The information here will help you understand your injury, guide you through your rehabilitation and explain what you can do to maximise your recovery.
Coronavirus / COVID-19 update
During the COVID-19 risk period, wherever possible we’ll be reducing face-to-face appointments and helping you manage your injury remotely. This means that, in accordance with the British Orthopaedic Association guidelines, your individual treatment and follow up plan may be different to what happens under normal conditions. An orthopaedic consultant or a member of the orthopaedic team will always review your notes and x-ray and decide if a face-to-face follow up is necessary.
If we haven’t asked to see you for a follow up, we may offer you an open appointment, where you can make an appointment to see someone at any time in the six months after your injury. If you’d like to book an appointment, please call 01736 758892.
Advice for a recent ankle injury
In the first 72 hours, it’s important to:
rest your ankle
elevate it above hip level
apply a cold pack regularly
use crutches and a boot for walking to protect your joint
It’s helpful to remember PRICER:
Protect
Rest
Ice
Compression
Elevate
Rehabilitation
Medication
The Emergency Department (ED) or a Minor Injuries Unit (MIU) may have prescribed you with some pain relief. Take these as instructed to help manage the pain.
If you do not feel that this medication is helping, talk to us during your appointment in Fracture Clinic, or your GP, about an alternative option.
Cold packs
Ice is a great natural anaesthetic that helps relieve pain and controls swelling. Apply ice packs or a bag of frozen peas wrapped in a wet thin towel to your ankle for up to 15 minutes every few hours.
Do not place ice in direct contact with the skin.
Do not leave the ice pack on for more than 20 minutes at a time in one hour.
Rest and elevation
It’s normal to experience swelling after your injury which is often worse at the end of the day.
Elevation reduces swelling, which in turn relieves pain and speeds up your healing. Keep your ankle elevated as much as possible during the first 24 to 72 hours.
Raise your ankle on a stool or cushions above the level of your hip to elevate it as much as possible.
Smoking
Medical evidence suggests that smoking prolongs fracture healing time. In extreme cases it can stop healing altogether. Stopping smoking during the healing phase of a fracture will help ensure optimal recovery from this injury.
For advice on stopping smoking and local support available, please discuss this with your GP or go to the NHS Smoke Free website.
Click on the box with your injury to find information that will help you understand your injury, guide you through your rehabilitation and explain what you can do to maximise your recovery. Your diagnosis should have been made by an orthopaedic consultant or one of the team working under the supervision of the consultant team. The information in these care plans is to help you understand your diagnosis and is not exhaustive. Your consultant may give you a different, personalised care plan based on your injury and whether you need imaging (x-ray, CT scan, MRI or an ultrasound) or an operation.
Soft tissue ankle injury / ankle sprain
What is your injury?
It’s a sprain to your ankle. This means you have damaged the soft tissue such as ligaments, tendons or muscles around the ankle joint. This can be graded from a mild sprain to a more severe sprain.
Healing
This injury normally takes up to 12 weeks to heal, but this may differ depending on your individual circumstances.
Follow up
Injuries like yours usually heal well on their own over time, so most people won’t need a follow up. If you do, we’ll contact you by phone. A follow up may be for physiotherapy or a clinical examination in Fracture Clinic.
Please contact the Fracture Clinic on 01872 253091 if:
you’re unable to follow this rehabilitation plan
you have any questions
you’re struggling to remove your boot after 6 weeks
you experience pain or symptoms other than at the site of the original injury or surrounding area
you experience significant pain after 12 weeks.
Your rehabilitation plan
Your consultant or specialist may give you a different rehabilitation plan based on your injury and circumstances.
For the first 2 weeks after your injury:
you can put weight through your injured leg
early weight bearing (putting weight through your injured foot) helps speed up healing, so try to walk as normally as possible
you may find it easier to use crutches in the early stages
start the initial exercises straight away (see below).
If you’ve been given a boot:
wear it when standing and walking if needed – it will protect your ankle and make you more comfortable
wear a long sock in your boot
take the boot off at night, when resting at home and when doing your exercises.
Between 3 and 6 weeks:
stop using the boot and walk without it around your house
build up to walking without the boot when you go outside or for longer walks
gradually increase your activity
start the exercises below labelled ‘exercises from week 3 onwards’.
After 6 weeks:
resume day-to-day activities but respond to any pain you might experience
avoid impact for 3 months (running, jumping and dancing)
you might have mild symptoms for 3 to 6 months, especially after heavy tasks or long walks.
Exercises
Follow the exercises below without causing too much pain. This will prevent your ankle and foot from becoming too stiff and help the healing process. It will also promote circulation and reduce the risk of developing a blood clot (Deep Vein Thrombosis, or DVT).
Exercises to start straight after your injury
Do these initial exercises for ankle and foot range of movement 3 to 5 times a day.
Repeat each of the following 10 times:
1. Point your foot up and down within a comfortable range of movement.
2. With your heels together, move your toes apart to turn your foot outwards. Do this gently as long as it’s comfortable for you
3. Turn the feet in towards each other as in the picture, keep the legs still, moving from the ankle only.
Exercises from week 3 onwards
Ankle stretches
Repeat the following 5 times.
