By: Dr. Ellis Schauder|April 10, 2023
Dealing with a dislocated ankle? Call Schauder Chiropractic & Wellness Center at 407-275-6700 to learn about chiropractic treatment.
Ankle dislocation is a major injury. Dislocation occurs when the bones that make up a joint separate in an irregular way. Like other common foot injuries from car accidents, how long to recover from a dislocated ankle depends on the level of the injury.
Schauder Chiropractic & Wellness Center treats dislocated ankles and other injuries through gentle chiropractic care. Learn how long your recovery may take.
Symptoms of a Dislocated Ankle
Due to the trauma of a car accident, you may experience shock and not notice that you dislocated your ankle. Symptoms include:
- Reduced range of motion
- Prominent swelling
- Severe bruising
- Intense pain
In cases of severe ankle injury, you may see bone protruding from the skin. If you experience any of these symptoms after a car accident, you should have a medical professional examine your ankle.
During the exam, your doctor will take an x-ray of the area to identify the extent of the damage. Additional imaging, such as an MRI or CT scan, can provide further insight into the dislocation.
How Long Does It Take to Recover from a Dislocated Ankle?
The length of the healing process depends on the extent of the ankle dislocation injury and the medical treatments you need. How long to recover from a dislocated ankle is up to you and your care team.
A dislocated ankle that does not require surgery could heal in six weeks. More severe dislocations or injuries that require surgery can take 12 weeks or even longer to recover from.
A physician may perform a closed reduction to shift the bones back to their original position without surgery. If a closed reduction is not possible, you may need surgery to restore the joint. During surgery, surgeons may use plates and screws to strengthen the joint.
Whether you need surgery or not, you will need to keep your ankle elevated and apply ice packs to help reduce the swelling. Your doctor may prescribe medication to help with the pain.
Once the swelling reduces, your doctor may fit a walking cast or a splint on your ankle. During this stage of healing, you can start physical therapy. The physical therapist will guide you through exercises to regain your range of motion and rebuild strength within the joint.
Caring for Your Ankle After Initial Recovery
When you experience a dislocated ankle, you may feel discomfort after the healing process finishes. Lasting stiffness is common, though chiropractic care may ease the discomfort.
Learn what level of discomfort is normal and when to call your doctor.
Call Schauder Chiropractic & Wellness Center for Dislocated Ankle Care
After a car accident in Florida, you have 14 days for a medical professional to evaluate your injuries. How long to recover from a dislocated ankle depends on the severity of the injury and the care plan.
Schauder Chiropractic & Wellness Center in Orlando, FL, treats common causes of aching legs at night, including injury from car accidents. Call our office at 407-275-6700 to schedule an appointment.
