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Lower Limb Soft Tissue Injury/Ankle Injury.

You have been treated for an injury to the ligaments and soft tissues of your lower limb. You have had a thorough examination and are now considered fit to be discharged. The following instructions will aid your recovery.

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You have sustained an injury to the ligaments and soft tissues of your lower limb. This will result in pain, bruising and swelling.

You should:

Use the crutches (if provided) as directed.
Apply crushed ice or frozen peas to ease pain and swelling. Wrap ice in a damp towel and place around the elevated limb for 10–15 minutes, 4–6 times a day.
NB: Don’t put ice-packs directly onto your skin as they can burn. Use baby oil to protect your skin.
Take tablets such as ibuprofen or paracetamol (both available from a chemist) to relieve the pain.
Keep your ankle raised with your foot higher than your bottom to help stop swelling.
Wear a support bandage during the day, from the base of your toes to below your knee so that it does not stop your blood from circulating.

You should not:

Wear a support bandage at night.
Wear a support bandage if it is too tight.
If your toes go blue, take it off at once.
Take part in any strenuous activity for at least 3 weeks.

Walking

You should rest for the first 24–48 hours after you injure your ankle. The next day try to walk with even strides (heel first, then toe) and put as much weight on your foot as your ankle will let you.
Use stick/crutches if you have been told to.
Try to wear sensible shoes and do not stand still for long periods.

Exercises

Try to exercise for 10 minutes every hour, especially after you have used ice. This will help to stop your ankle from becoming stiff.

Go to your nearest Emergency Department at once if:

You develop pins and needles.
Your limb is numb or discoloured.
There is an undue swelling which doesn’t settle after you remove the bandage and elevate the limb.

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Lower Limb Soft Tissue Injury/Ankle Injury.

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Exercises

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