1. Sit with your leg straight out in front of you. Put a towel or bandage around your foot and pull it towards you. Feel a stretch in the back of your calf. Hold for 30 seconds.
2. Point your toes down as far as they go. Use your other foot on top to apply some pressure to create a stretch on the top of your foot. Hold for 30 seconds.
Balance strategy exercises – for patients who could NOT stand on one leg before their injury
Step 1: Stand with your feet as close together as possible. Hold onto a firm surface (back of a chair or a table) for support. Hold this for 30 seconds.
Step 2: Follow step 1 above but remove your hand from the support so that you’re balancing. Hold this for 30 seconds.
Step 3: Still holding onto the support, put one foot in front of the other as close together as possible. Hold this for 30 seconds. If you feel confident with this exercise, try to keep your balance without holding onto the support.
Balance strategy exercises – for patients who could stand on one leg before their injury
Step 1: Hold onto a firm surface (back of a chair or a table). Try to stand on just your injured leg. Hold this for 30 seconds making sure it does not cause any pain. Once you can do this pain free, move onto step 2.
Step 2: Try to stand on just your injured leg without holding on to a support. Try to hold this for 30 seconds.
Step 3: When you’re confident, try these exercises while turning your head from side to side. Always keep your eyes open and stand in a safe environment with a firm surface close by in case you need it.
For more about your injury and demonstrations of the exercises
the outside of your ankle (a lateral avulsion fracture)
the inside of your ankle (a medial avulsion fracture)
your shin bone where it meets your ankle (an anterior tibia avulsion fracture).
Healing
This injury normally takes up to 12 weeks to heal, but this may differ depending on your individual circumstances. More severe avulsion fractures can take longer.
Follow up
Injuries like yours usually heal well on their own over time, so most people won’t need a follow up. If you do, we’ll contact you by phone.
Sometimes however, an avulsion fracture may be more severe. If you have significant pain or swelling that is not settling after 4 to 6 weeks, please call the Fracture Clinic to book a face to face appointment on 01872 253091.
Please contact the Fracture Clinic on 01872 253091 if:
you’re unable to follow this rehabilitation plan
you have any questions
you’re struggling to remove your boot after 6 weeks
you experience pain or symptoms other than at the site of the original injury or surrounding area
you experience significant pain after 4 to 6 weeks.
If you feel you’d like to see someone at any time in the 6 months after your injury, you can book an open appointment. Please call 01736 758892 to make an appointment.
Your rehabilitation plan
Your specialist may give you a different rehabilitation plan based on your injury and circumstances.
For the first 4 weeks after your injury:
you can put weight through your injured leg – early weight bearing (putting weight through your injured foot) helps speed up healing, so try to walk as normally as possible
you may find it easier to use crutches in the early stages
wear your boot when standing and walking if needed – it will protect your ankle and make you more comfortable
wear a long sock in your boot
take the boot off at night, when resting at home and when doing your exercises
start the initial exercises straight away (see below).
Between 4 and 6 weeks:
stop using the boot and walk without it around your house
build up to walking without the boot when you go outside or for longer walks
gradually increase your activity
After 6 weeks:
start the exercises below labelled ‘exercises from week 6 onwards’.
you should not be using the boot
resume day-to-day activities but respond to any pain you might experience
avoid impact for 3 months (running, jumping and dancing, contact sports)
you might have mild symptoms for 3 to 6 months, especially after heavy tasks or long walks.
Exercises
Follow the exercises below without causing too much pain. This will prevent your ankle and foot from becoming too stiff and help the healing process. It will also promote circulation and reduce the risk of developing a blood clot (Deep Vein Thrombosis, or DVT).
Exercises to start straight after your injury
Do these initial exercises for ankle and foot range of movement 3 to 5 times a day.
Repeat each of the following 10 times:
1. Point your foot up and down within a comfortable range of movement.
2. With your heels together, move your toes apart to turn your foot outwards. Do this gently as long as it’s comfortable for you
3. Turn the feet in towards each other as in the picture, keep the legs still, moving from the ankle only.
Exercises from week 6 onwards
Ankle stretches
Repeat the following 5 times.
1. Sit with your leg straight out in front of you. Put a towel or bandage around your foot and pull it towards you. Feel a stretch in the back of your calf. Hold for 30 seconds.
2. Point your toes down as far as they go. Use your other foot on top to apply some pressure to create a stretch on the top of your foot. Hold for 30 seconds.
Balance strategy exercises – for patients who could NOT stand on one leg before their injury
Step 1: Stand with your feet as close together as possible. Hold onto a firm surface (back of a chair or a table) for support. Hold this for 30 seconds.
Step 2: Follow step 1 above but remove your hand from the support so that you’re balancing. Hold this for 30 seconds.
Step 3: Still holding onto the support, put one foot in front of the other as close together as possible. Hold this for 30 seconds. If you feel confident with this exercise, try to keep your balance without holding onto the support.
