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Management of non-weight bearing injury (navicular fracture)

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Penanghill
Penanghill

I am a 48 yo male married with two kids (aged 17 and 12) with an injury to the right ankle on 22 Oct 2017 diagnosed as navicular fracture on the same day via x-ray (later confirmed via CT scan).  The injury was caused in the home via an impact during a fall.  I had a cast for two days, which was removed for two days due to hospital error, and then finally in a boot which I wear 24 hours per day.  I attended orthopedic surgeon on 25 Oct 2017 who advised that surgery was not possible, and advised 8 weeks non-weight bearing with boot (after which the boot comes off), walking normally at 12 weeks, and back to 100% at 6 months.

I was given crutches on 22 Oct 2017, then a knee scooter on 26 Oct 2017 which I am using throughout the day.  I use a chair in the shower.

I had swelling which subsided by 26 Oct 2017, but then later returned 5 Nov 2017 and continued for the past few days.  During this return to swelling I also noticed some localised increased temperature around the injury.  I am taking paracetamol for headache.

I have experienced some depression during this time.  Family life has experienced emotional and practical disruption during this time.  My wife has taken some time off work to care for the family.  My sleep has been impacted, but is improving.  I usually wake up in the morning with leg soreness and headache which improves during the day.  After going out, I usually feel very tired and need to sleep.  My work has been impacted, e.g. cancellation of projects and travel and I am returning to work today (working from home).  I have continued to do some work since the injury such as responding to minor requests via email.  My oldest son has a lymphoma diagnosis and this has caused stress in my family.  This combined with stress at work contributed to the circumstances in which the accident occurred, and these issues in combination now make it difficult for our family during my recovery. 

I take my dog for short walks outside.  I have support from a cancer support agency, and also I am able to see my GP for further assistance, I have a referral for a psychologist and am in the process of making a booking.

My concerns at the moment are - am I resting the injury enough at the moment?  Are there possible problems with the management of my injury which might affect the recovery?  How do I best manage the various issues affecting me during recovery?

0 likes, 2 replies

2 Replies

  • margie41357
    margie41357 Penanghill

    Posted

    You are doing amazingly and yes you should rest more if swelling is that bad. I am 10 minths post op with ankle fusion and Navicular and talus reconstruction. I still limp qite a bit and have pain. I am sorry for your family situation, it  is stressfull enough to deal with healing from an injury  but you have so

    Much more to deal with. Can you take long tern  Disability? It seems like you need to focus on your family and your healing. I am from Canada so we have great  health benefits. I wish all the best in your recovery and with dealing with a child with cancer. My heart goes out to you!!

    Take care ,

    Margie

  • CarolynCL
    CarolynCL Penanghill

    Posted

    Your situation sound very challenging, but it sounds to me like you are thinking through everything really well and coming up with plans to address each element. I cannot imagine the stress of dealing with a seriously ill teenager on top of everything else.

    I found working from home helpful. Just make sure that everyone knows you are not at 100% of your normal functioning. Hopefully you are able to reduce your responsibilities to a manageable level. I have found working from home to be a very welcome distraction from my fractured right fibula (I started back immediately, no time off as my pain was not too bad). It is very helpful as you can work in rest/ice/elevation and whatever non weight bearing exercises you are allowed to do very easily. I am at the FWB no boot stage now and doing intensive PT. I have a home exercise plan - so handy to prop up the computer, get onto the conference call and do my exercises at the same time wink 

    Have you looked into a knee crutch? I had an iWalk 2.0 and found it to be very therapeutic, as I was able to go out for real walks (i.e. no crutches under my arms) and get some exercise and fresh air.

    I'd monitor the increased heat at the injury site. If it isn't reduced with ice, rest and elevation (you can ice through the boot if your doctor does not allow you to remove it while you are awake so that you can do icing and elevation). I personally liked getting it out of the boot for icing, but you need to secure permission from your doctor first. The key is no falling asleep while doing it smile

    My heart goes out to you with all the challenges you are facing... 

    Take care smile

    Carolyn

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