1 plate, 8 screws, and a band. 9 weeks in and looking for advice

Also, I guess I tore ALL 3 ligaments and have a damaged tendon.

Hang in there, keep working hard, the plastic bands work well for ankle Exercise and also the exercise bike worked wonders for me, I’m 15 month in but still have a broken ankle, it’s non union, it hasn’t stopped me doing the ankle class perscribed by my Physio, I’ve learnt to keep pushing forward, it won’t be without pain, there was a time I became disheartened and stopped for a while and my mobility worsened. I’m back on track, I do have a heavy limp and knee issues which relates to my condition but important for me at 48 to keep on keeping on as I won’t to resume in my previous job and activities. Keep going and don’t be disheartened, you will make it. 

I'm four months on from very similar injury I still get pain my flexibility isn't quite there yet but getting on with every day life and work

Hi Aaron 

Snap! I have plate and 8 screws on fib plus 2 other fractures. I had cast for 7 weeks then was suppose to be in boot for 6 but I got rid of it at 5 weeks. So now been boot free and in my trainers for a week. Been doing Physio for last 6 weeks and my range of movement is pants really but slowly improving, am walking without crutches which is life changing! 

So , what I’ve noticed is , if I am in my feet all day and I haven’t iced and elevated my whole lower leg gets swollen and then my flexibility is shockingly bad plus pain. So guess what I’m saying is take it to the max but then look after yourself. Let everything heal. Are you taking arnica? I’m on that, comfrey oil to massage foot and try and drain fluid swelling away (massage foot as much as you can) turmeric supplements and I take paracetamol for when I’m about to go to gym! 

It’s a phaff but it all makes a massive difference and I have a business where I have to be standing on concrete floor for 10-14 hours a day. My busy time is summmer so I am completely focussed on getting my foot there for then! 

Btw my consultant said that my ankle would probably never be the same as before and would take between 1&2 years to be where I want it! I have 6 weeks ! Lol! 

Everyday has got better, you will get there. Take care of yourself.  Speedy recovery 

Aaron I had surgery to fix three breaks in my ankle and also had a break in my leg and ruptured the ligaments in my ankle. I am 17 weeks post surgery and I am having major flexibility issues as well. My surgeon just got me into a new brace that I have to wear 3 times per day. With the brace on there is a crank that depending what direction you turn it in will either lift your foot up toward your shin or push it down toward the floor. I have only been using the new brace for 2 weeks but it does seem to be helping a little bit. Google Joint Active Systems Ankle and that should allow you to see what the brace looks like.

First of all are you in U.S. or UK ? I am 8 weeks post op and have 2 plates, 8 screws and a tightrope fixation. I just started Physical therapy through a private entity where I pay cash because I have no insurance and the place that I can go to without cost is subpar. I put myself in an air boot I purchased on Amazon for $48.00 one of the best purchases I have made. I am a real estate appraiser and understand the need to physically get around a dwelling, which I am doing!! My suggestion is to look for alternative therapies, get an air boot, keep elevating and icing but do the exercises to help lengthen your ligaments but not to the point of intolerable pain. Go back to work part time if possible and take breaks when you can. My bones have mended as 6 weeks is the norm but now I’m working on stretching and teaching myself to walk normally (literally little steps at a time) at home but at work I wear my air boot. In addition I am 56 years old and my injury is different than yours, I didn’t have a cast perhaps because of the tightrope fixation (which I thank the Gods for and my surgeon) instead of the big screw they usually put through your bones....Good Luck!

I also have a plate and 8 screws and am 17 weeks post-op now. I am walking with 1 crutch when out of the house, and practicing with no crutch when at home. It takes time, but you will continue to get better. I’m also 8 months pregnant which I think is slowing down the healing process, but it does take a long time and a lot of patience. Hang in there.