Recovery of the ankle joint after a fracture: a set of measures

2023 Author: Alfred Shackley | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-05-21 13:14

The ankle is a whole complex of bones and ligaments. It is difficult to imagine that the ankle joints can easily support the weight of a person. And if something happens to the legs, a full life is under threat.

And an unpredictable injury can happen: a fracture. Much worse is an ankle injury with displacement. In these cases, a qualified doctor, urgent treatment and long rehabilitation can help. It should be noted that this is one of the most dangerous injuries.

One of the reasons is a strong blow, which directly affects the joint. There have been cases when a pedestrian fell unsuccessfully while walking and broke his ankle. Also, a similar injury can occur due to a fast run or after an unsuccessful jump.

Ankle fracture reduction

When a specialist diagnoses a fracture with displacement, the bone fragments will be reset to their places. This procedure is called reduction and is performed manually under anesthesia.

In this case, you need to achieve the main result - muscle relaxation. In this case, the person who is injured should sit on the edge of the table, and the doctor will choose such a position so that the affected leg fits snugly against his knee joint. In this position, the traumatologist sets the elements of the bone. If the reduction is done correctly and most importantly in a timely manner, the fusion of the damaged bones should proceed without the threat of complications.

The plaster cast depends on the fracture itself.

When a plaster cast has been applied, a stirrup is applied to move. The cast is worn for approximately 10 weeks.

X-rays must be taken during the plaster period. This is done to see if the joints are recovering.

If, after a plaster bandage is applied to the patient, he feels discomfort and even pain at the fracture site, the discomfort can be eliminated by slightly cutting the bandage and pushing it apart. Do not feel sorry for the plaster. Otherwise, it may have a deplorable effect: cells may die.

When is surgery required?

In cases where after injury it is impossible to match bone fragments, surgery is required. Its essence is the use of metal screws and plates. The bone fragments are collected and secured with a screw. The option of attaching a plate is possible, which is fixed by a screw. Such a fastener serves a person for a year, after the fixation is removed.

An operation is a clear reflection on each action. Fresh fractures need a method when an assistant is not needed. The patient is positioned correctly on the traction table with the leg hanging down.

Opening the site of the medullary canal is the most difficult step. It all depends on what the bone looks like. The nail can be inserted using reaming and without it. After the end of the surgery, a plaster cast is applied.

Pain relief is used to relieve pain after surgery. Plaster is applied to the affected part. After that, a long-term recovery will begin.

Exercises during the plaster period

Already in the plaster period, you need to start doing the first exercises to develop the ankle joint.

Gymnastics during the plaster period:

• You can start by extending and bending your toes;
• Then you can raise your leg just above the bed;
• Move the operated leg in different directions and hang it from the bed;
• Tighten the muscles of the lower leg and thigh.

When the specialist decides that it is allowed to get out of bed, you can use the previously given simple swing exercises with the operated leg.

A prerequisite after a fracture is when the patient is resting or sleeping, his injured leg should rise above the healthy one. To do this, you can rest your foot on a pillow.

After a joint fracture, it is most convenient to move around with an elbow crutch. It balances when walking, while the hand does not feel tired.

Rehabilitation period

After two months, the plaster is removed, and the long-awaited rehabilitation begins. One of the main tasks of this period is to eliminate all the changes that have occurred in the ankle: the phenomenon of lymphostasis and vascular problems. You also need to do exercises to improve joint mobility, strengthen muscles, and generally increase physical activity.

Ankle rehabilitation consists of:

• Massage;
• Physiotherapy;
• Rubbing;
• Wearing an ankle protector.

The bandage prevents various injuries of the ankle, supports the ligamentous apparatus. Thanks to it, pain is felt less.

It happens that after the plaster is removed, ankle swelling appears. In these cases, massage is used, warm foot baths help. When using water procedures, you can use sea salt and herbal decoctions.

After a joint fracture, the patient needs to learn how to massage himself. There is nothing complicated about it. Light movements along the foot, stroking from the ankle to the toes, will do. This will promote better blood circulation.

Various oils can be used during the massage - this will simplify the technique of movements. If touching is painful, pain relieving ointments or creams can be used. Today pharmacology provides a large selection of drugs.

After a joint fracture, the patient needs to monitor what kind of shoes to wear. Orthopedic on a flat sole is suitable.

Joint development exercises

The main component of the recovery period is physiotherapy exercises.

Lying exercises:

• Flex - unbend the foot. At the same time, breathe freely, perform slowly 20 times;
• Flex - unbend the toes. Do at a slow pace 20 times;
• Rotate the foot to the left, to the right, gradually add circular movements to this;
• Do at an average pace 15 times each rotation;
• Bend - unbend the foot towards you and back as far as possible. Perform at an average pace 20 times;
• Alternately bring your legs to your stomach. Run at an average pace with each leg 10 times;
• Spread the feet to the sides, while maximizing the leg from the femur. Run 10 times at an average pace;
• Raise the injured leg up above the level of the bed and pull your toes towards you. Run 10 times at an average pace;
• Rest, while lifting your legs up, 10 minutes.

Exercise therapy after a foot fracture includes different types of walking. This is a very good way to work out your leg. You can move without a crutch.

After a fracture, ball exercises, such as squats, are helpful. In this case, you need to snuggle tightly against the wall, and place the knee joints to the sides. Jumping on one leg will do. You can jump to the sides on two limbs.

After an injury, exercises in which a rocking chair serves as a support for the foot are very effective. At home, you can roll a regular rolling pin over the injured leg.

Water is a wonderful remedy for restoring the ankle joint. You can sign up for the pool and perform exercise therapy.

If a person has an ankle fracture, it depends only on him how long the rehabilitation will last, and how quickly his leg will restore its functions. Exercise therapy, the necessary exercises, the use of an elastic bandage, proper nutrition and, of course, significant efforts of the patient himself will give good results.