7 months after Ankle Operation
Posted , 2 users are following.
Hi I am now 7 months after my operation to repair my broken ankle and tibia. I am walking and am now at the stage of trying to get rid of my one crutch that I am using. I do not have physio anymore as I was doing OK and during covid they were concentrating on people who were struggling.
I have tried to walk without the crutch but find my balance is off and honestly I look like I am drunk which I don't like and it makes me feel awkward. I also sometimes feel disorientated. I still have discomfort in my ankle and am limping sometimes but I know the next step is to stop using the crutch. Is this normal as I am feeling like I will never get back to a normal walking pattern again even though my physio said I will before the physio stopped. Also when I do walk without or with the crutch I am so tired at the end of it. If anyone is at this stage or has been through this any advice would be welcome. Feeling disappointed I am not where I should be. Thank you Jules
0 likes, 2 replies
sarahm87 julie57775
Posted
Hi Julie,
Keep hanging in there, and try not to get too discouraged with the progress you've made. I know that's easier said than done especially this year, but as you know these injuries aren't all the same, so its tough to compare your progress with others. Before your physio stopped, did they give you any exercises or flexes that you can do with your ankle at home? I assume they did. The discomfort and limping is normal for a lot of people, so I wouldn't get too worried about your current progress. I know its frustrating! Are you still in a boot or can you wear shoes again? As long as the discomfort isn't sharp pain, and the swelling isn't too bad then just keep slowing rebuilding your muscle with exercising. However if you have a lot of pain, then you need to see your doctor or surgeon. There could be issues with the hardware if they used plates and screws. Basically trust your instincts, and if your doctor says its alright and you still have pain, get a second opinion. I've had to do that several times during my journey.
Please keep in mind what happened to my right leg and foot were way different than yours, I've been dealing with my injuries since 2007. Endless pain, failed surgeries, and depression, until I finally had my right foot and ankle completely fused two years ago when I was 31. My pain is so much better, and I can walk again! I still have a limp, but that's normal for anyone with a fusion like mine. Again, just keep working at it, and you'll get there girl!
julie57775 sarahm87
Posted
Hi thank you so much for your reply. I am in soft trainers as I was only able to get into these two months ago although worried about winter as need boots but just cannot seem to manoeuvre my ankle into an ankle boot yet. I am doing stretches calf ones and using heated wheat pad before and after walking.
I guess it's just a struggle during covid as I live alone knowing if I am doing OK with no reassurance. Sometimes all you want is to know your doing how you should be. I haven't had any sharp pain just discomfort and stopped taking painkillers two weeks ago. Don't even know if I should of stopped them are they just for pain or do they help the soft tissue heal but I felt I had been on them for 6 months and it was time. Really its like a guessing game but I am being pressurised to get back to work and I want too but i am honestly not sure I am ready I can't bend down with my knee because it feels like my ankle will break again and the struggling to walk straight and not limp and balance issue Just worrying. I know I have come a long way but want to be sure. I don't want to risk damaging my ankle again and being back at the start or facing another operation. Jules x