Generic Foot Fracture No Boot No FU

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.

 

Pain and Swelling: The swelling is often worse at the end of the day and elevating your foot will help. Take pain killers as prescribed.
                                              

Walking:

You may walk on the foot as comfort allows but you may find it easier to walk on your heel in the early stages.
   

Follow up:

 

 

 

 

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

If after six weeks you are:

  • still experiencing significant pain and swelling or

  • struggling to wean out of the boot

Please do not hesitate to contact us for a further consultation.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Picture of bones in the foot


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

  0-3

  Wear supportive footwear with a firm sole.

  Regularly perform the exercises below to get your movement back.

  Start your exercises straight away to maintain and improve your movement.

  3-6

    X  Try to stop using crutches if given them

  Start around your house first, then try outside.

  Continue your exercises to regain the flexibility of your foot.

  6 -12

  Your injury is healed. You may have mild symptoms for 3-6 months.

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

    X   Heavy tasks or long walks may still cause some discomfort and swelling.
  12  If you are still experiencing significant pain and swelling then please contact the Fracture Care Team for advice.

 

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 foot for the first 24-72 hours to allow the early stage of healing to begin. Raise your ankle 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.

 

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.