instance, a child’s bone will heal far more rapidly than his grandmother’s.

Additionally, there are several health and lifestyle factors that can slow down healing. These include:

• Smoking
• Poor nutritional status
• Advanced age
• Use of medications, such as immunosuppressants or corticosteroids
• Vascular health problems or diabetes
• Walking on the fracture before it is fully healed

Your podiatrist can give you an approximate timeline for treatment and complete healing.

Foot & Ankle Institute of New England

Our board-certified foot and ankle surgeons are Dr. Candace Criscione, Dr. Robert Gallucci, and Dr. Stephen Rogers. All three of them have extensive skill and experience in treating lower extremity injuries, including foot fractures.

If you think you’ve broken your foot, please contact one of our three locations for an accurate assessment and care plan. We have offices in Fall River, MA, as well as Warwick and Middletown, RI, for your convenience. Call the location nearest you or request your visit here. We look forward to caring for your foot and ankle needs!

Recovery Time for Broken Foot and Toe in Eagle Mountain

Fractures are another term for broken bones. Our feet are frequently prone to twisting and slipping. They help us move around by walking and are easily hit by dropped objects. One in ten fractured bones occurs in the foot.

Foot injuries can happen at any time and can result in broken bones. If you notice the symptoms of a broken foot or toe, you will be able to determine how serious the injury is and whether you need to contact a medical professional.

Symptoms of a Broken Foot

Common symptoms of broken bones and toes are:

Bruises, terrible pain, redness, blue-colored swelling in the injured area, numbness, coldness, and deformities.

Bones can break in a variety of ways, from small splinters and cracks to full breaks that separate the bone. Open fractures can occur when bones break and tear the skin.

You may not know if you have a broken bone or a broken toe if you cannot see a displaced bone or a wound, and small cracks may not cause much pain.

When a toe or part of your foot is deformed, such as with an unusual bulge, it indicates a break or fracture. Other signs of a broken foot or toe include:

• Hearing a grinding noise if you get hurt.
• Difficulty or pain when moving the foot.
• Experiencing difficulty walking or putting weight on your foot.
• Feeling pain or tenderness if you touch the injury.
• Feeling dizzy, sick, or faint after the injury.

If you suspect you have a fractured foot or toe, you should contact a doctor, who will diagnose the seriousness of the injury. 

Causes of a Broken Foot and Toe

Bones break when they are stretched, twisted, bent, or crushed. The location of a broken bone reveals the type of injury that caused it, such as hitting an object, falling, or other types of injury like the following:

• You can have broken toes if you kick something heavy by accident.
• You can break your heels if you fall from a height and land on your feet.
• You can have broken bones in your foot if you twist your ankle.

As a result of an accident, many of your bones may break suddenly. Stress fractures are caused by long-term stress on your feet, which causes small cracks in your bones. It primarily affects soldiers, dancers, and athletes.

First-Aid Treatment for a Broken Foot or Toe

If you notice or suspect that you have a broken bone in your foot or a fractured toe, you should see a doctor right away. However, if you have been injured, the RICE principle will help you while you wait to see a doctor:

• Rest – It is critical for someone who suspects they have a broken bone to reduce pressure on the foot and avoid walking, as the injury could worsen.
• Ice – To relieve pain and swelling, apply ice to the injured foot, but do not apply it directly to the skin.
• Compression – Someone should assist you in wrapping the foot with a soft bandage. However, it should not be too tight because this can impair blood circulation.
• Elevate – Lift the foot with pillows as much as possible to help with the swelling and pain.

If you have fractured toes, you can support the broken toe with an uninjured toe nearby and place cotton wool between them.

What is the Healing Time for a Broken Foot and Toe?

The healing time of a foot fracture is determined by the number of fractured bones and the severity of the injury. Many minor fractures will heal in six to eight weeks if surgery is not required. Critical fractures will necessitate surgery and a longer recovery period.

Toe fractures – These injuries occur regularly and heal well with little or no therapy. The healing process can take six to eight weeks, but the pain will subside quickly. Serious fractures, such as big toe fractures, necessitate surgery.

Metatarsal fractures – These are known to heal well; however, first metatarsal fractures of the big toe require surgery and an extended period of crutching. However, the three metatarsal fractures in the middle can be partially healed by wearing a flat-bottom shoe and bearing weight.

Stress fractures: This type of injury is common in dancers and athletes. The injured person must refrain from exercising for 4 to 6 weeks.

