Broken ankle recovery - reassurance please.

It does get better, just never fast enough!

Mine: right bimalleoar fracture of the lower fibula Oct 20, 2018, ORIF surgery Oct 30, 2018 - plate and 5 screws. Torn tendon that the doc tacked down too. I'm almost 50 with arthritis fibromyalgia and hypothyroid which slows healing. Had a cast and boot and delayed union which has slowed my progress. A bone stimulation device helped with that plus increase vitamins, more rest etc.

I broke my left ankle 20 years ago (tibia) and had 3 screws on that and knew kinda what to expect.

It does get better. If someone with my health issues can get through this, so can you! I can't use crutches due to balance issues and mostly used a wheelchair and knee scooter when non-weight bearing.I also lived along but stayed with a friend for the first 3 months as I couldn't take care of myself (let alone drive), and came back home eventually where it was hard, but I did it. I learned to rely on friends and delivery services to help me get through in the beginning. Now at 5 months, I'm able to drive and get groceries, etc. though it's a struggle at times.

Depression is understandable and I too struggled often. As someone who went through it before, it does get better but realize it's going to take months. My biggest tips for you are to work hard toward anything to get better, including any exercises you can do NOW at home, even if in bed including upper body weights, leg lifts, etc. Supplement/vitamins. Essential oils that help with bone and pain (good for incision too). And doing PT as best as able.

I have a friend that had a spiral fibula fracture much worse than mine and it took her about 8-9 months to really feel much better.

One of the struggles I've had with others is many people do not understand what it takes to recover from a broken ankle. Having been through it before, I knew what to expect somewhat. But most people think it's like a broken leg when it's not since the ankle is weight bearing PLUS needs to move in multiple directions after you broken the bone and injured ligaments. So it takes a while.

Hang in there. I also recommend mediation, yoga (I do what I can in bed as I can't get up from the floor very well yet), and reading as much as you can online of others stories so you can see their progress and eventual healing.

hi .I had a trimalleolar fracture in August last year. I just slipped in wet grass.

3 weeks in hospital, 1 week with a metal frame work , then the surgery of 16 screwses, 2 plates..

I had to sleep on a sofa for 6 weeks, but luckily had help. once into the walking boot with a Zimmer I thought it would improve but the thing rubbed on my scars despite stockings etc .

they gave me an airboot but not much better.

I found the 2 inch heel height put my back out.

I started hobbling around indoors with out summer or boot about 3 months in..

now 7 months later I'm walking with a limp, which is more noticeable at the end of the day.

Still swells and I've only recently been able.to independently move my big toe.it may sound silly but I couldn't wiggle it at all..must have been nerve damage.

I've only recently started walking my dog again but I find I'm nervous about falling or tripping so its only for short walks on flat surfaces.

gone are the days of hiking through woods .my son takes him now .

I did suffer from a great deal of self doubt. I had to give up my part tine job but at 63 that's not too bad.

I hated losing my independence and also the fact that I'll never wear stilettos again.

not that I wore them much before but I swear I will never go down the velcro, beige orthopaedic route.!!

I also have found that ive put on weight from not being able to walk everywhere..and I'm not sure what keep fit I can do.

but I'm 95 % better than 3 months ago.

good luck

I am 8 weeks out from ORIF! same exact thing happened to me!!! Slipped down the last two steps of the stair case and broke my ankle in three places! A plate and 7 screws on the outside , and two huge screws in my inner ankle!

I am proud to say that life has pretty much returned to normal for me!!

I was in a moon boot right out of surgey. I obviosuly couldnt walk yet, but was able to take it off as long as I was sitting down and not up and about. My foot was pretty much out in the open the entire time it healed.

At 6 weeks I was cleared to WB as much as tolerated!

by 7 weeks I was back at work walking in my boot!

by 8 weeks- yesterday- I was cleared and am walking in my sneakers!! Some swelling, a slight limp that is getting better with each day! NO PT was needed! I am driving and life feels NORMAL AGAIN!!! I too was very discouraged for a while. I didn't think I was going to get better but here I am! Trust the process. Trust your doctors and take it easy. One step at a time! You got this !!! Good luck xoxoxo

Bimalleolar equivalent fracture with a displaced medial malleolus. Got a plate with 5 screws;. Surgery on 1/2/2019. boot 4 weeks later. 6 weeks later started PT visits. 6 visits only. 4 weeks later told to wean from boot over next two weeks. I started in wheelchair in public, walker at home then two crutches then one crutch. Was told that in 8-10 weeks I would be ‘normal’ and I believed it. I have been having extreme pain on top of foot and feels like I’m walking on rocks when I wear regular shoe. Spoke to nurse last week told me to take ibuprofen 3 times/day and get more therapy and wear boot if needed and use a cane if needed. I do exercises...circle clockwise and counter; flex up/down; left/right twice daily. Massage with biofreeze twice daily. Today 4/18 still have bad limp because of pain in ankle joint, top/bottom of foot. ITS FRUSTRATING! I want my life back..

Some people say I should be past this...I’m working on finding reg shoes

I know you posted this 4 years ago. My question is how are you now? I broke my ankle in 3 places back In May. Ive had surgery. Its been about 6 weeks since the injury. Im going crazy. I have small kids. Im just hoping it gets better. I just wanna walk again