Broken Ankle - NHS

Recovering from a broken ankle

A broken ankle usually takes 6 to 8 weeks to heal, but it can take longer.

The doctor will tell you:

• how long you'll have to wear a boot or have a plaster cast on
• how much weight to put on your ankle – you may be given crutches or a walking frame to help keep weight off it

You may need to see a physiotherapist. They can help you with exercises to get your foot and ankle gently moving again.

Once it's healed, use your ankle as normal. Moving it will stop it getting stiff.

Ask your doctor when you can return to contact sports or other activities that put a lot of strain on your ankle.

Things you can do to help your recovery

It's important to follow any advice you're given by the hospital or fracture clinic.

There are some things you can do to ease pain and help your broken ankle recover.

Do

• rest and raise your ankle whenever possible

• take paracetamol or the painkiller your doctor has given you to ease pain

• gently move your toes and bend your knee while wearing the boot or cast to ease stiff muscles

Don’t

• do not get your plaster cast wet or use anything to scratch under it

• do not carry heavy things

Urgent advice: Get help from NHS 111 if:

You're recovering from a broken ankle and:

• the pain in your ankle gets worse
• your temperature is very high, or you feel hot, cold or shivery
• your leg, foot or toes start to feel numb or like they're burning
• the plaster cast is too tight – your leg, foot or toes look swollen, or turn blue or white
• the plaster cast or boot is rubbing, or feels too loose
• there's a bad smell or discharge from under your cast

You can call 111 or get help from 111 online.