Balance strategy exercises – for patients who could stand on one leg before their injury
Step 1: Hold onto a firm surface (back of a chair or a table). Try to stand on just your injured leg. Hold this for 30 seconds making sure it does not cause any pain. Once you can do this pain free, move onto step 2.
Step 2: Try to stand on just your injured leg without holding on to a support. Try to hold this for 30 seconds.
Step 3: When you’re confident, try these exercises while turning your head from side to side. Always keep your eyes open and stand in a safe environment with a firm surface close by in case you need it.
For more about your injury and demonstrations of the exercises
You have broken a bone on the inside of your ankle. This often involves some damage to the deltoid ligament which is also on the inside of your ankle.
Healing
This injury normally takes up to 12 weeks to heal, but this may differ depending on your individual circumstances.
Follow up
You’ll see a specialist 1 to 2 weeks after your injury and have a weight bearing (standing) x-ray. The specialist will explain the results and discuss the next stage of your care. There’s a chance that this fracture can move, or that it may not heal completely by itself, and you may need an operation. You can find out more about having an operation on your ankle further down the page.
We will follow up with you at 6 weeks and sometimes again at 12 weeks.
You can also book an open appointment at any time in the six months after your injury. Please call 01736 758892 to make an appointment.
Please contact the Fracture Clinic on 01872 253091 if:
you’re unable to follow this rehabilitation plan
you have any questions
you haven’t heard from us about your follow up appointment by 4 days after your injury
you experience pain or symptoms other than at the site of the original injury or surrounding area
you experience significant pain after 12 weeks.
Your rehabilitation plan
Your specialist may give you a different rehabilitation plan based on your injury and circumstances.
For the first 6 weeks after your injury:
you can put weight through your injured leg – early weight bearing (putting weight through your injured foot) helps speed up healing, so try to walk as normally as possible
you may find it easier to use crutches in the early stages
wear your boot when standing and walking if needed – it will protect your ankle and make you more comfortable
wear a long sock in your boot
take the boot off at night, when resting at home and when doing your exercises.
start the initial exercises straight away (see below).
Between 6 and 12 weeks:
stop using the boot and walk without it around your house
build up to walking without the boot when you go outside or for longer walks
stop using your crutches and boot (after 8 weeks)
gradually increase your activity
start the exercises below labelled ‘exercises from week 6 onwards’.
After 12 weeks:
resume day-to-day activities but respond to any pain you might experience
avoid impact for 3 months (running, jumping and dancing)
You might have mild discomfort and swelling for 6 to 12 months, especially after heavy tasks or long walks.
Exercises
Follow the exercises below without causing too much pain. This will prevent your ankle and foot from becoming too stiff and help the healing process. It will also promote circulation and reduce the risk of developing a blood clot (Deep Vein Thrombosis, or DVT).
Exercises to start straight after your injury
Do these initial exercises for ankle and foot range of movement 3 to 5 times a day.
Repeat each of the following 10 times:
1. Point your foot up and down within a comfortable range of movement.
2. With your heels together, move your toes apart to turn your foot outwards. Do this gently as long as it’s comfortable for you
3. Turn the feet in towards each other as in the picture, keep the legs still, moving from the ankle only.
Exercises from week 6 onwards
Ankle stretches
Repeat the following 5 times.
1. Sit with your leg straight out in front of you. Put a towel or bandage around your foot and pull it towards you. Feel a stretch in the back of your calf. Hold for 30 seconds.
2. Point your toes down as far as they go. Use your other foot on top to apply some pressure to create a stretch on the top of your foot. Hold for 30 seconds.
Balance strategy exercises – for patients who could NOT stand on one leg before their injury
Step 1: Stand with your feet as close together as possible. Hold onto a firm surface (back of a chair or a table) for support. Hold this for 30 seconds.
Step 2: Follow step 1 above but remove your hand from the support so that you’re balancing. Hold this for 30 seconds.
Step 3: Still holding onto the support, put one foot in front of the other as close together as possible. Hold this for 30 seconds. If you feel confident with this exercise, try to keep your balance without holding onto the support.
Balance strategy exercises – for patients who could stand on one leg before their injury
Step 1: Hold onto a firm surface (back of a chair or a table). Try to stand on just your injured leg. Hold this for 30 seconds making sure it does not cause any pain. Once you can do this pain free, move onto step 2.
Step 2: Try to stand on just your injured leg without holding on to a support. Try to hold this for 30 seconds.
Step 3: When you’re confident, try these exercises while turning your head from side to side. Always keep your eyes open and stand in a safe environment with a firm surface close by in case you need it.
Weber A fracture
What is your injury?
You have broken a bone on the outside of your ankle (fibula).
This injury normally takes up 12 weeks to heal, but this may differ depending on your individual circumstances.
Follow up
Injuries like yours usually heal well on their own over time, so most people won’t need a follow up. If you do need a follow up or physiotherapy, we’ll contact you by phone.
If you still feel you’d like to see someone, you can book an open appointment at any time in the six months after your injury. Please call 01736 758892 to make an appointment.
