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Tight tendons

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Jaxonlaura
Jaxonlaura

I am 12 weeks post surgery, bimalleolar fractures, and several fibula fractures all to the right leg. I was in a plaster for 7 weeks and none weight bearing. I had fixation to my fibula and pins to ankle. I can weight bear comfortably now without pain. The problem I am having is my walking is still very much a limp due to the lack of movement in my joints, because my tendons are so tight after weeks of none use and movement.  I am having regular therapy but I don’t see an awful lot of progress In the tendons loosening. Has anyone experienced similar in the tendons taking quite a while to loosen up. 

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2 Replies

  • machelle1961
    machelle1961 Jaxonlaura

    Posted

    This is totally normal. It takes time. Around 4 months post surgery I saw a huge improvement. I am around 7 months out now and I am walking pretty normal, although sometimes when I have been sitting it becomes really stiff. Moving and exercising throughout the day was key to regaining full range of motion in my ankle. You will get there, be patient and forgiving to yourself!!

    Good luck, sounds like your right on track

  • kpower
    kpower Jaxonlaura

    Posted

    Hello Jaxon Laura,

    Depending on the nature of any soft tissue injuries you may have suffered in your accident you will likely have some difficulties restoring normal ankle function.

    It seems to be a rare ankle patient that goes immediately to weight bearing and walking in shoes without any troubles at all. It's as rare as hen's teeth.

    If you are walking without any pain that is a very, very good sign. If your tendons are truly 'tight' then the correct physiotherapy exercises should whip them back into shape quickly (I hope you are seeing a good physiotherapist).

    If problems with 'tight tendons' (and your problem could also involve ligaments and muscles) persists then there is perhaps something else going on.

    I had some minor pain and a little restriction at first when walking in shoes. I found out later that a key tendon involved in ankle support and movement (the posterior tibialis tendon) had been stretched and damaged in my fracture injury. This tendon injury is not easy to overcome, and requires patience, patience, plus plenty of ongoing rehab exercises.

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