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Advice on how to manage discomfort in my ankle

Posted , 10 users are following.

Juneo62
Juneo62

Hi all, I am 4 weeks post op for repair to broken tibia,fibula & broken bone in my ankle. I've had a rod through my tibia and screws in my ankle. I'm getting a lot of discomfort in my ankle through the night . I have my leg resting on a pillow but can't find a comfortable position to lie in. I havnt't got a cast on I'm only in Ted stockings. Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

1 like, 36 replies

36 Replies

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  • ali73023
    ali73023 Juneo62

    Posted

    That doesn't sound good 4 weeks in cast for such a bad break. Mine will have been in cast for 6 weeks when it comes off on 2nd June 16 & then are talking of putting me in another cast for 2 weeks part weight bearing then possibly a boot for another 2 weeks after that.

    Are you in USA? I broke my ankle over there & treatment was terrible so glad to be back in UK now. I am 58 so whether they think I will heal more slowly I don't know.

    • Juneo62
      Juneo62 ali73023

      Posted

      Hi I live in macclesfield Cheshire uk. I have only got Ted stockings and have to inject tinzaparin daily for 6 weeks. I havnt't received my appointment yet to see consultant after 6 week period. The care I got in hospital was very good but my after care and information is poor. Was just given meds and told to non weightbear for 6 weeks.
  • cynthia47607
    cynthia47607 Juneo62

    Posted

    Hi June,

    I broke tib, fib and malleoulus 16 weeks ago. Two plates and 10 screws    I had a backslab cast on until the two week post op mark then I was non weight bearing until 7 weeks with a moon boot but was allowed to leave it off most of the time only putting it on for transfers getting in and out of bed, in and out of wheelchair just in case I lost my balance and weight bore.  He gave me a choice of the moon boot or a fibreglass cast.  Glad I chose the moon boot as I have nerve damage on the top of my foot and still can't bear anything pressing on it so I think I would have ended up chewing it off with my teeth lol.  The surgeon also told me to start exercising my foot by pointing my toes as far back as I could and bending the ankle up the other way bringing toes up as far towards leg as possible to keep flextion in my foot.  Having my leg free most of the time and sleeping with it free from two weeks I found really great, and he assured me that the plates and screws would keep the bones in place and made the cast/boot unnecessary.  My surgeon based all his decisions on X Ray results at 2, 6 weeks and 4 months  post op.  I was allowed to start fully  weight bearing at 7 weeks again with no moon boot ( so I have an almost new moon boot lol ).    You will notice with this forum that all surgeons seem to do things differently and all our recoveries are different.  

    In in regards to sleeping I used the stack of pillows as described by others and turned on my side more as the weeks went by but found that the higher I elevated on the pillows overnight the better my foot felt by the next morning.  Learning patience has been a huge one for me and trusting that sooner or later I would walk again.  You will find this forum very helpful as well as it really is a life changing injury for most of us and great to talk to others who really understand what you are going through. 

    • Juneo62
      Juneo62 cynthia47607

      Posted

      I agree with what your saying that all surgeons treat injuries differently. I try lying on my good side in recovery position but because of the scar on my knee it's a little uncomfortable. It's just finding the right position for me .. don't know how long my recovery is going to be or what the next stage will be when I see the consultant at 6 week period. Many thanks for your advice.
  • olga95590
    olga95590 Juneo62

    Posted

    Hi June, I am on my 5th week post op, broken ankle, plate and two screws.

    Also night time pain/discomfort. I use 2-3 pillows to elevate, no boot at night. Recently switched from Tylenol to Advil at bedtime, big difference...Advil is antimflammatory, and inflamation comes at night  as a response to daytime exercise. That what my physio told me. But I would talk to doctor first, Advil can upset your stomach and there are other contradictions.

    Wish you a speedy recovery.

    • Juneo62
      Juneo62 olga95590

      Posted

      Hi, I was taking ibuprofen but causing me discomfort in tummy, so gp advised I try and go without. I'm also on codeine strongest dose but that made me feel funny so gp advised I only take 2 when going to bed. I take paracetamol regularly through the day. It's mostly at night I get the discomfort when lying down flat. Many thanks for your advice.
    • olga95590
      olga95590 Juneo62

      Posted

      Hi, yes, pain medications are tricky because everybody's pain and overall health status is so different...Hope you will be able to find the one which is working for you. Make sure you are taking enough diet fibre with codein...or even taking something like sennosides (1-2) together with it, it has a constipating side effect on a long run.
    • Tituscanby1
      Tituscanby1 olga95590

      Posted

      Lol. I had to take codeine after my surgery 4 months ago and after my initial break 8 months ago. Works great but constipates. I took laxol. A senna type laxitive as I took codeine. Hmmm. Nothing for a few days then I was camped on loo for 10 hours. Every time I struggled to get up, I had to get back on loo. Was a nightmare. Had to use a codeine last night as my good leg, that has a bakers cyst was in agony. I refused Tramadol as it made me spin out and its addictive.

