The ankle in conjunction with the heel forms the base of the ankle. As you know, the lower part of the legs accounts for the main load during the day. Especially hard in this regard to people who have problems with being overweight. An ankle fracture is a serious injury, the treatment of which requires a rehabilitation course. 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, a repeated relapse is possible, and the old injury will make itself felt for the rest of his life.
The recovery period of the ankle after the fracture depends on the complexity and type of injury, the presence of complications, etc. If the damage did not cause additional problems, then the rehabilitation process is easy. In the case of a two-ankle or three-ankle fracture , the treatment time increases significantly, because the bone breaks in several places at once. Regardless of the complexity of the injury, it is necessary to go through the recovery process under the supervision of a specialist in order to avoid unpleasant consequences.
Basic rehabilitation processes
The first step in recovering a leg after an ankle fracture involves wearing a cast. The duration of this process depends on the complexity of the injury that occurred when applying gypsum problems and the nature of the ankle damage. The initial stage of recovery after an ankle fracture without displacement lasts approximately 1-2 months. If there are additional problems, then the plaster cast may not be removed for six months.
The patient must understand that this injury is serious, therefore, the supervision of a doctor and his control over the rehabilitation process are simply necessary. In most cases, to begin with, a plaster cast is applied and they are not removed until bone fusion occurs. Then closed gypsum is applied, which is worn until the leg is completely healed. In order for the bone to grow together at a normal pace, you can not load the ankle with the weight of your body.
The second stage of recovery after an ankle fracture consists of exercises aimed at improving the mobility of an injured leg. Typically, specialists prescribe the following procedures to the patient:
- physiotherapy;
- massage;
- physiotherapy.
It is worth noting that these procedures must be used in combination in order to achieve maximum results in the shortest possible time.
Features of the rehabilitation period
Wearing a plaster cast is an essential part of the recovery process after an external ankle fracture. After this period, the leg becomes weak and inactive. And in order to restore her strength, mobility and normal gait, the joint must be regularly developed. It will require perseverance and zeal not only doctors, but also the patient himself. After removing the cast, the patient will not be able to move well, and to facilitate this process, it is recommended to purchase an ulnar crutch. However, this product must not be abused. The fact is that if you use it for more than two weeks, a lameness habit may form.
Immediately after removal of the plaster cast, the patient is prescribed a course of electromagnetic therapy. It includes electrophoresis, mud baths, ankle warming. These procedures are required to restore the ankle after a fracture and swelling, which appears as a result of wearing plaster.
Then the patient is prescribed a massage, the duration of which depends on the particular case. This procedure can last 5 days and the entire rehabilitation period. As you know, massage helps to restore the former mobility and the development of the joint. This procedure can be carried out by both the doctor and the patient as one of the stages of recovery after ankle fracture at home.
After all these therapeutic measures, the patient needs to undergo a course of rehabilitation exercises. This step is mandatory; ignoring it is not recommended. Physical therapy is aimed at restoring the mobility of the ankle. It includes a set of exercises with a systematic increase in the load on the injured leg. We will talk more about all stages of rehabilitation.
Physiotherapy
After the doctor removes the cast, he immediately prescribes physiotherapy. Restoring a leg after an ankle fracture is not possible without these procedures. They are aimed at the rehabilitation of the ankle, as well as giving mobility. In addition, with their help, the following goals are achieved:
- bone tissue is strengthened;
- the process of bone growth is increased;
- blood circulation is normalized;
- puffiness is removed.
Most doctors prescribe approximately the same physiotherapy procedures, since they are the most effective. Among them stand out:
- electrophoresis;
- joint warming up;
- the adoption of mud baths;
- the effect of harmless currents;
- exposure to ultraviolet light.
Initially, all these activities are carried out under the strict supervision of a physician. In the future, the patient can carry them out on their own. The duration of the recovery period after an ankle fracture depends, including on the integrity of the patient. After all, if you follow all the recommendations of a doctor, the process will end as quickly as possible. The next stage of rehabilitation is massage. We will consider this procedure in more detail.
