Non healing fracture

Posted , 5 users are following.

Hi Im a fairly fit 64 year old female. On 21st July this year I turned my ankle and broke my fibula below my ankle bone with minimal displacement. It did not seem too serious and I was in a boot.  I was feeling ok and beginning to walk carefully indoors again without a boot at 8 weeks and stumbled and stamped down on my injured foot , fortunately whilst wearing trainers on both feet for the first time. Awful pain in ankle so Dr sent me for an x ray and the injury looked unchanged from an X-ray taken at 2 weeks after the break. The nursing staff said it looked like it had not healed at all. This and the 2 week X ray was then assessed by surgeon who said he could see some signs of healing - he told me to use the boot and crutches for 3 weeks then just crutches, but 3 weeks have past and the ankle is swollen heated and very painful. (like someone is sticking a knife in my foot).  Should I ask for a second opinion? Should I excercise or rest? He said no physio. I am taking 800 of callcium and eating healthily. I have an under active thyroid- could this be the cause of non/slow healing? Any help please I am very concerned. Thank you in advance. 

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3 Replies

  • Posted

    No,dont ask for a second opinion,go back to the same surgeon as soon as possible. Did you explain that you have an under active thyroid? Put an ice pack on that ankle ...a bag of frozen food out of the freezer is fine. And rest it as much as possible while it is hot and painful. Keep your leg elevated and take Ibuprofen. If you are in UK ask your GP to have a look at it and get their opinion,especially if there is a problem or delay in getting an appointment with your surgeon.
  • Posted

    i am 59 broke my fibula and fracture left ankle . Was on crutches then a boot for 3 months , i rented a scooter to move around . Never had surgery I am now walking but still have pain on outside ankle and top of foot. I have planters fictitious too in that foot.I have been doing leg presses and stretches which are helping somewhat and my sister in law gave me her willow curve which i put on my foot for 20 min . I pray by the years end I am normal again it's been 6 months now since my accident.  

  • Posted

    I would also suggest you go back to your GP or contact the orthopedic surgeons secretary and ask for advice, if you have had a blood test and it is showing low calcium you are probably deficient in vitamin D as well, bones need both to heal, ask your GP regarding this as well, I'm 18 months and still on crutches after hip/pelvic fracture and its still not healed, maybe it never will, but my guy says I Must weight bear to tolerance and exercise.

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