Ankle Fracture — Ankle/Foot Fracture Rehabilitation (Operative & Non-Operative)

Mountain Orthopedics · Mountain Ortho Clinical Team

Weight-Bearing

Strict NWB x 6 wks after surgery; advance WB over 4 wks

Key Restrictions

Complete immobilization in boot/cast wks 1-6; boot for out of bed wks 7-10; boot for work/school wks 11-12; brace until stable proprioception with eyes closed; brace for at-risk activities x 1 year; beware increased swelling/pain = incomplete healing; diabetes patients delay 2-4 wks and progress slowly

Timeline & Phases

4 phases: Immobilization (0-6 wks), Early Rehab (7-10 wks), Progressive Loading (11-14 wks), Return to Activity (14+ wks); PT begins after 6 wks immobilization

Notes

Covers both ankle and foot fractures; bones heal ~70% strength at 7 wks; conservative approach; diabetes modification noted; 1-year brace recommendation for at-risk activities

Surgeon / Author

Mountain Ortho Clinical Team

Published

2024