Fractured Ankle

What is a Broken Ankle?

A broken ankle happens when one or more bones around the ankle joint fracture. The ankle joint is formed by three bones:

• The tibia (shin bone)
• The fibula (smaller bone on the outside of the leg)
• The talus (bone connecting the leg to the foot)

The bony bumps felt on each side of the ankle are called the malleoli:

• Medial malleolus – inner side of the ankle
• Lateral malleolus – outer side of the ankle

A fracture in these areas can affect ankle stability and weight-bearing ability. The severity can range from a small crack in the bone to more complex fractures involving multiple bones.

How Does a Broken Ankle Happen?

A broken ankle usually occurs when the ankle is twisted forcefully inward or outward.

Common causes include:

• Sudden twisting of the ankle
• Falling on uneven ground
• Sports injuries
• Stepping on a ball or another player’s foot
• Road accidents
• High-impact falls

In many cases, the same mechanism that causes an ankle sprain can also result in a fracture if the force is strong enough.

What Are the Symptoms of a Broken Ankle?

Symptoms can vary depending on the severity of the fracture, but they usually appear immediately after the injury.

Common symptoms include:

• Severe ankle pain
• Swelling around the ankle joint
• Bruising around the ankle
• Tenderness when touching the ankle
• Difficulty or inability to walk
• Reduced ankle movement
• Numbness or tingling in the foot
• Instability or feeling that the ankle may give way

In some cases, a visible deformity of the ankle may also occur.

What Should I Do If I Have a Broken Ankle?

A broken ankle requires immediate medical attention.

If you suspect an ankle fracture:

• Avoid putting weight on the injured ankle
• Keep the ankle supported and immobilised
• Apply ice wrapped in a cloth for 15–20 minutes
• Elevate the leg to help reduce swelling
• Seek urgent assessment at a hospital or emergency department

Doctors usually confirm the diagnosis using X-rays or other imaging scans to determine the severity of the fracture.

Physiotherapy Treatment for a Broken Ankle

Once the fracture has been stabilised with a cast or surgery, physiotherapy plays a critical role in restoring normal ankle function.

Immobilisation for 6–8 weeks often causes joint stiffness, muscle weakness, and reduced balance. Physiotherapy helps address these issues and improves recovery.

Physiotherapy treatment may include:

• Gentle range-of-motion exercises to restore ankle movement
• Stretching exercises for the calf muscles and Achilles tendon
• Strengthening exercises for the ankle and lower leg muscles
• Balance and proprioception training to improve stability
• Gait retraining to restore a normal walking pattern
• Soft tissue mobilisation or massage to reduce stiffness
• Swelling management techniques
• Advice on footwear and activity modification
• Sports rehabilitation programmes for athletes returning to activity

At ACE Physio Sports in Singapore, physiotherapists create personalised rehabilitation programmes designed to safely restore ankle mobility, strength, and stability.

What Should I Avoid With a Broken Ankle?

To prevent further injury and promote proper healing, certain activities should be avoided.

Avoid the following:

• Walking or standing on the injured ankle without medical clearance
• Running, jumping, or sports activities
• Hot showers, heat packs, or heat rubs during the early stage
• Massage directly over the fracture area
• Alcohol consumption shortly after the injury
• Ignoring persistent pain or swelling

Following medical advice and completing physiotherapy exercises is essential for optimal recovery.

Can There Be Long-Term Effects?

Most broken ankles heal within a few months, but recovery can vary depending on the severity of the fracture and the effectiveness of rehabilitation.

Possible long-term effects include:

• Persistent ankle stiffness
• Chronic swelling
• Reduced ankle mobility
• Weakness around the ankle joint
• Increased risk of ankle arthritis

Completing a structured physiotherapy programme significantly reduces the risk of long-term complications and helps restore normal ankle function.

Why Choose ACE Physio Sports

At ACE Physio Sports – Singapore, our physiotherapists specialise in orthopaedic injury rehabilitation and sports physiotherapy, including ankle fractures and post-surgical recovery.

Our clinic offers:

• Experienced musculoskeletal physiotherapists
• Personalised rehabilitation programmes
• Evidence-based physiotherapy treatments
• Sports injury rehabilitation and return-to-sport programmes

Located near East Coast Road, we regularly treat patients from Marine Parade, Katong, Joo Chiat, Siglap, and Bedok.

Book an Appointment

To arrange an appointment, please call +65 81535374 or visit acephysiosport.com.