Outlook

Most simple fractures heal well with immobilization and non-weight-bearing activity.

• You can expect most ankle fractures depending on how severe they are, to take 4-8 weeks for the bones to heal completely and up to several months to regain full use and range of motion of the joint.
  
  
• More severe fractures, especially those requiring surgical repair, will take longer to heal.
  
  
• Fractures of any type increase your likelihood of developing arthritis in the affected joint. The more severe the fracture, the higher the risk of developing some degree of arthritis.