Please contact the Fracture Clinic on 01872 253091 if:
you’re unable to follow this rehabilitation plan
you have any questions
you’re struggling to remove your boot after 6 weeks
you experience pain or symptoms other than at the site of the original injury or surrounding area
you experience significant pain and stiffness after 12 weeks.
Your rehabilitation plan
Your specialist may give you a different rehabilitation plan based on your injury and circumstances.
For the first 4 weeks after your injury:
you can put weight through your injured leg – early weight bearing (putting weight through your injured foot) helps speed up healing, so try to walk as normally as possible
you may find it easier to use crutches in the early stages
wear your boot when standing and walking if needed – it will protect your ankle and make you more comfortable
wear a long sock in your boot
take the boot off at night, when resting at home and when doing your exercises.
start the initial exercises straight away (see below). Do them regularly to get your movement back.
Between 4 and 6 weeks:
try to stop using the boot and walk without crutches. Start walking around your house, then try outside
wear your boot when you go for a long walk
gradually increase your activity
start the exercises below labelled ‘exercises to do after 4 weeks’.
After 6 weeks:
Your fracture should have healed
start the exercises below labelled ‘exercises to do after 6 weeks’
resume day-to-day activities but respond to any pain you might experience
avoid impact for 3 months (running, jumping and dancing)
You might experience mild discomfort and swelling for up to 6 months, especially after heavy tasks or long walks.
Exercises
Follow the exercises below without causing too much pain. This will prevent your ankle and foot from becoming too stiff and help the healing process. It will also promote circulation and reduce the risk of developing a blood clot (Deep Vein Thrombosis, or DVT).
Exercises to start straight after your injury
Do these initial exercises for ankle and foot range of movement 3 to 5 times a day.
Repeat each of the following 10 times:
1. Point your foot up and down within a comfortable range of movement.
2. With your heels together, move your toes apart to turn your foot outwards. Do this gently as long as it’s comfortable for you
3. Turn the feet in towards each other as in the picture, keep the legs still, moving from the ankle only.
Exercises from week 4 onwards
Ankle stretches
Repeat the following 5 times.
1. Sit with your leg straight out in front of you. Put a towel or bandage around your foot and pull it towards you. Feel a stretch in the back of your calf. Hold for 30 seconds.
2. Point your toes down as far as they go. Use your other foot on top to apply some pressure to create a stretch on the top of your foot. Hold for 30 seconds.
Balance strategy exercises – for patients who could NOT stand on one leg before their injury
Step 1: Stand with your feet as close together as possible. Hold onto a firm surface (back of a chair or a table) for support. Hold this for 30 seconds.
Step 2: Follow step 1 above but remove your hand from the support so that you’re balancing. Hold this for 30 seconds.
Step 3: Still holding onto the support, put one foot in front of the other as close together as possible. Hold this for 30 seconds. If you feel confident with this exercise, try to keep your balance without holding onto the support.
Balance strategy exercises – for patients who could stand on one leg before their injury
Step 1: Hold onto a firm surface (back of a chair or a table). Try to stand on just your injured leg. Hold this for 30 seconds making sure it does not cause any pain. Once you can do this pain free, move onto step 2.
Step 2: Try to stand on just your injured leg without holding on to a support. Try to hold this for 30 seconds.
Step 3: When you’re confident, try these exercises while turning your head from side to side. Always keep your eyes open and stand in a safe environment with a firm surface close by in case you need it.
Advanced exercises for 6 weeks after your injury
Try these exercises if you have good balance.
Stage 1
Stand on your injured leg on an uneven surface such as a doubled-over pillow or wobble cushion. Attempt to balance for 30 seconds. Once you can do this pain free, move to step 2.
When you feel confident, try it whilst turning your head side to side. Always stand in a safe environment with a firm surface close by in case you need it. Hold this for 30 seconds.
Stage 2
Stand with one foot in front of the other with your hands together. Swing your arms in a figure of eight in both directions for 1 to 2 minutes. Swap leading foot and repeat.
Follow step 1 as above but bring your feet together so they’re touching toe to heel.
Follow steps 1 and 2 whilst turning your head side to side.
For more about your injury and demonstrations of the exercises
It normally takes 8 to 12 weeks for your first symptoms to settle. It will likely take longer if you smoke or have diabetes.
You may need an operation to help your injury heal. A consultant will need to assess your injury and the stability of your ankle before making a formal recommendation on whether your injury should be managed with or without surgery. You can find out more about having an operation on your ankle further down the page.
You may have ankle pain and swelling for up to 12 months after your injury. Swelling is often worse at the end of the day. Taking pain medication, elevating your ankle and using ice or cold packs will help. There’s more information about this at the top of this page.
Follow up
You’ll see a specialist and have a weight bearing (standing) x-ray 1 to 2 weeks after your injury. There’s a small chance that this type of fracture can move. If it does, you may need an operation. We’ll discuss any further treatment, including surgery, with you at the Fracture Clinic when you have your x-ray. The decision to have surgery is always your choice.
