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Stressed about my slow healing ankle

Posted , 9 users are following.

yolander06542
yolander06542

Hi, I had surgery on 1/27/2018 and screws and plates were attached to my bones.My problem is, my pain level has subsided but not swelling. I also feel an awarkard sensation in my foot. Has anyone experienced a cold sensation in their foot?When I walk using my crutches or while sitting my foot swells badly. I am aware that I must follow protocol and elevate my feet, but there are times I can't elevate my foot because I have to run errands. Any tips what I should do would be greatly appreciated.

0 likes, 18 replies

18 Replies

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  • Guest
    Guest yolander06542

    Posted

    You're only one month out from surgery and everything you describe is a completely normal part of recovery.  Unfortunately the swelling is highly likely to continue for some months to come.  I have the cold sensation in my foot also - a symptom of temporary nerve damage.  I had my ORIF surgery for a tri-mal break of right ankle mid-November.

    • yolander06542
      yolander06542 Guest

      Posted

      Ok, thank you for your response. I was frantic when my foot felt cold. I was thinking maybe I am going to lose my foot. I really feel better since you informed me.
    • Lisa1717
      Lisa1717 Guest

      Posted

      I still swell and have pain  I had my ORIF 1/10/217 it gets better physical therapy is what got me through 3x wkly 
  • Guest
    Guest yolander06542

    Posted

    Glad you are feeling reassured.  I know all too well these weird sensations - how strange it is to have a foot that feels 'cold' almost to the extent of feeling 'wet', yet when I take my boot and sock off and check with my hand, in reality it is warm and dry.   I believe that typically nerves are the very last thing to heal and can vouch for that from previous experience .. I broke my left foot ten years ago, and was left with a significant numb patch on the outside edge of my foot.  I had pretty much resigned myself to having to live with it, but two years after the break, the numb patch had disappeared and normal sensation recovered.

    • yolander06542
      yolander06542 Guest

      Posted

      Hi Jan83684

      I know nerves are stubborn to regenerate. I wasn't aware that my ankle and leg would endure a beating. I am just taking one step at a time. It is just annoying and I can't control what's happening to my ankle. Feel better.

  • e51145
    e51145 yolander06542

    Posted

    I'm in the boat you're in. And everything seems to be going good, when when it swells, then just elevate. That is most likely it, but keep in mind, that everyone is different.

  • rfoot
    rfoot yolander06542

    Posted

    Are you in plaster or with a boot? I am about a month ahead of you and what a difference a month makes. Once your cast is off or you can take the boot off occasionally, the swelling will probably subside but not altogether. Reading what others say there will be some swelling at some times for ages yet. Do any exercises you have been told to do (even if that is only to wiggle your toes), rest and elevate when you can.
    • yolander06542
      yolander06542 rfoot

      Posted

      Hi

      I am currently wearing a boot. Throughout the day, I elevate my foot tremendously.

  • briano1984
    briano1984 yolander06542

    Posted

    Hope you're recovering from the surgery. I am a week post op and have been reading all I can online as anytime I get out of bed to use bathroom I feel intense pain in the ankle. In no way am I taking pleasure in your pain but it is a relief to know that others have had pain also as I was worried about this

    • yolander06542
      yolander06542 briano1984

      Posted

      Hi Briano1984

      As far as you being able to use the bathroom, I know your pain. I cried for two weeks because of my intense pain levels. I was gulping down pain meds, which was harsh on my stomach. What kind of pain meds you are taking? I was taking Percocet. Currently, I am using crutches to maneuver myself around the house. I am fed up using crutches to get around. I am just counting down the weeks to recover. Although, you are in severe pain, attempt to get out of bed because your putting yourself at risk for pneumonia. Plus, it is good to keep your circulation running smoothly. Feel better!

    • yolander06542
      yolander06542

      Posted

      Sorry, I thought you weren't getting out of bed.

    • briano1984
      briano1984 yolander06542

      Posted

      Hi yolander

      I am in Ireland so think we have different names for meds. I was taking tradol and solophdol the first 5 days but as they have been used up I am just now taking over the counter paracetamol and nerofen. Back to specialist tomorrow so I will ask for something stronger.

      Will definitely make sure to move around during the day when I can. Hope your recovery is coming along!

  • count1234
    count1234 yolander06542

    Posted

    My swelling has yet to go down, my leg still just looks like a weird tube. I get the cold feeling as well but I get it in my leg and then it passes. Sadly, I think all of this is pretty normal.
    • yolander06542
      yolander06542 count1234

      Posted

      Hi Count1234

      I was told pain, swelling, and cold sensations are normal. I know all the above symptoms are a part of the healing process, but it is so annoying. If I sit or stand for a short time, my foot and leg look like a blow up balloon. I hope you feel better.

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