The fifth toe and metatarsal fractures occur near the pinkie toe in the midfoot.

They are two types:

Proximal avulsion fracture – This happens daily when you have a sprained ankle. They use a rigid shoe with a flat bottom or an elastic bandage to heal the injured person, and the injured person bears little weight.

Jones fracture – It does not happen daily and does not heal well. The toe and metatarsal bones can get worse if you walk on them a lot, so avoiding bearing weight is crucial for the injured person. People who have this type of fracture may experience healing issues that necessitate surgery.

Do you want to Learn More about the Recovery Time for a Broken Foot and Toe in Eagle Mountain, UT?

The degree, location, and reason for the break all play a role in deciding how to treat a broken foot and toe. Splints, crutches, and casts are all possible treatments, while surgery is an option for more serious injuries. Home care includes things like icing the area, propping the foot up near a heat source, and keeping it stable.

If you have any questions, please contact Rogers Foot and Ankle Institute at 801-756-4200 to schedule an appointment. We provide the best care for your feet and toes in Eagle Mountain, UT.

treatment and recovery from injury

A calcaneus fracture is not as common as a fracture of the tibia or radius in a typical location. Medical statistics state that this type of bone damage accounts for 3% of all fractures.
Our ancestors moved mainly on four limbs. However, in the process of evolution, a person began to walk on two legs, which led to a shift in the center of gravity. As a result, the feet began to experience a greater load, because now they have to bear the weight of the whole body. If a person is obese, this pressure becomes even greater. With a load during simple walking or running in a healthy person, they can easily cope. However, problems can arise in the event of sudden jumps or falls from a height. One of the bones that may not be able to withstand such loads is the calcaneus.

Recovery in this case will play a significant role, because a relapse can greatly complicate life and it will take a very long time to return to normal life. Here, physiotherapeutic procedures and special orthopedic shoes will play a great role.

Causes of bone fracture
1. A fracture of the limb bone most often occurs as a result of a fall on the legs from a great height. Moreover, the severity of damage will not always depend only on the height of the fall. For example, the position of the foot upon landing will determine in which direction the fragments will move.
2. The cause of injury, in addition to falling from a height, can be a very powerful blow or strong squeezing.

How to determine a fracture?
Calcaneal fractures are characterized by pain in the area of ​​damage and the inability to load the foot. Attention is drawn to the valgus and varus deformity of the heel, the expansion of the heel region, swelling of the foot, the presence of characteristic bruising in the heel region and on the plantar surface of the foot. The arches of the foot are flattened. Active movements in the ankle joint due to soft tissue edema and tension of the calcaneal tendon are sharply limited, and in the subtalar joint are impossible.
In the case of a fall from a height with a landing on the heel tubercles, combined injuries of the heel bones and spine are possible. Therefore, it is recommended to conduct an X-ray examination even in the absence of complaints in the first days after the injury. Associated fractures account for 9.9 to 12% of all calcaneus fractures.

Most common injuries:
1. no offset;
2. with offset;
3. multifragmented fractures;
4. fracture of the medial or lateral process.

Treatment
Calcaneal fractures without displacement are treated conservatively by a traumatologist. Immobilization is carried out with a plaster splint from the knee to the toes for a period of 3-8 weeks. Regardless of the absence or presence of displacement of the fragments, the patient is strictly forbidden to step on the leg on admission, since early loading can cause secondary displacement of the fragments. Subsequently prescribed exercise therapy, physiotherapy, massage. The patient is advised to wear orthopedic shoes with arch supports for at least 6 months.

In case of a displaced calcaneus fracture, reduction is performed under local anesthesia. Of particular difficulty is the treatment of multicomminuted compression fractures of the body of the calcaneus, accompanied by a large displacement of bone fragments, damage to the articular surfaces of the talus and calcaneus. If closed reposition is ineffective, osteosynthesis is performed using the Ilizarov apparatus. Extraosseous and intraosseous metal structures should be used with caution due to the high risk of complications.
In the late period after calcaneal fractures, post-traumatic flat feet, foot deformities, arthrosis of the Chopard joint and subtalar joint often develop. Perhaps the formation of bone protrusions that violate the supporting function of the limb.

Depending on the type of calcaneus fracture, rehabilitation can take from three months to two years. The beginning of the rehabilitation period can also begin at different times. Usually, the first foot movements are resolved from the moment when they do not cause severe pain.