You can also book an open appointment at any time in the six months after your injury. Please call 01736 758892 to make an appointment.
Please contact the Fracture Clinic on 01872 253091 if:
you’re unable to follow this rehabilitation plan
you have any questions
you haven’t heard from us about your follow up by 4 days after your injury
you experience pain or symptoms other than at the site of the original injury or surrounding area
you experience significant pain and stiffness after 12 weeks.
Your rehabilitation plan
Your specialist may give you a different rehabilitation plan based on your injury and circumstances.
For the first 6 weeks after your injury:
you can put weight through your injured leg – early weight bearing (putting weight through your injured leg) helps speed up healing, so try to walk as normally as possible
wear your boot when standing and walking – it will protect your ankle and make you more comfortable
use crutches to take some weight off your foot
wear a long sock in your boot
take the boot off when resting at home and when doing your exercises
you can also take the boot off at night, but if you get up to use the toilet in the night, it may be safer to sleep with the boot on
start the initial exercises straight away (see below).
After 6 weeks:
start the exercises below labelled ‘exercises from week 6 onwards’
we’ll tell you when you can stop wearing your boot but it will be at least 6 weeks
gradually increase your activity but avoid impact activity for 3 months (such as running, jumping and dancing)
You may have mild discomfort and swelling for 6 to 12 months, especially after heavy tasks or long walks.
Exercises
Follow the exercises below without causing too much pain. This will prevent your ankle and foot from becoming too stiff and help the healing process. It will also promote circulation and reduce the risk of developing a blood clot (Deep Vein Thrombosis, or DVT).
Exercises to start straight after your injury
Do these initial exercises for ankle and foot range of movement 3 to 5 times a day.
1. Point your foot up and down within a comfortable range of movement. Repeat this for up to one minute.
2. With your heels together, move your toes apart to turn your foot outwards. Do this gently as long as it’s comfortable for you. Repeat 10 times.
3. Keeping your hip and leg still, turn your injured foot inwards towards the other foot, as shown in the picture. Repeat this 10 times.
Exercises from week 6 onwards
Ankle stretches
1. Sit with your leg straight out in front of you. Put a towel or bandage around your foot and pull it towards you. Feel a stretch in the back of your calf. Hold for 30 seconds.
2. Point your toes down as far as they go. Use your other foot on top to apply some pressure to create a stretch on the top of your foot. Hold for 30 seconds.
3. Sit on a chair. Slide your foot under the chair as far as you can and then move your knee forward keeping the sole of your foot in contact with the floor. Hold for 30 seconds.
Balance strategy exercises – for patients who could NOT stand on one leg before their injury
Step 1: Stand with your feet as close together as possible. Hold onto a firm surface (back of a chair or a table) for support. Hold this for 30 seconds.
Step 2: Follow step 1 above but remove your hand from the support so that you’re balancing. Hold this for 30 seconds.
Step 3: Still holding onto the support, put one foot in front of the other as close together as possible. Hold this for 30 seconds. If you feel confident with this exercise, try to keep your balance without holding onto the support.
Balance strategy exercises – for patients who could stand on one leg before their injury
Step 1: Hold onto a firm surface (back of a chair or a table). Try to stand on just your injured leg. Hold this for 30 seconds making sure it does not cause any pain. Once you can do this pain free, move onto step 2.
Step 2: Try to stand on just your injured leg without holding on to a support. Try to hold this for 30 seconds.
Step 3: When you’re confident, try these exercises while turning your head from side to side. Always keep your eyes open and stand in a safe environment with a firm surface close by in case you need it.
For more about your injury and demonstrations of the exercises
Watch these videos from Brighton and Sussex University Hospitals:
You have torn or ruptured the tendon at the back or your ankle.
Healing
This injury normally takes between 6 and 9 months to heal. Full rehabilitation can take more than 1 year, although there’s no guarantee that you’ll get back full function at the end of your rehabilitation.
After this injury, there is a 10-30% chance of re-rupture of the Achilles tendon over your lifetime. This happens because of repeated injury or stress to the tendon during healing. To help reduce the risk of re-rupturing your tendon, it’s very important that you follow this care plan and advice from your physiotherapist closely.
Follow up
A specialist physiotherapist will call you about a rehabilitation plan and explain how to adjust your boot. If you haven’t heard from us by 4 days after your injury, please call the Fracture Clinic. You may need an ultrasound. If you do, we’ll call you and ask you to come in.
If you are under 50 or biologically fitter, you’ll also need to be assessed urgently by a consultant or a member of the team in case you need an operation. These operations need to take place within 14 days of your injury. You can find out more about having an operation on your ankle further down the page.
Please contact the Fracture Clinic on 01872 253091 if:
you’re unable to follow this rehabilitation plan
you have any questions
you do not receive your appointment details
you’re struggling with your boot
you experience pain or symptoms other than at the site of the original injury or surrounding area
You can also book an open appointment at any time in the six months after your injury. Please call 01736 758892 to make an appointment.
The boot protects your ankle and will make you more comfortable. You must wear the boot all the time including in bed at night. Always wear a sock.