Early massage
The fact is that this event is more effective to use in combination with physiotherapy or physiotherapy. In other words, massage can be applied at all stages of treatment. However, the tasks that he performs are always different. At the initial stage of therapy, it is aimed at muscle relaxation, and at the late stage, the normalization of ankle mobility.
First use massage on the second or third day after damage. It can be applied through gypsum, the main thing is to do everything correctly, and then the result will not be long in coming. Many doctors recommend skeletal traction. It is aimed at the gradual reduction of fragments and keeping them in position with the help of goods. This is a fairly effective technique, but there is one drawback - you need a long bed rest, sometimes it lasts several months.
Before the massage, it is necessary to achieve relaxation of all the muscles of the patient, vibration is used for this. It is worth noting that, along with a damaged leg, attention should be paid to a healthy one. 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 a skeletal traction, then you need to massage outside the focus, paying attention to the lower leg and thighs.
Correct movement
Recovery time after an ankle fracture depends on the correct execution and orientation of the techniques. Often massage is done by a specialist who knows all the nuances. But if the patient himself will carry out this procedure, then he needs to know where to start and how to end.
Each session should begin with stroking in the area of the inguinal and popliteal lymph nodes. Kneading and grinding can be done in any direction; in such a situation, the flow does not matter.
It is worth noting that stroking should be done with your fingers, fist or the entire surface of the palm. As for grinding, it is better to perform movements with high intensity in different directions. Kneading is carried out at later stages of treatment, as it is aimed at increasing muscle tone and normalizing ankle mobility. It must be done with the help of fists and palms. Kneading is similar to the process of mixing the dough, the movements should be intense.
Massage is completed in the recovery complex after ankle fracture with shock tapping and patting. Such actions can be performed using the fist or rib of the palm. It is recommended to stroking between receptions, as it helps to take a breath and relax a bit for both participants in the process.
Advanced massage
When a full recovery is nearing, it is necessary to tone the muscles and restore former mobility. To do this, use such techniques as kneading, rubbing and shock vibration. In addition, the use of intermittent stroking is quite effective. In the process of recovery after an ankle fracture at home, this massage can be performed. However, the person who implements it must be a professional, since one careless movement can lead to complications.
As soon as the plaster is removed, you can not immediately begin intensive techniques, because it will not lead to anything good. Moreover, such zeal 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, swelling may appear, and rehabilitation will be delayed.
If nevertheless there is inflammation, then a light massage is recommended to remove it. The movements should be directed from the edges to the center, then the usual stroking should be applied. This simple technique cannot be underestimated; the length of the rehabilitation period directly depends on it.
During the massage, you do not need to touch the fracture site. It is much more effective to massage the area around it. Excessive touching the damage causes sharp pain and discomfort.
After removing closed plaster
As soon as the plaster is removed, you need to gradually increase the physical load on the leg. Massage in the first two weeks should be done very carefully, give the ankle get used to. Then it is already possible to make intermittent stroking, while the movements of the hands will be carried out towards each other.
After a month, it is time to begin stroking with affecting the zones of the focus. However, you still need to observe safety precautions, and do not make sudden movements. Recovery after ankle fracture without displacement occurs rather quickly. If this is the case, then after a month you can already massage a little bolder, you should add a light striking.
As already noted, massage is most effective when combined with therapeutic exercises. In addition, during the rehabilitation period, you can regularly take mud baths and physiotherapy techniques. If the patient did everything right, under the strict supervision of a doctor, then the rehabilitation process will be as quick and effective as possible. Recovery after an ankle fracture will be full, and the patient will be able to return to his usual life. It should be remembered that this can only be achieved by following the recommendations of specialists.
