Recovery after an ankle fracture at home

The ankle, in conjunction with the heel, forms the basis of the ankle. As you know, the lower part of the legs is the main load during the day. Especially hard in this regard are people who have problems with being overweight. Fracture of the ankle is a serious injury, the treatment of which requires a course of rehabilitation. Many doctors believe that this period of therapy is the most important, and if you miss it, you can get unpleasant complications. In this case, repeated relapse is possible, and the old trauma will make itself felt for the rest of your life.

The recovery period of the ankle after a fracture depends on the complexity and type of injury, the presence of complications, etc. If the damage did not cause additional problems, the rehabilitation process is easy. In the case of a double-arm or three-knee fracture, the time for treatment is significantly increased, because the bone breaks down at once in several places. Regardless of the complexity of the injury, it is necessary to undergo a restoration process under the supervision of a specialist in order to avoid unpleasant consequences.

Basic rehabilitation processes

The first stage of restoring the leg after an ankle fracture involves wearing a plaster bandage. The duration of this process depends on the complexity of the injury that arose when the gypsum was applied to problems and the nature of ankle damage. The initial stage of recovery after an ankle fracture without displacement lasts approximately 1-2 months. If there are additional problems, the plaster bandage may not be removed within six months.

The patient should understand that this trauma is of a serious nature, therefore the supervision of the doctor and his control over the rehabilitation process are simply necessary. In most cases, a plaster bandage is applied first and do not remove it until bone splicing occurs. Then, a closed gypsum is applied, which is worn before the full healing of the foot. To bone fused at a normal pace, you can not load the ankle by the weight of your body.

The second stage of recovery after an ankle fracture consists of exercises designed to improve the mobility of the injured leg. Usually, the specialists prescribe the following procedures to the patient:

• physiotherapy;
• massage;
• physiotherapy.

It should be noted that these procedures should be used in combination in order to achieve the maximum result in the shortest possible time.

Features of the rehabilitation period

Wearing a cast is a mandatory part of the recovery process after a fracture of the external ankle. After this period, the leg becomes weak and inactive. And in order to restore her strength, mobility and normal gait, the joint should be regularly developed. It will require perseverance and diligence not only for doctors, but for the patient himself. After removal of gypsum, the patient will not move well, and to facilitate this process, it is recommended to purchase an elbow crutch. However, this product should not be misused. The fact is that if you use it for more than two weeks, you can form a habit of lameness.

Immediately after removal of the plaster bandage, the patient is prescribed a course of electromagnetic therapy. It includes electrophoresis, mud baths, ankle heating. These procedures are mandatory for restoring the ankle after fracture and swelling, which appears as a result of wearing gypsum.

Then the patient is prescribed a massage, the duration of which depends on the specific case. This procedure can last for 5 days, and the whole period of rehabilitation. As you know, massage promotes the return of previous mobility and joint development. This procedure can be performed by both the doctor and the patient as one of the stages of recovery from an ankle fracture at home.

After all these medical measures, the patient needs to undergo a course of rehabilitation exercises. This step is mandatory, ignoring it is not recommended. Therapeutic physical training is aimed at restoring the mobility of the ankle. It includes a set of exercises with a systematic increase in the burden on the injured leg. We'll talk about all the stages of rehabilitation in more detail.

Physiotherapy

After the doctor removes the cast, he immediately prescribes physiotherapy. Restoring the leg after an ankle fracture is impossible without these procedures. They are aimed at rehabilitation of the ankle, as well as giving mobility. In addition, they achieve the following goals:

• Strengthens the bone tissue;
• The process of bone coalescence increases;
• Blood circulation is normalized;
• The puffiness is removed.

Most doctors prescribe approximately the same physiotherapy procedures, since they are the most effective. Among them are:

• Electrophoresis;
• Heating of the joint;
• Acceptance of mud baths;
• The effect of harmless currents;
• Exposure to ultraviolet.

Initially, all these activities are conducted under the strict supervision of a doctor. Later the patient can exercise them independently. The length of the recovery period after an ankle fracture depends, including on the patient's conscientiousness. After all, if you follow all the recommendations of a doctor, then the process will end as quickly as possible. The next stage of rehabilitation is massage. We will consider this procedure in more detail.

