**💻📰 Broken legs and ankles heal better if you walk on them within weeks**
Recent research challenges the long-held belief that patients with broken legs or ankles should avoid weight-bearing for extended periods. A shift in medical practice is underway, advocating for earlier weight-bearing, often within weeks of surgery, rather than the previous standard of six weeks or more of immobilization. This approach is supported by studies showing that early mobilization does not increase the risk of complications and significantly improves recovery time and quality of life by allowing patients to resume normal activities sooner.
The outdated practice of prolonged immobilization stems from a cautious approach rather than robust scientific evidence. The benefits of early weight-bearing are demonstrated through improved healing and quicker return to work and other activities. While exceptions exist for complex fractures, the general recommendation is now leaning towards earlier mobilization following a broken leg or ankle.
💬 [HN Comments](https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=43101383) (216)