Broken ankle recovery

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hobbled in houston

Question:

Broken ankle recovery

I broke my ankle in 3 places and had surgery March 25th. I received a metal plate, connecting rod, and 8 screws. I've read all of the blogs online from others who have experienced my same injury, and their recovery is a lot different from mine. My doctor removed the stitches April 7th and gave me a fiberglass cast. I am only to wear the cast for 2 weeks, and then I will receive the air boot. I can start putting pressure on the foot when I get the ankle boot. Doesn't this seem much too soon? None of the other people who have experienced my same injury have worn a cast for just 2 weeks, and it seems as though it's taken most people upwards of 6 weeks before any pressure could be put on the injury. Is it common to just have a cast for 2 weeks? I had to have large incisions on both sides of my ankle, and the pain is still unbearable, even with the cast. I had 3 huge fracture blisters, and when I put the ankle down off the bed, it instantly swells and throbs. I'm going to try to go back to work next week, but it's only been 3 weeks, and I'm afraid the ankle will swell and inhibit recovery. I just want to know if anyone has been told by their doctor to wear a cast for 2 weeks, followed by a boot. The doctor has also prescribed physical therapy 3 times a week for 3 months. Help me, people!! Is this normal?

Asked by hobbled in houston - 4 answers - 39 weeks 1 day ago

injury

suzyq

I broke my ankle Jan 6 2008. I broke my left ankle in 3 places and my fibia; also broke my right ankle.
I had surgery on the left where they inserted 8 pins and a plate.No weight on it for 10 weeks. At 6 weeks they put me in a huge boot up to my knee. I am going in April 17 for the large pin to be removed.....then they say physical therapy. I have just started to but weight on it and ohhhh does it hurt. I am afraid that when the pin comes out, it will break again or my ankle will never be the same. Physical Therapy is to start sometime after this surgery. I am not sure what is normal .... sorry this probably does not help you, but I can sure relate!

Submitted 38 weeks 3 days ago by suzyq

edditch13

i broke my right ankle in 3 places also on jan 20th, had surgery, pins and plates, was in cast for 6 weeks, then it was removed, and was just shown a few slight weight bearing movements... no protective boot or anything... well thats the NHS for you (UK).. its now 23rd april, and although one side of ankle appears to be doing well, the inner ankle, is still very tendor and producing quite a lot of heat, also giving slight pain when i'm trying to stretch it... i have no answers for you, but can relate to the frustration and pain your going through.. good luck

Submitted 37 weeks 14 hours ago by edditch13

Izzy

Hi,

I am no expert in this field but do study sports injuries as part of an exercise and health degree. From there (our lecturer is a chartered physio who works with international elite athletes also) I have been told that complete immobilisation is used to allow bone to heal naturally and to build up scar tissue which will then stabilise the ankle more. However the down side to that is that you will lose some of the range of movement.
Some physios/surgeons (depending on injury), now recommend movement much sooner to prevent excessive scar tissue. If you are still in the inflammatory process and it sounds like you are, you should still be resting the ankle and using only non weight bearing movement to regain mobility.
Functional ability should not be resumed until the inflammatory process is complete.

However as I said, I am no expert so I would recommend asking the surgeon his reasons for doing what he suggests and would consider a second opinion based on the answers he/she gives you.

Submitted 36 weeks 15 hours ago by Izzy

ub3long2m3

I am very concern about your comments. I broke my ankle on July 5, 2008; I was released from the hospital on the 7th with a splint and received a fiberglass cast on the 11th after my followup doctors appointment. My cast was removed six weeks later on August 14th at which time the two larger screws that were placed in my ankle at a criss cross angle were removed. On August the 15th I received an airboot. Here is the strange part from what your doctor is doing.
My injury remained non-weight bearing until today (Sept. 3rd)

I was told that I had to allow the ankle to settle before I actually would begin to apply light pressure. I just did that in physical therapy at 11:00am today. And I was scared to death. It was not a day too soon. I dont understand what your doctor is doing, but I would get a second opinion as soon as possible. I am typing this with the foot on the ground, however, I can not move without my crutches. Get a second opinion.

Submitted 18 weeks 6 hours ago by ub3long2m3