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Broken fibula and tibia

Posted , 7 users are following.

Mimi6295
Mimi6295

Broke fibula and tibia Feb 17, 2016. Had surgery March 1, and had 2 screws put a n fibula and a plate on tibia. After 8 weeks in cast and NWB I am now in a boot. I am doing exercises for therapy but after walking on it for about an hour leg hurts and ankle and foot swell. Also get sharp twinges now and then in ankle area. Has anyone else had these problems and how long before you can put full weight on it and be able to work. I'm a waitress and have to be on my feet for 4 hours or longer without sitting.

0 likes, 43 replies

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  • Tituscanby1
    Tituscanby1 Mimi6295

    Posted

    On it for 1 hour at a time huge. Better smaller bursts. I can't even be on my plated fibula 3 months post surgery for more than 15 mins. Initial break 8 months ago. Don't be hard on yourself. @(*+*)@
    • Mimi6295
      Mimi6295 Tituscanby1

      Posted

      Oh wow 8 months ago. Sorry to hear you're in the same boat as I am. Thank You for the advice. Doctor hasnt said much about time frame for being able to return to work. So wasn't sure if I was making progress or not. Thank You for your reply. 🙂
    • Tituscanby1
      Tituscanby1 Mimi6295

      Posted

      As I've found out the hard way, no one knows when we'll be on deck again exactly. They can only go on average/ norm. My Physio and Specialists sometimes aren't on the same page. I struggle to figure out what is not enough or what is too much exercise. Little amounts better than long seems to be the common denominator. I know I'll walk again soon. Just not sure when. Have you tried a stationary cycle with no resistance. I am allowed to do 10 mins once a day now. Increase 1 min a week. Speed or calories not relevant. Swimming once a week for 20 mins. No biking on that day. Find a hobby. Mine is music and PS4. Helps time go.
    • Mimi6295
      Mimi6295 Tituscanby1

      Posted

      I have a stationary bike I do for about 5 minutes one direction and then 5 minutes reverse direction. I do a lot of crocheted items for Christmas so I have already made one blanket and am going to be starting another soon. Thanks again for the advice 🙂
    • Tituscanby1
      Tituscanby1 Mimi6295

      Posted

      Reverse on bike??

      Great you're keeping busy. I can make squares in crotchet Only. Knitting my forte but no patience right now. Husband has broken hand. Yoyo land here lol!

    • daphne23784
      daphne23784 Mimi6295

      Posted

      Hi mini, I broke my tibia and fibula on the 18th February 2016 had my surgery 8th March 2016, also plates and screws. I was in different casts until 22 April nwb. When cast came off told to walk first pwb then fwb. I asked how long must I be pwb and told for a week. I had my first pt appointment a few days after the cast was removed, more an evaluation, I was sent home with a page of exercises to do twice a day and also told to walk asap. I could not even walk with one crutch for just on three weeks after the cast and now I am able to walk short distances without the crutches, but it is not easy. I was never in a boot so I have a good pair of running shoes I use for support. The sharp pain in your heel is apparently normal and will improve. Mine has and I hardly have it anymore. The pain and swelling in the ankle I also still have and was told that it takes months to go back to normal. When the pain gets to uncomfortable I go back to walking with both crutches but still try placing a lot of the weigh on my bad ankle. Hope you recover soon. X
    • daphne23784
      daphne23784 Tituscanby1

      Posted

      Hi I feel for you. A husband with a broken hand, more pain for you than your ankle. Lol.
  • Patientholland
    Patientholland Mimi6295

    Posted

    Hello Mimi. I sorry to hear of your position which must feel even more difficult as you are waiting to return to your job. I am in the same position as you and I am 17 weeks post surgery now. The One thing that I have learned about this type of break is patience, patience, and more patience. I've also learned that the types of discomfort experience is a moving target so I try to just get on with it each day. I was out of a boot after eight weeks but, even now, the maximum I can walk without a crutch is about 10 minutes.

    I sleep each night with my foot substantially elevated and when it does well I surround it with ice gel packs

    I find that I am able to wake up my stiff foot each morning by soaking it in the 'sink' in an Epsom salt bath of very warm water for 10 minutes followed by very cold water for 10 minutes, then massaging my calf with bio oil. Then I scar massage the area which I think is important to free up the fibres long term. I do often find that when I do the daily prescribed exercises that my foot may hurt more and, ultimately, what restores normality is one anti-inflammatory in the morning.

    My ankle has been very weak and I really do find the provision of KT tape on and under the foot really supports it. It is quite specialised in its application that you could go online and watch a physiotherapist on the KT tape YouTube show you how to expertly apply the tape which you can keep on for three days. I do think the static cycle for 10 to 15 minutes initially is a good exercise. I wish you well with your recovery

    • daphne23784
      daphne23784 Patientholland

      Posted

      Hi, I have also been using bio oil it works great. I massage from my toes all the up and around to my knee, concentrating on the scars, and the difference it has made on the scars is remarkable. That thick hard tissue is almost gone and the purple colour is also fading, and I have only been using it for about 8 weeks three times a day. Great oil.
    • Patientholland
      Patientholland daphne23784

      Posted

      Is your scar settling okay because I also use CICA GEL silicone strips which are amazing in actually make the scar disappear. I wear it daily and wash and reapply each night and it flattens scar to a point where it becomes invisible
    • daphne23784
      daphne23784 Patientholland

      Posted

      My scar is great, is is just about flat and fading fast. I have not heard about cica gel strips, but will try find some. Thank you.
    • Patientholland
      Patientholland daphne23784

      Posted

      Always remember to buy the actual CICA GEL and not substitutes as they are not as effective - only cheaper.

      Mine last over two months

      Here is the blurb from AMAZON. I couldn't copy the white rectangle packet with the photo of the gel in the centre

      Cica-Care Silicone Gel Sheet 12cm x 6cm is an advanced product for treating scars by flattening, fading, and softening them. Developed from a silicone, adhesive gel sheet, it is medically proven to be effective in up to 90% of cases.

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