Few questions on weight bearing

Posted , 7 users are following.

Hi my name is Jessie I’m 6 week post op from breaking my fibula I wasn’t supposed to be putting weight on it and I did walk with the walker and the boot and put a lil weight on it do you guys think I damaged it again by putting a little weight on it!!! I have an apt to get X-rays tomorrow and now I’m scared cuz I didn’t really listen and was getting ancy sad any advice 

0 likes, 11 replies

11 Replies

  • Posted

    6 weeks is the minimum amount of time it takes for bones to heal.

    When I had my 6 week x-ray I had not put ANY weight on my ankle and 2/3 breaks had still not completely healed. Just hang tight until your x-rays tomorrow and see what the results are. If the bones look healed up, your doctor might recommend starting to bear weight on that leg and you're onto the next step of recovery! If the bones look like they still have a little ways to go s/he might recommend you stay off the foot a little longer. Patience is the name of the game here. There's little you can do to speed up bone healing so it's better to just wait it out.

    • Posted

      Thanks 🙏 I know I should have listened and not put any weight on it but I started to get ancy and I have it a little shot it didn’t hurt and it felt pretty good! But now I’m nervous because I didn’t listen lol.... smh

  • Posted

    Hi Jessie! So of course you won’t know for sure until you see the x-rays BUT I’m guessing that if you’re not in pain from that, you’re probably ok? My ortho said to listen to my ankle, that it would DEFINITELY tell me if I went too far. So unless a really sharp pain started when that happened, I’m guessing it’s fine smile
    • Posted

      Thanks a bunch I know I should have listened but I was starting to get ancy and wanted to give it a little shot there is some soreness but not excruciating pain, where it would be if I rebroke it or damaged it more it just makes me nervous!!! They also said something about if you take ibuprofen it doesn’t heal the bone have you ever heard of that?
    • Posted

      Betcha it's fine, but listen to docs now lol. Yes it is said Ibuprofen can slow healing because your body needs the inflammation to heal, the swelling is part of your body's defense/fight. When I learned this I slowed my Motrin intake, but I sure needed it for awhile! 

  • Posted

    Hi Jessie!

    Good luck at your appointment today. My surgeon released me to weight bearing at my 5 week appointment. He said they used to recommend at least 6 weeks but new studies have shown that when you wait that long you end up with significant problems with your muscles and tendons. He said my pt would be much shorter by weight bearing before the normal 6 weeks. I will be 6 weeks post op tomorrow and I was 90% weight bearing yesterday. I'm hoping to be able to 100% by tomorrow. Im definately not suggesting you disregard your doc's recommendation but there is new info that your doc may not be aware of.

    • Posted

      I’m preying they give me good news!!!

      And wow already that much weight bearing did you break your ankle!!! Lol that’s awesome I need your doctor today I’m getting X-rays and hopefully possible news that I can bear weight!!! That’s great that your that much weight bearing is with or without a boot!!!

    • Posted

      I am using an airboot and a walker. I feel like I'm 90 years old. It has been slow going and I definately get tired easily. When I broke my leg & ankle, I also sprained my other leg so I have been in a wheel chair for almost 2 months. My sprained leg actually hurts more than my broken one.

  • Posted

    Hey don't worry about it!!! Are you in extreme pain?? I broke the same thing I broke mine in two different places I got to still plates with 18 screws and I did walk a little bit like the third or fourth week but I didn't put that much weight on it. Your Body will tell you something is wrong!! Just say off your foot as much as you can!!!! I know you are aggravated and frustrated about the situation but just don't worry about it!! What I do the doctor also told me to stay off my foot I Google that physical therapy you can do at home without putting weight on your foot and very easy ways to loosen your joints and it'd be more flexible for the time you be doing physical therapy you won't be best if best of luck and God bless you!!

  • Posted

    I’m probably a little late on my comment, but I did the same thing. Turns out I was ok to bear weight but it’s just so frustrating. 

    When you do start bearing weight, remember, it’s gonna be slow going. It’s not like riding a bike when you just start walking and then your back to normal again. I keep having to tell myself this too. I have been bearing weigh for almost a week and my foot and ankle is still super stiff and I walk like a zombie. Lol  Good Luck!!

    • Posted

      Also, I’m not using my boot. I bought a brace and cane for when Im out and about but I just limp around with nothing at home. My surgeon said to bear as much as I can tolerate and to cool it when my ankle is yelling at me. Tylenol, ice and elevate.

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