Advice after your nerve block for surgery
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You or your relative has been admitted with a broken ankle
This page has been designed for you by health professionals to provide you & your relatives with information that may help guide you through your hospital stay.
Our aim is for you to regain an appropriate level of function and return to your home environment.
What is a broken ankle?
This is a break of any of the bones that make up the ankle. It can also involve a rupture of the ligaments that hold the syndesmosis together.
There are generally three types of ankle fracture:
- A unimalleolar fracture – this only involves one of the malleoli
- A bimalleolar fracture – this involves two of the malleoli
- A trimalleolar fracture – this involves all three malleoli.
If the bony fragments remain in good alignment, the fracture is described as undisplaced. If they are out of alignment, it is described as displaced.
How is a broken ankle treated?
The main aims of any fracture management are to ensure that the bony fragments are in good alignment (reducing the fracture) and that they are then kept in good alignment, thereby allowing the bone to heal in a good position. This will ultimately help to restore movement and function to the joint.
Conservative management:
Sometimes the fracture will need to be manipulated to restore the alignment of the bony fragments. Once they are in good alignment, your ankle will be immobilised. This can be done using a backslab (a half-plaster which is bandaged on), a full cast or a boot. These are normally used for up to 6 weeks – your Consultant or Physiotherapist will advise you about this.
Surgical management:
Sometimes surgery is required, not only to restore the alignment but also to maintain it. This is done using metalwork, such as plates and screws. You are likely to still need some type of immobilisation post-operatively.
How should I look after my cast?
You should keep your cast clean and dry. You may experience some itchiness underneath the cast, but it is important not to poke anything down the cast as it could get stuck or damage the stitches and wound. It would also introduce bacteria to the area and lead to infection. Waterproof cast protectors can be purchased to prevent your cast getting wet when you wash. Ask a member of staff if you would like more information on this.
How do I reduce the swelling in my ankle?
Your ankle will be swollen for some time after your fracture. You can help to reduce this by elevating your lower leg. Ideally your ankle should be higher than your heart. If the sensation in your toes decreases significantly, it may be that the cast is too tight. If this happens you need to seek advice from your GP or the ward that you were on.
How can I move around?
The consultant looking after you will make a decision around how much weight you can put through your injured leg. Your Physiotherapist will assist in teaching you how to maintain these weight-bearing statuses.
Below are all the weight-bearing statuses.
- Non weight-bearing (NWB) – This means that you can not put any weight through your injured leg. You should keep the foot of your injured leg off the floor
- Limited weight bearing – This means that you have functional restrictions (e.g. no stairs, no sports) or distance restrictions (e.g. indoors only, bed to chair)
- Unrestricted weight bearing – This means there is no restriction in how much weight you can put onto your injured leg. This term can be interchangeable with the term ‘weight bear as tolerated’ (WBAT)
When can I start driving?
You should not drive until advised by your consultant. You should be out of the cast and pain-free. You should also inform your insurance company.
Will I be seen by the Doctors after I leave hospital?
You will be reviewed by the Doctors at regular intervals in fracture clinic. They will advise you as to when you can start to do more.
What exercises should I be doing?
You need to maintain the movement in the rest of your affected leg, in order to avoid any loss of movement and to prevent blood clots. You should complete any exercises provided by your physiotherapist, three times per day.
Will I need more physiotherapy after I leave hospital?
Your ankle will be stiff and weak when it comes out of the cast, and so you may need some further physiotherapy. The staff in fracture clinic will refer you for this as and when they feel that it is appropriate.
Contact details
Frimley Orthopaedic Physiotherapy - 0300 613 4625 - 07570 974390
Frimley Orthopaedic Helpline – 0300 613 2638
Frimley Ward F4 – 0300 613 4245
Frimley Ward F5 – 0300 613 4173
Frimley Ward F6 – 0300 613 4388
Frimley Ward S2 – 0300 613 3783
Wexham Ward 1 - 0300 615 3010 - 0300 615 3012
Wexham Outpatient Physiotherapy - 0300 615 3501 - 0300 613 3500
Wexham Physiotherapy - 07717 199851
Heatherwood Physiotherapy - 0300 614 4178
Contact us
If you have any queries relating to this information, please contact the Orthopaedics service.
About this information
Service:
Orthopaedics
Reference:
BB/108
Approval date:
1 April 2026
Review date:
1 April 2029
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Important note
This page provides general information only. It is developed by clinical staff and is reviewed regularly every 3 years for accuracy. For personal advice about your health, or if you have any concerns, please speak to your doctor.