You’re offline. This is a read only version of the page.
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: | The fracture will take 6 weeks to heal. Some pain and swelling may be on going for 3-6 months. |
| Pain and Swelling: |
Your knee may be swollen. Resting and elevating your leg will help. Take pain killers as prescribed. |
|
Using your leg:
|
You may walk on your leg as comfort allows. You must wear the splint fitted by A&E. You can only remove the splint to wash your leg daily. Keep your knee straight while you wash and replace the splint afterwards. |
|
Follow up:
|
You will see a Knee Specialist about 2 weeks after your injury. They will assess your knee once the immediate pain and swelling has decreased. They will decide if further treatment or x-rays are required and will organise them if needed. If you have not received an appointment letter for either of these appointments within 1 week then please contact 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 |
|
|
2 |
|
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 within the limits of your pain. These exercises will help the healing process.
Early weight bearing (putting weight through your injured leg) helps increase the speed of healing. Try to walk as normally as possible as this will help with your recovery.
Fitting the cricket pad splint
Place the cricket pad splint on the leg so that your patella (knee cap) is in the middle of the hole in the splint, as shown.
Exercises
Initial exercises to do 3 times a day
1. Point your foot up and down. Repeat 10 times.
2. 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.
Wear the splint fitted by A&E for 2 weeks.