Advice on recent ankle surgery needed

Hi Sharon,

I'm sorry you're having trouble ...

In what way are you having issues with the boot?  I found when I had to wear mine all the time, it would rub the incision on the inside of my ankle.  I put anything in there for padding, paper towel, a piece of towel, a sock....absolutely anything to keep it more snug and not aggravate it anymore.  Maybe you could try adding another pump of air to stabilize it a little more?

I also found that early on, if I kept the boot off for too long, it would start to ache.  It felt far more comfortable to wear it and also felt more stable.

Not sure if any of these suggestions will help but it's worth a try to make this process a bit easier.

Wishing you a speedy recovery - as pain free as possible...

Deb

Hi Sharon,

i also broken my ankle in 3 places (trimalleolar) and had 7 weeks in a cast after op with 11 screws and a plate. After wearing the boot for 5 weeks I was using crutches and spending more time bootless, including at night. I then fell while not wearing boot, and broke my first metatarsal, so need to wear the boot, non weight bearing for 4 more weeks! 

I was told this week, that the foot bones are very brittle after non weight bearing time, which is why a very minor fall broke a bone. My bone density has decreased and muscle atrophy means bones arent supported.

my advice is be very careful when not wearing the boot. After a week and a half of much pain, i am now sleeping without the boot again, but am very careful what I do.

Wear the boot!!!! I’m wk 28 post op 1 plate & 6 screws. I was in non weight boot for 9 weeks (no cast), then partial weight bearing in boot for 6 wks, full weight on boot for another 6 wks. My bone in October still wasn’t fused all the way. I’m now wearing tennis shoes and walking with a cane. I still have pain, a little swelling and going to pt. It’s extremely important to follow your instructions! You want everything to heal right.  When dr gives you the ok to get in tub and start doing exercises, do so. I started out with flexing foot up and down and doing the alphabet. But wait for the ok from your doctor. You will find everyone here is so helpful and informative! It’s a great place to be to find out you aren’t alone in all of this! Continue to ice, elevate and rest!! And give your body the time it needs to heal. They told me my injury will take at least a year! Good luck and best of healing to you!! 🙏🏼🙏🏼💕🙏🏼🙏🏼

Definitely wear it at all times while moving - it is too easy to fall or accidentally touch down while moving and without your boot you could easily hurt yourself and disrupt the healing. I have a less serious fracture (stable/no surgery) and while I am allowed to bear my full weight it is only in my boot. My boot can only be off when I am at rest - while moving it has to be on.