A broken ankle from a car crash
How a foot and ankle surgeon and a physical therapist approach recovery
The bony bumps on either side of your ankle can break in a collision or when your foot twists hard. The swelling and bruising can look like a bad sprain. The break may affect the outer bump, the inner bump or both. Ligaments may tear as well. The big question is whether the ankle joint stays lined up and stable when you put weight on it. [1]
Learn the pattern of the break
Ask which bones broke and whether the joint surface has shifted. X rays usually show the break. Extra views or other imaging may help show how stable the ankle is and what else was hurt. [1]
A stable break can sometimes heal in a boot or cast. An unstable or shifted ankle may need surgery to restore the shape of the joint. An open wound over the break needs care right away. [1]
Get exact limits for walking and moving
Ask if you must keep all weight off, can touch down for balance or can walk in a boot. Find out when the boot or cast can come off and when ankle movement starts. These rules depend on the break and on any surgery. [1]
Swelling often lasts longer than people expect. Talk with your team about raising the leg and what activity is safe. A therapist can help you walk normally again once the bone is ready to take more load. [1]
Changes that need a closer look
Get urgent care for severe pain that keeps getting worse or a foot that turns cold or pale. New numbness or a cast that feels dangerously tight also needs urgent care. Call your care team about a fever, a draining wound or a sudden setback in your walking. [1]
Questions about stability and weight
- Is my ankle joint stable and lined up?
- What is my exact weight limit right now?
- What image or exam will clear me to do more?
Practice walking with your support
Ask your team to show you how to walk safely with the support you were prescribed. [1]
Sources and further reading
Use this as general background from foot and ankle surgery and physical therapy. Your limits on walking and movement will vary with the bones, ligaments and joint alignment involved.
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