Broken Ankle Recovery Time [Ankle & Fibula Fracture Tips] 

Best video and most useful explanation ive seen on youtube... ive been looking for a week, brilliant info Tom old chap! Regards from England.

Ok, I am now 16 months post trimalleolar fracture with dislocation. It has been a physically and mentally challenging recovery. In some ways I am glad I did not know how long and painful the recovery would be, but on the other hand not knowing frustrated me. My physio was right, I have a new normal for my ankle. My job is on my feet for 12 hrs at a time, it took me 8😮 months to get back to work, I just couldn't stand for long periods without huge swelling and the accompanying pain. I wear compression knee high stockings at work and an ankle compression sock on top. This helps reduce swelling, because swelling is pain. In the hot weather it still swells. I have been told this will continue for a while. So I sit when I can. My ankle doesn't hurt, it aches at times, it's stiff, particularly if I haven't run through my stretching for a couple of days. My only real complication is with the amount of metalwork. It is prominent and causes radiating pain up my tibia in particular, so I am waiting to have it all out. Hoping for less aching and a better range of movement. However, the big shock was to be told that I will probably face more surgery on the ankle as the years pass. This injury cannot be underestimated. It's a big injury that takes a long while to recover from. You have to learn to be patient, kind to yourself and not try to rush ( yep I tried, trust me it doesn't work!). Do you exercises regularly and accept it won't be quite the same but with luck not far from before your accident.

I broke my ankle last week , had surgery and I'm with a cast now... I've been just so sad, I can't do anything and I can't help feeling like a burden to everyone 😭 this situation is just so shitty

I slipped in wet grass and it caused a bimalleolar fracture displaced. 12weeks non weight bearing after surgery. 10weeks physical therapy so far. Getting better every day. It's the worst experience I have ever had

Broke 3 bones in my ankle on the 3rd July. Had surgery on the 6th. Luckily only had the backsplint cast for 2 weeks and now in aircast boot, but still no weight bearing for another 4 weeks. At least I can take it off to wash.

Type three tallus fracture here. Had surgery with internal pins, a metal bridge and donor bone added. Also had an external fixture until 7 weeks. With the fixture off I need to get motion back into my ankle but it's so stiff. Anyone have advice to get the motion back?

O had it fixed once didn't turn out rt know my bone on inner rt foot is broke off because he put a screw in middle of it

I just got the big one riding a mechanical bull broke my fibia and my inner ankle is shattered and they said I need surgery 😢

I broke my leg today in Jesus name I will be healed

Had surgery for broken ankle in July - took a toll on me physically and mentally as I lost my independence and mobility . Broke three toes on other foot in addition which hurt worse than my ankle - fell of stairs. 3 months and going through therapy ; still walking with Air-booth. Worst part is the constant swelling and feeling the plate . Had screw removed a month ago . Keeping the faith that I will get back to normal life soon.

I don't understand , why don't our surgeon doctor explains us about our injury and it's anatomy before proceeding with the operation. All they do is diagnose . I had to learn online about my fibula broken injury and it's journey to healing. It's a shit show . I wish nobody a broken bone injury. The trouble is real . Spending months on a same bed and waiting each day to pass is terrifying . Waiting for swelling to reduce and have it skin peel to feeling discomfort while you're in your recovery

Nope!! I’ve broken all three of those bones on 3/31, surgery on 4/2, and started walking without the boot and crutches around 5/31...that’s 8 wks total. I did just what my doctor told me!! Now I’m in physical therapy

