@finn I think you’re being somewhat sympathetic but also lacking in knowledge of how life-changing an injury a broken ankle can be. It can also cover a wide range of injuries. 3 years ago I fell down my stairs, smashing both ankles into a kitchen cabinet. After letting out an almighty howl I looked down to see an obvious break and dislocation. Oh dear, I though, I’ll be in plaster for 6 weeks.
Got to A and E, no chance. I’d snapped tib and fib clean in half and broken the talus as well as dislocation. Not to mention the soft tissue and nerve damage. I had several ops to stabilise before the plates and pins were put in. I was told I should expect to walk on crutches within 6 months and be fully weight-bearing in a year. They impressed upon me that this was a major trauma; ie life-changing injury. During this time and for several months after I was drugged up on tramadol and morphine with my leg raised to prevent swelling. I’m not sure how you’d expect someone to work at anything in these circurmstances.
Now for the good news. I insisted on having a boot rather than cast so I could take it off and do physio. I was cycling before I could walk, probably not a good idea but the surgeon is now astonished with my range of movement. Push yourself OP, but not too far. Your employers have a duty to accommodate you as best they can.