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6 months later.

Posted , 8 users are following.

Fraser76596
Fraser76596

Had surgery back in Oct 15. Broke Ankle in 2 places plus Fibula. Put 1 x diastasis screw right through my ankle. Cast for 6 weeks, then boot & crutches for an additional 3, physio etc, then had screw removed 3 weeks ago. Thought this would be the end of the pain - but no such luck. Its ok when i do nothing, but trying to get exercising again, and the easiest of bike rides results in heaps of swelling & bulk pain, sleepless nights. Totally over this. Anyone got suggestions?

0 likes, 9 replies

9 Replies

  • melissa91009
    melissa91009 Fraser76596

    Posted

    Hi

    I haven't had this type of injury, mine was a lateral ligament reconstruction for ankle instability, talar lesion lesion and extensive arthrofibrosis. I had my op in July and still have a lot of pain and swelling when I over do things.

    May I say it sounds like you may be doing too much too soon? I know it's frustrating but maybe pull back for a little while then build up. Ice, elevation and rest in usually good and when the pain and swelling is less, gentle exercise, ROM etc. 

    Take care 

    Melissa 

    • Fraser76596
      Fraser76596 melissa91009

      Posted

      Appreciate your feedback Melissa. Yes agree it may be too soon for exercise. Ice, elevation & rest along with pain relief normally ease the pain...... until its time to get moving again. Guess its just one of those things
  • Loulou12346
    Loulou12346 Fraser76596

    Posted

    Poor you. I agree that it's hard to pace yourself after feeling so inactive for so long. The mental side to breaking a leg has such a massive impact. I'm also really interested in hearing the removing screw v's not. I broke my fibular two weeks ago and had surgery to plate and pin. I was told that it's unusual to remove any of the hardware so assumed it was staying put. My GP said that if it is removed, it has to be done in the first year, otherwise it gets complicated. Could the pain you're experiencing be more ligament based? I'm back in on Fri to have stitches removed and a boot put on. Apparently it's PWB after that which feels like something I'll never be able to bring myself to do. 2.5 weeks in seems very soon for that. I'll ask the question and post anything of interest. Best wishes.
    • patti123
      patti123 Loulou12346

      Posted

      Hi Lou Lou- I have also read there is a window for getting the hardware out. I think it is because of scar tissue, but I have heard people online say they were upset no one told them there was a window of time and they had passed it. 
    • Fraser76596
      Fraser76596 Loulou12346

      Posted

      Appreciate your kind response. Certainly  i never half anticipated the impact a broken leg has had. My screw was called a diastasis screw which may be a bit different than others. Just the one - but massive! They gave it to me after surgery. Its 75mm long and went right through my tib & fib at the bottom where they meet up. They told me at the time of original injury that they would take it out again. Certainly glad they did, because movement was very limited with it in. Since removal movement has improved a bit, but pain just as intense. Anyway... we'll keep battling.
  • nadia09734
    nadia09734 Fraser76596

    Posted

    If I do too much or my ankle doesn't like something it swells - ice and elevating as much as possible and elevating overnight brings it back down and the quicker the swelling reduces then you know you are getting there ! . Have had my leg up in the air nearly every night on cushions for 6 months bit am getting there and am sure you will too.
  • Rusty_trux
    Rusty_trux Fraser76596

    Posted

    Hold the activity and be patient. I am just getting round a golf course after a ankle op last June . I tried the cycling and gym months ago but found it upset the area and probably set me back. Very sharp pains occurred.

    ( I used to run 20 miles a week, so I miss the activity)

    I am sure your op will be fine but it will take 912 months.

    All the best

    K

  • suzanne72924
    suzanne72924 Fraser76596

    Posted

    How about seeing a chyropractor for an adjustment? I went through about the same thing as you, going on 5 months now. Was still using crutches to assist with an even gate. Walking with a little limp but feels more foot related than ankle. Like my foot is still cramped. My first adjustment 3 weeks ago I was really swollen and I was very concerned. My toes were loudly popped and ankle pulled down on and popped. A bit uncomfortable but got the fluid moving again. Swelling is no where near what it was. Also wear a snug sock that helps keep swelling down. Doing much better and feel like I'm on an excellerated positive curve.
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