How Long Do You Need to Rest After an Ankle Fracture?

If you fracture your ankle, you probably have one thought in mind after you get the pain under control: How long will this take to heal?

The answer depends on your situation and body, including factors like the severity of the fracture and whether surgery was required.

At Austin Foot & Ankle Institute, with two Texas locations, we follow some general guidelines based on our extensive experience: Dr. Pedro E. Cosculluela performs more than 70 ankle fracture surgeries each year.

Here’s what we can tell you about how long you need to rest after an ankle fracture.

Your ankle fracture

Your ankle joint comprises three bones: the tibia and fibula from your lower leg and the talus from your foot. Ligaments stabilize these bones. When you injure your ankle, if you tear the ligaments, it’s a sprain. If you break one of the bones, it’s a fracture. 

Symptoms of a fracture include pain, swelling, and bruising; in some cases, the bone breaks through the skin. Diagnosis includes a physical exam and imaging, such as an X-ray, to confirm the fracture.

The type of fracture determines the type of splint or cast you need. Before we place a cast, your bones must be properly aligned to heal correctly. If your doctor can’t do this in the emergency room or a bone has broken through the skin, you may need surgery.

Your recovery

The typical ankle fracture takes about 4-8 weeks to heal. If your break is more complicated, you can expect recovery to take longer.

No matter whether the break is a hairline fracture or something more complex, the healing process requires rest. You shouldn’t put any weight on your ankle until your doctor clears you.

The type of cast or splint we use depends on your break. You may be in a regular cast with crutches for a while before progressing to a walking cast or boot. Once you’re cleared to put weight on your ankle, take it slowly and follow our directions.

Rushing back too quickly doesn’t give your ankle the opportunity to heal properly, raising your risk of another ankle injury.

As you heal, elevate your ankle 4-5 times a day and apply ice regularly; that helps speed up your healing by reducing pain and inflammation.

Dr. Cosculluela and our team at Austin Foot & Ankle Institute are eager to help if you’ve injured your ankle. Call our office in Austin or Bee Cave, Texas, or request an appointment online today.