How to Care for a Broken Ankle

A broken ankle occurs when any bone in the ankle is fractured. This can happen during any type of fall, or as the result of playing sports or using a trampoline. Sometimes a broken ankle is the result of a car accident. Whatever the cause, it is important that the broken ankle be treated so that the healing process can begin.

Things You'll Need

• X-ray
• Cast or splint
• Ice
• Plastic bag
• Towel
• Crutches
• Pillows
• Pain medication

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Instructions

• 1

  See your physician right away. If your physician is booked for the day, head to your local emergency room. Your physician, or the emergency room doctor, can order an x-ray which will show the location of the ankle fracture. It will also determine the severity of the break.

• 2

  Get a cast or a splint put on your broken ankle. This is necessary to heal the broken ankle, because your ankle must not be allowed to move for the bones to start fusing back together.

• 3

  Place some ice in a plastic bag and wrap it in a thin towel. Place it on your cast for 20 minutes, then remove it for 20 minutes. Do this for the first 48 hours after the injury. This is necessary for the swelling to go down. Some doctors may have you ice the injury before putting on the cast so the cast will fit after the swelling goes down.

• 4

  Walk only with a pair of crutches. It is important to keep all of your weight off of the broken ankle until it heals.

• 5

  Use some pillows to elevate your ankle whenever you need to sit or lie down. The goal is to get your ankle higher than your heart.

• 6

  Take some pain medication in the beginning of the healing process. Being relieved of your pain can help you relax your muscles which will allow your ankle to heal faster. You can take two acetaminophen tablets every four to six hours, or you can take one ibuprofen tablet every six to eight hours. Your doctor may prescribe something a little stronger if you are in a lot of pain.