You’ll need to adjust the range of movement your boot allows in the weeks after your injury. Your rehabilitation plan below explains when and how.
Preventing a blood clot or Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT)
You’re not allowed to do any exercises for a number of weeks. This puts you in a higher risk group for developing a DVT which can have very serious effects.
To reduce this risk, you have been prescribed a course of a blood thinner (anti-clotting medication). You’ll need to inject this at the same time every day for the first 4 weeks. We’ll show you how to do this.
If you have any questions about this, or if you have a reaction to the medication, please speak to your GP or district nurse.
You must dispose of your used injections safely into the yellow sharps bin provided. Once full, you can drop the sharps bin to the Fracture Clinic, your local Minor Injuries Unit or your GP practice where we can dispose safely of them.
Your rehabilitation plan
Your specialist may give you a different rehabilitation plan based on your injury and circumstances.
After your injury:
wear the boot during the day and night
remove your boot carefully for washing and to change your sock once a day. Whilst doing this, you must always keep your toes pointed down as shown in this picture. Do not flex your foot.
do not stretch the calf or do any ankle exercises. This will disrupt tendon healing and your long term recovery.
use your crutches and put some weight through your injured leg when you walk
continue taking anti-clotting medication
After 2 weeks:
adjust the range of your boot to between 20 and 30 degrees plantarflexion.
adjust the range of your boot to between 10 and 30 degrees plantarflexion.
remove the boot throughout the day and gently move your ankle up and down within the range allowed by the boot. Do not push through any ‘stretch.’
After 5 weeks:
keep the range of your boot between 10 and 30 degrees plantarflexion
change into a flat sole
regularly remove the boot throughout the day. Gently move your ankle up and down within the range allowed by the boot.
After 6 weeks:
adjust the range of your boot between 0 and 30 degrees plantarflexion
regularly remove the boot throughout the day. Gently move your ankle up and down within the range allowed by the boot
rest your feet flat on the floor at an angle of approximately 90 degrees when sitting down
smoothly and slowly raise and lower your heels whilst sitting
After 8 weeks:
remove the boot at night
try to gradually remove your boot during the day – this may take a week or two
try walking short distances around your own home wearing a shoe
wear bilateral heel raise pads, these should be given to you at the time your boot was issued or at a follow up fracture clinic appointment.
start ‘later rehabilitation’ in discussion with the physiotherapy team. We will guide you through this at the right time
But do not start any exercises until you have been guided by your physiotherapist.
Distal fibula stress fracture
What is your injury?
You have a hairline fracture on the outside of your ankle. Stress fractures are often caused through overuse, with or without a subtle bio-mechanical problem. Pain will usually have developed gradually over time, rather than at a specific point in time.
Healing
This injury normally takes up to 12 weeks to heal, but this may differ depending on your individual circumstances.
We recommend you also see a physiotherapist for a thorough biomechanical assessment of the forces going through your lower limb to cause a stress fracture.
It is important to note that continuing the activity that caused the pain will not allow your injury to heal and REST must be part of your overall treatment plan.
Follow up
Injuries like yours usually heal well on their own over time, so most people won’t need a follow up. If you do need a follow up, we’ll contact you by phone. You may need physiotherapy, which can be organised through your GP or the Fracture Clinic.
If you still feel you’d like to see someone, you can book an open appointment at any time in the six months after your injury. Please call 01736 758892 to make an appointment.
Please contact the Fracture Clinic on 01872 253091 if:
you’re unable to follow this rehabilitation plan
you have any questions
you’re struggling to stop using your boot after 6 weeks
you experience pain or symptoms other than at the site of the original injury or surrounding area
you experience significant pain after 12 weeks.
Your rehabilitation plan
Your specialist may give you a different rehabilitation plan based on your injury and circumstances.
For the first 6 weeks after your injury:
you can put weight through your injured leg – early weight bearing (putting weight through your injured foot) helps speed up healing, so try to walk as normally as possible
you may find it easier to use crutches in the early stages
wear your boot when standing and walking – it will protect your ankle and make you more comfortable
wear a long sock in your boot
take the boot off at night and when resting at home
start the initial exercises straight away (see below).
After 6 weeks:
stop using the boot and walk without it around your house
resume day-to-day activities but respond to any pain you might experience
build up to walking without the boot when you go outside or for longer walks
start the exercises below labelled ‘exercises from week 6 onwards’.
After 8 weeks:
stop using the crutches
gradually increase your activity but avoid impact for 3 months (running, jumping, plyometrics and dancing)
You might have mild symptoms for 3 to 6 months, especially after long walks or heavy tasks.
Exercises
Follow the exercises below without causing too much pain. This will prevent your ankle and foot from becoming too stiff and help the healing process. It will also promote circulation and reduce the risk of developing a blood clot (Deep Vein Thrombosis, or DVT).
Exercises to start straight away
Do these initial exercises for ankle and foot range of movement 3 to 5 times a day.
