ankle fracture (non-displaced lateral malleolus fracture)

[theDudesmummy]

I managed to sustain this fracture on a central London pavement last week, I don't live in the UK so went to a private hospital, got an x-ray and was given a walking boot. I am now back home and wonder what people's experience is of: how long to wear the boot, how long will it still be swollen/painful, when I can I start walking proper distances again/going to gym class etc again, and should I go and have physio and when would be best?

They should have told you all of that when you were treated. Sounds like you probably need to see someone at a fracture clinic or whatever the equivalent is where you are.

Normally 6 weeks in the boot in the first instance - then review

were you told to be non weight bearing?

Do you have crutches?

gym classes etc? in my experience, a year or more.

I saw an orthopaedic surgeon that day, but he was a bit vague about timescales, hence my questions. I refused crutches, as I was told I could walk and weight bear, and did not have to have them, they were more for my comfort. I was about to get on a plane and had already walked several km on the broken ankle before i got to the x-ray (thought it was just sprained initially), so didn't want the hassle of crutches.

Very upset about the gym classes, I had just started going after several years away. I need to get walking again asap...

Do you have a walking boot? My ds broke his ankle a couple of months ago. Advice was walking boot when out and about but to take it off in bed. Around 4 weeks he was happy to walk around at home without the boot, but would still wear it when out of the house. He gradually weaned off it between week 5-6ish. By week 8 he was running around playing football, but still found swimming lessons a bit painful. I thibk were now 14ish weeks since he hurt it and its all healed fully

Yes, I have the boot. I am OK without it at home but am wearing it when out.

Ah I fractured mine last Sat. Have the boot and can walk normally in it. The fracture clinic called me on Monday and went through a few things. Have to wear the boot for 4-6 weeks but can mobilise normally if pain allows.

I don't need to see anyone again unless I'm still having problems after 6 weeks.

@JlL2013 that is very helpful, thanks.