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

Broken Fibula with Torn Ligament Recovery Length??

Posted , 5 users are following.

melissa98157
melissa98157

Hi all,

I broke my fibula and tore a ligament in the ankle as well (Feb 1st). I didn't need any surgery. I am getting my plaster cast off on March 13th (just over 6 weeks). I'm wondering what to expect....

-How disgusting will my leg look after? Any tips in terms of skin care? I have very dry and sensitive skin to begin with.

-Will I be given an air cast?

-Am I likely to start physio right away?

-How long will I need crutches for once my cast is removed?

-How long will it take until I will be able to walk on my own?

-How long until I am fully recovered and am able to return back to "ordinary" life, engage in sports, etc.

I am a 22 year old female, relatively fit and have always been athletic. The past 6 weeks have felt like an eternity and I am nervous to know what I am still facing in terms of recovery.

 

0 likes, 4 replies

4 Replies

  • simone15212
    simone15212 melissa98157

    Posted

    Hi have a simalr case minus the ligament damage..but I was put in air boot at 4 weeks and started pwb at 5.5 weeks. My leg is of course smaller than the other and the skin was dry. I use coconut oil. It works well for. Also I will 7 weeks post break on Monday. I can walk with out my air boot now fwb, tho I have a slight limp. I’m being told I should be able to return to work at 8 weeks. I must say this, every I seemed to walk a lil better than the day before. So best wishes and patience is the key..
    • melissa98157
      melissa98157 simone15212

      Posted

      Thanks for the info Simone! Nice to hear your recovery seems to be much shorter than what I was anticipating.
  • rfoot
    rfoot melissa98157

    Posted

    Everyone is different. My injury similar to yours was on 31/12.

    Yes leg looked and still looks disgusting😀 I understand it takes some time to get back to a normal shape and swelling is common for months.

    Skin was and is very dry but initially very tender so putting any cream on was difficult.

    Aircast? depends on your consultant and the injury. I started out with plaster then got an aircast (more like a splint or brace than anything else)

    I was told to try to wiggle toes from the beginning.Had first physio appointment 6 weeks after injury. Stopped using aircast just over 8 weeks post injury.

    I was given crutches at the beginning and still use them outside but not in house (9 weeks post injury). Not sure when I will have confidence, strength and flexibility to do without. definitely not till the snow and ice has gone (UK)

    You are young and fit, I am old but was fit...yes it seems like an eternity and I can't answer the last question for you. I am still not driving, I can't run or jump or even walk down stairs normally.

    I have noticed a tremendous improvement over last 2 weeks or so but still getting slight pain occasionally and "pushing" the ankle to do the physio excercises I was given hurts.

  • Irishjig
    Irishjig melissa98157

    Posted

    I broke my fibula 15 years ago, wore a cast for six weeks; did two sessions of PT and was good to go.  My leg returned to looking normal in a very short period of time.  I remember lifting and lowering myself on my toes on the stairs to stretch out muscles that had not been used while casted.  Good luck

     

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.