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Fractured my ankle 3 months ago but ankle keeps swelling and is painful.

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susan60212
susan60212

I had fractured my ankle in July this year. Had it in plaster for six weeks, had a review with consultant yesterday. Had another x ray and consultant confirmed the bone had healed,but I explained to him that I my ankle keeps swelling and is painful. Can't walk very far and he said it could be the soft tissue area may have fragments of cartilage init, but because I have a pacemaker can't have a MRI scan. He has told me to come back in 3 months time.I have to have psyiotherapy . what do i do if it keeps on swelling.I don't have much faith in the consultantbreally

2 likes, 383 replies

383 Replies

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  • terry98335
    terry98335 susan60212

    Posted

    I broke my tibia, fibula, and ankle bone on Jan. 1.  Surgery with steel plate and 6 screws on Jan. 5.  Cast on the 14th and boot on Feb. 1.  I'm partial weight bearing and no pain.  I certainly used the painkillers earlier though - they really helped.  The only time the pain was terrible was when the splint was too tight and the nurses didn't have the authorization to loosen it.

    I'm retired so I don't have the responsibilities of a job.  I've kept my sanity by still doing some anti-war work on the computer.  On the plus side, I've obviously had to slow down, I'm listening to more music, reading more, and don't feel the stress of a long list of things to do. Yes, the house is in some disorder but that's not my concern these days!  

    I really appreciate reading others' posts to feel like I'm not alone in this.  I finally got the swelling down by finding a way to sleep last night for about 5 hours with my foot above my heart, kind of on my side.  But it's already swelling some this morning.

    I was glad to read that others take the boot off when they're just sitting - it really irritates my skin, which is still healing from surgery.  Susan, thanks for doing this!

  • nadia09734
    nadia09734 susan60212

    Posted

    My ankle is swollen due to very bad edema swelling of the talus bone.  Can't bear weight. MRI result shows inflammation, mulitple edemas and possible stress fracture - as I am osteoparoritic they are suggesting I have a infusion to thicken my bones which I am doing tomorrow.  I'm in an air cast boot (wear it when I need to and sometimes easier without actually) as I fractured my Navicular 4 months ago (which is all healed) but have inflammation of the sinus tarsi so one way and another I have been limping now for 6 months. Had a useless if not excruciatingly painful cortisone jab which has actually made matters worse as now I can't bear any weight in the mornings unitl I get it going - they think it bruised the bone as it went it!!.  Hot shower allows me to hobble...painful all the time.  Have to try and get mobile as have my daughters wedding in 3 months time and would prefer not to be in a air cast boot.  NIGHTMARE

     

    • MsCamboot
      MsCamboot nadia09734

      Posted

      Hi Nadia.

      I am so sorry you are having such very bad pain. I really feel for you. I too am limping still at post op 6 MONTHS. I have plates and screw on both Tibia and Fibula and 2 screws on an inner ankle bone which at times I can feel digging in. My ankle was also dislocated.I also get pain and all kinds of different pain at times. I have a walking stick I sometimes use. I walked for 40 minutes the other day and the pain was really bad but the physio wants me to walk everyday. The following day I could hardly get about at home. I'm 60 in May and I'm taking it you are also 60+ Forgive me if I'm wrong. I get many people asking why I'm like I am getting around and why aren't I back at work after all this time. ( I have a very active physical job) not many understand and I'm sure you will. Do you have a job? Anyway Nadia I do hope all goes well tomorrow and I'm interested to see how you go on, so please keep me posted. I feel for you.

  • anonymous19646
    anonymous19646 susan60212

    Posted

    My ankle has been healing from a broken bone for almost a year, and it still hurts, remember you broke your bone. The swelling did not stop swelling for about six months. When it swells use ice, and prop it up on a pillow above your heart. I went to youtube for exercise therapy for my ankle. Try to heal your ankle mentally as well. Don't hate the broken ankle but make the situation your friend. Hope this helps. Oh and vitamins for bones is good too. You can purchase them at Wal-mart.
  • daniel_80932
    daniel_80932 susan60212

    Posted

    I sprained my right ankle and broke my fibula up near the knee.  I had surgery in April 2015, about one week after the accident.  They said the fibula will heal on its own but they needed to fix my ankle. The didn't do screws. The installed two tightropes. everything went according to doctors predictions. I have stiffness and swelling but I was able to walk after 4 months. I have some pain and swelling but I'm able to tolerate. I go to the gym. I do the elliptical machines and threadmills. I can walk and bike.  but I can't run. it hurts.  I went back for second surgery in Nov 2015 to have the tightropes removed. They were bothering me.  It is Feb 2016. The swelling still there. I'm able to excersise but I'm not able to run. Still waiting on this swelling to go away. Im doing everthing they suggest. some days are better than others. I want to go back to running so I'm just patiently waiting for the my ankle to improve. I don't want a third surgery if I can avoid it. Swelling does take a very long time to go away. 
  • mar038
    mar038 susan60212

