Non-weight bearing to weight-bearing struggles

Hi Mary Sue,

I also had trimalleolar fracture of the ankle plus additional fracture of fib (spiral) and broken heel. I was nwb for 4 months and partial weight bear for 2 following that.

I had awful pain in my shin up to my knee and hip and lower back.

Are you in physio?

Your muscles have wasted and ligaments seize up and these may also have been damaged when you broke your ankle.

Physio should be giving you exercises to manipulate and strengthen both legs. Swimming is good and less impact.

Also bear in mind your other leg has been compensating, your weight distribution in to the legs is slightly off.

I recommend slow transition and not to try and do too much straight away. A trek round the shops is not what your ankle needs at the moment!

Buy a shoe one size larger than you'd normally wear to help manage the swelling. And you might find it more comfortable to be in a running shoe?

Swelling will continue for quite a while although it won't be as severe as time goes on. The swelling will also cause pain and hinder flexibility.

I find i can walk better bare foot and it caused less pain in the shin and leg. Maybe try that when you are at home.

It will get easier! Don't give up but work within your limits. It may be an idea to speak to your physio or surgeon, especially if you are completely off your feet and back in a wheel chair?

Crutches may help you support your weight while your ankle and soft tissue get used to being used again.

I suffered major complications from the get go and am off for surgery again on Friday. Hopefully last one! So I'll be going through this process all over again more than 12 months after my accident - but it's light at the end of the tunnel.

My case aside, a trimalleolar fracture can take upwards of 12months to fully heal anyway. You need to work on strengthening the muscles and ligaments to support your ankle.

Good luck!! It does get better but changing your footwear to trainers and doing gentle exercises will definitely help in these early weeks!

Oh yes!!! 3 mo NWB also. I had all kinds of pain everywhere BUT the surgery site. Your muscles, tendons and nerves have been asleep for 3 months. It's been over 5 months since my break & surgery and I'm

just now able to get back to doing things I used to do. It's a slow process, but stay positive and make note of all of your progress how small it may be.

Being on this forum has helped. Everyone is going through the same or similar.

Remember all those new pains are scary but the stronger you get it'll get better. Are you in PT?

Yes everything does hurt at first. I went to physio and they really helped realease my hip and knee pain. Also going for adjustments at the chiropractor really helped. Do lots of stretching it will help . It gets much better as your body adjusts in a couple of weeks. Take it slow.

Good luck!

Margie

Just an update here: 

Physical therapy is very helpful. She encouraged me to wear a compression stocking ( I was a little apprehensive as I couldn't see how that could help) and it helped immensely. Also went to wearing a athletic shoe instead of the air boot.  Much easier. Today it's been two weeks since I started weight bearing and I'm walking around unassisted!  Feels so good!  Still swollen and limping but I'm so happy right now! I also massage essential oils on my leg, ankle and foot. 

I am delighted to hear you are in pain and that its normal when going from NWB to WB I hurt very very much been taking aspirin and bought a percussion massager I suffered a chip fracture on outside of ankle bone and hairline on inside of ankle bone at the same time 17 years ago. After being fed up and praying this year i can finally put my weight on this leg ankle however It HURTS my glute hip every muscle from my knee up but not my back i can literally feel the ligaments tendons under the glute they even hurt