Ankle Injuries
Brett Young, M.D., Joe McCormick, M.D., Chris Prato, M.D., Daniel Metz, M.D.
1531 S. Madison Street, Appleton, WI 54915
Initial Care: Rest, ice, compression, and elevation (RICE) are the keys to initial management. Ibuprofen (Motrin©) can be taken every six hours. Tylenol© can be taken every four hours. You may need crutches and non-weight bearing initially.
Immobilization & Weight Bearing Status: Your physician has recommended:
full weight bearing
toe-touch weight bearing
non-weight bearing
Your physician may prescribe any number of devices for ankle immobilization (cast, walking boot or air stirrup splint). When possible, keep an ACE wrap around the foot and ankle.
Physical Therapy: Our goals initially will be to minimize ankle swelling. Elevate the ankle as much as possible. Ice should be applied for 20 minutes up to four times per day. Be careful not to apply ice directly to the skin.
When your physician allows, begin performing range-of motion exercises 3-4 times daily. Work on ankle pumps, circles, and alphabet tracings to maintain a supple joint. At this stage, it is more important to increase range-of-motion than weight bearing. Use crutches & your boot until weight bearing is allowed, and continue to ice as swelling occurs.
When your physician advances your weight bearing status, gradually begin putting weight on the foot while continuing to use crutches. Discontinue crutches on your own once weight bearing is pain free. If there is pain, continue to use crutches.
As you become more comfortable with walking, ankle strengthening will be prescribed by your physician (via a trainer or physical therapist). This will include gait training, peroneal muscle strengthening and proprioceptive training. At 2-6 weeks, you can return to sports as dictated by strength, range-of-motion, and stability. A splint may be required to prevent further injury and control swelling. You can reasonably expect swelling to occur with activities for a long time (up to six months).
Emergencies: Please call Affinity Orthopaedics at (920) 996-3700. After hours, an Orthopaedic Surgeon is available by having the St. Elizabeth’s Hospital operator page the on-call orthopaedic physician. Please call the office sooner if you have any further questions.
Ankle Injuries, Page 1 of 1