1. Community
  2. Bones, joints and muscles
  3. Ankle Problems

I’ve fractured both my ankles and looking for advice if you have been though the same

Posted , 2 users are following.

kirsty12644
kirsty12644

I rather unfortunately fell down the bottom two stairs and fractured both of my ankles on the 8th March. I underwent surgery the same day and now have 6 pins and a plate in each ankle.

I have recently been able to start weight bearing (7 weeks post injury) and looking for advice on how long to expect from this next stage of recovery? Up until now nobody has been able to give me any indication of how long recovery will take as its so unusual to fracture both ankles!

I start physio this week but I guess I'm looking to find out advice and expectations from those who have been through similar. How long did it take to walk without crutches? How long until you could drive? How long until you returned to work ( I have a job that requires me to be on my feet a lot) ? Is there anything that helped your recovery that I should try? I need my independence back so any advice is gratefully received!!

0 likes, 1 reply

1 Reply

  • rose71920
    rose71920 kirsty12644

    Posted

    Hi Kirsty,

    So sorry for your accident! UGH... Its the worst!!

    I think no one gives you a time line because everyone is so different in recovery. I had a fall in my home and everyone thought it was a simple fall. I knew I hurt myself pretty badly. But you know, if the bone isn't sticking out of your skin then its considered simple ! lol But it was bad and it took forever for someone to believe me. Finally a MRI was done and I wasn't cracking up and being a baby. It hurt and hurt like hell for weeks and months.

    Anyway, my surgeries were long and difficult. As for work , you'll have to decide on that yourself. Will your employer give you a chair to sit and be able to keep your ankle up when it swells? I used a knee scooter for a long time and then a cane and even to this day, 2 yrs later I still have pain daily. But like I said, everyone is different.

    Driving came late for me also, but I had surgeries on both feet, so it was a bit different for me. Your doc/ surgeon should give you the Ok when you are half way through PT or when it feels good for you to get in the car safely.

    All I can say is one day at a time!

    Good luck!!

Back to top

Report or request deletion

Thanks for your help!

We want the community to be a useful resource for our users but it is important to remember that the community are not moderated or reviewed by doctors and so you should not rely on opinions or advice given by other users in respect of any healthcare matters. Always speak to your doctor before acting and in cases of emergency seek appropriate medical assistance immediately. Use of the community is subject to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy and steps will be taken to remove posts identified as being in breach of those terms.