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  • Q&A with Australian Health Practitioners

    Should I continue ankle rehab exercises or stop because of swelling?

    Related Topic
    Sports Injuries & Prevention
    I fractured my right ankle 5 weeks ago. I was put in a backslab for 2 weeks, then a moonboot for another 2 weeks. the swelling had almost disappeared. So the doctor and physiotherapist gave me some rehab exercises to do once a day to regain ROM and strength. but as soon as i started the exercises my ankle swelled up again. no pain just swelling. I was told to try and walk on it , but I dont know if thats going to make things worse.
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    Dr Adam Gavine

    Chiropractor

    I am a chiropractor who specialises in Active Release Techniques and instrument assisted soft-tissue treatment. I have a keen interest in everything nutritional as I … View Profile

    Normally broken bones take about 6-8 weeks to fully mend. The trend is the younger you are and healthier you are the less time it takes to heal. 
    I'm not sure what form of exercises your physio and doctor recommended (weight bearing or non weight bearing), but the prescription of exercises is a good idea. Swelling and inflammation are a normal part of healing, in your case you would have inevitably done some soft tissue damage to the surrounding structures (i.e. torn or strained muscles and ligaments). Research has shown that muscle strains and ligament sprain respond best to tension being placed on them, this stimulates cells called fibroblast to produce healthy new cells to replace the old damaged ones. However, swelling/inflammation is a problem is there is too much of it. There are several methods to bring down the swelling such as wearing some form of compression sock or bandage, seeing a soft tissue practitioner who can work the fluid out of the area, icing the area, elevating the area (i.e. lying on your back with your ankle raised), natural anti-inflammatories, and drugs.

    If the swelling is not causing any pain or restricting your range of movement then it is not something you should be too concerned about. If you are concerned and are not sure if the swelling is normal, consult a practitioner.

    Generally in cases like your's, I have my patients start with doing non-weight bearing exercises for a few weeks then progress them onto weight bearing exercises. If you want some ideas for non-weight bearing ankle exercises, go on youtube and type in ‘rehabilitation for a broken ankle’. I saw a good video from www.sportsinjuryclinic.net

    If you want more information you can contact me through my website www.backtofunction.com.au

    Hope this helps 

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