      We'll get there. :+)

    • Juneo62
      Juneo62 olga95590

      Posted

      Hi Olga. I'm taking movicol to prevent constipation. I've always had stubborn bowels so have been taking this for many years. My hubby is a God send he's doing everything besides going to work. He cooks high fibre meals and gets plenty of fruit in me. I've tried raising my foot on more cushions and pillows and must say I had a much better night last night. I have no idea of the time scale of my recovery. But hopefully see the consultant in 3 weeks see what the plan is then. Thanks for taking the time to reply.
    • Juneo62
      Juneo62 Tituscanby1

      Posted

      Hi I take movicol for constipation. I've got stubborn bowels anyway so have been taking this a very long time. I've tried using more pillows and cushions to sleep with and have to say I had a better nights sleep. Just wish I could get outside for some fresh air.i have a zimmer and use it to get me to toilet, however our toilet is small and narrow so I have to leave the frame outside and then use elbow crutches to get to the toilet. Luckily the toilet is next to the sink special I'm able to reach sideways to sink and have a wash and get dressed. My hubby and son are out at work early so he has everything laid out for me for breakfast and lunch às my living room isn't very big and it's hard for me to get in kitchen. I will get there and will know more when I see consultant. How is your recovery going. Well I hope and no problems.
    • Tituscanby1
      Tituscanby1 Juneo62

      Posted

      Can you get a knee scooter? Narrow, easy to navigate and reverse. Into toilet etc. I went to my sons 2 weeks ago, and struggled immensely doing basic things. I've paid a huge price, though I'd do it all again just to see the grandkids.

      I've had a lousy 2 days. Can't use my do called good leg. Badly aggravated Bakers Cyst.So swollen, no matter what I do. R.I.C.E. , MEDS etc. I can't straighten or bend it still. My plated broken fibula is taken 2nd place. Honestly, I am so uncomfortable, I hobble with walker, can't use knee scooter, and crutches are for person with at least one good leg. At times I have forgotten Im recovering from a leg I broke 8 months ago and was operated on with bone graft and plate and screws nearly 4 months ago.

      Phoned hospital, where I have an appointment with specialist next week. They can't help as he is out of town.

      I've just got to grin and bare it. It can only get better!

      <{•+•}>

    • Juneo62
      Juneo62 Tituscanby1

      Posted

      Hi, my sister was prepared to buy me a knee scooter but I told her not to as they are quite expensive. I can't bend my knee fully so I feel it would be uncomfortable as the rod was inserted through my knee. With the scar tissue being hard and tender. My hubby has spoken to the physio as he had an appointment with her yesterday due to him breaking his wrist 3 weeks before I broke my leg, anyway physio said they advise I elevate my leg all the time and to try and keep moving my toes and slightly pull my foot up to help strengthen my muscles. She said she will get a referral of my consultant once I have seen him. I'm worried I will cause damage if I try flexing my foot . Had a better night last night as raised my pillows up more. I'm just so bored sitting around all day. I'm usually on my feet all day due to working in a care home, I'm a team leader so I have a very responsible job.
    • Patientholland
      Patientholland Juneo62

      Posted

      Hello June. I was also so apprehensive about any movement but did continually move my toes and flexed my foot to keep calf stretched. Sometimes I overdid it but that just let me know my limits. Elevation is so important to ensure no build up of fluid which holds all the rubbish not conducive to healing. Icing too. Good luck

    • daphne23784
      daphne23784 Juneo62

      Posted

      Hi June, buy yourself some bio oil and massage it into the scar. I do it 3 times a day and it has made a huge difference. The hard tissue on the scars are disappearing and the purple colour is also fading. Just making sure that you wounds are healed before you use the oil, so you don't get infection.
    • daphne23784
      daphne23784 Juneo62

      Posted

      Sorry June, posted my message to soon. Flexing you foot slightly moving your toes is good, it helps with circulation and flexibility. I used to hold my foot with my hand around the instep in the beginning and move the toes up and down, also stretched them open and close. Holding helps support the ankle and foot. Start with a few and work up from there.
    • olga95590
      olga95590 Juneo62

      Posted

      Hi June, I am also a nurse in charge in a nursing home, so I understand very well how you feel not able to move around...I rented an electrical scooter to go out, it made a huge difference for me, but I am lucky to be in a wheelchair accessible condo, i don't know what you situation is like...
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