ROLE OF PHYSIOTHERAPY IN BROKEN ANKLE RECOVERY

Physical therapy helps us in improving ankle mobility, regains its strength and helps performing normal activities and function. This article will provide you a number of important easy to follow broken ankle exercises which you can perform at home.

Caring your injured ankle matters a lot. So do pay attention to how your ankle is during healing. Physical therapy is most helpful during middle and later stage of recovery. In early stages, when the plaster is on, keep moving your knees and toes to prevent the stiffness..

When your plaster cast is removed, start moving your ankle. You will feel uncomfortable, this is normal as it was not moved for a long time. You may be advised to avoid certain activities initially by your surgeon. If no restrictions are advised, use your ankle as pain allows.

After plaster cast removal, your surgeon will explain you all about Pain, Swelling, Stiffness and Strength which is very very important for you to know.

PAIN:  Yes you will have pain and discomfort. With the help of homeopathic medicines which I have suggested in my previous posts, you will be able to manage the pain and will be able to do exercises.

SWELLING:  Your ankle may swell on and off up to one year following ankle fracture. This is normal. There is nothing wrong with your ankle. If the pain and swelling becomes severe or if it remains continuous then visit your doctor.

Use Ice Pack to reduce swelling and Elevate Your Foot while sitting also and at night rest your foot on the pillows (above heart level).

STIFFNESS:  There are two reasons why stiffness seems to last a long time post surgical.

1. There is the joint itself. After injury, the repair process can be damaged and slow to return to normal.

2. Muscles shorten up and the cartilage in and around the joint becomes unable to slide and glide.

To reduce stiffness, move your ankle as much as possible after plaster cast removal. Give yourself 4 to 6 weeks to regain your full range of motion. With walking and exercises, stiffness will be reduced.

Strength (power):  Ankle may feel weak, as it has been not used while you have been in plaster. To get the power, gradually increase the use of ankle and walking as per your pain.

EXERCISES

Exercises during the healing process and after the bone heals are essential to help restore normal muscle strength, joint motion and flexibility.

Early Exercises –

Start these exercises as soon as your plaster is removed. Carry out 3 to 4 times per day.

    1. Lie down on your back or sit. Bend and straighten your ankles. Hold for 10 seconds in each position.  Keep your knees straight. Repeat 10 times.

     

   2.  In sitting or lying position, move your ankle slowly in large circles. Repeat in opposite directions. Repeat 10 times.

   3. Sit on a chair. Raise your toes and heels alternatively. Repeat 10 times.

  4. Sit on a chair with one leg out straight in front of you. Put a rubber exercise band or towel around your foot. Use the band/ towel to gently pull your foot up towards your body. You will feel a stretch in your calf. Hold for 10 seconds.  Repeat 10 times.

Intermediate Exercises –

These exercises are to be done only after you are advised TO PUT FULL WEIGHT on your foot.

1. Sit on a chair. Put the outer edges of your little toes together. Press the outer edges of your little toes together. Hold for 5 seconds. Repeat 10 times. Alternatively, sit on the floor or on a chair. Put rubber exercise band around your foot around your foot. Turn your foot outwards against the resistance of the band as if to look at the sole of your foot. Hold for 10 seconds. Repeat 10 times.       

2.  Put the inner edges of your big toes together. Press the inner edges of your big toes together. Hold for 5 seconds. Repeat 10 times. Alternatively, sit on the floor or on a chair. Put a rubber exercise band around your ankle. Turn your foot inwards against the resistance of the band as if to look at the sole of your foot. Hold for 10 seconds. Repeat 10 times.

3. Stand holding on to a support. Transfer your weight onto your bad leg, lifting the good leg off the floor. Repeat 10 times.  

4. Stand holding on to a support. Push up onto your toes. Repeat 10 times. 

5. Sit on a chair with one leg out straight in front of you. Tie a rubber exercise band to something secure and put the same around your foot. (Make sure there is some tension on the band to pull against.) Pull your foot up towards your body against the resistance of the band. Hold for 10 seconds. Repeat 10 times. 

6. Practice standing on one leg, you may initially need some support. As your balance improves, repeat this without support. Hold for 10 seconds. Repeat 10 times.

Keep in mind that during the above exercises you will not be comfortable but that is okay. You should not push yourself into pain. Exercise like medication, requires a specific dose: not enough will be of no benefit, too much may do harm.

With any new exercise, your muscles may ache and you may have new aches and pains for a few days, these should settle. If they do not, consult your physiotherapist.

Hope this helps you; wish you a safe and comfortable speedy recovery.                                                                                                                      

                                                                                                          Your well wisher and friend -   DIMPLE