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Post ORIF 6 weeks NWB then 6 weeks in boot, what should I expect progress-wise

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natalie8901
natalie8901

I broke my ankle 8 weeks ago (bimellor fracture) I had to wait 2 weeks for swelling to go down before they operated. I was in a cast NWB for 6 weeks, had my cast off yesterday and put in an air boot and told to weight bear as tolerable for 6 weeks in the boot, taking off the boot only whilst resting and sleeping. I feel a little frustrated as the information feels very limited from the hospital, not sure how it should feel when putting weight on my foot, how long I should walk for each day, how many times or even what exercises I should be doing. I know everyone is different, how should it feel? I don't really feel what I'd call pain more pressure for the first second I put weight on then that goes, it uncomfortable and my leg aches after trying. i know its only early but just looking for some sort of guide.

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1 Reply

  • georgia05996
    georgia05996 natalie8901

    Posted

    Hi Natalie,

    Hope your recovery is going well.

    I had a trimalleolar fracture and had surgery on the 17th august (I think, the dates are all a blur now) but have been able to weight bare from 20th October.. I was told the same as you with regards to just doing what feels tolerable, and I had no idea what was meant to feel normal.

    I've not been walking far distances at all, just to and from the car at work, to the toilet and the kitchen at work just little distances where I can practice putting weight on. My ankle tends to swell after this but I don't feel much pain unless I put a bit too much pressure on and then it starts to ache and I stop.

    Does it feel comfortable for you to WB? Don't rush it, just do what feels comfortable for your ankle.

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