1. Community
  2. Bones, joints and muscles
  3. Ankle Problems

Broken ankle & fibula

Posted , 5 users are following.

sharon_91713
sharon_91713

hello, 

on the 4.3.17 I collapsed and woke with my leg twisted & trapped underneath me. I broke my ankle and fibula - after a trip to A&E they admitted me and operated the same day - pinned at both sides of my ankle. Now I know I'm not even 2 weeks into this & everything involved is expected to hurt but I was just wanting to check something.……

I have been behaving and been resting with my leg elevated apart from when I can't (I have 2 boys to sort for school- feed etc) but the problem starts almost immediately when my leg is down - it starts to swell straight away and makes the pressure from swelling around my ankle joint almost unbearable - is this normal? 

Thank you in advance 

0 likes, 12 replies

12 Replies

  • kerryG
    kerryG sharon_91713

    Posted

    Hi Sharon

    Yes this is normal because the blood rushes to your foot after being elevated. I had to have my leg elevated for 6 weeks and still on medication. The more u elevate the better it is for you getting better.

    I'm now out of plaster and am allowed to put weight on my foot without boot next week. A bit nervous, but am still taking it slow. It's very very frustrating.

    Keep going x

    • sharon_91713
      sharon_91713 kerryG

      Posted

      Hi KerryG

      thank you for responding, 

      I have never experienced broken bones before so I had no clue what to expect. I just wanted to check it was ok without taking up an extra Drs/Hospital appointment as I have one scheduled for the 20th - have to admit I'm not looking forward to that. 

      Feeling a bit lost as im a self employed single Mum - always on the go & this sitting down resting thing is killing me!! 

      Thank you again x

    • kerryG
      kerryG sharon_91713

      Posted

      Yes it is a killer I must say. I'm a person here there and everywhere so to then come to a stop has been horrendous for me with children, work, activities too. Can u not get help with your children?? I promise u will get there, but as I'm learning it's a very slow journey, but as everyone told me, there isn't a thing u can do about it so I must try and stay positive to get better 👍

    • sharon_91713
      sharon_91713 kerryG

      Posted

      My older Son walks to & from school with friends & my younger Sons school have been amazing!

      The first day back I took him in a taxi - big mistake! & his school have arranged picking him up & dropping him off until I'm able again, which has been a big weight off. 

      Family & friends have also been a great help too - it's just this feeling of uselessness I have that I need to get rid of. I'm still doing little bits that I can it's just not the same x

    • kerryG
      kerryG sharon_91713

      Posted

      Excellent!

      Promise, u will feel a bit better in a couple of weeks when pain eases.

      Good luck !

  • eunique53
    eunique53 sharon_91713

    Posted

    Sharon, so sorry for what you are going through.  Yes, I had swelling/pain for quite a while.   I especially noticed it if I was up for a bit,   The best advice I can give you is to get a knee walker.  It helped me tremendously to get around my house without crutches.  The knee walker supported my leg so it wasn't hanging down and I had much better balance.   Of course when necessary chores were done, I rested and elevated.   Be kind to yourself.  This is a long healing process, but you'll get there!  smile 

    • sharon_91713
      sharon_91713 eunique53

      Posted

      Hi

      I will definitely have a look into a knee walker, anything that will help!! 

      Im just really not used to sitting down - it's going to take some getting used to.

      thank you xx

       

  • katherine76074
    katherine76074 sharon_91713

    Posted

    My doctor said to keep the foot elevated as much as possible.  Try sleeping at night with it on a pillow.  Also, I was told to keep wiggling my toes as it would help keep the swelling down.  Take care.
    • sharon_91713
      sharon_91713 katherine76074

      Posted

      Hi

      other than the essentials I need to do around the house for the kids it's always elevated - in bed also. I keep wiggleing my toes and when sat down try to work my knee as it's getting stiff! 

      It's just the speed of the swelling when I get up - my foot & leg seem to be pressed up to the sides of the pot & it hurts - a lot!! 

  • marge53753
    marge53753 sharon_91713

    Posted

    Hi Sharon

    Sorry you had this accident - it sucks.

    But yes from my experience this is absolutely normal and to b expected.

    Glad u found this forum- by checking iin-I have found it extremely helpful to learn what to expect as well as ways to best cope

    Good luck.

    • sharon_91713
      sharon_91713 marge53753

      Posted

      Hi

      It does suck - A LOT! lol

      I'm glad i found the forum as I absoultely hate booking Drs appointments that aren't/maybe not needed & it has put my mind at rest

      Thank you x

Back to top

Report or request deletion

Thanks for your help!

We want the community to be a useful resource for our users but it is important to remember that the community are not moderated or reviewed by doctors and so you should not rely on opinions or advice given by other users in respect of any healthcare matters. Always speak to your doctor before acting and in cases of emergency seek appropriate medical assistance immediately. Use of the community is subject to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy and steps will be taken to remove posts identified as being in breach of those terms.