Ankle Injuries

You have been treated in the Orthopaedic Urgent Care Centre with an Ankle Injury. This leaflet explains how to look after your ankle at home

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.