Did you twist your ankle or fall and now have severe pain, swelling, or difficulty putting weight on your foot? Does your ankle feel unstable or look deformed after an injury? You may be experiencing an ankle fracture, commonly referred to as a broken ankle, which requires prompt medical care and structured rehabilitation.
At Rose Physical Therapy, with clinics in Navy Yard, Friendship Heights, and Farragut North in Washington, DC, physical therapists provide individualized rehabilitation programs to help patients recover from ankle fractures, restore strength and mobility, and safely return to daily activities.
Understanding An Ankle Fracture
An ankle fracture occurs when one or more of the bones that make up the ankle joint break. These bones include:
• Tibia – the shin bone that forms the inner part of the ankle
• Fibula – the smaller bone on the outer side of the lower leg
• Talus – a bone in the foot that connects the leg to the foot
When excessive force is applied to the ankle, these bones can crack or break. Some fractures are small cracks that allow limited weight-bearing, while others involve displaced bones that may require surgery.
Recovery from an ankle fracture typically takes several months and depends on factors such as the severity of the fracture, whether surgery was required, and overall health.
Common Causes of Ankle Fractures
Ankle fractures often occur during situations that place significant force on the joint.
Falls
Tripping or falling, especially on uneven surfaces, can cause the ankle to twist or compress with enough force to break a bone.
Sports Injuries
Sports that involve jumping, cutting, or sudden changes of direction can place stress on the ankle.
Motor Vehicle Accidents
Direct impact or twisting injuries during a collision may cause fractures.
Workplace Accidents
Falls or injuries involving heavy objects may place excessive force on the ankle joint.
Signs and Symptoms of an Ankle Fracture
Symptoms of an ankle fracture usually appear immediately after the injury.
Common signs include:
• Severe pain around the ankle
• Rapid swelling
• Bruising around the joint
• Inability to bear weight on the injured foot
• Tenderness when touching the ankle
• Limited ability to move the foot or ankle
• Visible deformity in more severe fractures
Anyone experiencing these symptoms after an injury should seek medical evaluation promptly.
How An Ankle Fracture Is Evaluated
Diagnosis typically involves medical imaging, such as X-rays, to confirm the fracture and determine its severity.
Once cleared for rehabilitation, physical therapists at Rose Physical Therapy evaluate how the injury affects movement and function.
Your evaluation may include:
• Review of the injury and medical history
• Assessment of swelling and pain levels
• Range of motion testing as healing allows
• Strength testing of surrounding muscles
• Observation of walking mechanics once weight-bearing is permitted
This information helps guide a personalized rehabilitation plan.
Physical Therapy for Ankle Fractures
Whether the fracture was treated with casting, bracing, or surgery, physical therapy plays an important role in recovery.
At Rose Physical Therapy, treatment programs are tailored to each patient’s stage of healing and activity goals.
Pain and Swelling Management
Techniques such as elevation, manual therapy, and gentle mobility may help reduce discomfort and inflammation.
Gradual Weight-Bearing Progression
Physical therapists guide patients through a safe progression from non-weight-bearing to full walking.
Gait Training
Therapy focuses on restoring normal walking patterns after time spent in a boot or cast.
Range of Motion Exercises
Gentle exercises help restore ankle flexibility and reduce stiffness after immobilization.
Strengthening Exercises
Targeted strengthening helps rebuild the muscles of the ankle, foot, and lower leg.
Balance and Stability Training
Exercises improve coordination and stability to help prevent future injuries.
Functional Training
For active individuals, rehabilitation progresses toward running, jumping, and sport-specific movements.
Home Exercise Program
Patients receive customized exercises to continue rehabilitation outside the clinic.
Ankle Fracture Rehabilitation in Washington, DC
Recovering from a broken ankle requires careful rehabilitation to restore strength, mobility, and balance.
At Rose Physical Therapy, individualized treatment programs help patients recover safely and regain confidence in their movement.
If you are recovering from an ankle fracture, schedule an evaluation at one of the Washington, DC clinic locations:
Farragut North
Friendship Heights
Navy Yard
Rose Physical Therapy provides comprehensive care designed to support recovery after ankle fractures and help patients return to normal activities with strength and stability.