How long do snapped ankles take to heal?
We can provide a rough estimate, but it generally takes at least 6 weeks for the broken bones in the ankle to heal. That said, it might take longer for the affected tendons and ligaments to mend.
Can you walk on a snapped ankle?
Many people assume that if you can put weight on the ankle then it isn’t broken, however, it is possible to walk on a broken ankle, particularly with a less severe fracture. If you’re concerned your ankle may be broken, we recommend contacting your doctor, who can conduct an examination or order and xray if necessary.
What is a snapped ankle?
A broken or fractured ankle is an injury to the bone. You may experience a broken ankle from a twisting injury from a simple misstep or fall, or from direct trauma during a car crash, for example. The seriousness of a broken ankle varies.
What do you do if someone breaks their ankle?
Do
- raise your ankle if possible.
- gently hold an ice pack (or a bag of frozen peas) wrapped in a towel on your ankle for 15 to 20 minutes every 2 to 3 hours.
- stop any bleeding – put pressure on the wound using a clean cloth or dressing.
- if your ankle is not at an odd angle, wrap it loosely in a bandage to help support it.
How do you stabilize a broken ankle?
Open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) is a type of surgery used to stabilize and heal a broken bone. You might need this procedure to treat your broken ankle. Three bones make up the ankle joint. These are the tibia (shinbone), the fibula (the smaller bone in your leg), and the talus (a bone in your foot).
How painful is a broken ankle?
If you fractured your ankle, you will likely experience immediate, sharp pain and possible swelling. Additional symptoms include: Pain that spreads throughout the foot and up your leg, toward your knee. Intensifying pain if you try to bear weight on your foot.
Do you ever fully recover from a broken ankle?
You can expect most ankle fractures depending on how severe they are, to take 4-8 weeks for the bones to heal completely and up to several months to regain full use and range of motion of the joint. More severe fractures, especially those requiring surgical repair, may take longer to heal.
