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Finally, a Breakthrough!

Posted , 9 users are following.

Pinoyboy
Pinoyboy

This forum certainly doesn't overdose on good news; so, I'm gonna counter that by sharing some.  As some of you may be aware, I broke my fibula and medial malelous back in June. In September, the Ortho informed my that I had a failed union in my ankle break.  I changed Orthos, and had it bone grafted and screwed together in October.  I was out of the cast in November; had very slow progress through January, but was able to hobble on it.  I went to Physical Therapy in February, but quit because after some initial gains, their procedures only made the ankle more sore -- to the point of being immobilized for several days.  My walking improved though through March, but I was still plagued by swelling and muscle weakness in the ankle and foot.  This week, I began running in place and doing jumping jacks in the swimming pool.  This move has been key.  The same day I started, all swelling went away (and stayed away), and I am now able to walk limp free with more confidence than I've had in almost a year!  These ankle breaks progress at their own pace, but there is light at the end of the tunnel!  Maybe some of you can benefit from my news regarding the swimming pool exercises.

Best Wishes!

1 like, 23 replies

23 Replies

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  • leelee1022
    leelee1022 Pinoyboy

    Posted

    That is great news! So happy for you. I love a happy ending lol.
  • patti123
    patti123 Pinoyboy

    Posted

    Fantastic news! Just jumping jacks in the swimming pool or other pool exercises? So happy for you!!
    • Pinoyboy
      Pinoyboy patti123

      Posted

      Patti,

      Thanks!  I'm doing jumping jacks, high-knee running in place, and single leg jumping (on the leg with the break).  On the single leg jumping, I vary the depth at which I perform it based on how it feels.  Ar shallow depths, I bend the leg slightly at the knee so that my quads can absorb some of the shock.  The gteatest thing is that the swelling has gone away.  I was starting to lose hope on that happening.

      Jim

    • patti123
      patti123 Pinoyboy

      Posted

      Thank you Jim for all the info. I have been researching how to best recuperate from this and have come to the conclusion also that the pool may be one of my best options. Really appreciate the specifics! Thank you!
  • leelee1022
    leelee1022 Pinoyboy

    Posted

    Woohoo! I am so glad things are improving for you. It is nice to see good news on here for a change.
  • iris2468
    iris2468 Pinoyboy

    Posted

    Hi thank you for your information.

    I am 5 weeks post cast and 11 weeks post fracture and am still having problems with pain and swelling and limping about so I am taking your advice and have planned to visit the local swimming pool this evening to see if I can be lucky enough to achieve what you have. I will update with my progress. Cheers

    • Pinoyboy
      Pinoyboy iris2468

      Posted

      Hi Iris,

      Do monitor yourself to avoid over doing it.  When I was in your post-op timeframe, I tried doing these exercises in the pool, but would experience a sharp pain below the ankle if I did ithem for any significant amount of time.  So, be patient if it seems painful and counter productive.  Your ankle may not be ready yet.

      Jim

    • iris2468
      iris2468 Pinoyboy

      Posted

      Thanks for that and yes I will take your advice. I have just come back from swimming and managed 8 lengths of gentle swimming and did some running on the spot and jumping jacks. Didnt push myself too much and feel okay. Will see what tomorrow brings. Thanks again.
  • cass17
    cass17 Pinoyboy

    Posted

    That is fantastic news! I am hoping to get my above ground pool going in about a month. It is warming up nicely here. Other than jumping jacks, what other exercises did you do? I wish we had a public pool here.
    • Pinoyboy
      Pinoyboy cass17

      Posted

      Cass,

      Thanks!  The other things I do in the pool are:  Running in place with high knees, and one-legged jumping/hopping on the leg that had the broken ankle.  I rotate through all three exercises until something starts to get sore/tired -- usually my calf muscle.

      Jim

    • cass17
      cass17 Pinoyboy

      Posted

      Thank you again... so glad it is working out for you.
  • jannie26408
    jannie26408 Pinoyboy

    Posted

    Way to go, happy it's working for you. I'm just getting on my bike, that's a breakthrough for me......thanks for sharing, water is I think best therapy!! Keep on 👣
  • patti123
    patti123 Pinoyboy

    Posted

    Love all these comments about the pool! This is great news!!
    • MsCamboot
      MsCamboot patti123

      Posted

      I've been going to hydrotherapy for a few weeks, one flipper exercise sent my ankle nuts 😫 But hey I won't rain on anyone's parade. 😝😝😝🛀haha.
    • Pinoyboy
      Pinoyboy MsCamboot

      Posted

      Ms. Camboot,

      You were wearing flippers for the exercise?  Maybe, that was over doing it a bit; a bare foot performing the same actions may have been a better first step for that exercise.  Sometimes the therapists are too agressive. 🤔

    • MsCamboot
      MsCamboot Pinoyboy

      Posted

      Yes I was asked to put on flippers and sit on a noodle doing bicycle pedals, as you can imagine I was pushing through a lot of water wearing flippers. I told the physio but was told to carry on although the following week I was let off with that exercise and did the same exercise excluding flippers. It was a strain on the ankle joint. The other exercises were fine though. Glad you are progressing so well. Great stuff 😄👍
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