Avulsion Fractures of the Foot & Ankle

Patient Information

Trauma & Orthopaedic Department

• Author ID: VL/BH
• Leaflet ref: Musc 070
• Version: 4
• Leaflet title: Avulsion Fractures of the Foot & Ankle
• Last review: February 2024
• Expiry date: February 2026

Introduction 

There are several small bones in the foot, and it is common for a fracture to occur in one of these bones. An avulsion fracture happens when a sprain of a ligament is strong enough to cause a small piece of bone to pull away; this is called an ‘avulsion fracture’. 

 Healing 

This injury will take around 6-12 weeks to heal. Smoking slows down the healing process. We advise that you stop (at least whilst recovering from your injury), speak to your General Practitioner (GP) or you can go online at https://www.nhs.uk/smokefree. 

We do not routinely follow up these injuries; they recover well with self-management.  Please contact the Fracture clinic after 12 weeks if you still have significant pain, or if you are still needing to use the boot at 6 weeks. 

Caring for your injury week 1-4 

Remember to wear your boot when standing or walking for the first 4 weeks.  You can take the boot off to sleep at night and when resting. 

Using ice can help with your pain and swelling. Wrap a damp tea towel around a bag of frozen peas and place it on your foot and ankle for up to 15 minutes, each hour, as needed.   Do not use ice if the feeling in your foot or ankle is reduced, or if you have skin problems. 

Rest your ankle for the first 24 – 72 hours after your injury.  Sit more than usual and keep your foot lifted off the floor on a stool or cushions. This will help to reduce the swelling. 

Ankle exercises 

Movement of your foot and ankle is important to help your circulation and reduce the risk of developing a blood clot (deep vein thrombosis or DVT). 

Start these exercises now, moving as far as you can comfortably.  Repeat 3-4 times a day. 

	Point your toes down as far as you can.    Pull them up toward you.    Repeat for 15-30 seconds.
	Add this exercise two weeks after your injury  Make gentle circles with your foot in one direction.    Make gentle circles with your foot in the opposite direction.    Repeat for 15-30 seconds.
Seated Ankle Glides	Sit on a Chair; keep your heel in contact with the floor throughout.  Slide your foot out.    Slide your foot back as far as you are able. Aim for FULL movement. Repeat 12-15 times.
Calf Stretch	Stand with injured leg out behind, feet facing forwards or if sitting hook a towel around your foot and pull back towards you.    Keep your leg straight, feel the stretch in your calf.    Hold 20-30 seconds.    Repeat 3 times.

Frequently asked questions 

When can I drive? 

It is your own responsibility. You are allowed to drive when: 

• You can safely control the car 
• You are no longer using the boot 
• You are walking normally 
• You can perform an emergency stop. 

When can I go back to work? 

This depends on your individual situation.  You should return to work as soon as you feel able to do your job safely. 

What do I do with my boot and crutches once I have finished with them? 

Please return crutches to Fracture Clinic or Emergency Department. You do not need to return your boot. 

For more information online, please visit https://www.wwl.nhs.uk/virtual-fracture-clinic 

If you have any concerns regarding your ankle, contact: 

Fracture Clinic: 01942 822595 Monday to Friday (8.30am until 5.00pm) 

If you have any urgent concerns out of hours, please call 111. 

Adult MSK Physiotherapy Self-Referral 

If you are struggling to regain your movement or get back to normal activities, you can self-refer to Physiotherapy. A referral form can be found on this webpage:

https://www.wwl.nhs.uk/adult-msk-physiotherapy-self-referral

Please scan the QR Code to access the website.

Telephone Numbers:

Boston House Health Centre Telephone 03007071113

Leigh Infirmary Telephone 03007071597 / 03007071595

Platt Bridge Health Centre Telephone 03007071772