Broken heel healing

I had a trimalleolar fracture 2/14/2019 after slipping on black ice. It took many months for the tibia and fibula to heal and many more months for the ligaments to heal. I always knew that I would have metal removed. Had that done on 3/02/2020. On 3/10/2020 had surgical staples removed. I was in a boot and should have started pt for 8 weeks. I already know this was an excellent move and I'm happy I did not wait to have the plate and screws removed. My bone has healed perfectly as seen in x-rays at the doctor's office. The stiffness I experienced even after a year was from the metal in ankle. Right now I am feeling some stiffness and hope it gets better in time.

This has been a very long healing process and I'm still not back to where I would like to be. I can do everything I did before this accident except run up and down the steps like I use to. On another note I did brake my foot eight years ago and it took only three months to get back to normal. I did not have metal put in at that time. The pain you speak of is very normal and will get better. I tell everyone to ice and elevate as much as possible. Wearing sneakers when you are able to will be helpful. Good luck!

The screws need to bond with the honey comb of the heal and this takes time. See how things go over the next 3 months. Full recover could take 6 months.

Regards

Mr Ankle

Hello Shelly, I hope you have a speedy recovery I was told that the screws have to get used to being inside your body that's what a nurse told me. i have 7 screws in my ankle and it's been 8 weeks and i no longer feel the pain of the screws unless when it's about to rain or it gets cold you will feel it. It seems like the weather know when you have metal.

The screws are foreign to your body so your body has to adjust

I still have my screw in my ankle but I did have stabilizing screw removed back in January

Im thinking I might remove the rest of them because one is really noticeable sticking out of my ankle