Healing time varies for every person and every injury. Learn about the types of fractured ankles, how long you need to rest, and how physical therapy can help you heal and recover.
“How long will it take me to heal?” It’s one of the most common questions physical therapists hear, and the honest answer is: it depends. Healing time varies from person to person, depending on the type of fracture, its severity, and your overall health. A more complex or multiple-break fracture will naturally take longer to mend than a small, hairline one.
In this article, we’ll cover the different types of ankle fractures, what can affect recovery time, and how physical therapy can help you heal and get back on your feet.
How Is a Broken Ankle Diagnosed?
If you suspect you’ve broken your ankle, getting the right diagnosis early is key to a smooth recovery. Your healthcare provider or physical therapist will start by asking how the injury happened and reviewing your symptoms — like pain, swelling, bruising, or difficulty putting weight on your foot.
Next, they’ll perform a physical exam to check for tenderness, alignment, and range of motion. Most often, X-rays are used to confirm the fracture and determine its severity. In some cases, a CT scan or MRI may be recommended to detect smaller cracks, ligament damage, or joint issues that aren’t visible on an X-ray.
Once your care team understands the exact type of fracture, they can create a personalized treatment plan designed to support your recovery and help you get back on your feet safely.
Types of Ankle Fractures
Several types of ankle fractures can affect healing time, including:
- Lateral Malleolus Fracture – A break in the fibula on the outer (lateral) side of the ankle, typically taking around 6 weeks to heal.
- Medial Malleolus Fracture – A fracture in the tibia on the inner (medial) side of the ankle, which can sometimes require more time or surgery for proper healing.
- Bimalleolar Fracture – A fracture involving both the fibula and tibia, often requiring surgery and extended recovery time.
- Trimalleolar Fracture – A more severe type of fracture involving three parts of the ankle, including the posterior malleolus (the back part of the tibia). It usually needs surgery and a longer rehabilitation period.
Risks and Complications of a Broken Ankle
Most ankle fractures heal well with the right care, but complications can happen if treatment is delayed or incomplete. Common risks include:
- Delayed bone healing or nonunion, where the fracture takes longer than expected to mend.
- Joint stiffness and limited mobility, especially if physical therapy is delayed or skipped.
- Post-traumatic arthritis, which may develop when cartilage is damaged during injury.
- Infection, particularly if surgery is required to stabilize the bones.
- Nerve or blood vessel injury, though this is less common.
Working closely with your orthopedic specialist and physical therapist can help lower these risks. Guided rehabilitation helps restore strength, stability, and balance, ensuring your ankle heals strongly and you can get back to moving confidently again.
Can You Walk with a Fractured Ankle?
As with any other injury, it’s best to avoid putting weight on an injured ankle until your care team clears you to do so. Early on, most patients follow non-weight bearing (NWB) instructions to protect the healing bone. These guidelines are usually given by a primary care provider (PCP) or an orthopedic specialist and are important because they:
- Prevent movement that could shift the fracture
- Allow new bone tissue (a callus) to form and stabilize the break
- Reduce the chance of needing additional alignment or surgery
The weight-bearing restrictions will also depend on the location and nature of the fracture. Your doctor may recommend a cast, brace, or walking boot depending on the injury. As healing progresses, you’ll gradually transition to partial weight-bearing under your provider’s direction.
How Long Should You Stay Off a Fractured Ankle?
An ankle break or fracture can make everyday tasks challenging, but it’s important to stay off the injured ankle for as long as your doctor advises. Regular X-rays and check-ins help track how the bone is healing and determine when it’s safe to start putting weight on it again.
That doesn’t mean complete rest. Early physical therapy can safely address pain, stiffness, and strength – even while you’re off your feet. Gentle exercises help maintain circulation and muscle activation so your body’s ready once weight-bearing begins:
Average Broken Ankle Recovery Time
An ankle injury can take about 6 to 8 weeks to heal, though that can vary. Early healing happens quickly as new bone forms around the fracture site, but full recovery – when the bone is strong enough for higher-impact activities like running or jumping – can take longer.
Patience and consistency matter. Following your care team’s plan helps ensure your ankle heals fully and stays strong.
What Is the Best Treatment for a Fractured Ankle?
The best treatment for fractured ankles combines medical management with early, guided physical therapy. Therapy focuses on:
- Pain control and swelling reduction
- Gentle stretching and mobility exercises
- Strengthening and balance training
- Manual therapy for stiffness
- Gradual return to daily movement and activity
As you progress, your therapist will guide you through gait retraining, stair climbing, and functional movements to rebuild confidence and coordination.
Recovery isn’t always easy, but with consistent therapy, most people regain their strength and return to the activities they enjoy.
Speed up your recovery.
Schedule an appointment with an Ivy Rehab clinic near you. Let us help ease your pain.
What Are Signs That Your Ankle Is Healing Properly?
As your ankle heals, you’ll notice gradual improvements in swelling, pain levels, and mobility. Early signs of proper healing include:
- Reduced ankle or leg pain when at rest and during light activities
- Improved range of motion in your ankle
- Decrease in swelling
- Ability to begin weight-bearing with little to no discomfort
These are positive signs that you’re healing well. Keep in touch with your therapist and follow their guidance to make sure your recovery stays on track.
Start Your Fractured Ankle Recovery with Ivy Rehab
Every person’s recovery journey looks a little different. Physical therapy can help speed recovery and ensure an ankle pain-free return to your daily routine after an ankle fracture. Addressing mobility deficits, weakness, and poor balance as you heal speeds recovery and allows you to get back to doing what you love faster than without rehabilitation physical therapy.
If you’ve experienced a fractured or broken ankle, we’re here to help. Find a clinic near you and take the first step toward recovery today.