Trimalleolar fracture 7 weeks ago. I am 55. Plates and screws for fibula and for tibia. In Canada, broke ankle on Dec 17, reduction and first cast that day. Admitted and surgery Dec 19. Jan 5 second cast removed and the 36 staples removed. Had been doing the recommended physio exercises they sent me home with plus extra, did not lose any upper leg muscle but calf was much smaller than good leg. Went to Air Cast. Waited for sutures and staple holes to heel a week while continuing exercises and Jan 15 started hitting the swimming pool. Combination of water running, water polo drills, usual lap swimming drills (no flip turns and no pushing off with broken ankle). Gradually brought various weight bearing drills to shoulder deep then waist deep water. Could walk in Air Cast at 4 1/2 weeks. At 6 week check up things are healing nice, was told I can begin light weight bearing. X-ray looks good at 6 weeks, my father in law (retired Dr) drove me and he had a look at my copy and he said it looked good. My wife looked (also a Dr) and says it looks great. At 7 weeks I am getting there in terms of flexibility my plantar and dorsal flexion are about an inch and a half short of my good ankle, rotation circumference is also less but I can do water polo eggbeater kick and breaststroke kick. I use flutter and dolphin kick as gentle stretching of the ankle. I may be pushing a little ahead of the schedule.

How long do I need to wear the emergency room splint?its been 6 weeks I also have the boot during the day

Thanks doc, got diagnosed with a nondisplaced distal fibula fracture yesterday after slipping on ice. Went to urgent care and they soft casted me. Have an appointment with an ortho tomorrow. Wish me luck!

Thank you for this video it really gave me some very good information. Wanted to encourage everyone out there that has a broken leg or an ankle, toes etc. what I did is I stayed in God‘s word I prayed healing scriptures for myself and had other people praying for me which was a really big help and of course seeing an orthopedic doctor and I am so thankful to God how he has given me the strength to get through all this. On September 19, 2022 I broke both my ankles ☹️ didn’t need any surgery so right now I am receiving PT. I am walking, it hurts, but I’m walking and doing my exercises. I know it can get very depressing and discouraging but hang in there you will get through this. Heal me, O Lord, and I shall be healed, save me, and I shall be saved: for you are my praise. Jeremiah 17:14

Thank you for your super informative videos. Very easy to understand. Broke my ankle 11-15-22 I had my ankle surgery 12-2-22 . surgery included a plate a 6 screws... hopefully after a new x-ray in a few weeks I can move to a walking cast. Its been a real challenge as I am normally a very active person. Your videos are really helpful and I appreciate your expertise. On a side note, you're really entertaining to watch too; your annunciation and intonation are so "pronounced" for lack of a better term.

My ortho was god awful. My 1st broken bone. I received more information from the ER that my current specialist and they weren't any better.

Making an appointment with this guy next week. Pleasantly surprised that your office is close to home.

Your videos are so helpful and are very much appreciated.

Very useful information. Use of the foot to show the various areas was great!

I fell from my bike and fractured my fubula only, got internal fuxation surgery. im told to go 6 weeks without weight bearing, when i start walking, would it hurt badly and by that time would my fibula be in a great spot consudering the surgery was successful Edit: in my 2 week post surgery appointment, the doctor said that all was perfect and he removed my cast and gave me a foot support and bandages

So sad I broke my ankle a week ago I do hair it’s really taken a toll on my mental health :(

My brown scan result said I gave “slight” displacement in my fracture. I’m praying it will end up without a surgery. I’m so scared…

Excellent video. Broke my ankle in three places. I thought it was a sprain because I could still walk on it. Waited 3 and a half weeks before getting an xray. Wow. They tell me I need surgery. Eight more weeks of no tennis. I will take this time to learn new hobbies and maybe start reading again. Thanks again for the video.

I can't remember the name of my break. I broke one part by landing my whole body weight on the side of my foot... In a bouncy castle (I'm 17) I heard a pop. I got a cast put on it and told to not put any weight on it at all. But no surgery. I was told if I hadn't come in that day then it wouldn't have set right. The next day I accidentally tapped my foot off the ground and got such a shock of pain that I went blind for a split second. I didn't think it was broke, I thought I dislocated it or something.

I rolled my ankle about a month ago it does look as bad as it did when it happend but still looks swollen but ive been able to walk on it and even train Muay Thai without any issues. Thought on this should I see a pediatrist?

Trust me when I say if you break all three you're going to the ER room you're not setting up an appointment

Thank you so much for this video! I’ve learned a lot about my injury (three fractured bones 😢). At least, now I know what to expect... Thanks!

