Ankle Injuries
Ankle Injuries: discharge advice
- You have had a simple soft tissue injury to your ankle. As part of this you may also have had a “chipped bone” / “avulsion fracture”.
- These injuries usually heal fully without any long-term problems.
- The pain, tenderness and swelling you are experiencing should gradually settle over a period of several weeks.
- During this time, you may find walking on the foot painful; it is advisable to keep the foot elevated.
- You may be provided with a support for the ankle in the form of bandaging, splint or a removable boot, depending on the type of injury. If required, you will also be provided with crutches.
- You may walk on your foot as much as pain allows. If you have been given a splint or a boot this should gradually be discarded over the following 3- 5 weeks as your pain settles.
- Please see “Ankle Injuries Exercise Sheet” for advice regarding basic exercises.
- Most injuries heal without any problems. However, it may take several months for your symptoms to settle completely.
If the pain gets worse or lasts more than 5 weeks, or if you are concerned following discharge from hospital, please contact the Orthopaedic Urgent Care Centre or your GP.
How to get in touch
- If you are very concerned then you may attend the A and E department however at this time we advise that you do this only if you are very concerned and it is an emergency. The A and E department will be occupied with patients requiring life-saving treatment and it is important to allow these patients to access the care they need.