Repeat each of the following 10 times:
1. Point your foot up and down within a comfortable range of movement.
2. With your heels together, move your toes apart to turn your foot outwards. Do this gently as long as it’s comfortable for you
3. Turn the feet in towards each other as in the picture, keep the legs still, moving from the ankle only.
Exercises from week 6 onwards
Ankle stretches
Repeat the following 5 times.
1. Sit with your leg straight out in front of you. Put a towel or bandage around your foot and pull it towards you. Feel a stretch in the back of your calf. Hold for 30 seconds.
2. Point your toes down as far as they go. Use your other foot on top to apply some pressure to create a stretch on the top of your foot. Hold for 30 seconds.
Balance strategy exercises – for patients who could NOT stand on one leg before their injury
Step 1: Stand with your feet as close together as possible. Hold onto a firm surface (back of a chair or a table) for support. Hold this for 30 seconds.
Step 2: Follow step 1 above but remove your hand from the support so that you’re balancing. Hold this for 30 seconds.
Step 3: Still holding onto the support, put one foot in front of the other as close together as possible. Hold this for 30 seconds. If you feel confident with this exercise, try to keep your balance without holding onto the support.
Balance strategy exercises – for patients who could stand on one leg before their injury
Step 1: Hold onto a firm surface (back of a chair or a table). Try to stand on just your injured leg. Hold this for 30 seconds making sure it does not cause any pain. Once you can do this pain free, move onto step 2.
Step 2: Try to stand on just your injured leg without holding on to a support. Try to hold this for 30 seconds.
Step 3: When you’re confident, try these exercises while turning your head from side to side. Always keep your eyes open and stand in a safe environment with a firm surface close by in case you need it.
For more about your injury and demonstrations of the exercises
Your calf muscle has been overstretched, causing micro tears to the muscle itself. This can range from mild to severe. It causes pain, bruising and weakness in the muscle. It may be difficult to bear weight on your leg.
Healing
This injury normally takes up to 12 weeks to heal, but this may differ depending on your individual circumstances.
It is important to avoid standing on your tiptoes for the first 6 weeks while healing is taking place.
Follow up
Injuries like yours usually heal well on their own over time, so most people won’t need a follow up with orthopaedics. If you do, we’ll contact you by phone. We do recommend you see a physiotherapist. Your GP can refer you if we don’t follow up with you through the Fracture Clinic.
If you still feel you’d like to see someone, you can book an open appointment at any time in the six months after your injury. Please call 01736 758892 to make an appointment.
Please contact the Fracture Clinic on 01872 253091 if:
you’re unable to follow this rehabilitation plan
you have any questions
you’re struggling to remove your boot
you experience pain or symptoms other than at the site of the original injury or surrounding area
you struggle to return to sport or exercise, or are still experiencing significant pain after 12 weeks
Your rehabilitation plan
Your specialist may give you a different rehabilitation plan based on your injury and circumstances.
For the first 2 weeks after your injury:
you can put weight through your injured leg – early weight bearing (putting weight through your injured foot) helps speed up healing, so try to walk as normally as possible
you may find it easier to use crutches in the early stages
avoid standing on tiptoes
start the initial exercises straight away (see below).
If you’ve been given a boot:
wear it when standing and walking – it will protect your ankle and make you more comfortable
wear a long sock in your boot
take the boot off at night, when resting at home and when doing your exercises.
Between 2 and 12 weeks:
start the exercises below labelled ‘exercises from week 2 onwards.’
avoid standing on tiptoes until at least 6 weeks after your injury
start walking without your boots and crutches around your house
build up to walking without the boot and crutches when you go outside or for longer walks
wear supportive shoes like trainers
gradually increase your activity
eventually stop using your boot and crutches
you may still have some mild symptoms
Exercises
Follow the exercises below without causing too much pain. This will prevent your ankle and foot from becoming too stiff and help the healing process. It will also promote circulation and reduce the risk of developing a blood clot (Deep Vein Thrombosis, or DVT).
Exercises to start straight after your injury
Do these initial exercises for ankle and foot range of movement 3 to 5 times a day.
Repeat each of the following 10 times:
1. Point your foot up and down within a comfortable range of movement.
2. With your heels together, move your toes apart to turn your foot outwards. Do this gently as long as it’s comfortable for you
3. Turn the feet in towards each other as in the picture, keep the legs still, moving from the ankle only.
Exercises from week 2 onwards
Step 1: Hold onto a firm surface (back of a chair or a table). Try to stand on just your injured leg. Hold this for 30 seconds making sure it does not cause any pain. Once you can do this pain free, move onto step 2.
Step 2: Try to stand on just your injured leg without holding on to a support. Try to hold this for 30 seconds.
Step 3: When you’re confident, try these exercises while turning your head from side to side. Always keep your eyes open and stand in a safe environment with a firm surface close by in case you need it.
Ankle stretches from 3 weeks onwards
1. Sit with your leg straight out in front of you. Put a towel or bandage around your foot and pull it towards you. Feel a stretch in the back of your calf. Hold for 30 seconds.
2. Point your toes down as far as they go. Use your other foot on top to apply some pressure to create a stretch on the top of your foot. Hold for 30 seconds.
