Soft Tissue Injury of the Ankle

You have been treated for an ankle injury. This leaflet explains how to look after your ankle at home.

What is a soft tissue injury of the ankle?

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.

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.

Continue with your normal activities and keep your ankle mobile by pointing your toes and bringing them back up. This will prevent your ankle becoming stiff and promote your circulation.
When resting, raise your leg up above your hip to prevent swelling.

If you are still in pain after this time then please also discuss your follow up care with your GP.
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 lifesaving treatment and it is important to allow these patients to access the care they need.