What is the recovery time after ankle surgery?

The total recovery time for full use of an ankle after surgery to repair an ankle fracture is 12 months, according to Kaiser Permanente. This includes the time spent wearing a cast, receiving physical therapy and returning the ankle to pre-fracture functionality.

Patients who receive an ankle surgery can expect to remain in a cast for as long as eight weeks. After two weeks, the patient receives a below-the-knee cast and begins to add weight to the ankle. The cast removal occurs six to eight weeks after surgery, and the hardware imbedded in the knee receives a checkup at approximately 12 weeks following the surgery, explains Kaiser Permanente.