INFORMATION FOLLOWING YOUR ANKLE FRACTURE

This leaflet has been given to you to by the physiotherapy department at the Norfolk
and Norwich University Hospital, to assist you in returning back to normal following your
fractured ankle. If you have any queries after reading it please contact the physiotherapy
department on the number above between 9am – 4pm.Monday to Friday
Most fractures will heal themselves but do need a period of immobilisation to allow this
healing to occur. The usual way of immobilisation is having a number of weeks in a plaster
cast. When your consultant thinks you are ready the plaster cast will be removed and you
can then start to move your ankle. Occasionally you will be told by the consultant you should
avoid certain activities or reduce your weight bearing, if not use your ankle as pain allows.
It is common for your ankle to feel quite uncomfortable when your plaster cast is initially
removed, also your skin may be very dry and flakey. You may find that soaking your ankle in
warm water helps reduce the pain and also allows movement to feel easier, so doing some of
the exercises below in the water may be a comfortable way of doing the exercises. Also
massaging your ankle with a plain moisturiser and then doing the exercises below may also
help make the exercises easier and also help your flakey skin.
The following information will give you some advice and exercises to do while you wait to
start your physiotherapy sessions.

Pain relief
Pain Killers

Occasionally it is necessary to take your pain relieving medication when you first come out of
plaster, you may have been prescribed some by a doctor or discuss your needs with a
pharmacist.

You may also wish to try heat and ice as described below to help reduce your pain

Ice and Heat

You may find that using ice or heat helps to reduce any pain. If by doing the exercises
you have made your ankle a bit sore you may find ice useful following the exercises.

Some people find that using heat before exercising makes it easier to exercise.

Application of ice: Place a wet tea towel directly over your skin, and then place a bag of
frozen peas on top of the towel. Keep the peas on for 15 – 20 minutes, checking your
skin from time to time. Repeat up to 3 times a day.

Application of Heat: Wrap a hot water bottle in a towel and place over the area. Keep it on
for 15 – 20 minutes, checking your skin from time to time. Repeat up to three times a day.

EXERCISES
Written by the Physiotherapy Team January 2016 Reviewed January 2018 Date of Next Review January 2021
Trust Docs ID 328
 These exercises are an important part of your rehabilitation. They will help to reduce your
pain, increase your range of movement and help restore normal function. The exercises
should be carried out little and often (four times a day) and only move as far as pain allows It
is common to feel a little sore after doing the exercises but this should not last more than 30
to 60 minutes. If it does you have pushed the exercises too hard and next time, do them a
little gentler

Lying or Sitting

Bend and straighten your ankles, hold for a count of 5 secs. If

you keep your knees straight you will stretch your calf
muscle.

Repeat 10 times

Sitting or lying

Rotate your ankle clockwise and then anticlockwise.

Repeat 10 times

Try walking as normally as possible.

You may have been adviced to use a walking aid to help your
walking, however try to put your heel down first and push off with
your toes, putting as much weight as comfortable on your foot.

Sitting with your leg out in front of you, put a towel around
your foot.

Gently pull the towel and feel the stretch in your calf, hold
for approx 20 seconds

Repeat 5 times

Physiotherapy Services Out-patients Department Level 2, East Block

Direct Dial: 01603 286990

Written by the Physiotherapy Team January 2016 Reviewed January 2018 Date of Next Review January 2021
Trust Docs ID 328