Healing
This normally takes approximately 6-12 weeks to heal, although you can have pain, swelling and stiffness for months following your fracture. This will depend on the severity and if you had any surgery. Your knee may not always return to how it was prior to your fracture.
Smoking will slow down your healing. We would advise that you stop smoking while your fracture heals. Talk to your GP or go to www.smokefree.nhs.uk for more information.
Pain and Swelling
Your knee may be swollen and painful, swelling is often worse at the end of the day. Taking pain medication, elevating your leg and using ice or heat packs may help. You can use an ice pack or bag of frozen peas wrapped in a damp towel. Put this on your knee for up to 15 minutes every few hours. Make sure the ice is not in direct contact with your skin. You may also find heat helpful, a hot water bottle with warm water (not boiling) or a heat pack on your ankle for up to 15 minutes every few hours. Some people find alternating between heat and ice helpful.
If you have any concerns regarding your pain management, please discuss this with your GP.
Walking aids and splints
You may have been given a splint to wear for support or to restrict your movement. Please follow your hospital doctor or physiotherapists advice on when it is safe to adjust this or remove it.
You may have been given crutches or a walking frame to help with mobility. Again, follow the advice given from the hospital when it is safe to fully weight bear without crutches. You may need to wean your crutches by using one crutch when it is safe to do so, then no crutches when walking comfortably without a limp. If using one crutch, it is normally used in the opposite side to your injury unless you have a weakness in your arm that prevents you from doing so.
Exercises
It is important that you start the exercises that have been given to you by the physiotherapist straight away. These exercises should be completed three to four times a day. You will normally be referred for follow up physiotherapy to the hospital within the area your GP is registered.
It is normal to experience additional discomfort whilst doing these exercises and for up to an hour after. Try taking your pain medication before exercising and using an ice pack afterwards.
1: Heel slides
Slide the heel of the injured leg along the bed and bend towards your buttock, trying to bend at your knee.
Repeat 10 times, 3-4 times per day.
2: Thigh muscle (Quadriceps) strengthening
Tense your thigh muscle by pushing your knee down against the bed or floor.
Hold for 5-10 seconds, Repeat 10 times, 3-4 times a day.
3:
This exercise can also be done by placing a rolled towel underneath your knee and lifting your ankle from the bed.
Hold for 5-10 seconds, Repeat 10 times, 3-4 times a day.
