Recovery from fractured ankle
Posted , 8 users are following.
Hi,
wonder if anyone can give me some advice?
I broke my ankle in 3 places at the beginning of November . I required surgery ( metal plate and 4 screws) I was in a heavy cast for 4 weeks ( no weight bearing). The cast was removed 23rd December and i was given an airboot cast - I was advised that i should still be no weight bearing for a further week and then to remove the airboot and start gradually weight bearing . i was not giving any physio assessment or x-ray that visit and told i wouldn't need to return.
Needless to say , 2 weeks later I cannot walk without crutches . My leg is very weak and the calf muscle has shrunk . I found some exercises help on line but find my calf and achilles area of ankle hurt and i get pins and needles in sole and two toeswhen i try any weight bearing ( ankle is still very swollen ) . I'm taking ibuprofen daily to mask the pain and feel abit at a loss.
I'm in the process of trying to get physio from the hospital i was at but this is proving very slow .
I've never broken anything before and have no idea what's normal recovery in the situation, or what aftercare I should have been given ?
Also,the airboot seems to have aggravated the back of my heel and calf causing it to be tender . I've been wearing a sprain support and strap round my calf , so i can walk round the house without the boot . This is helping me get back on my feet but is it bad for my recovery?
Has anyone else had anything similar , or could give me advice? Anything appreciated .
0 likes, 19 replies
michelle03802 shirley1968
Posted
Hi Shirley,
I had a very similar injury at around the same time as you, just a few more screws etc. I was in a cast for 6 weeks and then airboot 50% weight bearing for four weeks. I have one week remaining in that and then have been told I'll be in an ankle brace and trainer to start fully weight bearing. I cant imagine being able to do that!
It does sound like they moved you on pretty quickly. Perhaps you should get another opinion if possible. Also I don't want to worry you but I think I should mention that I was told not to take ibuprofen for pain relief as there's evidence to suggest it interferes with bone healing. you'd be better with paracetamol
Its been a terrible experience I wouldn't wish on my worst enemy!
Good luck
x
shirley1968 michelle03802
Posted
Hi Michelle ,
Thanks for sharing your experience and the painkiller advice - no one at the hospital mentioned that about ibuprofen. Luckily , I'm not one for taking medication unless absolutely essential , so have been mostly using Paracetamol . I have used Ibuprofen sparingly when the back of my heel was so sore last week from using the airboot .
I'm now thinking that the consultant on that day ( hadn't seen him before ) didn't read my notes at all and was maybe in a hurry ( it was 2 days before christmas day) it's the only way I can see how I got such poor after care. Well, tomorrow is hopefully the start of proper treatment ...fingers crossed!
shirley1968
Posted
just an update ...
was seen by a physio at the hospital today.
she agreed that my ankle is still quite swollen and the back part of heel is as well I'm still l not completely happy with outcome but will try to do the exercises.
She has told me to start full weight bearing as well but i can use a sports support around my calf . she has said to just make sure i take pain meds ( yes ibuprofen ) .I'm glad to ditch the airboot as I feel that was doing more damage .
i have an appointment for the 28th jan , to see how I'm doing .
I'm hobbling round the house on one crutch ,in a very ungainly (painful) manner, so just hope it gets easier and I have given in to taking pain killers . Still don't have much range in ankle movement though due to swelling . I'm considering paying for private physio for a few sessions , just to get another opinion and some one on one guidance .
Thanks again for all the replies and advice .