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THE PURPLISH COLOUR IN MY ANKLE

Posted , 7 users are following.

deb42707
deb42707

Hi,

I fractured my fibula and dislocated my left ankle on July 13th.  I had surgery to repair everything and had a plate and 8 metal screws inserted.  The two largest screws which go thru the tibia for stabilization are being removed on Sept. 13th.

I had a second surgery on Aug. 20 to have bone fragments removed from my foot.  That was a nasty painful surgery.

I am now almost 8 wks. post injury and have been in a boot for about two weeks.  My problem is that when I am not elevating my leg, my ankle and foot go a purplish colour. When I re-elevate it, it goes back to the normal colour.

I am really starting to be concerned, has anyone else experienced this and does anyone know if this is going to be an added bonus to a really painful injury?

I would appreciate any input or comments, thanks so much!

0 likes, 25 replies

25 Replies

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  • Grayson_Sha
    Grayson_Sha deb42707

    Posted

    Hey Deb,

    I'm sorry you have to be part of this group. The purple foot is a normal part of healing and it does get better. I'm 2 wee

    • Grayson_Sha
      Grayson_Sha

      Posted

      I'm two weeks ahead of you on recovery. I still get quite a bit of swelling and more of a reddish purple tint now when my foot is down for long periods. Putting pressure on it is helping out with it. It sounds like you're right on track with recovery. I wish you well!

    • deb42707
      deb42707 Grayson_Sha

      Posted

      I want to say thank you so much for taking the time to respond to my dilemma.  This has all been so overwhelming and painful and living alone has been even more of a challenge, but with wonderful friends and neighbours, I am coping - most of the time anyway ...lol

      All the very best to you in your recovery.

      This is a wonderful site with so many kind people supporting each other, I'm grateful I found it.

      Have a wonderful day  smile

  • VickyFry
    VickyFry deb42707

    Posted

    Mine turns this color off and on for no reason at eight weeks.  I didn't have any complications and I am still doing well.  So it must be a normal color.  

    • deb42707
      deb42707 VickyFry

      Posted

      Glad to hear you are doing well in your recovery!  I'm glad to hear I'm not the only one who has experienced this, so I don't need to panic.

      Thank you for taking the time to respond!

    • Grayson_Sha
      Grayson_Sha VickyFry

      Posted

      Vicky,

      It's very normal. Unfortunately, no one tells you what to expect, so you have to rely on patient experience. Just keep elevating in between weight bearing walks! 😆

  • barb1953
    barb1953 deb42707

    Posted

    Hi Deb,

    Thats pretty normal. I'm seven weeks from a double ankle fusion & arch reconstruction & still can't leave my foot down for any length of time as it turns purple. They tell me it will get better. It just takes time. Good luck with your healing journey. 

    • deb42707
      deb42707 barb1953

      Posted

      Hi Barb,

      Oh boy, that sounds like a painful, nasty injury.

      Thank you for responding and sharing your experience with me, I am grateful I found this site as it has been very helpful and supportive.

      All the very best your way for a quick recovery smile

  • Grayson_Sha
    Grayson_Sha deb42707

    Posted

    The first time I was able to get in the shower without my boot, hubby was looking at my foot saying you need to put it up. It nit only turned a funky shade of purple, but it was really swolken and scaly looking because of all the dead skin. It really was a nasty sight! Hubby just kept saying put your foot up, lol! He really wasn't at all well with how it looked.

    • deb42707
      deb42707 Grayson_Sha

      Posted

      I'll tell you one thing, I will be so happy to stop having to have bird baths in my kitchen.....oh .....a shower, sounds like heaven !!!

       

    • Grayson_Sha
      Grayson_Sha deb42707

      Posted

      I sat on that shower chair for a good 30 minutes. It was amazing! 😆

  • sandra81957
    sandra81957 deb42707

    Posted

    Sorry to hear about you having to join us all on the ankle recovery. I'm now 21weeks since my accident. Still get quite a lot of pain but swelling has gone dwn a lot unless I'm on it for a while. The red/purple has now gone but does turn a lovely shade of pink. Can't tell you how exciting it was for my very first stand up shower. Bit nervous and still don't feel 100% safe, but it felt awesome. Weeks of Sat on a bath seat gone!!. I can't walk far and have a bad limp that I'm hoping will go at some point. I wish you well. It's a long ride but we will get there. Sx

    • deb42707
      deb42707 sandra81957

      Posted

      Hi Sandra,

      I'm sad to hear that you are still experiencing a lot of pain after so much time, that's terrible.  How disheartening, and it is so very easy to fall into depression when things look like they will never improve.

      I'm grateful to hear that your purple/red foot has dissipated, I'm hoping mine goes away in time as well.

      I understand how you would be really nervous having your first shower standing up, I know that will be frightening for me whenever I get there.  

      I will keep very positive thoughts for your recovery process and you will be doing the jig -- limp free -- very soon.

      Thank you for your kindness, Cheers!

  • Zeldas
    Zeldas deb42707

    Posted

    You have been through the proverbial mill!, Yikes! Best wishes for a speedy recovery, and I hope you are back on your feet as soon as possible

    • deb42707
      deb42707 Zeldas

      Posted

      Hey Zelda,

      Yes, it's been tough going at times, that's for sure.  Thank you so very much for your response and best wishes, it means a lot!

      What a great site and great people who support each other.  Thank you!

    • sandra81957
      sandra81957 deb42707

      Posted

      It's been a great support for me. Even on my down days. And I mean down days which I've had many. Even have them still. The support I have had from this site had really been lifesaving fir me. Sx

    • deb42707
      deb42707 sandra81957

      Posted

      Hey Sandra,

      When you get one of 'those' days ... you feel free to send me an email, I'd be happy to talk with you.

      You take care and keep your chin up, we'll get there!

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