Your child has been treated for a foot and/or ankle fracture. They have had a thorough examination and are now considered fit to be discharged. The following instructions will aid their recovery.
Stable Children’s Foot and Ankle Fractures
Your child has suffered a stable fracture (break) to a bone of the foot or ankle. This is a common type of fracture in children. Young bone is still soft and very flexible. This type of injury heals very well in a simple and easy to apply walking boot rather than a cumbersome plaster. Most of these injuries heal perfectly well if the boot is worn for 4–6 weeks.
Your child may also need crutches for the first few days but these should be returned to the hospital as soon as possible.
Even with the boot on this injury is likely to hurt for a few weeks. Give your child the correct dose of Paracetamol and Ibuprofen until the pain settles (unless unable to do so for medical reasons). The boot can be removed for bathing/showering without risk to the fracture.
After 4 weeks your child may walk without the boot. If the foot or ankle is a little sore after walking then the boot can be reapplied for comfort. Do this for short periods only as it is best to try to start walking as normally as possible from now on.
However, if after 6 weeks the foot or ankle still seems very sore, swollen, or the child is not willing to walk without the boot then please contact the Fracture Clinic to arrange follow-up. If your child walks without the boot before 4 weeks and appears to be comfortable then there is no reason to force them to wear the boot for the full 4 weeks. It is best to avoid sports and rough and tumble play when wearing the boot and for 2–4 weeks after its removal.
What happens now?
Your child’s X-ray will be reviewed by a Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon, who will send you a letter. Occasionally the Consultant may wish to change the management plan you have been given in this leaflet. If this is the case you will be contacted by a member of the Fracture Clinic Team and an appointment will be made for you to attend the Children’s Fracture Clinic.
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Should you have any worries or concerns following discharge from hospital please contact:
Plaster Room Helpline: 01733 673 419
(9.00 am until 5.00 pm, Monday to Friday)
If no one answers leave a message including your Name, Hospital Number and a brief description of your problem
Call the Plaster RoomIf you have any serious concerns about your child’s injury outside these hours, please contact the Emergency Department on 01733 673 285
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