You will be able to run again after an ankle fracture, but it will take some time to recover

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Medically reviewed by Yaw Boachie-Adjei, MD

You will likely be able to run again after an ankle fracture, but it will take some time to recover. Many people can start running three to four months after a break.

You may need to wear a cast for quite some time to allow the break to heal properly. This immobilization can cause your ankle to become weak and the muscles to feel tight, and you might wonder if your ankle will ever be the same.

to Start Running After an Ankle Fracture

Fortunately, there is a safe way to determine when to start running after ankle surgery, and physical therapy can help you get there faster.

This article discusses the healing process after an ankle fracture, and how you can decide when it is safe to start running again.

Healing After an Ankle Fracture

Before you can begin running again, you will need to overcome these impairments that are common after a broken ankle or ankle surgery:

Swelling
Pain
Loss of range of motion (ROM)
Decreased strength
Scar tissue tightness (if you have had surgery)
Decreased balance and proprioception
Difficulty walking, running, and driving a car¹

You may initially be required to walk with an assistive device like a walker or crutches after breaking your ankle. Your physical therapist can help you choose the correct device. They can also make sure that your assistive device is properly sized for you and that you are using it properly.

Your physical therapist can work with you to help you improve your mobility. He or she may prescribe exercises designed to increase ankle ROM. Strengthening and plyometric exercises may be done to ensure that the muscles that support your ankle are strong, and a biomechanical ankle platform system (BAPS) board may be used to help improve balance and proprioception in your injured leg.

Wolff’s law states that bone grows in response to the stresses that are placed upon it. Your physical therapist will help you progress through the proper stages of weight-bearing to make sure that adequate and appropriate stress is placed on your healing ankle.

Video: “Ankle Joint Recovery after Fracture”

EXERCISES FOR THE ANKLE JOINT. SET №6E IS AIMED AT STRENGTHENING OF THE MUSCLES AND IMPROVEMENT OF PROPRIOCEPTION AND STABILITY OF THE ANKLE AND ENTIRE LOWER LIMB. MID STAGE

For additional information about the recovery process after an ankle fracture, you can watch a video demonstrating exercises and rehabilitation recommendations.

When You Can Start Running Again

Everyone is different, and many factors may limit your ability to return to running after an ankle fracture or surgery. These include:²

The severity of the break
Whether or not surgery was performed
The success of physical therapy
The amount of effort you put into your rehabilitation
A little bit of luck

In general, you can attempt to start running about three to four months after your injury. By this time, the bones in your ankle should be well healed and your ROM and strength should be close to normal. You can slowly increase your distance as long as your pain is minimal and your ROM and strength remain excellent.

By six to nine months after your injury, you should be able to run without problems.

Again, everyone is different and every injury is different. Some people are able to run much sooner after breaking their ankle. Unfortunately, some people continue to be limited by pain, loss of ROM, or limited strength long after their injury and may take longer to return to running.

There are some people who can never get back to running, even after putting in their best effort to regain normal mobility and strength around their ankle.³

You must work closely with your healthcare provider and physical therapist to be sure that running is safe for you and to set realistic goals and expectations after an ankle fracture. This includes having a realistic idea of your injury and your own personal capabilities.

Video: “Post-traumatic rehabilitation of gait disorders“

EXERCISES FOR POST-TRAUMATIC CORRECTION AND REHABILITATION OF GAIT. INITIAL STAGE – SET 1

For additional information about Post-traumatic rehabilitation of gait disorders you can watch a video demonstrating exercises and rehabilitation recommendations.

Summary

Recovering from an ankle fracture can be a difficult process, but most people are able to start running again three to four months after the break. Your physical therapist can help you with strengthening and range of motion exercises that can help speed up the process.

By Brett Sears, PT
Brett Sears, PT, MDT, is a physical therapist with over 20 years of experience in orthopedic and hospital-based therapy.

Conclusion

An ankle fracture can be a painful injury, and it may take considerable time and effort to return to your previous level of activity. If you are a runner who has suffered an ankle fracture, chances are you are eager to return to running as soon as possible.

Working with your healthcare provider and physical therapist can ensure that you create a solid plan for you to quickly and safely return to running.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

When will I be able to walk after a broken ankle?

If you don’t need surgery, you might be able to walk on your own within six to eight weeks. If your fracture did require surgery, you may get a walking cast after two weeks; four to six weeks later, you may be able to apply some weight and be moved to a cast with a walker or crutches. It may then be a few more weeks before you can fully bear your weight and walk without any aids.

Learn More When Can I Start Running After an Ankle Fracture?

What exercises should I do once I’m out of an ankle cast?

Begin with range of motion exercises. A physical therapist can maneuver your ankle at first. Then you will begin exercises on your own such as pointing your toes and moving your foot in and out. These may be slightly painful as you get used to moving the joint again, but they should not cause severe or lasting pain.

Demo versions of GHRS sets of exercises for the Lower Limb Problems and Post-traumatic rehabilitation of gait disorders on YouTube

You can find more information about the Lower Limb Problems and Post-traumatic rehabilitation of gait disorders in our BLOG

Our website presents sets of exercises for rehabilitation of the ankle joint and gait disorders in the following four areas:

Sources

https://www.verywellhealth.com/when-can-i-start-running-after-an-ankle-fracture-2696020

McPhail SM, Dunstan J, Canning J, Haines TP. Life impact of ankle fractures: qualitative analysis of patient and clinician experiences. BMC Musculoskelet Disord. 2012;13:224. doi:10.1186/1471-2474-13-224
Del buono A, Smith R, Coco M, Woolley L, Denaro V, Maffulli N. Return to sports after ankle fractures: a systematic review. Br Med Bull. 2013;106:179-91 doi:10.1093/bmb/lds039
Beckenkamp PR, Lin CW, Chagpar S, Herbert RD, van der Ploeg HP, Moseley AM. Prognosis of physical function following ankle fracture: a systematic review with meta-analysis. J Orthop Sports Phys Ther. 2014;44(11):841-51. doi:10.2519/jospt.2014.5199