Physiotherapy
After the patient has undergone a course of physiotherapy and massage, it's time to proceed to physiotherapy exercises. In other words, you need to perform exercises to recover from an ankle fracture. Each lesson is very important, and is aimed at returning the necessary mobility to the joint, and the muscles will be able to regain their former elasticity.
To begin with, you should perform the exercises under the guidance of the specialist who appointed this course. In the future, to achieve certain results, you can continue to study at home. It should be remembered that one exercise in time should take no more than 10 minutes. If there is pain in the ankle, you need to postpone this task for a while. It is worth noting that the load needs to be gradually increased so that the foot gets used to it.
Doctors in most cases prescribe a course of fairly simple exercises that can be performed without any effort. Typically, a set of tasks includes:
- walking with support on an injured leg, the main thing here is not to overdo it;
- swings with a sick leg in different directions, it is advisable to hold it for some time in the air with the next swing;
- swings with both legs in a lying position;
- lifting from the heel to the toe of both legs, this can be done with one leg;
- raising your legs back, trying not to bend your back;
- knee lift with a slight delay.
It is difficult to overestimate the usefulness of walking during the rehabilitation period. 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 deal with it. It must be remembered that after an injury it is much more difficult to descend than to climb.
Tasks of physiotherapy exercises
Of course, the main goal of gymnastics is to return the mobility of the injured leg area. However, this is not the only task. In addition, the following physical education assignments are distinguished:
- due to small physical exertion, swelling of the damaged part of the leg is removed;
- exercises, in addition to rehabilitation goals, are aimed at preventing flat feet and finger curvature;
- there is an improvement in blood circulation.
How long does it take to recover from an ankle fracture? It depends on how the rehabilitation process goes. Sometimes doctors prescribe additional exercises for the speed of recovery. For example, flexion exercises are quite popular, they are performed with fingers and joints. Walking on heels and toes alternately is also very useful during this period. At the same time, it is necessary to have special orthopedic insoles, which must be put in shoes.
It must be remembered that the recovery time also depends on the severity of the ankle fracture. All doctor's recommendations must be followed. Otherwise, the rehabilitation process will last a lot of time, and lead to serious consequences. The ankle site where the fracture occurred will constantly hurt and give rest. What then to say about an ankle fracture? Recovery after surgery takes a very long time. Of course, a fracture of both ankles is a very rare case, and certainly the most difficult.
Displacement recovery after ankle fracture
This is probably one of the most difficult cases. The rehabilitation period of such a fracture cannot be determined even approximately. However, we can say for sure that the recovery will be very long. The fact is that with such a fracture, the lower limb remains motionless, and it needs to be carefully and systematically developed. These procedures begin at a time when the plaster cast is still applied. Doctors usually recommend intervening in the second week.
To begin with, the simplest movements are made, which exercises do not dare to call the language. The time when the new tasks can be implemented, the doctor determines using an x-ray. If there are signs of bone fusion on it, then gradually the ankle begins to load.
As you know, an ankle fracture with displacement is one of the most complex injuries, and therefore recovery takes a very long time. The rehabilitation process is monitored by a specialist with regular x-rays. If they do not show improvement over time, then surgical intervention is required. And after the operation, it is also necessary to go through the recovery process.
What exercises can not be performed during the rehabilitation period?
Many people, due to their constant employment, cannot wait until the bone is completely fused and load the leg heavily. This is strictly prohibited, such actions will lead to very unpleasant consequences. During rehabilitation, you must not run, jump, walk on the outer and inner sides of the foot, ride a bicycle, dance, move in heels, or engage in strength exercises.
Properly performed gymnastics will help the patient fully recover from a fracture, return to a normal habitual life. It is necessary to take care of the injured leg, not to overload it with unnecessary physical exercises, and to avoid injuries. It is recommended to take short walks, preferably with a guide. The elastic bandage can not be removed until complete recovery, if without it there is a feeling of discomfort.
During the year after the fracture, you should be careful once again, because if relapse occurs, the ankle may not fully recover.