    Posted

    I fell 11-22 with holiday didn't have surgery til12-4, was in rehab, had therapy, cast, boot now, air cast, no matter what I do foot is swollen top by toes. Ice, keep up, take 2 water pills instead of one. Balance is off using walker , have used cane in house. Only.shoe I can get on injured foot is house shoe, going to Dr. In 2 weeks, hope can drive but concerned. Thanks so much . Not much pain but muscle spasms in injured foot, also have some back problems. Thanks so much . Mag
    • jannie26408
      jannie26408 mar038

      Posted

      Hi Mar

      i fell Nov 25 surgery the 27th. Still in air cast, partially weight bear g in walker for small stints s real times a day. Standing at kitchen counter to do dishes and cook. Still have swelling. I only yesterday tried some runners to see if I could stand them on my feet,  it felt ok and I tried standing but that was it. My leg is wobbly and weak. I'm sorry your having this too, were all at different rates but I'm sure we're going there. It can take up to a year, I believe it. I'm looking for small progress so long as I don't go backwards that is a victory. Try doing self massage and I take magnesium for cramps. I wish you well, take good care

      best, Jannie 

    • mar038
      mar038 jannie26408

      Posted

      Thanks, had first therapy outside of house last Friday. Hate asking for rides, can't drive. Things were going well then Sunday dropped a Gallon of OJ on big toe and top of foot, went to emergency room scared , not broken but terribly bruised. Have to put therapy off for 10 days. You hang in, none of us need to go backwards good luck
    • mar038
      mar038 jannie26408

      Posted

      Thanks, taking it easy, Sunday got a gallon gallon of OJ out of refrig, dropped on injured foot badly bruised big top and top of foot, went to emergency , off as much as possible for 2 weeks, so be careful about everything you do. Can't wait til can get back to therapy and hopefully drive. Mar
    • mar038
      mar038 jannie26408

      Posted

      Don't know if replied, are you having problems with balance, I also have back problems, not sure if that also problem . Just started therapy 2 times a week. Please reply
    • mar038
      mar038 jannie26408

      Posted

      Just checking how you are doing ? Started therapy again, twice a week, since dropped gallon of OJ on flat had to delay 2 weeks, doing exercises at home. Just want to get out and drive, but shaky dye to back issues also. Take care
  • nadia09734
    nadia09734 susan60212

    Posted

    Elevate as much as you can and ice it. There's no fast track to it - some days are better then you move it a certain way and back comes the swelling. When the swelling goes down quicker than it used to then you know it's healing and it's just learning to be an ankle or a foot again. Best of luck to everyone going through the same or similar .
  • Guest
    Guest susan60212

    Posted

    Hi, new to the forum and have found all the dialogue really useful! I had a trimalleolar fracture and dislocation to my R ankle 9 weeks ago. Had surgery, plate and lots of screws, then 6 weeks NWB in cast. Cast off, then given elbow crutches and basically told to use it and get walking... Easier said than done! Managing to put a bit of weight on it now 3 weeks on and started getting hydrotherapy which I'm sure will help.  But it is such slow progress! Got swelling and aches and pains, which seem fairly typical. Just wondered how long it has taken people to drive again? And return to work?? I'm feeling anxious about this as I'm on my feet a lot at work plus got 40 minute commute. Work want an idea of how long I'll be off... Tricky!
    • MsCamboot
      MsCamboot Guest

      Posted

      Hi.

      I had severe ankle fractures. Plate and screws up fibula, plate and screws tibia and 2 screws in the inner ankle bone, which I can feel digging in. All this with a dislocation. I'm post op 7 MONTHS. I was walking unaided at 5 MONTHS post op. I was Driving at 6 months post op. I'm not back at work as I have a very demanding job and on my feet all day and everyday. Work are also pounding me as to when I'll be back but my ankle comes first as I can't stand are walk a lot at any given time. You may be back sooner. I'm 60 in May with a bone disease which I found out due to the severity of my fractures after a fall from standing height when descending a mountain. My fractures represent someone who has been in a bad car crash. I have however come a long way. You will recover but no one can put a date on that. That's like asking someone fit if they know when they will die. These people are stupid who ask such questions. Keep positive and remember we are all different with different fractures and time frames. All the best with your recovery 🙂

    • Guest
      Guest MsCamboot

      Posted

      Thanks ms camboot, sounds like your ankle was more smashed up than me! Poor you that's been a long haul. But really encouraging to hear you are mending. It's a lesson in patience and putting yourself up the list a bit more than usual, isn't it? I'm 45 with 2 kids who have had to learn about loading dishwashers, making tea and toast, etc so I guess there is a silver lining!  Yes I just have to be firm with work. Feel for colleagues though, who are carrying extra stress... I'm an art teacher in a busy dept so Its hard knowing their workload is heavier meanwhile I lie on the sofa!! 

