Struggling with FWB

Posted , 3 users are following.

I had surgery 7 weeks ago and at 6 weeks post op my OS gave me the green light for FWB with the boot on for 2 weeks and then without the boot after 8 weeks. The problem is that I am struggling to walk with the boot on. The pain is really intense whenever I attempt anything close to full weight. It feels like things are not in the right place and I cannot take a step without support from my crutches. I just started physical therapy and I hope it helps me, as my ROM needs lots of work. Anyone else struggling to walk in their boot or even without the boot? Should I be experiencing pain? Should I call my OS? I am not in pain when my foot is resting. Only when I put weight on it.

0 likes, 4 replies

4 Replies

  • Edited

    im 14 weeks post surgery (trimalleolar fracture on right ankle) when i tried to walk in the boot i was the same. things you need to remember is youve had a major trauma to your foot, its been fixed and immobilised for 6 weeks. it needs to get used to your weight gradually. Personally, i never got used to the boot, for me it restricted my ROM so when i could come out of it at week 10 i was so relieved. i went into a trainer and it was HARD. it hurt, it was stiff, it didnt feel right for a long time. even now im still stiff and after a day of walking on it it gets achey. ( i should mention im 36weeks pregnant) so its probably not gonna get alot better until she is out. but ive made alot of progress, from monday i havent used my cane im getting around unaided. keep at the exercises, walk as much as you can tolerate. and give yourself time with patience too. wishing you a speedy recovery.

    • Edited

      Hi Jenny! Thank you so much for the reply. I cannot imagine being pregnant and going through foot surgery and recovery. You are my hero! Plus, the added weight must be a struggle for your ankle to adjust to, as well.

      I am starting to be able to do a slight shuffle with my boot on but I still cannot manage full weight. I will keep trying. It motivates me to know that things will continue to get better. It just feels like this is never going to end.

      By the way -- the boot has been like a torture device. I have hated it since the day they put it on me (at 1 week post op). I told my family that we are going to burn it in our fire pit when all of this is over. Haha!

      Wishing you a safe and healthy delivery and continued improvement on your ankle.

    • Edited

      Thanks alot for your kind words. It has been a real struggle but im coming out of it okay. The boot did get easier to walk in but like i said its the restriction it has on your ankle after that done me.

      I can relate to the feeling of it never going to end as i felt that too! but once you get comfortable, which could be any day things slowly start looking up. Things can change drastically every day/week.

      Haha i shot mine in the back of a cupboard but your idea is very tempting!

      Thankyou again, im hoping delivery is a breeze compared to this struggle.

    • Posted

      i say the same i want to burn my boot. I am 12 weeks out and frustrated at how slow my progress is my boot hurts my ankle on the inner ankle bone . i have two long screws in that area , so maybe its hitting that, but i need my boot for now. its love hate

      hang in there sounds like so many are going through much the same. my best thoughts

Report or request deletion

Thanks for your help!

We want the community to be a useful resource for our users but it is important to remember that the community are not moderated or reviewed by doctors and so you should not rely on opinions or advice given by other users in respect of any healthcare matters. Always speak to your doctor before acting and in cases of emergency seek appropriate medical assistance immediately. Use of the community is subject to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy and steps will be taken to remove posts identified as being in breach of those terms.