Shot of a woman experiencing broken ankle pain

Breaking your ankle is not just painful—it can make everyday tasks much harder. If this has happened to you, you might be wondering how to get better. Should you try physical therapy, or is surgery the better choice? The answer depends on things like how bad the break is, how active you are, and what your doctor suggests.

This article will help you understand both options. We will look at the pros and cons of therapy and surgery, so you can make the decision that is right for you.

Understanding the Basics of Broken Ankles

A broken ankle happens when one or more of the bones in the ankle are cracked or broken. There are three bones in your ankle:

Tibia (shinbone)
Fibula (smaller leg bone)
Talus (a bone above the heel)

An ankle fracture will generally cause some pain. You may also notice swelling or bruising and have trouble walking or standing. The injury can be mild, like a small crack (called a hairline fracture). It can also be serious, with multiple breaks or the joint being out of place.

The treatment you will need depends on how bad the break is. Small fractures might heal with rest, a cast, or physical therapy. But if the break is serious, surgery may be needed to fix the bones and help them heal properly.

Physical Therapy

Physical therapy is often recommended for broken ankles with less severe fractures. Therapy exercises allow the bones to heal naturally. At the same time, they help restore strength, flexibility, and mobility.

What Does Physical Therapy Entail?

Physical therapy for a broken ankle involves several steps to help you recover. At first, you may need to wear a cast, brace, or walking boot to keep the bones in place and protect them while they heal.

Once your ankle is more stable, a physical therapist will guide you through specific exercises. These can help restore strength and improve how much you can move your ankle. A therapist will also help you slowly start putting weight on your ankle. It can help build your confidence and get you back to normal activities.

To ease ankle pain and swelling during recovery, therapists might use ice packs, heat therapy, or massage. All these methods support a safe and effective recovery.

Benefits of Physical Therapy

Physical therapy offers many benefits for treating a broken ankle. Since it does not involve surgery, there is no risk of complications like infections or scarring. It is also more affordable than surgery, as it does not require hospital stays or expensive procedures.

Physical therapy can also support other treatments. For example, physical therapy after surgery can speed up a patient’s recovery. Many patients see great results, including improved ankle strength and more natural movement. This makes it an effective choice for a smoother recovery.

Limitations of Physical Therapy

While effective for minor fractures, physical therapy alone may not be sufficient for complex fractures. It may also not be enough as a standalone treatment when the bones are severely displaced. Recovery often requires significant patience and discipline, as results are gradual.

Surgery

For complex or severe fractures, surgery is often needed to ensure proper healing and long-term ankle function. Surgical procedures may involve the use of screws, plates, or rods to stabilize and align the bones.

When is Surgery Recommended?

Surgery is needed in certain situations to ensure proper healing and avoid further problems.

If the bones are severely misaligned, surgery can realign them and prevent deformities or lasting issues. For example, open fractures are breaks that penetrate the skin. This type of injury will require surgery to clean the wound, prevent infection, and fix the break.

Lastly, if the ankle joint is unstable, surgery can help restore balance and structure. This makes it possible to regain normal movement.

Benefits of Surgery

Surgery offers several benefits for treating a broken ankle, especially in more serious cases. It ensures the broken bones are aligned, which helps reduce the risk of problems like improper healing or ongoing pain. For severe fractures, surgical hardware provides the stability needed to support the bones.

Additionally, surgery can often shorten the time a patient needs to stay immobilized. This allows them to start physical therapy and weight-bearing activities sooner for a faster recovery.

Risks and Other Considerations of Surgery

Surgery for a broken ankle comes with certain risks that should be considered. There is a chance of complications, such as infection, blood clots, or a reaction to anesthesia. These things can happen with any operation.

Recovery after surgery can also take several months. You will need regular check-ups with your doctor to ensure everything is healing correctly. These check-ups also help ensure that there are no complications.

Surgery is often more expensive than physical therapy. This is due to costs related to the hospital stay, surgeon’s fees, and surgical hardware.

What to Expect During Recovery

Patients who undergo surgery typically experience a longer healing timeline. However, they may achieve better outcomes for severe injuries.

Following the operation, physical therapy is required to regain mobility and prevent stiffness. The best foot and ankle doctor near you can help you weigh your options and make the best decision.