I have injured my ankle since 2017 and have never gone to check it out have been dealing with severe burning sensation, feel like someone is hammering my ankle with a needle have bought a brace it feels disgusting when I walk it feels like my bones are moving out of place

Spiral fracture of my right leg fibula & I also broke my ankle too !!! 😫.. imagine from walking … had my surgery 8 days ago .. I’m so frustrated … & depressed 😔.. feel like I’m on house arrest !! 🥴😮‍💨.. .. ohh before this.. I was rear ended in auto accident .. prior to fracture ..

This is exactly what I was looking for. Have a proximal and distal right fibula spiral fracture. A close to finishing my first month in a full cast, have not put any weight on it and just hobble about on the crutches. Been taking as much bed rest with my leg horizontal as I have been working through it.

When is it too late to get an MRI? I’m close to 6 weeks in- no breaks but never took MRI?

Lol why are you whispering, Doc, is this classified info? Good stuff though! I like your videos.

8 weeks after lateral Bimallealeor op. 55 years. Is it best to wait until bone fracture fully healed before weight baring? Or does weight baring encourage faster bone healing?

My wife was in a car accident 2 months ago and badly broke her and compound fracture broke every bone. Has had 2 surgeries one to set everything the first day with rods sticking out of her leg and heel. Now she has 3 plates and 12 screws. She gets so down before this she was the go to the gym everyday always on the go person. Any suggestions what I can do to help her when she gets down. I'm always there for her physically. It's the mental side that worries me more. It's bad enough seeing her in physical pain. I can't put ice on her spirits for her.

Recovering from surgery for a trimalleolar fracture right now. Can't sleep in this dang splint! My fibula is shattered up my leg. Two tendons also snapped in there, and they did some kind of "Jacob's ladder" something or other with a wire to fix those. Whole foot was dislocated and sideways. :(

Hello.. I broke my ankle 3 months ago and still I can't able to walk.. it's not aligned just do the cast, and I refused the surgery beaucse I don't have alot of money.. and can't able to bend my ankle.. can you advice me what shloud I do? So long the healing process

I broke my ankle in March. I had to have surgery. All I know is my right foot was totally bent out and my ankle was popped right out. When it happened my adrenaline kicked in, I knew I was in a lot of trouble and on instinct I shoved my ankle back in and tried to get up. I made it too the door and my boyfriend had to carry me in. I ended up with two screws on the inside of my ankle and a plate with five screws. One of the those screws goes through my fibula tot he tabula. I wore a cast for two weeks and then walking boot for 7 weeks after. Only my 7th week the doctor said the bone was solid enough for me to start applying pressure. I’m currently on my 11 weeks post surgery. I still get some swelling in my ankle when I’m on it for a long period of time.

Been non weight bearing since August 2022 thanks to a fun scooter ride. Broke my ankle in many places and many surgeries later, I am hoping this time it works. All the hardware inside and outside the foot definitely caused some depression and anxiety. I want to thank the Doctor for the informative video, its important to find the right information out there because you really dont want to constantly be calling the surgeon or their staff. If youre anything like me, you tend to let the mind wonder from the drugs your on for pain or just flat out in too much pain to fully listen. Getting it in paperwork helps but honestly, whos reading after trauma? I appreciate these videos, keep them coming! Possibly some post Op non weight bearing videos could help.

Hpw to recover left ankle bone broken having POP 2 mpnths

I had a trimalleolar fracture. Took 11 weeks to get walking again, still having pain though

i had a minor fracture nothing popped out of place i could walk right away. Right now I could walk without anything and feel no pain and my bone doesnt hurt when i touch it anymore but its only been 3 weeks. Can i start excising? Or skateboarding?

I really hope I can walk on Christmas so my damn broken fibula doesn't ruin it

I can’t really hear you with that music playing just word of advice

I have talus avulsion fracture on left foot inner side. Doc put it in half cast for 20 days. Now im on walking boots when walking. Doc said step 20kg on your foot. I feel like its too early to step? Also told me to dorsiflex and plantar flexion but i cant do much dorsiflexion no matter what. Should i do exercises on it or just pull by hand or towel? Idk i feel early for movements.

