How long can a broken ankle be in a splint before you see an orthopedic doctor?

by Joanne
(Garden Grove)

I broke the top of my ankle 11 days ago. The ER told me to wait a week, because of the swelling, before I go to an Orthopedic doctor. They put my leg in a splint and told me to stay off of it. I can't go to an Orthopedic doctor because I was laid off and I no longer have insurance. The free clinic can't see me for another week so that would mean my leg would be in a splint for 16 days. Is that too long?

Hi Joanne,

I do not know how bad the break is but technically you could stay in the splint for a while, as long as you do not bear weight on the foot and ankle. The splint, although not quite as good as a cast will still immobilize the ankle to keep the pain down. By not bearing weight you are eliminating stress being applied to the ankle.
Since I do not know how bad the break is I cannot comment on whether or not you are a candidate for surgery.
Marc Mitnick DPM