I (a couple months ago) broke AND sprained my ankle. I say both because it was an evulsion fracture which means the ligament (two in my case) broke off a piece(s) of the fibula in the ankle joint. The ligament damage is the sprain aspect compounded by the fractured pieces of the fibula. The sprain is as bad as the fracture in most cases.

I was to be non-weight bearing for about 7-10 days, then air-cast for 6 weeks. Then brace. The joint needs time for swelling to recede and area to stabilize...this isn't going to happen if you are walking on it. By all means use a brace (good sturdy one, not elastic slip-on) to stabilize the joint. If you have to be up on it, I would limit it as much as possible.

The other MOST important thing is it ice for 20 minute intervals 3-4 times a day. You also need to start movement (non-weight bearing). My first exercise for several weeks to KEEP my range of motion was to make the alphabet letters with your toes/foot in the air (with leg on a foot rest of a recliner). It seems very easy, but it's not. It simply moves the joint/foot in many positions. Always ice after doing the exercise.

Hope this helps. It just takes time...that awful, awful word...LOL