Great advice

Thank you for this video! This is VERY informative ! I was playing a casual pick up game at my local park & had landed on someone’s foot which ended up with a sprained right ankle. There was no bruised discoloration or massive swelling after the first 3 days & the swelling that did occur went down, so I was pleased with that. Its been about 3 weeks since the injury happened & I am able to walk on my right foot but I did notice the inside of my ankle bone is slightly protruding out more than my left in comparison. Too much weight & I can feel some pain. I’ve limited my activities, especially any heavy cardio but I was wondering if I might’ve fractured my ankle at all ? This is the first week that I lightly did some cardio but I still can’t bare my full weight on my right ankle. I did not go in to the doctors to get it checked because I thought it was a mild ankle sprain until I did a light exercise.

I had the bottom part of my tibia bone like "peel" up becauce from falling off a ladder, orthopedic surgeon said i he would recomend surgery becauce it was a split that was almost 1cm, when i asked him if it would heal with out surgery he reluctantly said said "well yah..." hopped out the door just left the splint Some RN put on me on for a months and it healed fine, orhopedic surgeons are some of the biggest scam artists around sadly.

Nice 👍🩺♥️

Broke my fib and tib 3 days ago sick of not walking already.

Hello from BKK, doctor I had an ankle surgery a month ago. I'm watching while stretching my ankle. Thank you for sharing this.

I may be healing fast but after this video in a little nervous the hospital is moving too fast. I had a bimalleolar ankle fracture and I spent 4 weeks in a cast and just got put in a boot and I start physical therapy tomorrow. They said I should be walking in 3 weeks and this is sounding like half the time frame you’ve gave

I broke my ankle and tibula and fibula ,had operation and two screws put in did this in June

I fractured my fibula and ankle bone. Just had a check up dr said it’s all healing good and I’m in a boot now no longer a cast. It’s been 4 weeks since my accident and 3 weeks since surgery. I’m really anxious to walk and go back to work which is truck driving, loading, and unloading freight frequently. Just wondering how much longer I can expect until I can return to work? Also I fell once on it but it didn’t hurt, actually my leg held up but it felt like a lot pressure at once and then swelled up a little that evening but has gone down since.

What does it mean if the MRI shows that all the tendon and ligaments are in place, but there’s some bone bruises at the distal fibula, and also some fluid surrounding the ankle joint?

my ankle was broken (medial malleolar fracture) in an accident and the doctor used to cast my leg for 6 weeks and after 6 week the cast removed now this is 8th week but still i am unable to walk and also if i ride a bike the ankle part get swelling how much time it takes to fully recover because i want to ride my bike also want to run. pls reply

I fractured my fibula 5 weeks ago. I had surgery on May 17th to have a plate fitted. Throughout the daytime I feel relatively comfortable with minor irritation. It's a different story at night, the pain is uncomfortable. I also had a Talus shift. I've been elevating my foot for most parts. I'm having my cast removed on June 30th then a boot

Nondisplaced fracture of the posterior malleolus. No surgery, cast for 6 week's to start. Probably going to go broke missing work SMH

Thank you for your videos. My doctor is very good but always leaves me with a lot of unanswered questions. I broke my ankle (fracture of lateral malleolus and of the fifth metatarsal as well) on Christmas and had a cast until this week. Got some xrays and switched to a boot cast. My doctor said I could try to use my heel to walk but no the entire foot. I’m too scared to apply weight on it and, since I’m also pregnant, I do not trust my balance yet 🤕🤕