The problem of treating fractures has always been significant, both for the individual and for society. In all human civilizations, there is an analogue of the profession of “chiropractor” – a person who is professionally engaged in the restoration of broken limbs of people and animals. Thus, in the analysis of 36 Neanderthal skeletons with fractures, only 11 fracture treatment results were found to be unsatisfactory. This shows that even at this level of development, the effectiveness of medical care for fractures exceeded 70%, primitive people knew about fractures and knew how to treat them.

1. Massage. It can be done even before the doctor removes the plaster cast: the masseur develops places near the plaster. The main task of the method is to increase blood circulation. At first, the patient may experience discomfort. This is a normal reaction, but it is better to report it to a specialist.
2. Therapeutic exercise. Particular attention is paid to the method if the fracture was displaced. The first simple exercises can be performed after the bone heals: the patient flexes and unbends the fingers, rotates, flexes and unbends the foot, pulls the toe in and out, walks on toes and heels, rolls the ball with the foot, etc. Severe pain after a heel fracture should not be: if the patient feels discomfort, then the training should be interrupted and the doctor should be informed about his condition.
3. Physiotherapy. They improve blood circulation, lymph circulation, relieve pain, inflammation, normalize metabolism, start regeneration processes and contribute to faster bone and soft tissue recovery. The doctor may prescribe electro- and phonophoresis, laser treatment, UHF, etc.
4. Hydrotherapy. Usually, the doctor prescribes warming baths that restore muscle tone and normalize blood circulation.
5. Proper nutrition. The diet should contain foods high in calcium, silicon and magnesium.
6. Wearing orthoses and orthopedic shoes. Soft, rigid and semi-rigid orthoses reduce swelling and avoid muscle atrophy. And special insoles allow you to properly distribute the load on the foot, so that it gets less tired. They wear orthopedic shoes for at least six months, the exact recommendations are given by the doctor.
The patient is considered healthy if he can stand on the injured leg, walk and move without pain and any restrictions.
Special products for recovery
Modern orthoses, bandages and other orthopedic products for the foot and ankle can make life much easier during the recovery period. Rehabilitation will be more efficient, and complications will be minimized.
In addition, modern special products are characterized by modern design, high functionality, as well as provide maximum comfort and a high recovery effect when using them. We must not forget about the use of high-quality orthopedic shoes during the recovery period.
A person has only one life, so you should take care of your health and do not neglect the recommendations of specialists.

WARNING! All information posted on this site is advisory in nature. In each individual case, consultation with a specialist is necessary.
January 9, 2019

How long does an ankle fracture take to heal

Injuries to the lower limb primarily limit a person’s mobility. Most often, damage affects the ankle, since it is this place that is most vulnerable. People of working age and parents of children after injury are interested in the question of how long an ankle fracture heals, how recovery occurs and whether it can be accelerated.

Terms of fusion of a broken ankle

In medicine, the ankle is called the bone processes of the tibia and fibula. They form the ankle joint or otherwise the ankle. Visually, the ankle area looks like a dense tubercle located on the outside of the joint.

The ankle acts as a shock absorber, during movement, jumping, running, the main load falls on this place, so fractures can occur after a minor injury.

After an injury, victims worry about how long the ankle will heal and grow together, how long they will have to wear a cast, and when the doctor will allow it to be removed.

The terms of bone tissue fusion and complete recovery primarily depend on the nature of the injury and its severity:

• a fracture without displacement heals within 6-8 weeks;
• after a trauma with displacement requiring manual reduction of bone fragments, the cast cannot be removed for up to 2.5 months;
• after ankle surgery, rehabilitation takes as long as possible – up to 3 or more months.

How long the recovery will last depends on the individual characteristics of the organism. The doctor can allow the patient to remove the cast only after a control image, which clearly shows that the bone has begun to grow together and a callus is forming. However, the complete healing of the ankle can take a very long time, in some cases this process takes 6 months or more.

Factors affecting the speed of rehabilitation

After confirming the fracture of the ankle with x-ray or other diagnostic method, the doctor prescribes treatment. It can be conservative or operational. Choose one of the methods, taking into account the nature of the damage, the degree of its severity. If the injury is uncomplicated, then a plaster splint is applied, how long it will need to be worn depends on the accompanying factors.

Surgical operation is prescribed if bone fragments are displaced and there is serious damage to internal structures – ligaments, muscles, joints. After the operation, a cast is also applied to the limb.

