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Treatment
Treatment will depend upon the severity of the injury. Treatment involves:
- Putting the pieces of the bone back into position, which may require anesthesia and/or surgery
- Holding the pieces together while the bone heals itself
Devices that may be used to hold the bone in place while it heals include:
- A cast (may be used with or without surgery)
- A metal plate with screws (requires surgery)
- Screws alone (requires surgery)
- A rod down the middle of the bone (requires surgery)
The doctor may prescribe pain medication. Your doctor will order more x-rays while the bone heals to ensure that the bones have not shifted position.
Exercises
When your doctor decides you are ready, start range-of-motion and strengthening exercises. You may be referred to a physical therapist to assist you with these exercises. Do not return to sports activity until the doctor says your ankle is fully healed and you have near normal motion and muscle strength.
Healing Time
It takes at least 6-8 weeks for even a simple ankle fracture to heal. It will be several months before you can return to intense physical activity.