Massage at an early stage of treatment

The fact that this event is more effective to use in conjunction with physiotherapy or physiotherapy exercises. In other words, massage can be used at all stages of treatment. However, the tasks that he performs are always different. At the initial stage of therapy, it is aimed at relaxing the muscles, and at the later stage - normalizing the mobility of the ankle.

For the first time, massage is used on the second or third day after the injury. It can be applied through gypsum, the main thing is to do everything correctly, and then the result will not make you wait long. Many doctors recommend to apply a skeletal traction. It is aimed at gradually regulating fragments and keeping them in the desired position with the help of cargoes. This is a fairly effective technique, but there is one drawback - a long bed rest is needed, sometimes it lasts for several months.

Before the massage you need to achieve relaxation of all the patient's muscles, for this, vibration is used. It should be noted that, along with the injured leg should be paid attention and healthy. The procedure should not be accompanied by pain or discomfort. The duration of the daily session is no more than 3-5 minutes. If the patient has skeletal traction, then massage should be done outside the focus, paying attention to the lower leg and thighs.

Correctness of movements

The recovery time after an ankle fracture depends on the correctness of the performance and the direction of the techniques. Often the massage is done by a specialist who knows all the nuances. But if the patient himself will implement this procedure, then he needs to know where to start and how to finish.

Each session should begin with stroking in the inguinal and popliteal lymph nodes. Mashing and grinding can be done in any direction, in such a situation the current does not matter.

It should be noted that stroking should be performed with fingers, fist or the whole surface of the palm. With regard to grinding, it is better to perform movements with high intensity in different directions. Reception kneading is carried out at later stages of treatment, as it is aimed at increasing muscle tone and normalizing the mobility of the ankle. It must be performed with the help of fists and palms. Mashing is similar to the process of mixing the dough, the movements should be intense.

Finish the massage in the recovery complex after ankle fracture with shock tapping and patting. Such actions can be performed with the help of a fist or a hand rib. It is recommended to perform stroking between the methods, as it helps to take a breath and relax a little for both participants of the process.

Massage in the advanced stages

When the full recovery is near, it is necessary to bring the muscles into a tonus and restore the former mobility. To do this, use techniques such as kneading, rubbing and shock vibration. In addition, the use of intermittent strokes is quite effective. In the process of recovery from an ankle fracture at home, you can carry out this massage. However, the person who implements it must be a professional, since one careless movement can lead to complications.

As soon as you remove the plaster, you can not immediately start intensive techniques, because it will not lead to anything good. Moreover, such diligence will only negatively affect the recovery time after an ankle fracture. This is due to the fact that incorrect movements will cause pain in the ankle, puffiness may appear, and rehabilitation will be delayed.

If there is still inflammation, then to remove it is recommended to use a light massage. Movements should be directed from the edges to the center, then you should apply the usual stroking. Do not underestimate this simple technique, it directly determines the length of the rehabilitation period.

During the process of massage, there is no need to touch the fracture site. It is much more effective to massage the area around it. Excessive contact with the damage causes severe pain and a feeling of discomfort.

After removing the closed gypsum

As soon as the cast is removed, you need to gradually increase the physical load on your leg. Massage in the first two weeks should be done very carefully, to give the ankle to get used to. Then you can make intermittent strokes, while the movements of the hands will be carried out towards each other.

A month later, it's time to start stroking the affected areas. However, you still need to take precautions, and do not make sudden movements. Recovery after an ankle fracture without displacement occurs fairly quickly. If this is the case, then in a month you can already massage a little more boldly, you should add a light beating.

As already noted, massage is most effective when combined with curative gymnastics. In addition, during the rehabilitation period, you can regularly take mud baths and methods of physiotherapy. If the patient did everything correctly, under the strict supervision of a physician, the rehabilitation process will be as quick and effective as possible. Recovery after an ankle fracture will be complete, and the patient will be able to return to normal life. It should be remembered that this can only be achieved by following the recommendations of specialists.

