Can You Walk on a Broken Ankle? Discover Now!

Walking on a broken ankle can seem possible if the fracture is minor or only a hairline crack, but doing so may worsen the injury. Even with slight damage to the bone or cartilage, walking can strain the ankle, leading to chronic pain and even disability in the long run. A broken ankle might feel like just a sprain, but ignoring it can lead to bigger problems like arthritis and loss of mobility. Orthopedic doctors or an ankle specialist may recommend keeping your foot raised and limiting weight on it with the help of a cast or splint to ensure it heals properly.

Seeing a doctor, especially one specializing in Island Musculoskeletal Care, can make a big difference in how the injury heals. The physical examination by a qualified orthopedic surgeon or MD at facilities like Island Musculoskeletal Care, PC can provide an accurate diagnosis and treatment plan. They might use an online booking system to schedule your appointment, making it easier to get contact with doctors. Without proper care, even a minor fracture can turn into a larger break if left untreated, affecting your ability to run, drive, or perform daily activities.

Can you Walk on a Broken Ankle?

Walking on a broken ankle is often painful and can cause more damage to the tendons and ligaments that are supporting your ankle. Even if it’s tempting to put weight on it, trying to walk can make it difficult for the ankle to heal properly. A broken ankle needs rest and support because moving it might worsen the injury and increase recovery time.

What is a Broken Ankle?

A broken ankle, also called an ankle fracture, happens when one or more of the bones in the ankle joint break. This injury often involves the tibia (or shinbone), the fibula (the smaller bone in the leg), or the talus (a small bone at the top of the foot). A hairline or stress crack in the bones may cause pain but can sometimes be confused with a bruise. However, more serious fractures, like those affecting the medial malleolus or lateral malleolus (the inner and outer parts of the ankle), may require surgery to properly align the bones for healing.

An ankle fracture can be bimalleolar, affecting both sides of the ankle, which makes it harder for the ankle joint to stay stable. When a more severe break occurs, recovery may take longer and need careful management, sometimes involving physical therapy. Recognizing and treating even a minor crack early can prevent future injury and speed up recovery.

Types of Ankle Fractures Explained

Yes, there are different types of ankle fractures, and understanding them helps determine the best way to heal. The ankle is made of three bones—the tibia, fibula, and talus—that all have the job of supporting your body weight. When one or more of these bones is broken, it can become a complicated injury if ligaments are also damaged. For example, a broken ankle can involve just one part, or it can be a bimalleolar or trimalleolar fracture, which affects two or three parts of the ankle. In total, several types of fractures exist, and they range from minor cracks to more serious breaks that may even need surgery.

Discovering the type of fracture is essential to planning treatment in the right order. If you’re wondering, “Can you walk on it now?” that largely depends on the type and number of bones and ligaments affected. In some cases, walking might be possible, but in others, even attempting to walk could worsen the injury.

Outer Ankle Bone Break: 

A lateral malleolus fracture is a common type of break on the outside bony knob of the ankle and often results from twisting or rolling the foot.

Inner Ankle Bone Break:

A medial malleolus fracture is a break in the bony knob on the inside of the ankle and usually happens from a fall or a twist. This type of fracture can be painful and may require careful treatment.

Two-Bone Ankle Break:

A bimalleolar ankle fracture is the second most common type of broken ankle that involves both bony knobs on the inside and outside of the ankle. This type of fracture often requires more intensive treatment due to the greater damage.

Equivalent Two-Bone Ankle Fracture:

A bimalleolar equivalent fracture involves damage to the bony knobs on both the inside and outside of the ankle, similar to a typical broken ankle. This type of break can also affect the ligaments, making it harder to walk and requiring careful discovery of the best treatment.

Back Ankle Bone Fracture:

A posterior malleolus fracture is a broken ankle involving the bony area at the back of the tibia. This type of fracture can make it very difficult to walk and often requires special treatment to heal properly.

Three-Part Ankle Fracture

A trimalleolar fracture is a broken ankle that involves three parts of the joint, making it one of the most serious injuries. This type of fracture can significantly affect your ability to walk and may require surgical treatment to discover the best way to heal.

Ankle Roof Fracture:

A Pilon fracture is a serious injury where the roof of the ankle joint, located at the tibia section, is broken. This type of fracture can make it very difficult to walk and often needs surgical treatment for proper healing.

Upper Fibula Fracture

A Maisonneuve fracture is a broken ankle that involves the fibula in the upper part, near the knee. This injury often occurs alongside a sprain and can make it very painful to walk or move properly.

Ligament Damage in the Ankle:

A syndesmotic injury occurs when the ligaments that anchor the fibula and tibia (shinbone) are damaged, often leading to a fracture or sprain. This type of injury can cause severe pain and limit your ability to walk properly.

What is the Difference Between a Stress Fracture and a Bone Fracture?

A stress fracture is a tiny crack in the bone that usually happens from overuse or repeated strain on the ankle. This type of injury often starts with pain that may seem minor but can gradually get worse if not treated. Unlike a complete bone fracture, a stress fracture can often be overlooked, as it doesn’t immediately change the shape of the bone, making it harder to detect.

In contrast, a bone fracture is a more serious break that causes visible changes to the bone structure. This injury can happen suddenly, often due to a fall or accident, and usually comes with significant hurt and swelling. Understanding the difference between these two injuries is important for proper treatment, as ignoring a stress fracture can lead to a full fracture over time, resulting in longer recovery and more complications.

