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scared to walk again..

Posted , 5 users are following.

tahlia57286
tahlia57286

so i had ankle ORIF surgery 2 months ago. i went back to my surgeon and the fracture clinic a couple of days ago, had my cast taken off and was told i was allowed to start walking again. full weight bearing. no boot or anything, they just gave me a compression sock. he also didn’t do an x-ray because the x-rays were closed at the clinic that day. should i just take his word for it? also i’m absolutely terrified to walk. i’ve done my exercises and put my foot flat on the ground but i’m way too scared to put  pressure on it and the pain i’m going to feel. how did anyone overcome this fear? 

0 likes, 5 replies

5 Replies

  • sue48263
    sue48263 tahlia57286

    Posted

    Hi, 

    I would defo ask for X-rays.  Can you ring your surgeons secretary or the fracture clinic and ask for a review. Better get it right from the start plus it will put your mind at rest.  Then when you get the all clear you can go ahead... book your Physio appointment they will be able to show you great ways of getting back to walking.  

    Good recovery !  

    Sue

  • yolander06542
    yolander06542 tahlia57286

    Posted

    Hello Tahlia57286

    I fractured/ dislocated my ankle on Jan 25 2018 . Hardware was fused to my ankle as well. I spent 2 1/2 months using crutches, which was devastating. When it was time for me to ditch my crutches, I was the happiest woman alive. I dreaded walking with crutches, and the most daunting part of using crutches qas nog having the ability to maintain my independence. When my doc told me I can eradicate my crutches. I cried tears of joy. I stood up, and took baby steps. I kept practicing for two days, finally, I was successful at waling again. I didn't walk normal. I would limp at times, and I still do. I am regaining my strength doing home exercising and I go to P.T x3 a week. Good luck with learning how to walk again.

    • yolander06542
      yolander06542

      Posted

      Sorry about a few misspelled words. I was typing on my cell phone.
  • teri88200
    teri88200 tahlia57286

    Posted

    I am exactly 10 weeks post ORIF surgery. Was released last Thursday to full weight bear and begin walking with regular shoes. I was given walking boot at week 8, and used 2 weeks to start walking. I am able to walk without boot and without crutchs. My ankle has little to no range of motion. I walk with a very pronounced limp. I did buy a support ankle brace for added stability. I have soft tissue tenderness and lots of dwelling. Maybe try walking using one crutch to offer support while learning to weight bear. The floor felt very foreign at first. I have not started PT, but scheduled within the week to regain range of motion. Trust your body. Its a very slow process. Best of luck in your recovery.
  • kpower
    kpower tahlia57286

    Posted

    Tahlia,

    I'm astonished that there is a wide variance in medical standard of care for ankle fracture recovery. There seems to be a trend where practitioners turn patients loose into weight bearing with little guidance. You are basically on your own at that point.

    I would definitely call the doctor's office and confirm that your last set of x-rays prove you are cleared for weight bearing.

    Your trepidation at first steps is very common. One way to ease into weight bearing (and many doctors prescribe it) is to start with partial weight bearing (in boot) using crutches or a walker frame to tailor the amount of weight on injured ankle, as needed.

    Then work up to full weight bearing in boot in a week or so, and then later follow up with full weight bearing without boot (but in a sturdy shoe). A walking can be used at this point if you still have challenges with gait and balance.

    Good luck.

     

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