Broken Ankle (Stable Weber A) | Te Whatu Ora | Health New Zealand | Hauora a Toi Bay of Plenty
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Broken Ankle (Stable Weber A)

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What has happened?

  • You have broken (fractured) the outer bone (fibular) of your ankle - this is a common type of break

What should I expect?

  • This injury usually heals within 6 weeks but pain and swelling may last 3 to 6 months
  • You should be completely out of the moon boot by 6 weeks

What should I do?

  • Take regular pain relief (e.g. paracetamol and ibuprofen) as needed
  • Swelling is often worse at the end of the day and putting your ankle up on a chair or stool (elevating) will help this
  • You may walk on the ankle as much as you are able to
  • You will be provided with a removable boot (moon boot) to support the ankle, and you may find it easier to use crutches in conjunction with this initially. You can take this off to shower and change

What should I not do?

  • There are no limits on what you can and cannot do
  • Try to reduce or stop smoking as this may delay bone healing

Will I be followed up?

  • Please follow up with your GP in 6 weeks. They will assess for tenderness and repeat an X-ray if you have ongoing pain.
  • Once you are out of the moonboot (usually once you have followed up with your GP at 6 weeks) you should be referred to a physiotherapist to help with rehabillitation. If you do not get a referral from you GP please go to a physiotherapist yourself - remember to take your ACC form/number with you

What if I have concerns/questions?

  • If your injury is not settling or you are worried about how it is healing, please see your GP or physio first - take your ACC form/number with you