Understanding Broken Ankle Symptoms and Causes

A broken ankle can happen during various activities like running, jumping, or even a simple slip-and-fall accident. The injury often causes painful symptoms such as swelling, difficulty moving the ankle, and sometimes a visible deformity if the bones are fractured. When someone lands on an uneven surface or twists their foot at the wrong angle, it can lead to an ankle injury. Fractures may also be linked to overuse, particularly in athletes who engage in repetitive activities.

There are different types of fractures, such as hairline or more serious breaks. A sprain can occur alongside a fracture, affecting the muscles and ligaments that support the ankle. People with weak bones due to disease or lack of strength are at higher risk of fracturing their ankle. Recovery typically takes one to two weeks, but the time can vary depending on the severity of the injury and how well it is treated. Understanding these symptoms and causes can help in recognizing an injury early and getting proper care.

Diagnosing a Broken Ankle

When you hurt your ankle, it’s important to see a doctor for a proper diagnosis. The doctor will start by asking about how the injury happened and where it hurts. They will do a physical exam, feeling for tender spots, swelling, or bumps. You may be asked to move your ankle up, down, and side-to-side to check for pain. If they suspect an ankle fracture, they might take X-rays to look for cracks or bone chips in the anklebones.

In some cases, injuries can be more complex, especially in growing children where fractures can affect the growth plate. For this, the doctor may recommend a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan or a computed tomography (CT) scan to get a clear picture of any damage to the soft tissues, including ligaments and tendons. These tests help ensure no fractures are missed, leading to a better treatment plan to help you get back to your athletic goals.

Treating Broken Fractures:

When you have a broken ankle, the way it is treated depends on the type and location of the injury. In simple cases, a cast may be used for immobilization to help the bones heal properly. This is common after mishaps during childhood or sports. However, if the break is more complex or if there is additional damage to the joint or surrounding tissues, surgery may be needed. Treatment options can vary widely, so it’s essential to follow your doctor’s advice to ensure a safe recovery and prevent any threatening complications.

Surgical Treatment for Broken Ankles:

When it comes to treating a broken ankle, surgeons often perform a procedure called open reduction internal fixation (ORIF). This surgery involves making an incision to access the injured area and carefully aligning the broken bones. Once the ends are in the correct line, the surgeons install metal plates, wires, or screws to keep the bones stable while they heal. This approach is crucial for ensuring a proper recovery and restoring function to the ankle.

What to Expect Before ORIF Surgery:

Before the ORIF surgery for your broken ankle, it’s important to follow some steps to ensure safety. You will talk with your healthcare provider about your health, including any issues with your heart or lungs. You must avoid food, drinks, and even certain medications, like anti-inflammatory drugs and herbal supplements, for at least 24 hours before the procedure. Additionally, if you take Viagra® or other medications for erectile dysfunction, let your doctor know. Most importantly, you’ll need to stop smoking and can only sip water up to two hours prior to the surgery to help with anesthesia. Following these instructions helps make the surgery safer and more effective.

Recovery Time for Ankle Fracture Surgery:

After ankle fracture surgery, the time it takes to heal can vary widely. Most people can expect to start feeling better within six to eight weeks, but the complete recovery may take longer. Factors like the type and severity of the fracture, along with the individual’s age, overall health, and adherence to the prescribed treatment plan, play a big role in how fast someone can get back on their feet.

During the recovery period, it is essential to follow your healthcare provider’s recommendations. This often includes immobilization of the ankle and possibly engaging in physical therapy to regain strength and flexibility. Some may need lifestyle modifications to help ensure a smoother healing process. If the fracture is more severe, the healing time can stretch to several months or even years.

Returning to Work or School After an Ankle Fracture:

After an ankle fracture, how soon you can go back to work or school depends on several things to consider. If you had surgery, you may need more time off to recover. Most people find that they can return in a few weeks, but it really affects the quality of life and the severity of the injury. It’s important to listen to your body and follow your doctor’s advice to ensure a safe return.

FAQ’s

Can you walk on a Fractured Ankle ?

Walking on a fractured ankle is possible, but it’s not recommended if the injury is severe. It’s important to assess the damage and seek medical advice before trying to walk on an injured ankle

Can You Wiggle Your Toes with a Broken Ankle?

Many people think that if your ankle is broken, you cannot walk or wiggle your toes; however, this is a myth. Sometimes, you may still be able to move your toes even if your ankle is fractured.

Effects of Ignoring a Sprained Ankle ?

Leaving a sprained ankle untreated can lead to a severe and chronic condition, drastically increasing the likelihood of repeated sprains and causing instability when walking or moving your foot. Over time, this may result in long-term difficulties and ongoing pain.

Summary of Walking on a Broken Ankle:

Understanding a fractured ankle is essential for your healing journey. While you may be tempted to walk on a broken ankle, it’s crucial to know that doing so can complicate your healing timeline. Specialists at Celebration Foot & Ankle Institute emphasize the importance of recognizing visual indications of a fracture and understanding the signs that signal the need for appropriate treatment.

Remember that moving too quickly can lead to re-injury. Therefore, it’s vital to consult with The Foot and Ankle Specialists to identify the best course of action for your recovery. Prioritizing proper treatment will help ensure your ankle heals correctly and safely, minimizing the chances of further complications.