Exercises for Ankle Fracture in Cast

Ankle fractures are the most common type of orthopedic injury. Depending on the type of ankle fracture, treatments may include surgery. Treatment also includes stabilizing the ankle with a cast or removable brace. Your health care provider will determine when your fractured ankle is ready to bear weight. In the meantime, exercise is a key part of the rehabilitation process.

Rehabilitation

• Rehabilitation exercises are important in decreasing swelling, pain and promoting movement in the ankle. The goal of any rehabilitation program is to restore function to the injured limb. The rehabilitation process has three phases.

  Phase I: This phase is very gentle. Healing the fracture is critical. Movements are generally passive and include some range-of-motion exercises, usually a gentle rotation from side to side and modest circular rotations. Toe-curling is included. This phase is to maintain movement and reduce stiffness and pain.

  Phase II: Includes some strengthening exercises. Weight bearing is determined by your physician. Foot-strengthening exercises are the towel scrunch, grabbing a towel with your toes. Leg raises with little or no resistance. Standing and balancing exercises. A balance board can also be used while seated, to promote strength and range of motion. An exercise stretch band may be used for increasing range of motion, upward and downward; moving your foot from nose to floor. Exercise bands come in a variety of strengths, from light to heavy, and will be determined by your capabilities.

  Phase III: This phase is for increased strengthening and weight bearing. It incorporates and builds upon exercises in Phase II. Aqua exercises are useful (if available), as is using a stationary bicycle. Toe raises and drawing a figure eight while seated and continued range of motion exercises. Continued use of exercise bands to strengthen and stretch.

  Phase IV: This phase is for regaining athletic strength as well as regaining balance and agility. A brace may still be required. Participation in sports activities, with limitations, can resume.

  As with all rehabilitation programs, advances are individual. Your health care provider will design a rehabilitation program suitable for your specific needs.