What Are The Side Effects Of A Broken Ankle?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

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  • Immediate, throbbing pain.
  • Swelling.
  • Bruising.
  • Tenderness.
  • Deformity.
  • Difficulty or pain with walking or bearing weight.

Can you fully recover from a broken ankle?

You can expect most ankle fractures depending on how severe they are, to take

4-8 weeks

for the bones to heal completely and up to several months to regain full use and range of motion of the joint. More severe fractures, especially those requiring surgical repair, may take longer to heal.

How long does it take to fully recover from a broken ankle?

It takes

at least 6 weeks

for the broken bones to heal. It may take longer for the involved ligaments and tendons to heal. As mentioned above, your doctor will most likely monitor the bone healing with repeated x-rays. This is typically done more often during the first 6 weeks if surgery is not chosen.

Can a broken ankle make you feel sick?

If you break a bone, your body may go into shock. It’s not uncommon to feel like you need to vomit or to feel dizzy or cold. When you sprain your ankle, you

‘ll feel pain

.

What should you not do with a broken ankle?

Prop up your leg on pillows in the first few days after the injury.

Keep the ankle higher than the level of your heart

. This will help reduce swelling. Do not put weight on your ankle unless your doctor tells you to.

Will my ankle ever be the same after a break?

If it’s a low-to-medium grade ligament injury or a stable bone fracture, then it’s highly likely that

the ankle will be similar to before

. With more severe ligaments and unstable fractures, there is always some difference in flexibility and appearance.

What is the fastest way to heal a broken ankle?

Rest: Rest is key.

Staying off your injury

will help you heal faster. You will likely wear a cast to help keep the foot and ankle immobilized. Ice: Ice the area for 20 minutes at a time to help with swelling and inflammation.

Why does my broken ankle hurt more at night?

During the night, there is

a drop in the stress hormone cortisol

which has an anti-inflammatory response. There is less inflammation, less healing, so the damage to bone due to the above conditions accelerates in the night, with pain as the side-effect.

How much force does it take to break an ankle?

As a rough estimate, it would take

218 pounds of pressure

to produce a tibial fracture in a healthy adult using a hammer. You could decrease the force requirement by choosing a tool with less surface area, such as a hatchet—then again, you’d be increasing the risk of soft tissue damage and significant blood loss.

Can rolling your ankle cause permanent damage?

All it takes is one harmless misstep to leave you with a sprained ankle. While it’s one of the most common musculoskeletal injuries in people of all ages,

it can lead to permanent damage if you aren’t careful

.

Can you wiggle your toes with a broken ankle?

Most believe that if they can wiggle their toes or move the ankle around that

an ankle fracture has not occurred

. The reason this is not true is because the nerves and muscles that allow the movement of the ankle have not been affected by the fracture.

When does a broken ankle stop hurting?

Your doctor fixed a broken (fractured) bone without surgery. You can expect the pain from the bone to get much better almost right after the procedure. But you may have some pain for 2 to 3 weeks and

mild pain for up to 6 weeks after surgery

.

What does it feel like to break an ankle?

But if you

have numbness or tingling

, your ankle is most likely broken. Where is the pain? If your ankle hurts or is tender to the touch directly over your ankle bone, you probably have a fracture. If the pain is in the soft part of your ankle, it’s more likely a sprain.

How long will a broken ankle stay swollen?

The foot and ankle become swollen, painful and can no longer hold any weight. It takes

several days or weeks

for the swelling to go down completely, and can take months for the ankle joint to fully recover from the fracture.

How do you survive a broken ankle?

  1. You never see it coming. …
  2. First things first, tell everyone. …
  3. Accept all the help. …
  4. Surround yourself with activities to keep your mind busy. …
  5. Research mobility aids. …
  6. Embrace the downtime. …
  7. Socialize with others. …
  8. Invest in comfort items.

Does a broken ankle make you tired?

Sleep disturbance and fatigue

Participants described disturbed sleep and increased

fatigue

in their recovery period from the ankle fracture. Individuals described difficulty getting to sleep or waking during the night due to pain.

James Park
Author
James Park
Dr. James Park is a medical doctor and health expert with a focus on disease prevention and wellness. He has written several publications on nutrition and fitness, and has been featured in various health magazines. Dr. Park's evidence-based approach to health will help you make informed decisions about your well-being.