A broken ankle can disrupt your life in many ways, but physical therapy for broken ankle recovery plays a central role in restoring your mobility, confidence, and comfort. At Lattimore Physical Therapy, we help patients across Rochester and surrounding areas—including Monroe, Ontario, Wayne, Livingston, and Yates counties—recover from ankle fractures with personalized, research-backed care.

Understanding a Broken Ankle

An ankle fracture occurs when one or more bones in the ankle joint—typically the tibia, fibula, or talus—crack or break. Depending on the injury’s severity, your physician may treat it with immobilization (a cast or boot) or surgery.

Types of fractures include:

• Lateral malleolus (fibula)
• Medial malleolus (tibia)
• Posterior malleolus (back of tibia)
• Bimalleolar (fibula and tibia)
• Trimalleolar (fibula, tibia, and talus)

Common causes include slips, car accidents, sports injuries, and high-impact trauma.

What Happens During Immobilization

While your ankle is in a boot or cast, healing begins—but so do other physiological changes:

• Muscle atrophy (especially in the calf)
• Stiff ligaments and joint capsules
• Reduced nerve sensitivity
• Loss of joint flexibility and proprioception

The Role of Physical Therapy For Broken Ankle Recovery

Once your physician clears you to begin therapy, our team develops a progressive treatment plan to restore:

• Range of motion
• Strength
• Balance
• Gait mechanics
• Confidence in movement

We use a combination of manual therapy, targeted ankle fracture exercises, and advanced techniques like aquatic therapy to ensure a full and lasting recovery.

Ankle Fracture Physical Therapy Protocol: What to Expect

Your PT protocol will depend on the type of fracture and your stage of healing, but here are common phases and common broken ankle rehab exercises:

Phase 1: Early Recovery (Immobilization/Immediate Post-Cast Removal)

• Toe wiggles and gentle foot pumps (to maintain circulation)
• Seated leg raises and quad sets (to maintain strength in other muscle groups)
• Core and upper body exercises

Phase 2: Regaining Motion and Strength

• Alphabet exercises and ankle circles
• Resistance band work (dorsiflexion, plantarflexion, inversion, eversion)
• Calf raises (progressing from seated to standing)
• Wall-supported calf and Achilles stretches

Phase 3: Gait and Balance Training

• Heel-to-toe walking drills
• Balance board or foam pad exercises
• Single-leg stands with and without support
• Tandem walking and proprioception drills

Phase 4: Return to Full Function

• Plyometrics (light jumping, box step-ups)
• Squats and lunges (with gradual reloading)
• Agility and sport-specific drills for athletes

Techniques That Support Your Recovery

• Manual therapy: Soft tissue mobilization and joint mobilization techniques can help reduce stiffness and improve joint glide.
• Aquatic therapy: Our hydrotherapy options are ideal during the early stages when weight-bearing is limited.
• Home exercise programs: We equip you with the tools and knowledge to safely continue rehab at home between sessions.

Why Choose Lattimore Physical Therapy for Broken Ankle Rehab?

With more than 35 clinics across the Rochester region—including Victor, Canandaigua, Penfield, and Dansville—we make it easy to access expert care close to home. Our physical therapists have deep experience in treating ankle fractures, and we prioritize a hands-on, whole-body approach to ensure optimal healing.

We work closely with your referring physician or orthopedic surgeon to create a seamless recovery experience, whether you’re returning to daily activities, your job, or competitive athletics.

Schedule Your Recovery Journey

A comprehensive understanding of broken ankles, including the different types of fractures and the necessary recovery process, is essential for effective rehabilitation. The journey to recovery involves specialized physical therapy for broken ankles and a regimented recovery process. Recovery includes immobilization, followed by focused efforts on regaining motion and strength, gait and balance training, and ultimately returning to full function. At Lattimore, our skilled therapists employ a variety of techniques tailored to meet individual needs, ensuring that each patient receives the support required to achieve optimal recovery outcomes. Emphasizing the importance of professional guidance, we encourage those affected by ankle fractures to seek expert physical therapy to facilitate a smooth and successful rehabilitation journey.

Physical therapy for broken ankles is a critical step in getting back to what you love. Let the experienced team at Lattimore Physical Therapy guide your recovery. Schedule your appointment today: https://lattimorept.com/schedule-an-appointment/