Weber A and Weber B ankle fractures

Fracture?

You have sustained a small break (fracture) of the ankle. A Weber A/ Weber B fracture is a simple fracture to the bottom part of the fibula, on the outer bony prominence. Fortunately your fracture is minor and does not require an operation or plaster cast to treat it successfully.

The treatment for these types of fractures is supportive footwear usually a walking boot, which you will be expected to wear for six weeks. Crutches can be given for support if needed, however it is important that some weight is put through the boot in order to strengthen the ligaments.

Swelling and bruising at the fracture site is normal. Regular pain killers and applying ice, wrapped in a tea towel, to the area will help to reduce swelling and pain. Ice should be applied for 20 minutes three to four times a day.

You should:

• Take pain killers as needed to keep pain levels under control.
• Use ice and elevation to bring swelling down.
• Wear supportive footwear in the time frame recommended, this can be removed at night and resting.
• Bear weight as the pain allows in the walking boot.
• Gently start to move ankle as pain allows to prevent stiffness.

You should not:

• Take part in any physical / contact sports which may put you at risk at further injury. The time frame for this will be outlined at the point of assessment.
• Drive whilst wearing the walking boot as you will void your insurance should you have an accident.

Follow-up

Whether your injury is followed up in clinic will be determined by the practitioner or doctor assessing you.

Please remember

Please contact your GP if your condition is not improving, or if your pain relief is not adequate.

If your condition is worsening please contact the Multi professional fracture clinic - call 01223 348299 or 01223 257095.

For more information please visit the Fracture Info website (opens in a new tab).