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A year after ankle dislocation in car accident

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natalie15504
natalie15504

It's been a year since I was hit and suffered an ankle dislocation along with fractures. It's been a long road and probably more to come. First doctor sent me to specialist who was incompetent so I got a third opinion. I was casted, in boot, 12 weeks of total PT. Then this great Dr I have now did surgery and got loose bone pieces out and cut part of talus bone. It's been 7 weeks. I am still in pain and worse pain than before. He says my Achilles tendon is tight from surgery so I'm doing home exercises and go back in 3 weeks. What bothers me is I can't do things like before .. I can be standing on it for less than 5 minutes and need to sit down. I can't go on field trips, out to stores without hurting, very minimum activity. I do have arthritis from this and swelling . Is this something I'll always have to live with or something that can be fixed? I am only 37. Advice appreciated.

0 likes, 4 replies

4 Replies

  • rockin1shoe
    rockin1shoe natalie15504

    Posted

    At week 7 you can still expect a lot of pain in your foot and tightness in your Achilles.  I had bone pieces removed as well and my Achilles was stretched.  I had a bone fusion on the top of my foot as opposed to cutting the Tallus but had ligaments screwed in and shattered bones and bone spurs.  My Achilles is still tight and I work it every day.   You will start to see some real progress in week 9 and 10 and it will be painful still but it keeps lessening each week.  When I started weight bearing I had to go back onto some Advil but it keeps in under control.  Listen to your body and rest and elevate and keep your foot up as much as you can.  Within 3 days of full weight bearing in a walking boot I am up to over 4000 steps a day and every day I see more progress.  You will keep getting better and I was so worried until I got to week 8 and the doctor allowed me to increase my activity and therapy.  When you start being able to participate more in your recovery you will see changes faster.  
    • natalie15504
      natalie15504 rockin1shoe

      Posted

      Thank you , very encouraging to hear. I also have a split brevis tendon but at discussion of surgery in June I didn't have discomfort there but now I do. I had to have knee surgery and postponed ankle surgery until end of December and he mentioned a fusion at that time but I decided to go ahead with cleaning out loose bodies and cutting talus bone for less invasive surgery. I have pain in right side of my foot at night particularly when sleeping.. I do have bruising but not sure if that's it or not. I pray it gets better in time, I'm having to work from home right now which is a blessing but miss my regular life and doing more with my kids and family. Thank you so much !

    • rockin1shoe
      rockin1shoe natalie15504

      Posted

      I am sure your kids are enjoying the extra time with you as well.  The swelling can cause pain too.  Do you sleep with your foot slightly elevated?  Also after elevating my foot very high for 20 minutes my therapist massages from the foot down into the leg in a downward direction to help push the fluid out. If you have someone at home to help you give that a try.  I find after she does that I get some relief.  
  • margie41357
    margie41357 natalie15504

    Posted

    Wow you have definitely had a tough time. I got a cold therapy machine that really helps with my pain and swelling and definitely worth the money, the sell on Amazon . I too have felt I could not stand for long or go out much with out pain. It is getting very slowly better. I feel for you and I think you should nit give up. My brother in law is in his 4th surgery and that was the one that worked. Also a great brace called Exisym is my plan B if all else fails so check it out. Good luck!
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