6 months. Still struggling 😢

I agree! Very informative and far more instructive than my ortho surgeon. If they are monitoring comments I have a couple of questions. I live in Georgia so I am out of their area. I had a trimalleolar fracture. Screws, Plate, and artificial tendon. I am two weeks post op. 1. They said a brand of HOKA shoes but I can't find it on the web? 2. I found the Brooks Beast 20. I usually wear New Balance 857 with full Roll Bar. Are these a quality shoe in your opinion.? 3. My orthopedic surgeon said a boot is probably next. I saw your video and it seems too soon with this level of fracture. Opinion? Should I request a cast instead? 4. Thank you for the Knee Rover suggestion. I am 6'2" and 310. So the crutches are totally unmanageable. For others I suggest this if you can. If you are on the heavier side like me look at the All Terain 3 wheel model. Pros: Very sturdy. Manageable. Basket for carrying items. Easy assembly and transport. Cons: Air-filled tires so you have to pump them up before use. watch out for punctures. I purchased the memory foam pad cover as an accessory. The way it is attached and shaped makes it frequently slide and need repositioning. The design is FLAT so it negates the benefit of the Curved shape original. It does increase comfort just be aware it takes precaution. 5. Final question. Should I follow up with a podiatrist vs. my current ortho? He is a fellow of Podiatric associations. I wont include his name for privacy and so far he has been a competent surgeon. Would a podiatrist have a better skillset for foot and ankle long term recovery? God bless

Had all 3 broken bones and dislocated ankle last monday. Went to emergency room right away, they didn't even let me leave and kept me there, had surgery the next day and they sent me home on 4th day. Great vid doc, however I do hope you're wrong with the healing time haha

Broke both and only day 6 and Im so done.

This guy is definitely using drugs, very interesting

Hi...um from indian occupied kashmir... I had a fall from stairs....Dr said u having stable lateral maleollous fracture...can u plz tell me the recovery time n when can i resume walking...

Bruh their is COVID right now

cool video, mine broke were your model leg bones end, my boot height, and dislocated the ankle, right off the snapped leg bones, to the out side. they called it a, bimulleolar ankle fracture Dislocation. haven't seen the x-rays yet, maybe when staples come out? both sides , very invasive surgery. very little pain, great ankle movement and feeling but wow I'm bruised and soar, they must have clamped my leg in a jig of some kind, very tightly. damage way above the brake and hurts worse, symmetrical bruising. haven't needed any pain killers.in a walking splint , NWB until first visit. had a couple close calls with tiny weight ,no pain! plates and screws both sides. can feel the plates. full length from above the brake to the end of the fibia and tibia. I remember a nurse in the er say my ankle wasn't broken? but the surgeon calls it an ankle fracture? I'm confusion! sorry im ranting, not much else to do!

Dang! That x-ray look exactly like mine! I have plate and 5 screws!

What about a minimally displaced lateral malleolus, I don't have insurance

I broke my ankle on Wednesday been told to wear the boot for 2 weeks/until I can comfortably get a normal shoe on and the rest of time wear normal shoes, total healing time 4-6 weeks

What happens if u have a lower fibular fracture but after spending 4 weeks in a cast you take it off. But walking is a bit stiff. Can there be any long term side effects to that?

Got a avulsion fracture and 3 weeks in and i cant dance to this music so big boo!

I'm middle aged, 60 LBS overweight, and got the Pre-Diabetes thing ongoing. Had three Orthopedic doctors tell me three different things regarding my spiral fracture of my fibula. Emergency room visit of one Ortho said, " you can have surgery or just but it straight into a cast. Both paths are right". The second Ortho said, " we will have surgery, put some hardware screws & one long screw to keep the spacing correct. We will remove the screw in 3 months. The third surgeon said ," I don't remove the screw unless it becomes painful. " Wow. There is a wide array of views out there

@Michigan Foot Doctors I just suffered from an isolated posterior malleolus fracture (lucky). I was in a non walking cast for 7 weeks and have been exercising it for 3 weeks now, can I get back to flag football in 3 weeks in time for playoffs. And would you be able to refer an ankle brace to use while playing. TYSM the video was great.

I broke the tip of fibula ..thank you

So I recently broke my ankle and the official diagnosis after X rays was, "Closed displaced fracture of lateral malleolus of right fibula". I have two small fractures in that bone. Typically how long to fully recover for this injury? I was given a walking boot to wear, But the ER doctor wasn't very clear on for how long to wear the boot and how often. Thanks for any response in advance.

Thank you for toys video

Heck as if this is my life :(

Hi, I had a trimalleolar fracture half a year ago that crushed my talus. My ortho had fuse my ankle with a nail rod for me to be able to walk again. Can I still drive a manual after my rehab if my right foot is fixed due to the fusion?

