A broken ankle injury requires a temporary but significant shift in how you navigate the world. Maintaining independence while strictly adhering to non-weight-bearing (NWB) or partial weight-bearing (PWB) orders is the immediate concern. Understanding how to utilize mobility aids and manage common environmental challenges is the first step toward a safe recovery. Learning specific techniques for everyday tasks helps prevent secondary injury.
Essential Mobility Aids and Safe Usage
Crutches are the most common mobility aid, requiring precise technique to keep all weight off the injured ankle. Proper fit is achieved when the top of the crutch pad rests about two finger-widths below the armpit, with your weight supported entirely by your hands on the handgrips. The correct non-weight-bearing movement, known as the three-point gait, involves moving both crutches forward first, then swinging the uninjured leg through past the crutch tips. This forms a stable triangle with the crutches and the single weight-bearing foot, maximizing balance.
For longer distances, a knee scooter offers advantages by keeping hands free and reducing strain on the upper body. You rest the bent knee of the injured leg on the padded platform and propel yourself using the uninjured foot. Safety is maintained by keeping both hands on the handlebars for steering and using the built-in handbrakes to manage speed, especially when slowing down for corners.
Walkers offer the greatest degree of lateral stability, making them a preference for those with poor balance or limited upper-body strength. The NWB technique involves pushing the walker forward a short distance, then supporting your body weight with your arms as you hop the uninjured leg forward to meet the walker’s frame. It is imperative that the injured foot remains completely suspended and does not accidentally touch the ground during the movement.
Navigating Common Household Obstacles
Stairs present a significant fall risk and should be approached using a specific technique known as “up with the good, down with the bad.” When ascending, you step up with the uninjured leg first, followed by the crutches and the injured leg. When descending, the crutches and the injured leg go down to the lower step first, followed by the uninjured leg.
Managing the bathroom environment involves using adaptive equipment to ensure secure transfers. The toilet transfer is easiest with a raised toilet seat and safety frame, which provides sturdy handles to push up from and lower down onto. To transfer, back up until the uninjured leg touches the toilet, place crutches aside securely, and use the armrests or grab bars to control your descent, keeping the injured foot elevated.
Showering requires careful preparation, as the bathroom is the most common place for falls. A shower chair or a transfer bench is highly recommended to allow you to sit securely while bathing. The injured leg must be protected using a commercial waterproof cast cover, which features a watertight seal around the limb above the cast or boot. A handheld shower nozzle provides the best control for directing water and keeping the injured leg dry.
Managing Transportation Outside the Home
Car transfers require a controlled pivoting technique to safely enter a vehicle without placing weight on the injured ankle. The front passenger seat is often ideal due to greater legroom. Back up until you feel the car seat, hold both mobility aids in one hand, and use the car’s stable frame or dashboard with the other hand for support.
Once seated, pivot your body on your uninjured hip and use your hands to lift the injured leg into the car, keeping the knee straight. Driving is generally not permitted if the broken ankle is on the right foot, as a cast or boot can significantly impair the reaction time needed for an emergency brake. Even with a left ankle injury, the use of narcotic pain medication legally prohibits driving.
For public transit, most buses are now accessible and can lower their floor or use a ramp for easy entry with a mobility aid. Subways and trains pose a greater challenge due to the gap between the platform and the car; request assistance from an attendant or driver. Due to the fatigue associated with crutch use, a knee scooter or wheelchair may be a better option for navigating long distances, such as an airport.
Fall Prevention and Safety Protocols
Proactive adjustments to your home environment prevent secondary falls during recovery. Clear all walkways of potential tripping hazards, such as throw rugs, electrical cords, and loose items. Secure area rugs with double-sided tape or remove them entirely until you are fully mobile again.
Appropriate footwear on your uninjured foot makes a considerable difference in stability, so choose a flat shoe with a thin, non-slip sole that fully encloses the foot. Avoid walking barefoot or using floppy slippers that can catch on the ground or be easily kicked off.
To safely carry items while your hands are occupied with mobility aids, use the following methods:
- Utilize a backpack, fanny pack, or crossbody bag to distribute weight evenly across your torso.
- Use deep pockets in clothing for light items.
- Attach specialized crutch accessories directly to the frame.
- For hot liquids or plates, use a small wheeled cart or ask for assistance.
Ensure your living space has adequate lighting, especially in hallways, stairwells, and the bathroom. Installing nightlights in these areas and keeping a lamp within easy reach of the bed helps prevent disorientation or tripping if you need to move at night. Light switches at both the top and bottom of stairs are also an important safety feature.