Ankle and Foot Fractures

Written By Martin Spitzeck

Physiotherapy for Ankle and Foot Fractures

Recovery, Strength & Mobility for Simple, Complex and Avulsion Fractures

Ankle and foot fractures can significantly limit mobility, weight-bearing and daily function. Whether managed surgically or non-surgically, physiotherapy plays a crucial role in restoring strength, movement and confidence once your fracture is stable and cleared for rehabilitation. Our physiotherapists specialise in guided, evidence-based recovery for all types of ankle and foot fractures, including avulsion fractures, ensuring safe progression through each stage of healing.

Types of Fractures We Treat

We treat a wide range of ankle and foot fractures, including:

  • Avulsion fractures

  • Lateral and medial malleolus fractures

  • Distal tibia and fibula fractures

  • Fifth metatarsal fractures (Jones, avulsion, stress-related)

  • Navicular, cuboid and cuneiform fractures

  • Talus and calcaneus fractures

  • Stress fractures in the foot and ankle

  • Post-operative fracture management

Whether your injury was caused by sport, a fall, twisting trauma or repetitive stress, our team provides structured rehabilitation to help you recover safely.

Areas We Treat During Rehabilitation

1. Pain, Swelling & Inflammation Management

  • Strategies to reduce swelling after immobilisation

  • Soft tissue techniques

  • Compression and elevation guidance

  • Safe movement to promote circulation

  • Managing post-cast stiffness

2. Restoration of Ankle & Foot Joint Mobility

After a period of immobilisation, stiffness is common. Treatment may include:

  • Gentle joint mobilisation

  • Stretching tight structures (calf, plantar fascia, midfoot)

  • Restoring normal dorsiflexion, plantarflexion and midfoot motion

  • Big toe mobility, crucial for walking

3. Re-building Strength After Immobilisation

Muscle weakness occurs quickly following fractures. We target:

  • Calf and soleus strength

  • Tibialis posterior and foot intrinsic muscles

  • Peroneals for lateral ankle control

  • Quadriceps and hip stabilisers for gait support

  • Progressive loading of the injured limb

4. Balance, Proprioception & Stability Training

Essential for preventing re-injury and restoring full confidence. Includes:

  • Static and dynamic balance drills

  • Single-leg stability retraining

  • Reactive and functional control

  • Early-to-late stage proprioception programs

5. Gait Retraining & Return to Normal Walking

Fractures often lead to compensatory walking patterns. We assist with:

  • Transitioning from boot to normal footwear

  • Improving stride length and weight-bearing symmetry

  • Ensuring proper push-off through the forefoot

  • Correcting limping or guarding patterns

6. Sport, Work & Lifestyle-Specific Rehabilitation

Once strength and mobility improve, we tailor rehab to your goals:

  • Running and jumping progression

  • Agility and return-to-sport testing

  • Work-related load progression

  • Functional strengthening for daily tasks

7. Management of Avulsion Fractures

Avulsion fractures often behave like severe ligament sprains but require correct protection early. We provide:

  • Guided healing timelines

  • Progressive load and mobility programs

  • Peroneal, deltoid or ligament-specific strengthening

  • Stability and proprioception retraining

  • Prevention strategies for future sprains or avulsions

Our Physiotherapy Approach

Your rehabilitation plan is based on the fracture type, healing stage and medical imaging. Treatment may include:

  • Manual therapy

  • Individualised strengthening program

  • Joint mobilisation

  • Soft tissue treatment

  • Exercise progressions appropriate for bone healing

  • Boot/weaning guidance

  • Return-to-activity programming

  • Education on daily load management

We work closely with your GP or specialist to ensure safe progression through each stage of bone healing.

Common Causes of Ankle & Foot Fractures We See

  • Sport trauma (twisting, landing injuries)

  • Falls or missteps

  • Direct impact injuries

  • Rapid change in training load

  • Poor bone density

  • Untreated sprains leading to avulsion fractures

When to Begin Physiotherapy

You can start physiotherapy once imaging is completed and your fracture has been medically cleared for rehabilitation. Seek physio if you have:

  • Ongoing pain after immobilisation

  • Stiffness or difficulty weight-bearing

  • Weakness or instability

  • Concerns about returning to work or sport

  • Difficulty transitioning out of a boot or brace

Early, guided rehab leads to faster recovery and better long-term outcomes.

Book Your Ankle & Foot Fracture Assessment

Our physiotherapists are experienced in helping patients recover safely and confidently after ankle and foot fractures.
Contact us today to book your rehabilitation appointment.

Martin Spitzeck
Next

Heel Pain Plantar Fascitis