I Fractured My Ankle This Summer. Here’s How I Supported My Recovery.
This summer, a simple slip while “extreme gardening” sent me flying.
What I thought was a bad sprain was later diagnosed as an undisplaced ankle fracture.
It was a good reminder: even simple accidents can become significant injuries.
Of course, immediate first aid is essential.
Start with R.I.C.E.R.
Rest. Ice. Compression. Elevation. Referral.
Early assessment by a GP and imaging is important. If something doesn’t feel right, seek further evaluation.
In my case, the initial clearance was later revised after review by a radiologist and physiotherapist. A second opinion confirmed the fracture. I’m glad I trusted my instincts and involved a physiotherapist early.
What I Did to Support Healing
Everything I did was under the guidance of a physiotherapist. I also used pain medication when needed in the first two weeks and wore a brace with compression to protect the joint.
Alongside this, I integrated natural therapies to support tissue repair and recovery.
Cold First. Then Heat.
In the acute phase, reducing swelling is key.
I used cold packs regularly.
Later, once swelling settled and bruising became more stagnant, I gradually introduced gentle warmth. Heat can help improve circulation and joint mobility at the right stage.
A simple guide:
If it feels hot and inflamed → use cold
If it feels stiff and cold → gentle heat may help
Timing matters.
Arnica & Comfrey
I used topical Arnica cream several times daily to support bruising resolution.
I also used Comfrey (Symphytum) preparations. Traditionally known as “bone knit,” comfrey has a long history of use in supporting fracture healing and connective tissue repair.
Tissue Salts & Homeopathic Support
Under practitioner guidance, I used:
Silica tissue salt — traditionally used to support connective tissue strength
Calc Phos — often included in bone healing support protocols
Symphytum — traditionally used in fracture care
These were used as complementary supports alongside conventional care.
Acupuncture
Acupuncture was an important part of my recovery.
In the early phase:
Gentle, superficial needling around the ankle
No deep needling while swelling was present
Focus on supporting lymphatic drainage and circulation
As healing progressed:
Points across the forefoot (including Ba Xie)
Techniques to activate intrinsic foot muscles
Improved joint awareness and neuromuscular reset
Acupuncture may assist with:
Pain modulation
Swelling reduction
Circulatory support
Nerve stimulation around the injured area
Moxa (Heat Therapy)
Around weeks three to four, I introduced moxa (therapeutic heat).
This helped improve joint mobility, ease stiffness, and support circulation as the fracture stabilised.
Massage & Lymphatic Support
In the early stage, massage was light and focused on lymphatic drainage.
Later, deeper soft tissue work (under professional guidance) supported:
Scar tissue mobility
Joint movement
Muscle recovery
The Bigger Picture
Natural therapies did not replace Western medicine — they complemented it.
I used:
Pain relief when needed
Immobilisation with a brace
Structured physiotherapy rehabilitation and gentle rehab exercise such as swimming with a pool buoy.
At four weeks, I was out of the brace and walking confidently — earlier than the expected six-week immobilisation period.
Every injury is different. Healing times vary. But thoughtful, layered support can make a meaningful difference.
Consider your plan for recovery
Get proper imaging
Seek professional guidance
Follow a structured rehab plan
Integrate supportive therapies safely
If supporting your body naturally is important to you, acupuncture and integrative care can be valuable tools during recovery.
Recovering from an injury and would like Acupuncture as part of your recovery plan? We’re here to help at our Northern Beaches clinics in Brookvale and Warriewood. You can make an appointment for TCM here.
