Avulsion fracture in the ankle recovery time

[Anonymous]

My child suffered an avulsion fracture in her ankle and is currently wearing a cast. She is expected to wear the cast for 4 weeks and the doctor will assess her at that time.

If your child has had an avulsion fracture in their ankle, how long did it take them to (1) walk, (2) play soccer. Did they do PT afterwards? I know that every case is different and I'm not asking for medical advice, just for a range of experiences based on families who have gone through similar injuries.

[Anonymous]

It will depend on what bone and where the break is located on the bone*. So most smaller weight bearing broken bones foot/ankle are 4-8 weeks in kids. My DD was playing after 8 weeks but was not fully recovered till 3 months after a broken foot. If they have to mess with the tendon it will be surgery- minimum three months and PT. Maybe return to play in 4 months but not 100%. Hope it’s just a broke bone.

Ask for PT it helps and the PT therapist will give you a really good idea on a time line to return based on your DD injury. You have to have full range of motion in that ankle.

*Some of the small ankle/foot bones do not get a lot of blood flow. Specially around the lesser metatarsals close to the ankle. I know two people who broke the same foot bone within a week of each other. The difference in recovery time was 4-6 weeks vs 6 months. These were adults. Kids health quicker! This was because of where the break occurred on the bone and blood flow to the bone.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:My child suffered an avulsion fracture in her ankle and is currently wearing a cast. She is expected to wear the cast for 4 weeks and the doctor will assess her at that time.

If your child has had an avulsion fracture in their ankle, how long did it take them to (1) walk, (2) play soccer. Did they do PT afterwards? I know that every case is different and I'm not asking for medical advice, just for a range of experiences based on families who have gone through similar injuries.

Three weeks to walk properly. 6-8 to return to play. But longer time to full fitness. PT is helpful.

[Anonymous]

Her age is a factor too. A lot of people will say diet has nothing to do with healing but they're wrong. Avoid ibuprofen, Add some liquid bone marrow (use as a soup base) every other day. add calcium, protein . and vitamin D & C. This will sound crazy but google it. Its called grounding. Have her stand outside in the grass or dirt completely barefoot for 15 minutes 2 times daily. This is an alternative health dynamic. Added your Drs suggestions.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:My child suffered an avulsion fracture in her ankle and is currently wearing a cast. She is expected to wear the cast for 4 weeks and the doctor will assess her at that time.

If your child has had an avulsion fracture in their ankle, how long did it take them to (1) walk, (2) play soccer. Did they do PT afterwards? I know that every case is different and I'm not asking for medical advice, just for a range of experiences based on families who have gone through similar injuries.

them to (1) walk

One month (4-6 weeks avg)

(2) play soccer

2 months (8-12 weeks avg)

Did they do PT afterwards- this age can do it on their own or just meet once or twice with PT

[Anonymous]

OP this is just not a broken bone. If you are dealing with tendon. It will most likely be 3 months. It just takes that long for the tendon/bone connection to be at full strength. The doctor will most likely put her in a boot when the cast comes off.


An avulsion fracture occurs when a small chunk of bone attached to a tendon or ligament gets pulled away from the main part of the bone. The hip, elbow and ankle are the most common locations for avulsion fractures in the young athlete.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:OP this is just not a broken bone. If you are dealing with tendon. It will most likely be 3 months. It just takes that long for the tendon/bone connection to be at full strength. The doctor will most likely put her in a boot when the cast comes off.


An avulsion fracture occurs when a small chunk of bone attached to a tendon or ligament gets pulled away from the main part of the bone. The hip, elbow and ankle are the most common locations for avulsion fractures in the young athlete.

Thank you. Not what I was hoping to hear, but I appreciate your answer. We'll just have to be patient and take it slowly.

[Anonymous]

I am sorry OP. My kid has had a broken foot, two separate broken toes, and a bad ankle sprain over the past two years. It is so hard to watch them be sidelined. Just know that everyone goes through it at some point. And summer is actually a good time to have it happen, for a soccer player.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:OP this is just not a broken bone. If you are dealing with tendon. It will most likely be 3 months. It just takes that long for the tendon/bone connection to be at full strength. The doctor will most likely put her in a boot when the cast comes off.


An avulsion fracture occurs when a small chunk of bone attached to a tendon or ligament gets pulled away from the main part of the bone. The hip, elbow and ankle are the most common locations for avulsion fractures in the young athlete.

Also the 5th metatarsal avulsion is pretty common not as common as the Jones fracture but still fairly common.

[Anonymous]

When I was in high school I suffered from an avulsion fracture once on my right ankle and twice on the left. The first time I actually played through, with an orthopedist's permission, an entire tournament. After the tournament I wore a boot for 4 weeks and then resumed playing. This did not require PT. The subsequent times I wore a boot for about 2-3 weeks and then was back to normal. There are many different places avulsion fractures can take place. The one I suffered from occurred in the front of the ankle and the small piece of bone that was separated was quickly re-absorbed.

[Anonymous]

I don't think you said how old your daughter was, but I would ask your doctor to prescribe at least a few sessions of PT. The younger she is, the less likely it seems they do this, but I think it's worth it and if you ask, I'm sure doc will write the script.