Discharge Advice Following a Lateral Malleolar Ankle Fracture
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Discharge advice following a lateral malleolar ankle fracture Patient Information What is my injury? You have fractured a bone (lateral malleolus) on the outer part of your ankle. (See pictures below). The fracture has occurred in a part of the bone where ligaments attach to your heel bone. This normally heals well without problems. The ankle is kept in position by other strong ligaments and bone which provide support whilst the injury heals. Lateral Malleolar Lateral Fracture Malleolar Fracture Lateral Ligaments How is my injury treated? You will be provided with a support in the form of a removable boot or ankle brace. If required, you will also be provided with crutches. How long does it take to recover? The pain, tenderness and swelling you are experiencing in your ankle should gradually settle over a period of one to two weeks. During this time, you may find walking with all your weight on the ankle painful. You may walk on the leg as much as pain allows, and if you have been given a boot you should gradually use it less and less over four to six weeks as the pain settles. Sometimes the pain may persist but if you are walking further each day this is not uncommon. Most injuries heal without any problems. However, it may take three to four months for your symptoms to settle completely. Page 1 of 2 Occasionally the fracture / ligaments may fail to heal and continue to be painful, even after three to four months. If you experience problems, please contact the Virtual Fracture Clinic. Are there any exercises I should do? Elevation: this initially aims to limit and reduce any swelling. For example, keep the foot up on a chair to at least hip level when you are sitting. When you are in bed, put your foot on a pillow. Exercises: you can move your foot up and down as well as rotating it in circles to help ensure the ankle joint does not get stiff. When can I return to activity? You can return to your activities when you can perform them without pain. This will typically take 6 to 12 weeks. When you do start exercising again, you should gradually build up your activity levels. A sudden return to high-intensity exercise after a break may cause a repeat or a new fracture. When to seek further help If you are still experiencing significant symptoms after three to four months, please contact the Virtual Fracture Clinic for further advice. Virtual Fracture Clinic Leighton Hospital Tel: 01270 278383 Email: [email protected] Available Monday to Friday 9.00am – 5.00pm (excluding Bank Holidays) For more information about the Virtual Fracture Clinic visit: www.mcht.nhs.uk/virtualfractureclinic This information is available in audio, Braille, large print and other languages. To request a copy, please ask a member of staff. Reprinted December 2019 Review December 2021 Ref: SC/VFC/0061219 NHS Choices www.nhs.uk Page 2 of 2 .