Rehabilitation program for non-surgical treatment of ankle fractures

  Phase 1 (0 to 4 weeks) 1. Active toe movement.  2. Quadriceps contraction exercises. 20 reps per set, rest for 1 minute, then start the 2nd set for 2 to 4 sets until you feel fatigued. 2 to 3 times a day. Also feasible straight leg raise exercise, upward straight leg raise, so that the quadriceps contraction. Inward and outward leg raises to exercise the adductor and abductor muscles. Each group of 20 times, after resting for 1 minute, start the second group, and continue for 2 to 4 groups, 2 to 3 times a day.  3. Walk without weight-bearing crutches on the affected limb.  4. Knee extension and flexion exercises. 5 to 20 minutes each time, 1 to 2 times a day.  Phase 2 (4-6 weeks) 1. Depending on the condition, the cast will be removed at 4 weeks when the exercises are active, but the rest of the time, the cast will still be fixed.  2. Use warm water to soak the feet.  3. Gently practice ankle joint inversion, valgus and rotation activities. 10-15 minutes each time, 2-3 times a day.  4. Gradually increase ankle movement according to the patient’s pain and swelling level.  Phase 3 (6-8 weeks) 1. Weight-bearing of the ankle joint.  2. Anti-assisted ankle joint movement exercises, such as anti-assisted dorsiflexion, plantar flexion and internal and external rotation. Each set of 30 movements, rest for 30 seconds and then start the second set, 2 to 4 consecutive sets, 2 to 3 times a day.