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6 weeks post-ORIF (sport injury)

Posted , 5 users are following.

erickablair
erickablair

Hi everyone!! Super exciting news!! After six weeks post-ORIF surgery I am in a small brace and walking 100% on my own!! Was also cleared to start cheerleading practice the first week of January and compete nationally the third week! I broke my fibula pretty bad on October 23rd and had ORIF surgery on October 31st. After about 2-2 1/2 weeks of non-weight bearing, I began to slowly start putting weight on my broken leg due to a pretty bad sprain to my good ankle (I'm a mess lol). To be clear I also did quite a bit of scholarly research where they found weight bearing as tolerated after ORIF was perfectly safe and actually made the healing process faster/smoother. I became very comfortable doing this and found it to be less dangerous than using crutches in the Minnesota weather. At my six week checkup (where I was supposed to begin putting partial weight on my leg) they were so impressed with the healing and my range of motion/lack of pain that they let be done with the boot! In the beginning this seemed like such a long recovery and I was SO surprised when they let me walk out of there with a small brace and no physical therapy. Within 9 weeks after my surgery I will be back on the cheerleading mat doing what I love (also what broke my leg in the first place lol). I just wanted to share my story to give hope to others (especially athletes hoping to return to their sport/activity!!). The recovery process is so important and I was so surprised with how fast this went by for me! Anyone have a similar experience ??

0 likes, 7 replies

7 Replies

  • cynnmarie
    cynnmarie erickablair

    Posted

    This is sooooooo encouraging to hear!!! I suffered from a trimallelalor ankle fracture February 2nd and had ORIF surgery February 11th. My doctor says he's confident I'll be back to 100% , but I've been pretty torn reading so many of these stories. I know so many factors such as age age and injury play into recovery, BUT this just confirms what my doctor has already told me! I haven't tried WB yet. I'm terrified that I'll re-injur myself. Thank you for your story- it has given me hope! CONGRATS on your healing! ENJOY your ability to walk!!! Something we take for granted- I sure know I did! xoxoxoxoxo

    • erickablair
      erickablair cynnmarie

      Posted

      I so hope everything is going well for you! It was hard to think I'd ever walk the same again, but to be honest I usually can't even tell I ever broke my leg now! Recovery is different for everyone but I'm hoping for you!!!

  • lilliewil
    lilliewil erickablair

    Posted

    Congratulations! I assume if you are doing cheerleading you are fairly young and healthy and an athlete so your recovery should hopefully be fairly quick assuming no complications.As you get older and/or are less in shape, recovery may take longer. Being athletic and exercising, especially weight lifting, can make a huge difference in recovery time from injuries as well as help prevent them.

    I highly recommend getting physical therapy however and do exercises to rebuild strength and flexibility. I broke my left ankle 20 years ago and didn't have physical therapy and lost a good amount of flexibility and range of motion as a result. I had been told I didn't need it and to just walk etc. to restore it. I was young and didn't realize I should have pushed for it. With my right ankle break 4 months ago, I've had physical therapy all along and have full range of motion already as long as I keep doing my stretches and exercises.

    So I'd check again on the physical therapy again, at least for a few weeks to make sure you are recovering right and what exercises to do to keep it strong and flexible.

    • erickablair
      erickablair lilliewil

      Posted

      I was very surprised when they said I would not be doing PT!! I can definitely tell I don't have 100% flexibility still but I'd say about 90+!

  • daniel56304
    daniel56304 erickablair

    Posted

    Is it possibly to message you privately because I think I have an identical injury with same amount of screws. Doctor has allowed me to start weight bearing at 2.5 weeks as well and I just wanted to know how you started it as I'm a bit scared too put too much pressure. I'm also young and an athlete that would like to rehab this as quick as possible.

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