For more about your injury and demonstrations of the exercises
Sometimes an ankle injury may not heal by itself and you’ll need an operation to repair the break. Having an operation is always your choice and your surgeon will discuss the benefits and risks of surgery with you so you can make an informed decision. You can find out more about having an operation on your ankle on our surgery for fractures and soft tissue injuries page, and in this video:
Boots, support straps, plaster casts and crutches
Using your boot
Your boot protects your ankle and will make walking more comfortable. It won’t heal your fracture but it will improve your symptoms.
Taking your boot on and off
Click on the image of your boot below to see a video showing you how to fit your boot.
Jura Walker (long and short) and Rebound Walker (long and short)
Aircast AirSelect
VACOped boot for achilles tendon injuries
VACOcast Diabetic
VACOpedes
Boot advice for people with diabetes
If you’re diabetic please contact the Fracture Clinic on 01872 253091 to discuss your boot. It’s especially important if you have problems with your skin. We can provide you with a specialist diabetic boot.
Footwear for the foot on your uninjured leg
Choose a supportive shoe or trainer with a firm sole for the foot on your uninjured leg. You’ll notice that your boot has a thicker sole. By matching this height on the uninjured side, you’ll reduce stress on your other joints.
We may have given you a strap to support your ankle, usually if you have badly sprained your ankle or after you’ve had an operation. Here are some instructions on how to fit this. (PDF, 945KB)
What should I do with my boot, support strap or crutches when I no longer need them?
You can return crutches to the Fracture Clinic or your local physiotherapy department.
We cannot use boots or support straps again. You should not return them to the hospital.
If you’ve been given a plaster cast
For some ankle injuries the Emergency Department (ED) or Minor Injuries Unit (MIU) may fit you with a plaster cast. Keep this clean and dry. You can find out more about caring for your plaster cast here.
Preventing complications
Caring for your wound and stitches
If you’ve had an operation on your ankle, you’ll need to keep your stitches dry and clean. You should also look out for any redness or signs of swelling, bleeding or pus as these can be signs of an infection.
Because your lower limb is immobilised and you’ll be moving less than normal, you’re at higher risk of developing a blood clot or Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT). This can be life threatening if left untreated.
Symptoms of DVT in the leg are:
throbbing or cramping pain in 1 leg (rarely both legs), usually in the calf or thigh
swelling in 1 leg (rarely both legs)
warm skin around the painful area
red or darkened skin around the painful area
swollen veins that are hard or sore when you touch them.
These symptoms can also happen in your arm or tummy if that’s where the blood clot is.
If you have been told not to put any weight through your leg or to partially weight bear (50%), you should have been assessed in ED or MIU and told if you need to take preventative medication. If you haven’t had this conversation please call your GP for an urgent appointment.
If you’ve ruptured your achilles tendon, you are at a much higher risk of developing a DVT. This is because you must not do any exercise until advised by your consultant or physiotherapist. To help reduce this risk, you will have been prescribed a course of a blood thinner. There are a few different types of medication and they often need injecting into your tummy. You can discuss an alternative with a doctor. The care plan for achilles tendon injuries explains how and when to take your medication.
Pressure sores and ulcers
Wearing a boot or plaster cast combined with not moving your limb can lead to pressure sores or ulcers. These are injuries to the skin and underlying tissue caused by prolonged pressure, rubbing or tension.
They often develop gradually, but can sometimes form in a few hours.
Signs and symptoms of a pressure sores
These include:
skin discolouration – red patches for people with pale skin, purple or blue patches for people with dark skin
discoloured patches that do not turn white when pressed
a patch of skin that feels warm, spongy or hard
pain or itchiness in the affected area.
If you have a boot, take it off every day to check your skin and make sure it’s not rubbing.
If you have a plaster cast, look out for a change in colour (red or white) of your skin above or below the plaster, an increase in pain inside the plaster or pins and needles.
Decisions to return to work are made on a unique basis and should be discussed with the Fracture Clinic, your GP and your employer.
You may need time off work and when you return, you may need light or amended duties. When you should return to work will depend on your profession and your injury.
If you see us in person at the Fracture Clinic we can give you a fitness for work statement or a sick note. If you don’t come to see us, you can also get one from your GP.
Driving
If you have an injury to your ankle, you can return to driving when you:
have been told you no longer need your boot or crutches, or your plaster cast has been removed
can walk comfortably
can perform an emergency stop pain free.
Always test your ability to drive with the ignition off and in a safe environment.
If you have a follow up appointment with us, please wait until your consultant or physiotherapist has given you clearance to drive. If you’re in any doubt, do not drive until you have spoken to our team.
Sport
You should not do any sports at all for at least 6 weeks.
You must avoid impact sports, jumping, running, dancing and heavy lifting for at least 12 weeks.
Some injuries will mean you have to wait longer before you can return to sport or impact activities. Please check your specific care plan below. If you’re unsure about whether you should do a sport or activity, please call us in the Fracture Clinic on 01872 253091.
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