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Hi there!
I am 8 weeks post op (left fibula malleolus repair requiring 1 screw to fix it, 58 years old) and am having trouble walking even with crutches because my foot and lower part of my leg still have quite a bit of swelling. When I wear my brace it makes imprints in my leg that I can see when I take it off. If I press my finger into my flesh anywhere between my shin or on the top of my foot it slowly squishes down and a dent remains where my finger pressed down. It takes a few minutes to return to its normal state of puffiness. Is this normal?
It is too painful to walk on although I am pushing myself to walk on it as much as possible with 2 crutches.
I am beginning to worry that it could be compartment syndrome, has anyone had experience with that ?
Thanks in advance for your reply! Susan
0 likes, 26 replies
rmsko susan21687
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rmsko susan21687
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susan21687 rmsko
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p.1966 susan21687
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I am 11 weeks post op. I had a tendon transfer, reconstruction of my arch using a donor bone.
The first week and a half of wb was extremely painful even with the help of crutches. The worst pain I Hanne experienced since childbirth 26 years ago. The Dr said after walking 15 miles it would get easier. I started out doing a mile a day working to 2 miles. It still swells from my knee down and is painful but much better than in the beginning. In the beginning I couldn't imagine ever being able to put full weight on that foot but I'm finally able to walk (limp) a little ways without any crutches but still use 1 most of the time. One week and a half after the surgery I cried for 2 hours I was so discouraged [and I'm not a crier] but the next day, almost like a light switch, I was able to use 1 crutch.
Make sure you call the Dr if you think something isn't right.
Good luck!
susan21687 p.1966
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Patientholland susan21687
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Go with what your body tells you. Don't push yourself to walk if it creates too much pain
Go seek professional advice
Good luck
susan21687 Patientholland
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Patientholland susan21687
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Paulusdw susan21687
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Its early days yet for you but try and remain positive, keep doing your exercises and if in doubt contact your gp, especially if you experience blue colour, coldness, numbness etc. I wish you a quick recovery
susan21687 Paulusdw
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jannie26408 susan21687
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your early days yet! I'm 6 mos in and couldn't use crutches so wheelchair and walker - compartment Syndrone is unlikely but you should check with your Dr on that, I got diagnosed at 2 mos with RSD/CRYPS, so it delays healing time - swelling does well with elevation, I could not do ice, so I did gentle massage and warm water foot baths. Just to let you know I only fully weight bearing in last month, we're all different levels of recovery, be gentle on yourself. It's a process not a race, I'm not walking yet unaided and getting on forearm crutches just now. I'm not your average ankle surgery story so be patient, you'll get there. Wishing you well....
susan21687 jannie26408
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jannie26408 susan21687
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Tituscanby1 susan21687
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You are way ahead of what I was. I can't fully weight bare yet, but am getting close. But only for short periods.
Once Dr clears you for anything extra wrong, know that recovery can be a long process. Ligaments and tendons can be stretched and damaged. I use a knee walker when I have to do something in a hurry, and at night around tea time when the swelling is worse.
Get a Physio to give you a plan. Compression bandage works for me when swelling bad. Anti inflammatories too. Check with Dr first.
I am of a similar age and have a plate and 6 screws and had a bone graft.
I walked up and down hall x2-3 very slowly very lightly weight baring. 10%, and then sat back down with foot elevated above heart for a couple of hours unless I had to get up.Physio and Specialist told me to increase weight baring by approx 10% each week. Only a guideline. You may be doing too much with not enough R.I.C.E..
I wore my moonboot 24/7 for 4 weeks after my cast was off. I never felt safe to weight bare without it. Then I progressed to shoes but I have to peel shoe off at times.
My foot still goes purpley red when I have a shower or go swimming. Good luck :+)
susan21687 Tituscanby1
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susan21687 Tituscanby1
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Tituscanby1 susan21687
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susan21687 Tituscanby1
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Patientholland susan21687
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susan21687 Patientholland
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