Background: Ankle fractures are among the most common injuries treated in orthopedic practice, affecting individuals across all age groups. To evaluate the safety and efficacy of early weight-bearing (EWB) in patients with ankle fractures treated with open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF), comparing functional outcomes, fracture healing, and complications with delayed weight-bearing (DWB). Material and Methods: This prospective study enrolled 120 patients with unstable or displaced ankle fractures treated with ORIF. Patients were evenly divided into two groups: EWB (weight-bearing as tolerated from postoperative Day 2) and DWB (non-weight-bearing for 4–6 weeks). Functional outcomes were assessed using the American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society (AOFAS) ankle-hindfoot score at 6 weeks, 3 months, and 6 months. Secondary outcomes included radiographic union, complications, and pain scores on the Visual Analog Scale (VAS). Data analysis utilized t-tests and chi-square tests with a significance threshold of p < 0.05. Results: The EWB group demonstrated significantly higher AOFAS scores at 6 weeks (65.47 ± 5.32 vs. 58.23 ± 6.11; p < 0.01), 3 months (78.56 ± 4.89 vs. 72.34 ± 5.23; p < 0.01), and 6 months (89.72 ± 3.21 vs. 85.91 ± 3.45; p < 0.01). Radiographic union was faster in the EWB group, with union achieved in 80.00% at 6 weeks compared to 61.67% in the DWB group (p < 0.01). The mean time to union was significantly shorter for EWB (7.85 ± 1.12 weeks vs. 9.34 ± 1.47 weeks; p < 0.01). The total complication rate was lower in the EWB group (6.67% vs. 18.33%; p = 0.04). Pain scores were consistently lower in the EWB group across all time points (p < 0.01). Conclusion: Early weight-bearing following ORIF in ankle fractures is a safe and effective strategy, resulting in improved functional outcomes, faster radiographic union, and reduced pain and complications compared to delayed weight-bearing. These findings support the adoption of early mobilization in postoperative protocols for appropriate patients.