Broken ankle & sympathetic nerve disorder

Posted , 5 users are following.

Broke my ankle April 9 '17. ER visit missed it. Dr. told me to go home & start exercising it and to do my abc's with my foot. I was completely unable to bear weight on it let alone move it. He spent a total of 4 min. with me & never touched my foot. He got a page and said good luck & was off. They splinted it & told me to see my GP.

I know my body, we've been together for 55 yrs now. I listened to it & found a new Dr. & second opinion. Two weeks later I was seen by a bone specialist and he quickly found my broken talus bone which was a clean break all they way through. He also informed me I had a rare disorder called sympathetic nerve disorder, which I was not so much concerned about because all I wanted was to do was get my break fixed & get back to life. Had I only known. He casted my foot for four weeks but I was unable to wear it that long because of severe swelling. So with only 3 weeks of cast the pain and swelling was torture. My toes were almost black by the time we removed the cast which was the day after I called. He did another X-ray & said the bone was healing nicely. But the swelling, skin discoloration and texture are so abnormal due to the nerve issue. This is a whole new ballgame.

I'm able to put some weight on it & I am exercising as best I can several times a day & R.I.C.E. daily & often, that does give some relief, but I still resort back to a wheelchair some days. I'm unable to use crutches due to a back injury.

This nerve pain is frightening. He has put me in contact with a Dr. who is going to discuss a plan of treatment tomorrow. I have researched this diagnosis & realized how lucky I was to find a Dr. that recognized it so quickly. So little is known about this diagnosis & treatment seems so random & fruitless.

I will take it day by day & truly believe this will be resolved. Just wondered, since I've not read any posts with this issue, if anyone had this problem & if they received any beneficial help.

We'll get through these tough times, I have no doubt. The road seems long but we'll get there.

0 likes, 3 replies

3 Replies

  • Posted

    I'm sorry you are having so much pain! I don't have the nerve disorder but I have nerve pain with my break. As for your exercises please give your body time and don't push it. I hope you find answers and help! May your recovery go well!

  • Posted

    Hi lisa you have been through it. Naughty that the break wasnt picked up, first thing i would of thought they do was Xray, not send you home with exercises!! Glad you listened to your body and got 2nd opinion.Not heard of the nerve disorder though. I did mine 12 weeks ago and the only pain i have now is from nerve damage oooch painful and burning sensation all over the top of my foot and all toes. We will all get there but taking too long for my liking....hopeyour recovery goes well sx
  • Posted

    What are all the symptoms of your nerve disorder? I am have numbness and spasms.

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