A broken or fractured ankle is an injury to the bone usually as a result of twisting the foot due to a simple misstep or fall, or from direct trauma (i.e. swift turn while downhill skiing or car crash).

Foot or ankle fractures are the most common type of lower extremity fracture, accounting for up to 10% of all fractures in adults. While most people think fractures are severe breaks, some fractures are less intense. This leads sometimes to fractures being mistaken for other injuries, like sprains.

Symptoms include:

• Inability to bear weight
• Severe swelling
• Deformity of the joint
• Intense or throbbing pain
• Significant tenderness

The physical therapists at Vita will work with you to design a specific treatment program to speed up your recovery from your fractured foot or ankle. Typically, the program will include the following:

• Range of motion exercises focusing on ankle dorsiflexion and calf stretching
• Pain reduction via modals such as dry needling and kinesio taping the foot, ankle, and/or calf.
• Strengthening exercises for calf muscles
• Gait training exercises to return to standard gait patterns.
• Cross-training guidance and progression to total activity.

Physical therapy for dizziness may involve exercises designed to improve balance, coordination, and strength.