      Best of luck to you and your ankle

    • Gill1111
      Gill1111 Guest

      Posted

      I am the same as MsCamboot, severe fractures (21 fractures and dislocation) I had four plates and screws fitted. It is over four months ago. I have just started walking on crutches last four weeks, something I thought wasn't going to happen. Swelling is a problem but more so the tightness. Each day brings improvements, it is a case of having loads of patience, taking each day as it comes. Main thing you have to put yourself first and work not the main prirority. Go back to work only when your capable.

      Best wishes on a speedy recovery. 

    • patti123
      patti123 Gill1111

      Posted

      Poor thing! So glad to hear you are walking now! Sounds like things really start happening at 4 months. Hang in there! All this info and everyone's encouragement really helps. (I'm only 5 weeks out from surgery and was wondering if I'll ever be the same again).

       Does anyone know how hard recuperation is if you get plates and screws out eventually? I have 11 screws and a long plate in and am concerned they'll bother me later (trimalleolar ankle fracture).  

       Also, I love Osso Bones broth if you are in the US. You can order it online in some areas. It's homemade broth (made of organic bones) that gets delivered still frozen to your door. In addition, someone recommended on one of these conversations Christopher's Complete Tissue & Bone Cream that I found on Amazon. I rubbed it on my toes that were very chaffed and bothering me a lot and I am using it to loosen up the area at the base of my toes through massage (I am in a cast for 10 weeks with toes out). It seems to really be helping me. I plan to use it on my ankle as soon as I'm free of the cast. 

    • Gill1111
      Gill1111 patti123

      Posted

      I am in the UK but will at least try to see if can order cream from Amazon. 

      Sorry don't know about having metal work out, this was never given as option for me. 

      Take care and keep posting on your progress

    • jannie26408
      jannie26408 Gill1111

      Posted

      Hi Gill

      happy to see your making progress. I've just started standing still in boot and walking with walker a few steps several times a day. My foot still won't bend much so working on that. I'm at 25% have 45% to go but I'm making progress each day. What a journey for all of us, keep on......it's so encouraging with all the people on here and their journey, great forum! 🏃👣

    • Gill1111
      Gill1111 jannie26408

      Posted

      Well done. Pleased to hear of your progress. I was so pleased at my progress, coming on "leaps and bounds". (If only)

      i had a little set back to do with scar, still not healed, saw consultant last Monday who now has said he thinks it's the swelling that causing scar to stretch and therefore not to do much walking. Is he for real, How much walking does he think I can do. Because of this the last week I have done so little, the ankle is hardly moving which showed when was at physio.

      i started walking a couple of steps round the bed, this way knew I would have a soft landing if fell. I also put the walker in front of me and walked a couple of steps towards it unaided.

      As the days goes on you find your confidence builds as well as your strength.

      We have a race one of these days.😀

       

    • jannie26408
      jannie26408 Gill1111

      Posted

      Good to hea your making progress Gill.   have you tried aloe Vera gel ( from plant) I just cut a piece, split it open and lay it on, it worked great for mine....I think the scar tissue needs time to heal. .wishing you well and keep moving forward.....take care 👣
    • patti123
      patti123 jannie26408

      Posted

      How long did it take for the Aloe Vera to improve the scar for you?
    • jannie26408
      jannie26408 patti123

      Posted

      Hi Patti 

      screen cut out,

      I lay the plant on scar few times a day for up to 20 min, at least 10. It helps regenerate new skin growth and help with scar tissue. Do it for a few weeks if possible but at least once each day. My scar is barely visible and no redness, odd for me being very fair. Hope it helps. It's much cheaper than buying gel at health food store. Good luck! 💫

    • sharon180264
      sharon180264 Guest

      Posted

      hi same injury as I had I'm week 13 still have pain can't walk far but found it a bit better as weeks went on. Think driving is at least 6 months as far as I an see stay positive. ( hard I know) 
    • Guest
      Guest sharon180264

      Posted

      Eek 6 months sounds like a long time but you could be right. It's so hard not knowing isn't it? I'm finding the uncertainty hard going right now... feels like it'll never get back to normal!! People at work don't really understand how debilitating and slow it is! Good luck everyone, keep calm and hobble on...
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