Anyone who’s experienced a break has the same question. How long does it take for a fractured ankle to heal? A common, but no less frustrating injury, a broken ankle impacts your life to such an extent that you just want to know when it’ll be over. 

A fractured ankle typically takes between 6-12 weeks for the bones to heal, dependent on the severity of the injury. Full recovery can take anywhere from 3-12 months in most cases, but in extreme and complex cases, it could be up to two years before the ankle has returned to normal. 

This disparity is because recovery for a fractured ankle is dependent on the damage done – which bones have been affected, whether they have been broken, and how stable the joint is. 

Once the level of injury has been assessed by our consultants, then we at the London Foot and Ankle Centre can begin to guide you through the healing process. 

 

Understanding Ankle Fractures 

Whilst ankle sprains are separated into grades, ankle fractures are classified differently. The severity of an ankle fracture is based on the bones broken, the fracture’s location, the stability of the joint, and the degree of displacement. 

 

Stable Ankle Fracture Healing Time

A stable fracture is an ankle break where the bones have not been displaced, and the ligaments remain intact. Stable fractures often do not require surgery, which makes the recovery process much quicker. 

• Bone healing: between 6-8 weeks. 
• Full recovery: between 3-6 months. 

 

Unstable Ankle Fracture Healing Time

An unstable fracture involves the bones becoming displaced or misaligned, and this will usually require surgical intervention. 

• Bone healing: between 8-12 weeks. 
• Full recovery: between 6-12 months. 

 

Complex Ankle Fracture Healing Time

A complex ankle fracture involves multiple bones or ligaments being broken or misaligned. These will almost always require surgery. 

• Bone healing: at least 10-14 weeks. 
• Full recovery: between 6-12 months in most cases, but can be up to 2 years

 

Do I Need To Have Surgery For A Fractured Ankle? 

Whilst we will always look for non-surgical approaches, often a fractured ankle that is unstable or complex gives us little other option. Without surgical intervention, long-term function can be impaired, and it increases the likelihood of chronic instability or arthritis in future. 

 

Pain Management Strategies

Your Consultant will guide you through your rehabilitation process, but there are a few things you can do at home to enhance your recovery. 

• Keep your ankle elevated whenever possible
• Take painkillers – Your consultant may prescribe some specifically, or over-the-counter medication can be used
• Gently move your toes and bend your knee while wearing the boot – this eases your muscles

 

How Can I Prevent Setbacks? 

Your consultant will provide you with personalised guidance on how you can return your ankle to normal function, but there are steps you can take to stop unnecessary setbacks. 

• If you have a plaster cast, keep it dry and do not scratch under it
• Do not carry heavy things
• Follow stabilisation and strength techniques advised to you by your consultant

 

What Can Impact Fracture Healing Time? 

Every person is different, so naturally the healing process varies based on a few factors. 

• Bone density – those with osteoporosis can expect healing to take longer
• Lifestyle habits – smoking and poor nutrition may impair healing

 

Healing A Fractured Ankle With LFAC

If you’re concerned about how long your fractured ankle will take to heal, or you need a treatment plan tailored to your recovery, book a consultation with our specialist foot and ankle surgeons today.