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Aching after cast off, 7-weeks post ORIF for Trimalleolar Fracture, normal?

Posted , 4 users are following.

tom48911
tom48911

Hi there,

I'm a 35 year old male and was hit by a car whilst riding my motorcycle just under 9 weeks ago. Suffered a trimalleolar fracture and dislocation. Had external fix for two weeks while swelling reduced, then ORIF - incisions both sides of my ankle and plates and pins. That was 7 weeks ago.

For the last four weeks in a lightweight cast I was entirely pain free. I had the cast off yesterday and have a boot but have been experiencing a lot of aching. I didn't have an x-ray prior to cast removal but one done two weeks ago showed bones were all aligned and metalwork in place.

Ive been advised to avoid weight bearing for two more weeks but to start exercising the ankle out of the boot which i have started doing with relatively little pain but stiffness.

Is the aching normal? It's not really 'bad' pain, just a dull ache. I'm worried the fracture hasn't healed as the aching is not unlike the pain during the first few weeks of the injury.

Thanks

0 likes, 5 replies

5 Replies

  • sandra91776
    sandra91776 tom48911

    Posted

    I had the same fracture from a fall on 7/5

    I was very lucky with no pain until 7-8 weeks when I began putting weight on it

    So I think what you are experiencing is normal

    Im 14 weeks post op and walking in sneakers, some days better than others

    Have you started PT yet?

    • tom48911
      tom48911 sandra91776

      Posted

      Thanks so much Sandra it's so nice to hear you're already in sneakers. It sometimes feels like it will be months and months before I'm 'normal' again.

      I haven't started PT as the DR said it can be slow to arrange here in the UK on the NHS. However I also have private PT soon through the third party insurer which will hopefully help too.

    • sandra91776
      sandra91776 tom48911

      Posted

      I find the PT to be helpful

      When I began PT I was in a boot walking with 2 crutches

      Within a few weeks I was able to get rid of the crutches and go to just the boot and eventually to sneakers

      We all recover different so just take your time and listen to your body

  • ksher
    ksher tom48911

    Posted

    I also had a Trimalleolar fracture plus 5 other minor fractures 8 weeks ago. soft cast 3 weeks, hard cast 3 weeks taking x-rays after each stage. I have been in a boot 2 weeks and battling an infection on outer ankle. They just removed steri strips last week. There is 8 screws and a plate, and still use walker/ wheelchair for stability or when leg gets tired. PT all along since day after surgery has helped, but the excercises make my foot feel like it has a plate as well ( it doesn't) very uncomfortable, has anyone else experienced this?

  • michelle14213
    michelle14213 tom48911

    Posted

    Hi Tom, 17 weeks since mine and although I have been lucky with not having suffered pain, mine does ache especially at the end of the day. Feels like I have a needy toddler attached to my ankle some days!!! It's normal and all part of the healing process. Hang in there.

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