According to the studies, 10% of people over 60 walks with a noticeable limp. There are various factors for limping walking, such as neurological issues, arthritis, surgery, accidents, or infection.
If you are also facing this issue and walk with a limp, we will help you about how to stop limping after a broken ankle.
Further, Moovekart has a range of assistive devices and tools that help people in physiotherapy. Explore the range of mobility aids, including walkers, canes, bathroom safety rails, and more.
Consult with your physician and order online from the comfort of your home.
How Ankle Fracture Cause Limping?
A broken ankle results from a fracture in the ankle joint's distal fibula or tibia bone. They mainly occur from falls or accidents involving the twisting of the foot. The fractures range from simple to complex ones, moving to broken ale.
Limping is one of the symptoms that reveal injuries and underlying health issues. It needs a proper diagnosis using advanced medical technology and proper treatment to return to normal activities.
5 Strategies to Stop Limping When Walking?
From physiotherapy to surgery, there are various treatment options. However, there are general strategies that help with the limping walk post-surgery or due to ankle fracture.
Let's have a look at those strategies that are highly effective:
1. Wearing proper footwear
Wearing the right mobility aid is one of the most extensive supports. Sometimes, wearing the right shoes or not proper shoe care helps the condition.
For some conditions, wearing the right foot care gear, such as braces or shoe inserts that evenly distribute pressure and reduce limping, is helpful.
Moreover, your doctor can better prescribe possible solutions to avoid limping according to your overall condition, age, and body weight.
2: Physical therapy
Regular sessions of physical therapy are the most effective strategy. It helps stop the underlying issues such as bone injuries or muscle weakness.
Using the proper techniques in physical therapy, such as exercises, stretches, and strength improvement movements, offers support.
Additionally, it is beneficial in improving the overall balance and coordination and reducing the walking risks after an injury.
3: Range of motion exercises
You can efficiently perform several exercises at home without going to your doctor.
All these exercises offer exclusive results and improve limp walk. Here we share some practical exercises to stop limping:
i. Ankle circles
In this exercise, rotate your ankles in a circle. Perform this thrice and then change the direction. Perform in the morning and evening.
ii. Ankle pumps
Bend and straighten your ankles briskly to activate your muscles. Keep your knees straight for a few seconds to stretch your calf muscles.
It will help you walk before the exercise, and you will also notice improvement.
iii. Deep calf stretch
Another exercise to do at home to improve is performing deep calf stretches. To perform this exercise, stand with one foot in the front while the other is holding to a support.
Keep the feet pointing forward and bend both knees. Let all your body weight stretch your calf without lifting the heel from the ground.
In addition, other exercises should be performed, including calf stretches, heel raises, and heel dips and raises.
Make this a routine and perform daily twice to improve your limping walk.
4: Use of assistive devices
Sometimes, exercises are not enough to control or improve your limping. Then comes the use of specific devices to fast-track the recovery process.
These devices include crutches, parallel bars, and grab bars with which to walk. Studies reveal that parallel bars help patients stabilize and correct their walk over time.
5: Balance training
Another quite effective technique to help with limping is balance training. Use a balance board to perform this technique.
It works by challenging yourself to stand on the board and maintaining balance while it moves.
. Moreover, it helps with the overall stability of the ankle and improves its strength to bear your body weight with even distribution.
Take away:
In summary, performing exercises and taking physical therapy sessions is essential to eliminate limping while walking.
Additionally, getting help from assistive devices helps regain total confidence to walk without such issues.
Moreover, follow medical advice to follow several exercises at home.
FAQs
Is it normal to limp after an ankle fracture?
After an ankle fracture, you may be limping for several months. However, it can get better with some time when you perform regular exercises, practice with assistive devices, and take physical therapy sessions.
How long does learning to walk again after a broken ankle take?
Depending on the conditions and the treatment plan you select, it may vary from six to eight weeks to walk normally. Moreover, there will be days when you will limp, but it also gets better with practice and time.
How do I get back to walking after a broken ankle?
To get back to normal walking after a fracture in the ankle. Make sure to be persistent with the exercises and physical therapy sessions. Furthermore, follow your medical doctor's advice about using assistive devices and mobility tools.