What to expect from post-operative rehabilitation for an ankle fracture

After surgery, your team checks the incision, swelling, sensation and the movement available within your restrictions. Early physiotherapy may teach elevation, safe transfers, crutch or frame technique and exercises for the toes, knee and hip. When the surgeon permits more loading, treatment can progress to ankle mobility, calf and leg strengthening, balance and walking practice. The plan also considers the fracture pattern, fixation, bone healing, footwear and the demands of work or sport. Stiffness and swelling can persist while activity is rebuilt.

Follow the surgeon’s weight-bearing and boot instructions even if pain is improving. Keep the wound and support protected, elevate the leg when advised, and perform the exercises for your current stage rather than borrowing a later exercise. Practise the walking pattern shown by your therapist, using the recommended aid until balance and control are adequate. Increase one activity at a time and mention swelling that remains elevated into the next day. Well-fitting footwear and pacing can make the transition from a boot more comfortable.

Seek prompt advice for increasing redness, warmth, drainage, fever, wound opening, worsening numbness, or a support that feels too tight. Urgent assessment is needed for severe calf swelling or pain, sudden breathlessness, chest pain, or a foot that becomes cold, pale or blue. A new deformity, sudden inability to bear the permitted load, or rapidly increasing pain should also be assessed rather than exercised through.

Ask when each weight-bearing stage changes, which signs show the incision or fracture needs review, how to manage swelling, and when to move from a boot to shoes. Discuss stairs, driving, work duties and the strength or balance checks needed before sport.