18 months later...

ooooh Collette, so so sorry to hear this. you have probably read my posts before reference my son. he broke his tibia and fibia in 2003, he has had the plates,pins, fusions and eventually a replacement ankle two years ago and is STILL in pain and STILL limping. I could cry when i know all he has been through. he is on pain relief which does not seem to help and it is now affecting his good foot because of the strain he is putting on it. I am trying to research into what to do next so will keep you posted. So sorry if i sound negative, i do hope you have more luck. xx

Hello Collette,

you,are my worst fear. so very sorry, wish I could help you. I'm 4 months Post Op. I am walking with a limp, with a crutch. I've had Inner ankle pain for the past week, but seems to be subsuding. I take loads if supplements. I take MSM with Hyalonoric acid. I take Glucosamine with chondritin. Have you tried these? Because I believe they have helped me. Also a good woman's multi, over 50. I'm 58. Vitamin D with K. Vit E. Also the Omegas. Every day a handful. Don't give up. I've heard 2 years for some people. Also a hot foot soak with Epsom salts. If you can get to a gym, swimming is also great as it give the ankle free weght. I feel your pain, because any little hiccup and I get down too. But we have to keep going, it's hard. Keeping the foot warm at night with nice comfy cotton socks. Massage the incsions If you have them, could be some some scar tissue etc.. I wish for you to get better. Let us know how you get on. Positive vibes and thoughts help too. We all care on here. xxx Karen

Thank you Colette, back at you.😎

i can understand your frustration collette, i had a nasty trimalleolar dislocated fracture of my ankle 10 months ago and was so despondent with the persistent pain and stiffness and numbness to top of foot and 3 toes, following an ORIF with a plate and 12 screws. It was also impacting my finances due to work restrictions. I had intensive physio and hydrotherapy which did help alot, but what has really put me on the road to recovery id say is having all the metalwork removed 5 weeks ago, and a clean up of the joint by my ortho surgeon. Ive been told there is a degree of arthritis graded at 2.5 in parts of my ankle joint now, but i am back full time at work now and coping with any discomfort with simple analgesia, no longer limping and on another course of physio to stengthen the ankle. I really hope i can avoid needing an ankle fusion down the line which was suggested may be necessary wheni had the last surgery, but i see my surgeon for a follow up next week and hope its positive news.

As my age is 55 and being post menopausal I also take supplements now to keep my bones strong, calcium, VIT D and vit K, which i feel have helped.

Has your ortho surgeon suggested removal of any metalwork?

Best of luck to you x

Hi there, I haven"t posted for awhile, I'm 13 1/2 months post surgery. I fell 61/2 feet out of a tree spiral fractured my tibia, shattered the bottom of my tib,fib and ankle bone. I have 3 plates and unknown screws. I feel your pain.

I worked hard in my recovery, physio and went to the pool as much as i could tolerate which was the best for range of motion.

I felt all my efforts didn't help, pain,swelling, limp! I went back to surgeon after my physio went alittle to aggressive to find out... I have severe traumatic arthritis. He is sending me to a ankle specialist and it looks like 2 options..Fusion,ankle replacement.

I has a cortisone shot afew weeks back that really help with the swelling. But only helped for pain a couple days.

The cold is huge so im always wearing a thick sock even to sleep.

I also have anxiety about leaving the house, but we have to!! for your mental health. I use a knee scooter of aircast when i leave the house.

I feel your pain about the heels!! I was a runner before this happened poof life changes in an instant!!

I'm a paramedic and have no idea when or if i can return to my job.

Take care of YOU!!

Aww Collette I am sorry to hear this update for you I really am. I am 7 months post Orif for my shattered ankle of which I now have three plates screws and pins sitting there. I agree it is an awful thing and I would not wish this on my worst enemy!!! My current status Is I am okayish.. The cold weather is proving to be a real bothersome time for my ankle and It is certainly letting me know it does not like being out there!!!. I am wearing socks to try and help alleviate the burning sensation I feel and I am limping a little now as I was okay before the cold set in. I have purchased a mountain bike though and I am finding that pedalling is helping also. Done a few stints at the hydrotherapy pool which is sheer heaven let me tell you but I am still having a good deal of swelling especially on the outer bony part of the ankle and I am praying it does subside soon.

I hope you are able to get this sorted Collette and you can at least return to some kind of normality xx Ankle injuries are a b***h!!! no mistake!!!