Proximal fibula fracture

This information will guide you through the next 6 weeks of your rehabilitation. Use the information below to gain a better understanding of your injury and what can be done to maximise your recovery.

 

 

Healing: This injury normally takes approximately 6 weeks to heal although pain and swelling can be ongoing for 3-6 months.
   
Pain and Swelling:

Take pain killers as prescribed.

The swelling is often worse at the end of the day and elevating your leg will help.
                                              

Using your leg:

 

If you have been given a boot, this is for your comfort. It will not aid fracture healing but will help to settle your symptoms.

You may walk on your leg as comfort allows although you may find it easier to walk with crutches in the early stages.
   

Follow up:

 

 

We do not routinely follow up patients with this type of injury.

If after 6 weeks you still have significant pain or swelling, or are struggling to wean out of the boot, then please get in touch with our team.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

If you are worried that you are unable to follow this rehabilitation plan, or have any questions, then please phone the Fracture Care Team for advice.

Or, if you are experiencing pain or symptoms, other than at the site of the original injury or surrounding area, please get in touch using the telephone or e-mail details at the top of this letter.

 

What to expect

  Weeks

  since injury

  Rehabilitation plan

 0-2

  If a boot has been provided, wear it for comfort when walking.

  It is ok to take the boot off at night and when resting at home.

  You may use crutches to take some weight off your leg while it is painful.

  Start the exercises straight away. They will maintain your ankle and knee movement.
 2-6

     X  Try to stop using the boot and to walk without crutches. 

  Start around your house first and then try outside.

  You may want to wear it if you go on a long walk.

 6

  The fracture is healed.

  You can resume normal day to day activities but be guided by any pain you experience.

   You should be able to carry out day to day activities.

     X  Heavy tasks or long walks may still cause some discomfort.

 

Advice for a new injury

Cold packs: A cold pack (ice pack or frozen peas wrapped in a damp towel) can provide short term pain relief. Apply this to the sore area for up to 15 minutes, every few hours ensuring the ice is never in direct contact with the skin.                                                    

Rest and Elevation: Try to rest the knee for the first 24-72 hours to allow the early stage of healing to begin. Raise your knee above the level of your hips to reduce swelling. You can use pillows or a stool to keep your foot up

Early movement and exercise: Early movement of the ankle and foot is important to promote circulation and reduce the risk of developing a DVT (blood clot). Follow the exercises below without causing too much pain. This will ensure your ankle and foot do not become too stiff.  These exercises will help the healing process. Early weight bearing (putting weight through your injured foot) helps increase the speed of healing. Try to walk as normally as possible as this will help with your recovery.

 

Smoking advice

Medical evidence suggests that smoking prolongs fracture healing time. In extreme cases it can stop healing altogether. It is important that you consider this information with relation to your recent injury. Stopping smoking during the healing phase of your fracture will help ensure optimal recovery from this injury.

For advice on smoking cessation and local support available, please refer to the following website: http://smokefree.nhs.uk or discuss this with your GP.

 

Boot advice

Diabetic patients: If you are diabetic please contact us to discuss your boot. This is particularly important if you have problems with your skin. We can provide you with a specialist diabetic boot if required.

Footwear for your uninjured foot: We would recommend choosing a supportive shoe or trainer with a firm sole for your uninjured foot. You will notice that the boot you have been given has a thicker sole, by matching this height on the uninjured side you will reduce any stress on your other joints.

 

Exercises

Initial exercises to do 3-4 times a day

Ankle and foot range of movement exercises. Repeat these 10 times each.

  1. Point your foot up and down within a comfortable range of movement.
  2. With your heels together, move your toes apart, as shown in the picture.
  3. Make circles with your foot in one direction and then change direction.

Static Quads

With the leg straight and supported, gently tense your thigh muscle and try to straighten your knee further. Hold for 10 seconds and repeat 7-10 times.
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Knee flexion and extension

 

Bend and straighten your knee while sitting, as comfort allows. Repeat 10 times.

If able, hold your leg straight for up to 5 seconds.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Inner range quads

Place a rolled up towel or small pillow under your injured knee, as shown in the picture.

Tense your thigh muscle and try to straighten your knee. Keep the back of your knee in contact with the towel/pillow.

Repeat 10 times, holding your leg straight for up to 5 seconds if able.