Stable Ankle Fracture (Broken bone) Discharge Advice

What is my diagnosis?

You have a stable fracture (broken bone) in your ankle. The fracture has occurred in a part of the bone which normally heals well without any problems.

This leaflet tells you what to expect and who to contact if you have any worries or concerns when you go home.

How long will I be in pain?

The pain and discomfort you are having in your ankle should gradually settle over a period of several weeks. This can vary from person to person.

Taking painkillers can help ease your pain.  You should always follow the instructions provided in the leaflet supplied with the tablets.

Most injuries heal without any problems but if you are still experiencing pain or discomfort after several months, please contact the Fracture Clinic for further advice.

How long will the swelling last?

The swelling in your ankle can last for several months. The swelling can sometimes go down and then become swollen again.  This will depend on how much exercise you have done.

To help reduce swelling, you should elevate your ankle and apply an ice pack wrapped in a tea towel. When elevating your ankle you should make sure that it is raised higher than the height of your heart when laid flat.

Will I need special equipment?

You will be provided with a removable boot to support your ankle. If required, you will also be provided with crutches.

Advice will be given on how to use the boot and crutches from the Practitioner that fits the boot or supplies the crutches.

Can I carry out my usual activities?

The injury is stable (not displaced), you may walk on it as much as pain allows.

After 4 weeks you should begin to exercise your ankle to reduce stiffness. This may be difficult to begin with, but will get easier.

Patients are advised not to drive while wearing the boot.  You can return to driving when you can carry out an emergency stop safely and comfortably in your normal footwear.

It is safe to remove your boot to wash and sleep if you wish. You can stop using the boot from 4 – 6 weeks as your symptoms settle.

Once the fracture has healed do I need to return the special equipment I have been given?

You do not need to return the boot to the hospital as this cannot be reused. You must put this in with your normal household rubbish as it cannot be recycled. 

If possible, please return your crutches to the hospital once you no longer need them. You can hand them in to the Emergency Department or the Urgent Care Centre.

Contact numbers

If you need further advice, or have any problems, please contact:

University Hospital of North Tees

Virtual Fracture Clinic

Telephone: 01642 383523 
Monday – Friday, 8.30am – 5.00pm
Non-urgent message can be left on the answerphone.

Further information is available from:

NHS Choices

Telephone: 111 (when it is less urgent than 999)
Calls to this number are free from landlines and mobile phones
or via the website at www.nhs.uk

Comments, concerns, compliments or complaints

Patient Experience Team (PET)

We are continually trying to improve the services we provide. We want to know what we’re doing well or if there’s anything which we can improve, that’s why the Patient Experience Team (PET) is here to help. Our Patient Experience Team is here to try to resolve your concerns as quickly as possible. The office is based on the ground floor at the University Hospital of North Tees if you wish to discuss concerns in person. If you would like to contact or request a copy of our PET leaflet, please contact:

Telephone: 01642 624719

Freephone: 0800 092 0084

Opening hours: Monday to Friday, 9:30am to 4:00pm

Email: [email protected]

Out of hours

Out of hours if you wish to speak to a senior member of Trust staff, please contact the hospital switchboard who will bleep the appropriate person.

Telephone: 01642 617617

Data protection and use of patient information

The Trust has developed Data Protection policies in accordance with Data Protection Legislation (UK General Data Protection Regulations and Data Protection Act 2018) and the Freedom of Information Act 2000. All of our staff respect these policies and confidentiality is adhered to at all times. If you require further information on how we process your information please see our Privacy Notices.

Telephone: 01642 383551

Email: [email protected]

Leaflet feedback

This leaflet has been produced in partnership with patients and carers. All patient leaflets are regularly reviewed, and any suggestions you have as to how it may be improved are extremely valuable. Please write to the Clinical Governance team, North Tees and Hartlepool NHS Foundation Trust, University Hospital of North Tees, TS19 8PE or:

Email: [email protected]