Physiotherapy

After the patient underwent a course of physiotherapy and massage, it's time to start physical therapy. In other words, you need to perform exercises to recover from an ankle fracture. Each lesson is very important, and is aimed at restoring the joint the necessary mobility, and the muscles can regain their former elasticity.

To begin with, you should perform the exercises under the guidance of a specialist who has appointed this course. In the future, after achieving certain results, you can continue to study at home. It should be remembered that one exercise on time should take no more than 10 minutes. If there is pain in the ankle, you need to postpone the task for a while. It should be noted that the load needs to be gradually increased so that the leg is used.

Doctors in most cases prescribe a course of fairly simple exercises that can be performed without effort. Usually the complex of tasks includes:

• Walking with the support of an injured leg, here the main thing is not to overdo it;
• Mahi sick leg in different directions, it is advisable to hold it for some time in the air with the next stroke;
• Mahi with both feet in the lying position;
• Lifting from the heel to the toe of both legs, you can do this with one leg;
• Lifting your legs back, trying not to bend your back;
• Knee lift with slight delay.

It is difficult to overestimate the usefulness of walking during rehabilitation. You need to constantly walk, to start on a flat surface, then you can use the simulators. If there is a staircase at home, you should practice on it. It must be remembered that after the injury, it is much more difficult to descend than to rise.

Tasks of therapeutic exercise

Undoubtedly, the main goal of gymnastics is to return the mobility of the injured leg section. However, this is not the only task. In addition, the following physical education appointments are singled out:

• Due to small physical loads, the puffiness of the damaged leg part is removed;
• Exercise, in addition to rehabilitation goals, is aimed at preventing flat feet and curving the finger;
• There is an improvement in blood circulation.

How long does recovery take after an ankle fracture? It depends on how the rehabilitation process goes. Sometimes doctors prescribe additional exercises for the speed of recovery. For example, flexing exercises are quite popular, they are performed by fingers with joints. Also very useful during this period is walking on heels and toes alternately. In this case, it is necessary to have orthopedic special insoles, which must be put in shoes.

It must be remembered that the recovery time depends on the severity of the fracture of the ankle. All the recommendations of a doctor must be followed. Otherwise, the rehabilitation process will last a long time, and lead to serious consequences. The site of the ankle, where there was a fracture, will be constantly ill and do not give rest. Then what about the fracture of the ankles? Recovery after surgery occurs for a very long time. Of course, fracture of both ankles is a very rare case, and certainly the most difficult.

Recovery after an ankle fracture with an offset

This is probably one of the most difficult cases. The rehabilitation period of such a fracture can not be determined even approximately. However, it can be precisely said that the recovery will be very long. The fact is that with this fracture the lower limb remains immobile, and it must be carefully and systematically developed. These procedures begin already at a time when the cast is still applied. Typically, doctors recommend intervening in the second week.

For the beginning, the simplest movements are made, which the exercises do not call the language. The time when you can implement new tasks, the doctor determines using an X-ray. If it shows signs of bone fusion, then gradually the ankle begins to load.

As you know, an ankle fracture with a displacement is one of the most complex injuries, and therefore the recovery takes a very long time. The rehabilitation process is monitored by a specialist using regular X-ray images. If they do not see improvements for a long time, then surgical intervention is required. And after the operation, it is also necessary to undergo the restoration process.

What exercises can not be performed during the rehabilitation period?

Many people in view of permanent employment can not wait until the bone is fully consolidated, and heavily loaded leg. This is strictly prohibited, such actions will lead to very unpleasant consequences. During rehabilitation, you can not run, jump, walk on the outer and inner sides of the foot, ride a bicycle, dance, move on heels, practice power exercises.

Correctly executed gymnastics will help the patient to fully recover from the fracture, return to normal normal life. We must take care of the damaged leg, do not overload with unnecessary physical exercises, and avoid injuries. It is recommended to take short walks, preferably with a guide. Elastic bandage can not be removed until complete recovery, if without it there is a feeling of discomfort.

Within a year after the fracture, one should again take care, because if a relapse occurs, the ankle may not fully recover.