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Broken ankle

Posted , 6 users are following.

shelia15
shelia15

Hello my name is shelia.

I broke my ankle on May 21 2018 and  had surgery on June 1 st.  I was no weight bearing until July 24th.  I am now in therapy. My ankle is still swollen and turns out when I am on it a lot. Also the incision still seeps just a little bit not a massive amount just a tiny bit and does not have an odor. Also now that I can get out and around I get so anxious when people get close to me. 

Help is this all normal this is the first time in my 44 years of life I have ever broken a bone

1 like, 6 replies

6 Replies

  • tricia09818
    tricia09818 shelia15

    Posted

    I don’t know about the seeping incision, mine stopped that after a few days. Ask your therapist what they think. The swelling is normal and will continue for a few months. It gets better but will reoccur the more active you are for a long time.

    I know I was like you-afraid someone would push or trip me, or I would fall. These fears also lessen with time. I actually stepped in a hole while backing up mowing the lawn and was so afraid I’d damaged my hardware but it was fine. I’m 63 and that was my first break too.  

  • shelia15
    shelia15

    Posted

    Thank you for the advice. 

    Do you have trouble with your foot turning out?

  • uel02419
    uel02419 shelia15

    Posted

    Hi,

    You well down the road to recovery, I would be slightly concerned your wound is having issues, it should be closed by now, this needs reported to doctor to rule out infection.

    Your ankle will be swollen to some degree for a long time, keep doing your exercises and get your ankle foot elevated regularly.

  • amanda91058
    amanda91058 shelia15

    Posted

    The swelling is normal. I am 27 weeks post surgery and still dealing with the swelling. My foot also turned out quite a bit which I would notice the most when they had me ride the stationary bike at PT. I would find myself hitting the bike with my heel as I was pedaling if I didn't pay close attention to how I was holding my foot. I think part if this is due to the muscles in your leg being so weak from weeks of not using them.

    I have noticed that since my injury if I try to walk with my toes facing forward I almost feel like i am twisted all the way up to my groin.

  • winnie4801
    winnie4801 shelia15

    Posted

    Same as others-#1-wound should be closed by now, #2-swelling will be with you awhile and #3- fear is a natural result of this kind of traumatic injury.  I still have flashbacks about my bilateral ankle breaks,   and I am scared in crowds, it’s almost like PTSD but not as bad.  If the fear does not lessen you can always speak to a therapist.  We need to have confidence in our bodies again after being so helpless and traumatized.  Good luck!

  • Susan0224
    Susan0224 shelia15

    Posted

    Hi Shelia, hope you are feeling better.

    I broke my right ankle 7/5 (ORIF surgery 2 screws) the same day and currently nwb for 2 months. I too have never had a broken bone and I am 45.

    I would ask about the wound seeping just to make sure. My foot is turned out as well but I will ask at my next appt 8/16. I am anxious to start PT but a total scaredy cat about the pain! I have never felt so helpless especially around my 5 yr old daughter.

    I try to stay positive but it's hard when family and friends don't understand the daily struggles (mental & physical) and getting around at home if that makes sense. I know my reply is not helpful Shelia sad But I am glad I found your post as it gives me piece of mind of what I am feeling and knowing I am not alone as mushy as that sounds smile

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