Broken my ankle post surgery advice

Posted , 3 users are following.

Hi

I broke my ankle (end of tib) whilst biking in the Alps back on the 20th July, resulting in an open cast in France, and (eventually) surgery back here in the UK some weeks later. I obviously had a full cast post surgery, and went back four weeks after that for another checkup and a new cast. Two weeks after that, the cast was removed and I've had the ski boot affair since 19th September, allowing to put some weight on the ankle with the help of crutches. It was suggested that I would start physio soon, but as of today I still haven't heard anything and i'm itching to get back out there on my bike/running etc. 

My question is a) do I need to wear the ski boot all the time (apart from showers/bedtime etc) and b) is it sensible to be spinning (in side, not clipped in, low resistance, no pain). I don't want to do any further damage, but I can't help but think that if it feels OK to spin lightly, and there's no pain, then that seems ok? I figure if it starts to hurt, i'll just stop..

Any help would be much appreciated as I sadly haven't much advice to follow.

Cheers

 

0 likes, 4 replies

4 Replies

  • Posted

    I started PT as soon as I went into my boot. My physical therapist wants the boot off so I can  stretch my ankle, via ankle pumps, alphabet writing anytime I'm laying or sitting down. Music to my ears, it feels so good to be able to be out of the boot most of the day. Did your Ortho refer you to a physical therapist? I'm surprised you haven't started yet. I would follow up with my doctor.

    Good Luck!

    • Posted

      Hey,

      Thanks for your reply. The Physio will be local with the NHS, but I'm yet to hear anything. I wore the boot for a little while, mainly when I picked my son up from school (in case I tripped etc) but at home now I don't bother. I have a small, slightly supporting lace up boot thing (not from the NHS) which I wear sometimes and when i'm spinning. My gut tells me that I should be doing something with it, rather than being cocooned in the "ski boot". 

      I hope your recovery goes well.

  • Posted

    Hi Alistair! I am sorry about your accident. I broke my ankle 10 weeks ago and was in a cast for 8. It is a relief to get that cast off. I was told to weight bear about 30% for the first week. So, I do that, but find myself bearing more weight than that sometimes. I too wonder if doing more is ok. You are obviously a very active person with all your physical activity. It is no wonder you are getting anxious to get going again. It makes sense to me that if there is no pain then there is no harm done, but if I were you; checking with your physiotherapist first may be a good idea. Hopefully you will get an appointment soon. All the best and you have a speedy recovery!
    • Posted

      Hi Ann,

      Thanks for the reply. I'm also sorry to hear about your accident. The removal of the cast was such a good feeling! 

      I'm in two minds as to a) just go straight down the PT route and b) wait for the Physiotherapy and go from there. As I stand today (no pun intended) I'm thinking PT....

      The very best to you and a speedy recovery. Not being able to do stuff is so dull!

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