Non-displaced Ankle fracture: conservative treatment

Dear Ask The Doctor: Sir i had an accidebt n was diagonsed to have undisplaced fracture invoving the postmalleleous. i got a plaster as u informed me..my ankle is in plaster for more than one month but i feel pain similar to the pain had in the start. i dont see the improvement though ill keep plaster for another two weeks..kindly help me sir. i m going under depression because of this ankle n not able to work properly thanking you. raj

Dear Raj: The non-displaced ankle fractures involving any of the prominent malleolar surfaces can usually be treated by putting a cast or splint on the broken ankle. You wear the cast or splint until the fracture heals, meaning approximately 6-12 weeks, may be less depending on each case in particular. You may need crutches or a walker, your doctor and physical therapy will tell you how much weight, if any, you can put on your broken ankle. The bone strength and the ability of the bone to sustain a heavy load may take up to one year. For the non-displaced fractures the goal of the physical therapy is control pain and swelling and restores the full ankle function. You can use local cold to ease pain and reduce swelling. You should be taught exercises to do with the cast for strengthening and also you can take anti inflammatory medication (“Aleve”, “Advil”). Elevate the affected foot may be beneficial too.