Ankle Fracture Physiotherapy & Rehabilitation
Ankle Fracture Rehabilitation in Castle Hill & Chatswood
An ankle fracture occurs when one or more of the bones around the ankle joint are broken. Depending on the type and severity of the fracture, treatment may involve immobilisation in a boot or cast, or surgery in more complex cases.
After the fracture has healed sufficiently and you have been cleared to begin rehabilitation, physiotherapy can play an important role in restoring ankle movement, strength, balance and confidence with walking.
At our Castle Hill and Chatswood physiotherapy clinics, our physiotherapists provide personalised ankle fracture rehabilitation programs based on your stage of healing, symptoms and functional goals.
Common Problems After an Ankle Fracture
After a period of immobilisation, it is common to experience:
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Ankle pain or discomfort
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Swelling around the ankle and foot
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Reduced ankle range of motion
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Calf and lower-leg weakness
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Ankle stiffness
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Difficulty walking normally
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Reduced balance and stability
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Difficulty using stairs
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Reduced confidence putting weight through the affected leg
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Difficulty returning to work, exercise or sport
The recovery time following an ankle fracture varies depending on the type of fracture, treatment required and individual healing.
Physiotherapy After an Ankle Fracture
Your physiotherapist will assess your ankle movement, strength, swelling, walking pattern, balance and functional ability before developing an appropriate rehabilitation program.
Depending on your stage of recovery, physiotherapy may include:
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Pain and swelling management
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Ankle mobility exercises
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Calf and ankle stretching
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Progressive strengthening
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Gait and walking retraining
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Balance and proprioception exercises
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Lower-limb strengthening
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Functional rehabilitation
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Return-to-running or sports rehabilitation where appropriate
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Education and home exercise prescription
Rehabilitation is gradually progressed as the ankle heals and becomes able to tolerate greater loads.
Ankle Fracture Rehabilitation Exercises
Exercises following an ankle fracture should be introduced at the appropriate stage of healing. Your doctor, specialist or physiotherapist will advise you when it is safe to begin exercises and how quickly they should be progressed.Exercises should generally begin slowly and should not be forced through significant pain.
Examples of exercises that may be included in an ankle fracture rehabilitation program include:
Calf Stretch – Knee Straight
Sit with your affected leg straight and supported. Place a towel or exercise strap around the front of your foot, just below the toes.Gently pull the towel towards you until you feel a comfortable stretch through your calf and the back of the lower leg.This exercise may help improve calf flexibility and ankle dorsiflexion following a period of immobilisation.
Calf Stretch – Knee Bent
Place a pillow or foam roller underneath the affected leg so that the knee is slightly bent.Place a towel around the front of the foot and gently pull your foot towards you until you feel a comfortable stretch.Performing a calf stretch with the knee bent changes the emphasis of the stretch and may be incorporated as ankle mobility improves.
Ankle Dorsiflexion
Sit with your affected leg comfortably supported.Keeping your leg still, slowly bring your foot and toes upwards towards your body. Then gradually return your foot to the starting position.This simple movement can help restore ankle mobility and muscle control after immobilisation.
Resisted Ankle Plantar Flexion
Place a resistance band around the front of your foot and hold the ends securely.Slowly point your foot and toes away from your body against the resistance of the band. Return to the starting position with control.This exercise can help progressively strengthen the calf and ankle plantar-flexor muscles.
Resisted Ankle Dorsiflexion
Secure an exercise band to a stable object and loop the other end over the top of your affected foot.Slowly pull your foot towards you against the resistance of the band before returning to the starting position in a controlled manner.This exercise helps strengthen the muscles responsible for lifting the foot and controlling the ankle during walking.
Progressive Ankle Strengthening
As your ankle heals, rehabilitation can progress beyond basic mobility exercises.Your physiotherapist may introduce:
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Calf raisesResistance-band exercises
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Single-leg balance exercises
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Squats and lunges
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Step-up and step-down exercises
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Walking and gait exercises
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Functional strengthening
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Hopping, jumping or running exercises when appropriate
The progression will depend on the type of ankle fracture, healing status, weight-bearing restrictions, strength and your individual goals.
Restoring Balance & Walking After an Ankle Fracture
An ankle fracture and a period of immobilisation can affect more than ankle strength. Your balance, walking pattern and confidence in the affected leg may also change.
Physiotherapy can help you gradually restore a more normal walking pattern and progress from basic balance exercises to more challenging functional activities.
For patients returning to physically demanding work or sport, rehabilitation may also include higher-level balance, agility, running and sports-specific exercises.
Returning to Work, Exercise & Sport
Being able to walk with less pain does not always mean that your ankle has fully recovered. Before returning to demanding activities, your physiotherapist may assess your:
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Ankle range of motion
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Calf and ankle strength
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Walking pattern
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Balance and single-leg control
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Ability to use stairs
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Functional strength
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Running or jumping ability where relevant
A gradual return to activity can help the ankle adapt to increasing loads and reduce the risk of aggravating symptoms.
Ankle Fracture Physiotherapy in Castle Hill & Chatswood
If you are recovering from an ankle fracture, our physiotherapists can help guide you through the different stages of rehabilitation.
Our Castle Hill and Chatswood physiotherapy clinics provide personalised ankle fracture assessment and rehabilitation, from restoring movement after immobilisation through to strengthening, balance training and returning to normal activities.
Book an Ankle Rehabilitation Assessment
Recovering from an ankle fracture takes time, and the appropriate rehabilitation program will depend on your individual injury.
Book an appointment with our physiotherapy team in Castle Hill or Chatswood for an individual assessment and personalised ankle fracture rehabilitation program.
The exercises described on this page are general examples only. Following an ankle fracture, exercises and weight-bearing activities should only be commenced when appropriate for your stage of bone healing and medical instructions.