Ankle avulsion fracture

Between 4 to 6 weeks after your fracture, most of the healing takes place. Some ache and discomfort beyond this time is normal, and this often happens when you try activities you haven't done in a while.

It's also normal for the area to stay more sensitive for several months after the injury.

What can affect your recovery?

A few things may affect how well you recover.

Smoking

Smoking affects all of your tissues and slows down how quickly a fracture heals. In some people, it can stop healing altogether.

Stopping smoking while your fracture heals will help give you the best recovery. Get help to stop smoking.

General health

Some medical conditions, such as diabetes, may slow down the healing process. Eating a healthy diet and staying active will help your recovery.

Medication

Some medications can slow down fracture healing. If you have concerns about your medication, talk to a healthcare professional. Anti-inflammatory medication, such as ibuprofen or naproxen, has been shown to delay healing.

What to expect after an ankle avulsion or 5th metatarsal fracture

This is a minor fracture, and it's often treated in the same way as a strain or sprain. Some people may be fitted with a boot or a plaster cast, and some might be given crutches.

Walking on your foot can help your recovery, though it may feel uncomfortable at first. Help and instructions for using crutches.

Pain after a fracture

It's normal to feel some discomfort in the areas around your fracture, including:

• other soft tissues
• nearby joints
• areas that have been immobilised

Pain can change from day to day, and it doesn't always depend on what you're doing. It's common to feel pain even at rest.

Some pain is normal even once your fracture has healed. Some people also notice discomfort at the fracture site during colder weather. Your local pharmacy can give you advice on managing pain after a fracture.

Swelling

Swelling is a sign that healing has begun. It's normal to notice it near the fracture first, and it often spreads down your leg.

The amount of swelling changes with:

• your position
• your activity
• the time of day

Even once your fracture has healed, some swelling is normal and can last for several months.

How can I help swelling?

Heavy swelling can become uncomfortable or limit your movement. There are still a few things you can do to help it. You can:

• raise your foot above your heart when you're resting, supporting it with pillows
• keep the other joints in your leg moving normally
• avoid too much rest as well as too much activity
• massage the swelling from your foot towards your groin

Bruising

Bruising after a fracture is normal. It can be widespread and may appear a long way from your fracture. It can look very purple to start with and may change colour as you recover.

Getting back to normal activities

As a general rule, pace yourself gradually back into your activities as you feel able.

Driving

Contact your insurance provider before driving, since your injury may affect your insurance. Once you're out of your moonboot or cast, the general advice is that you must be able to safely perform an emergency stop or manoeuvre. You should always be in full control of your vehicle.

Work

Your return to work will depend on the type of work you do and your employer. You might be able to discuss a phased return to work or changed duties with them. You don't need to see a healthcare professional to return to work.

Daily activities

Keep doing any activities you're able to, as your pain allows, and gradually increase what you do over time. Reduced flexibility and strength might make things harder at first, but this will improve as you slowly build back up to all your usual activities.

Mood

Feeling frustrated or low after an injury is normal. As you get back to normal life, this should improve.

Falls

Loss of confidence is common after a fracture. Advice about preventing falls.

Bone scanning

You may be sent a letter inviting you for a bone density scan after a fracture. It's routine to be assessed for any further risk of fracture, especially if you:

• are over the age of 50
• have increased risk factors for fracture

Rehabilitation plan

There are things you can do to support your recovery after an ankle fracture.

0 to 2 weeks after your injury

In the weeks just after your injury, you should:

• bear weight as much as you're able to
• manage your pain and swelling
• increase movement in your foot and ankle with gentle exercises

2 to 6 weeks after your injury

Between 2 to 6 weeks after your injury, you should:

• bear weight fully through your leg
• start balance exercises

6 to 12 weeks after your injury

Between 6 to 12 weeks, you can:

• return to full function
• resume your normal day to day activity
• return to higher impact activity

Help and support

If your ankle function hasn't improved within 6 weeks of following this advice, it's a good idea to talk to a healthcare professional about your symptoms.

Gentle exercises

Practise gentle foot and ankle exercises to build up strength and movement. Stop these exercises if they make your symptoms worse or bring on new pain. Don't include personal information such as your name, location or any personal health conditions.