A ‘Weber A’ fracture is a small break to the bone on the outside of the ankle. This bone is called the Fibula. This is a stable injury and should take approximately 6 – 8 weeks to heal.
- Pain around your ankle which can be relieved by simple over the counter medication. Seek advice from your local pharmacist / health care provider.
- Bruising around the ankle which may extend to your lower leg, foot and toes.
- Swelling of the ankle which can be relieved by elevation and by doing the exercises provided in this leaflet. Swelling may persist for some time.
- You may have been supplied with a walking boot. This has been given for comfort and does not aid fracture healing. Please follow the guidance on this page.
Rehabilitation Plan
| Weeks since injury | Please note: This is a guide and the boot may be removed sooner and exercises progressed as you feel able. |
| 0-4 | Wear the boot when walking.
If provided, use crutches to support you when walking. The boot should be removed when resting and to shower / bathe. Begin the ‘early exercises’ shown in this leaflet. You can start these exercises straight away. |
| 4-6 | You can now remove the boot when walking; it may be helpful to continue to use the crutches to allow a more natural walking pattern.
Begin the exercises below labelled ‘Exercises to start after 4 weeks’. |
| 6 -12 | The fracture is healed.
You can begin to resume normal, day-to-day activities but be guided by any pain you experience. If appropriate, gradually return to sport and activities you enjoyed previously. As a guide you can begin jogging when you can hop on the affected ankle. It is still common to experience mild discomfort and swelling. |
Exercising your ankle is extremely important to maintain movement and strength, to encourage circulation and to reduce swelling. Regularly remove the boot and begin the exercises below:
Early Exercises
- Regularly remove the boot and move your ankle in all directions. Repeat as often as you are able.
- Wrap a towel or a tie around the ball of your foot. Gently pull your foot towards you, feeling a stretch in your ankle and calf. Hold this position for up to 30 seconds.
Repeat as often as you are able.
Exercises from 4 weeks (or when able)
- In standing, transfer your weight from side to side. Weight bear on the affected side, using support if required. This can be made more difficult by closing your eyes.
- Hold on for support. With your affected ankle behind you: Stretch your calf and ankle with the knee straight and bent as shown. Hold for 20 – 30 seconds and repeat as able.
- Rise up onto your tiptoes and slowly lower back down. Hold on to support if required. Repeat as many times as you are able.
- Gradually increase your walking distance every day. Use your crutches if required!
Repeat as often as you are able.
Contacts
If after 8 weeks, you are concerned regarding your progress or you feel you cannot resume normal function and activity, please call 01786 434036 and request an ‘MIU MSK appointment’.
An appointment will be made with a Physiotherapy Practitioner for further assessment.