Ankle and Foot Fracture Fixation Rehabilitation

1. 01

   Understanding Ankle Fractures

   What you need to know about broken ankles

   What is an Ankle Fracture?

   A broken ankle is also known as an ankle "fracture." This means that one or more of the bones that make up the ankle joint are broken.

   A fractured ankle can range from a simple break in one bone, which may not stop you from walking, to several fractures, which forces your ankle out of place and may require that you not put weight on it for a few months.

   Simply put, the more bones that are broken, the more unstable the ankle becomes. There may be ligaments damaged as well. The ligaments of the ankle hold the ankle bones and joint in position. Broken ankles affect people of all ages. During the past 30 to 40 years, doctors have noted an increase in the number and severity of broken ankles, due in part to an active, older population of "baby boomers."

2. 02

   Ankle Joint Anatomy

   Understanding the bones involved

   Three Bones Make Up the Ankle Joint

   • Tibia - shinbone
   • Fibula - smaller bone of the lower leg
   • Talus - a small bone that sits between the heel bone (calcaneus) and the tibia and fibula

   Note: These three bones work together to form the ankle joint, allowing for movement and supporting your body weight.

3. 03

   Common Symptoms

   Signs of an ankle fracture

   Warning Signs to Watch For

   Common symptoms for a broken ankle include:

   • Immediate and severe pain
   • Swelling
   • Bruising
   • Tender to touch

Please note: this guide is general information from FootArk’s rehabilitation guidance. Your surgeon’s instructions for your own operation always come first.