Broken ankle

If you think you've broken your ankle, there are some things you can do while you're waiting to see a doctor. You should: raise your ankle if possible gently hold an ice pack (or a bag of frozen peas) wrapped in a towel on your ankle for 15 to 20 minutes every 2 to 3 hours stop any bleeding – put pressure around the wound using a clean cloth or dressing but do not press on the broken bone wrap your ankle loosely in a bandage to help support it (if your ankle is not at an odd angle) remove any jewellery on your ankle or toes use painkillers such as paracetamol or ibuprofen gel (or ibuprofen tablets if needed) not eat or drink anything in case you need surgery not move or put weight on your ankle if possible

You'll usually have an X-ray to check if your ankle is broken and see how bad the break is. If you have a very minor break, you may not need any treatment. For a more serious break, you may need: a special boot to help support your ankle a plaster cast to hold your ankle in place while it heals the bones to be moved back into place by a doctor (they'll give you an injection to numb your ankle) surgery to fix the broken bones You may have follow-up appointments to check your ankle is healing properly.

A broken ankle usually takes 6 to 8 weeks to heal, but it can take longer. The doctor will tell you: how long you'll have to wear a boot or have a plaster cast on how much weight to put on your ankle – you may be given crutches or a walking frame to help keep weight off it You may need to see a physiotherapist. They can help you with exercises to get your foot and ankle gently moving again. Once it's healed, use your ankle as normal. Moving it will stop it getting stiff. Ask your doctor when you can return to contact sports or other activities that put a lot of strain on your ankle. Things you can do to help your recovery It's important to follow any advice you're given by the hospital or fracture clinic. There are some things you can do to ease pain and help your broken ankle recover. Do rest and raise your ankle whenever possible take paracetamol or the painkiller your doctor has given you to ease pain gently move your toes and bend your knee while wearing the boot or cast to ease stiff muscles Don’t do not get your plaster cast wet or use anything to scratch under it do not carry heavy things Urgent advice: Get help from NHS 111 if: You're recovering from a broken ankle and: the pain in your ankle gets worse your temperature is very high, or you feel hot, cold or shivery your leg, foot or toes start to feel numb or like they're burning the plaster cast is too tight – your leg, foot or toes look swollen, or turn blue or white the plaster cast or boot is rubbing, or feels too loose there's a bad smell or discharge from under your cast You can call 111 or get help from 111 online .