How long a patient will wear a plaster splint depends not only on the severity of the fracture, but also on:

• the age of the patient – injuries heal faster in children;
• volume of intervention during the operation. After osteosynthesis, in most patients, the range of motion is normalized after about 3-4 months;
• the patient has comorbidities. Complete healing will have to wait a long time if there is arthrosis, osteoporosis.

Traumatologists won’t say for sure how long complete healing will take. Rehabilitation continues for a long time if the victim has anemia, cachexia, or is ill with tuberculosis or diabetes. You will have to wear a cast for a long time even with pronounced hormonal changes in the body.

The fracture will heal faster if the victim strictly follows all the doctor’s recommendations. During the recovery period, walking with support on the injured limb is prohibited. The use of axillary crutches, which are selected according to height, will help ensure peace. The use of multivitamin complexes containing mandatory vitamin D and calcium accelerates the fusion of ankle bone tissues.

The plaster splint must not be removed after it has been applied to the ankle without the doctor’s permission. Rigid fixation is necessary even for the period of sleep, otherwise the bones will grow together for a long time. Wearing a cast will have to be longer for those who have displacement of fragments. Of the drug therapy, mainly painkillers and anti-inflammatory drugs are used. Physiotherapy is usually prescribed 2-5 days after the injury, that is, after the swelling has decreased.

Features of the treatment of ankle injuries in children

In children, the bones heal faster than in adults. However, small patients do not realize the need to strictly follow the doctor’s recommendations, so parents need to make sure that they do not put a load on the injured limb and do not step on the foot.

The rehabilitation period is no different from the characteristics of recovery in adult patients. After recovery, you need to limit jumping, running and physical education for 2-3 months.

Features of the recovery of elderly patients

The fusion of the bones of the ankle in persons over 60 years of age occurs much more slowly than in youth. This is due to the slowdown in metabolic processes, the fact that the elderly have many chronic diseases and have problems with the absorption of vitamins and trace elements. How long it will take to recover, the doctor can only say approximately. Massage, exercise therapy, physiotherapy courses, and fortified nutrition will help speed up healing. Rehabilitation should first of all be aimed at forming a gait without lameness.

Rehabilitation

Rehabilitation should begin almost immediately after the ankle cast has been applied. The bones will not grow together for a long time if the patient can undergo a course of physiotherapy and massage.

Physiotherapy improves blood circulation, speeds up metabolic processes, reduces pain and swelling. In most cases, UHF therapy, electrophoresis, and magnetotherapy are prescribed. When carrying out physiotherapy, it is usually not necessary to remove the plaster splint. Physiotherapy is equally useful for ankle fractures with and without displacement.

The massage course is carried out after the doctor removes the cast. Massaging the injured leg improves tissue trophism, normalizes blood circulation in the ankle area, improves joint movements. Massage should only be performed by an experienced specialist, as it is important not to worsen the condition of the damaged bone.

Exercise therapy can be started as early as 3-5 days after the injury. Regular exercise eliminates tissue atrophy, promotes a better supply of microelements and minerals to the ankle, which means it will grow faster. At home, exercises are done relying on a healthy leg, useful:

• swinging the injured limb back and forth;
• flexion of the leg at the ankle and its rise;
• foot flexion;
• toe walking with support.

The traumatologist must write down the rehabilitation program taking into account the characteristics of the ankle fracture. When fragments are displaced, exercise therapy usually begins to be done after the formation of a callus is noticeable in the picture. At home, special rehabilitation simulators designed to speed up the recovery of the body after injuries of the musculoskeletal system can come in handy.

An alternative to plaster

A plaster splint provides rigid immobilization, which is necessary for the bones to heal correctly and quickly. But gypsum, despite all its advantages, is already losing its relevance, since it is quite heavy and not breathable, that is, the limbs are uncomfortable in it. Now there are more modern means of rehabilitation, the use of which facilitates the course of the post-traumatic period and accelerates healing.

Surgeons are increasingly recommending that patients with ankle fractures wear an orthosis, an orthopedic product that simultaneously performs several functions:

• relieves pressure on the joint;
• provides total or partial immobilization of the ankle;
• reduces soreness and eases movement;
• reduces the chance of complications after the bone heals.

Ankle orthoses are used if simple and displaced fractures, degenerative processes in the joint, its instability, subluxations and dislocations are diagnosed.