Tjank Dr please explai n

I broke the tibia and fibula and had surgery. Have a plate and 11 screws. I am 21 days post op and it feels like I have a strange band around my ankle that feels numb and feels like it isn’t my skin. It is very hard to describe and very concerning to me. The only way it feels somewhat tolerable is to wrap my ankle with a wrap and wear the boot cast. It is also very stiff. I start physio on the 31st if May. Is this normal what I am feeling?

My son had surgery Thurs....he has a spiral fracture of fibula..broken tibia and a chip in the back bone and torn ligament..He is in horrible pain...is this normal ...pain meds don't seem to help...he won't even get out of bed...how many days after surgery is this amount of pain normal

Hey Doc, firstly I thank you for your videos, your charismactic nature alone is amazing. Question... I had ORIF surgery on November 4 (this month) due to a trimeleolar fracture, and my surgeon transitioned me from a cast to boot just two days later on Nov 6. then 2 weeks after, he told me I only need the boot while outside, and at home to be safe, but not while I sleep. non weight bearing status, I landed on my foot to avoid a fall without a boot. Im concerned for the early transition to the boot (2 days post opp). Your thoughts, please? You're amazing and thank you very much for the content you provide for us.

Had ankle surgery for a broken fibula two weeks ago(plate and screw surgery). I just wonder when I will be able to walk, I feel it will take very long time, anyone had same surgery can tell me when I can expect to be able to walk?

Doctor, my husband had before two weeks a Comminuted Pilon fracture very bad 😢😢( doctors put him 2 plates and 18 screws) how long it takes to heal and be back to normality again? I will appreciate your response

Some idiot decided to swerve into me at around 50mph on the road just a few days ago, came out with 2 fractures on my hip(got surgery for it today), a fractured pelvis, ligament tears in my left kneecap, and a broken fibula. My family and I are very happy that im still alive after all that and I hope I can have a speedy recovery, thankfully I have a positive attitude about the situation.😅

Nice video well explain I just made it out surgery 3 days ago broken fibula and also dislocated it I’m just resting keeping it elevated but how painful it is specially on the 3rd day all the anesthesia wearing off oh boy but I’m glad I can wiggle my toes it sucks but I thank god im getting better pain is not as bad as it was meds are very helpful thanks dr for a great video

would someone answer this for me? just 2 days ago, i got a lower fibula stress fracture. the doctor told me i’m allowed to walk whenever i feel comfortable, but my ankle feels like it’s the one that’s broken. my ankle hurts a lot more then my fibula, can someone tell me why?

I badly broke my tib and fib it’s been 10 weeks since surgery and is broken again 😢

Broke my left ankle on both sides, foot completely snapped outwards when landing to hard on it, needed surgery and could not walk at all right away, I can thankfully walk now but it is very hard somtimes, with the pain

Dam I broke my fibula and I walk a lot be careful out there.

I hv injured last week and scratch my ankle bone, doctor gave me a cheap plaster, and tell me that i hv to surgery,,, i need a suggest looking for my mother eyes water,,soo please gave me,, email or what's app or something that i sent you picture of my X-ray paper🙏,,, for a better treatment, please

Displaced fib here. What happens if I skip surgery? Can I recover okay?

Rolled my left foot yesterday. Here are some X-rays: postimg.cc/gallery/sfDqxwy Do I need surgery? I appreciate your opinion.

After having a cast for two weeks for a broken ankle, I had a boot fitted. It is looser than a cast for sure. Is that ok? Bit worrisome I can 'almost' move the ankle however I please..

They don't have any good doctors in nv they were 8 doctors that turned me away because they couldn't do it and do it rt so might have to go to ucla to get it fixed

got a displaced fibula they said its a quick surgery and a cast for 2 weeks then back to the boot. i do not like the idea of metal in my leg.

Hi Doc, I have bimallelur fracture and currently I have plates in my leg to support the healing, My operation was done on 22 Aug when should I expect to walk again normally, I'm not on hard cast and doctor says it will be there for four weeks

I have the tri one and it was dislocated they set it in the er and I was in surgery 2 days later