Safe Progression Beyond Physio Goals?
Posted , 4 users are following.
I suffered a trimalleolar fracture with dislocation on 8/25 in a non-fault motorcycle accident. I had ORIF on 9/08 and have been out of the cast in a CAM boot for four weeks now.
At my first PT session two weeks ago (which was first day of WB) the physio went through different WB exercises and found that one crutch in boot was bearable but to work up to it for my next session (next week).
I did two crutches in boot for a week and then one crutch in boot for a week but found it became simple and relatively painless after a few days.
Last night I inadvertantly stood up from the toilet and walked (limped) to the washbasin in socks without crutches or my boot. Realising what I had just done I tried walking on a carpeted floor without crutches and whilst my gait was far from normal due to stiffness it was very much bearable and there was no lasting pain.
I then tried standing on just the injured leg briefly and whilst it was slightly uncomfortable, it wasn't what I would call painful.
Obviously this was a proud moment but I am wondering despite the lack of pain whether indeed this is doing any harm? I don't want to rush things but also want to make good progress and start regaining muscle and mobility.
I still use crutches and the boot out of the house but is it safe to do these little extra pushes or should I stick to the crutches for now?
1 like, 3 replies
Kaymac68 tom48911
Posted
hi there, i have same injury, although mine didn't heal first time around so had second surgery Sep 4, just starting now with trying to walk with no boot and no crutches. i was at physio today and the therapist said, i can do whatever as long as it doesnt hurt, listen to your body, if you are in pain stop and rest, you've pushed it too far, otherwise go for it!
sandra91776 tom48911
Posted
I did similar trial here at home
I was FwB at 8 weeks in the boot with 2 crutches
Then started PT
My PT pushed me to one crutch then no crutch My surgery was 7/11 and by mid September I could walk no crutches w/boot
Soon after I began walking in house with two sneakers
Still used boot when I went out
After a few more weeks I walked into PT in two sneakers Ikept boot in car just in case
If you are comfortable walking in your house Id think its fine
Llamalah tom48911
Posted
Hey Tom,
I only had a single fracture with ORIF, and was allowed to start weight bearing 'as tolerated' at 6 weeks, with a goal of being completely boot and crutch free within a three week period. Under the guidance of my physio's we did this weird back and forth combination of boot/no boot, crutches/one/none, depending where I was. Home was the safest place and I was free from all aids almost a week before I was out of the boot in public. I think I was walking with one crutch and no boot by the start of the second week. I was completely aid free before the three week goal so once up and moving it all happened pretty quick, even though the first couple of days sucked and I thought there was no way I would get out of the boot and rid of the crutches within three weeks.
I did have a few days, even after ditching everything, where the ankle would just not cooperate, usually the day after a big physio session or more walking than usual. Finding the balance of 'as tolerated' took a while. I am now at 8mths post and my ankle stability is better than pre-injury!