7 weeks post ORIF, I can't WB

Posted , 6 users are following.

I'm 35 m, had ORIF surgery for my broken ankle, cast was removed last week, and i was advised to start weight bearing, but since I don't have access to AIR boot my doc said I should put weight on my foot. I'm doing PT myself following youtube videos. 

1) my heel does not touch the groud when im standing, this stops me from trying to put weight. 

2) I have lots of pain when I put weight, ( put 30%). 

3) I do PT for 30 min daily, shall I do it more? I do PWB for 30 min a day, shall I do it more even if it's painful? any recommendations?

0 likes, 10 replies

10 Replies

  • Posted

    Follow what they say. Do everything they advise. If their are any issues you will have them to blame. Doing other than that if something goes wrong then you will have the blame put on you.
  • Posted

    Didn't the dr order pt for you after surgery?? That's usually protocol . Especially in the post op weeks you need to go to pt with help from therapist  so u don't overdue it

    • Posted

      I'm glad you caught that. He should definitely be going to a physical therapist.

  • Posted

    Don’t do anything on your own! Make your dr order physical therapy for you! This is not something you should be going alone! As for weight bearing go slow. Listen to the body. 
  • Posted

    Are you in a position to buy an aircast boot? I was sent home from hospital with one too small and purchased one on line. But it was £140 (UK). I am 6 weeks post ankle fusion, tibial pinning and extensive bone graft. It takes all the pressure but allows mobility. Did you Dr mention an aircast boot? If they did it makes no sense to say fully weight bear instead? Listen to your body. Go back and speak to somebody. DON'T fully weight bear just because you are told you should. Pain is the bodies regulator to prevent further damage. I have had loads go wrong witg my leg in the past. No amount of apologies after the damage was done would ever compensate me. Make sure you go back or see another specialist. Good luck. X

  • Posted

    What % WB did the doc advance you to? I am concerned you haven't been referred to physical therapy. Also that you have no boot,I've had a cam boot,no aircast since 2nd day after surgery. Demand that they define parameters for you to follow. I had ORIF on 3/13/18,I justgot put to 50% ,litera

  • Posted

    I broke off. I was saying I am on 50% WB starting 5/01,after no wb since 3/13. It's pretty scary to me,I'm having trouble adjusting. 37yo fem

    • Posted

      I'm also having trouble weight bearing. My foot has nerve damage from the Or If surgery. Does yours have nerve damage also?

    • Posted

      I am doing 25% WB, but it's painful, I am wearing my normal boot. how does it feel for you in partial WB? do you struggle with pain? regarding the PT, I am following youtube exercises. are you still using 2 crutches? or 1? have you tried to do steps on your own? 

    • Posted

      Still using both crutches. I can put 50 percent weight on it but it's extremely painful. I haven't done steps yet. Typical routine at pt is 8 minutes on bicycle. Then manipulation of the foot. Then I use foot boards make circles with ankle then another board which takes the ankle forward and back. Then I stand at the handrail and alternate between good and bad ankle. I've got nerve damage and I'm 57 so things heal slower.

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