You may need to wear a cast for quite some time to allow the break to heal properly. This immobilization can cause your ankle to become weak and the muscles to feel tight, and you might wonder if your ankle will ever be the same.
Fortunately, there is a safe way to determine when to start running after ankle surgery, and physical therapy can help you get there faster.
This article discusses the healing process after an ankle fracture, and how you can decide when it is safe to start running again.
Healing After an Ankle Fracture
Before you can begin running again, you will need to overcome these impairments that are common after a broken ankle or ankle surgery:
Swelling Pain Loss of range of motion (ROM) Decreased strength Scar tissue tightness (if you have had surgery) Decreased balance and proprioception Difficulty walking, running, and driving a car
You may initially be required to walk with an assistive device like a walker or crutches after breaking your ankle. Your physical therapist can help you choose the correct device. They can also make sure that your assistive device is properly sized for you and that you are using it properly.
Your physical therapist can work with you to help you improve your mobility. He or she may prescribe exercises designed to increase ankle ROM. Strengthening and plyometric exercises may be done to ensure that the muscles that support your ankle are strong, and a biomechanical ankle platform system (BAPS) board may be used to help improve balance and proprioception in your injured leg.
When You Can Start Running Again
Everyone is different, and many factors may limit your ability to return to running after an ankle fracture or surgery. These include:
The severity of the breakWhether or not surgery was performedThe success of physical therapyThe amount of effort you put into your rehabilitationA little bit of luck
In general, you can attempt to start running about three to four months after your injury. By this time, the bones in your ankle should be well healed and your ROM and strength should be close to normal. You can slowly increase your distance as long as your pain is minimal and your ROM and strength remain excellent.
Again, everyone is different and every injury is different. Some people are able to run much sooner after breaking their ankle. Unfortunately, some people continue to be limited by pain, loss of ROM, or limited strength long after their injury and may take longer to return to running.
There are some people who can never get back to running, even after putting in their best effort to regain normal mobility and strength around their ankle.
You must work closely with your healthcare provider and physical therapist to be sure that running is safe for you and to set realistic goals and expectations after an ankle fracture. This includes having a realistic idea of your injury and your own personal capabilities.
Summary
Recovering from an ankle fracture can be a difficult process, but most people are able to start running again three to four months after the break. Your physical therapist can help you with strengthening and range of motion exercises that can help speed up the process.
It is important to start running again only when you are fully healed, have excellent range of motion, and minimal pain.
A Word From Verywell
An ankle fracture can be a painful injury, and it may take considerable time and effort to return to your previous level of activity. If you are a runner who has suffered an ankle fracture, chances are you are eager to return to running as soon as possible.
Working with your healthcare provider and physical therapist can ensure that you create a solid plan for you to quickly and safely return to running.
