Posted , 6 users are following.
I’m 8 1/2 weeks post surgery Tib/Fib break w/dislocation. I was in a cast for 6 weeks & in a boot now for the last 2 1/2 weeks. The doctor wants me FWB in the boot. I’m really struggling with it... Walking no problems with crutches w/ boot.
Trying to get down to one crutch is so hard, I’m in pain when walking with the weight on it and afraid of falling and letting go of that crutch...
Any suggestions?
0 likes, 8 replies
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cheeseheadinga michelle39202
Posted
Listen to your body! I had the same issue when I transitioned to the boot after 6 weeks in a cast. I had ORIF for a trimalleolar fracture. When I first started in the boot, I somehow got a bruise in the arch of my foot that was very painful - disappeared after 2 weeks. I'm still in the boot, but don't need crutches anymore. When I was first in the boot, I only put as much weight on the broken side that I could comfortably bear. I started by standing only in the boot to get used to the weight. It takes time, but you will get there!
anne011218 cheeseheadinga
Posted
cheeseheadinga anne011218
Posted
I think you are actually ahead of me! Yesterday was 12 weeks since my surgery and I'm still in the walking boot - I expect to be out of it at my next ortho appt. on April 5th. I feel like I'm ready to get out of it now, but need to wait until the dr. clears me. So when I get in normal shoes, I expect to be using crutches again for awhile. I say that, because I've been using one crutch and barefoot to get to the restroom when I first get up in the morning. I am no way near walking normal yet. I would say when barefoot I'm only putting about 15% weight on that foot. So I believe I will need 2 crutches again when I get into regular shoes. I can update you in a few weeks...I think it might feel like a step back again, since I get around in the boot quite well. I even did the March For Our Lives yesterday...I walked 1.5 miles in the freakin' boot! I needed both crutches the last half though. Ironically, wasn't my ankle hurting, it was my heel and left hip.
anne011218 cheeseheadinga
Posted
It’s week 12 for me. I have been swimming, did 1000 meters today and 250m walking in the pool.
How are u doing now? Are u done with the boot?
gigi06729 michelle39202
Posted
Hi Michelle!
I had the same fear as you. All I can tell you is do it at your own pace. Each day, just push it a bit more, and eventually you will get to where you need to be.
When I was able to take the boot off, I was terrified to put weight on the foot, but my PT got me walking with a cane in less than a month. I'm now walking in the house without a cane. It's a process, but you can do it.
Good luck and a speedy recovery.
anne011218 gigi06729
Posted
Thank you .
I’m itching to walk again
gigi06729 anne011218
Posted
It took me almost four months to walk without a cane. It took three too four weeks of therapy to get my foot flat on the ground. Once I did that, I was able to walk with just the cane.
kpower michelle39202
Posted
Hi Michelle,
We all know the moment of truth when we first attempt weight-bearing and movement on busted ankles. The byword here is that it may be distressing at first but it 'does get better by and by'.
The important thing, to repeat what others have told you, is to proceed at your own pace-- don't get greedy and try to do to much, and listen more closely to your body than your doctor (your practitioner is right though in encouraging you to 'push' a little).
A walker (or frame as it's sometimes called) could give you more stability and confidence in weight-bearing trials-- it is safer and more controlled than crutches for many patients.
Soon, if all goes well, you will be out of the boot and walking in shoes! For most of us regaining pain-free, natural walking gait is a lengthy work-in-progress. Don't be shy about using a walking cane for a while if it gives you more confidence and support in early stages of your return to walking.