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Tired of pain and limping

Posted , 3 users are following.

elizabeth83842
elizabeth83842

I fractured my ankle posterior malleolus back on June 1st.  I spent two months in a boot.  I went back to work on August 23rd. This is my fourth week back to work in retail and I am still experiencing pain in my ankle and knee which leads to walking with a limp and making my feet really hurt by the end of my shift.  I still have swelling in my calf part of leg while the ankle is still normal.  Also have swelling or extra fluid around my knee.  I feel pain on the bottom part of knee where is connected to the leg bone.   I also can feel my knee popping when walking or getting up from a sitting position.  Sure wish I could stand up without have to hold on something and hobble around like an old person. Getting impatient to be to walk normally and go for walks and be able to ride my bike. Hate feeling like an old person when getting up from a sitting position. 

Glad I found this site where I can express my concerns with other people going through similiar situations. 

1 like, 5 replies

5 Replies

  • justine87262
    justine87262 elizabeth83842

    Posted

    Hi Elizabeth..Have you been given exercises to do by physio therapist? Calf, quad stretches should help to strength your ankle & leg. I have found doing these exercises regularly has helped. The swelling in your calf is normal apparently. Tubi grip would help to get the swelling down. It's a frustrating process isn't it, I would love to be walking normall again too...good luck

  • jan30278
    jan30278 elizabeth83842

    Posted

    Elizabeth,

    I am so sorry that you are still having such discomfort.  I had a bimalleolar fx on July 24, surg 3 days later and am scheduled to go back 10/17 (though I will not as i am having another unrelated surgery on 10/13 sad)  But I cannot imagine going back even then.  I have just gotten the boot this past Tues after 7 weeks in a cast- and now I have an infection on the outer incision so have to keep leg up for the weekend and am on AB for 10 days.  I feel like I am going backwards.  

    I also am up working on my feet - work in a dialysis clinic- and I cannot imaging even going back at all right now.  I know I will have to but seems like I have such a long way to before I can even walk.

    I have been told that this injury can take up to a year and a half to heal completely... so am trying to be realistic about it.  I know all of this puts a lot more stress on your other joints and I wonder if part of your issues are related to that.  Have you had PT?  I will not start that untill I am out of the boot early November.  I am just doing ROM exercises here at home now.  

    I love to walk- (was a fitbit addict), ride bikes, swim and kayak and like you, I dream of the day I can be active again!  I know it will get better.   

  • yvonne13888
    yvonne13888 elizabeth83842

    Posted

    Hi Eluzabeth,

    This is a patient journey. I did all the things that you also loved to do before healing. I am first day in my regular shoe. Using crutches. Been working out at gym for past 6 weeks. In week 12 now. Abs, floors, abs, floors.........

    This is a humbling experience for fit addicts.

  • elizabeth83842
    elizabeth83842

    Posted

    I am wondering if I am experiencing bursitiis in my knee?  If so, how do I treat it? 
    • jan30278
      jan30278 elizabeth83842

      Posted

      Eliz, I have found this injury is very hard on all of your joints.  I have had knee, hip and lower back pain.  i have had hip bursitis for a few years being an avid walker and my age (59).  I have had several cortisone shots and they have always helped.  It is so awful now, I cannot sit down for more than 20 min before the pain starts so I am doing a lot of lying down.  

      To answer your question- I would ask your ortho doc to assess your knee pain- and depending if it is bursitis or not- they may give you an injection.  Sounds like your knee is popping- could be something else, but a shot may help for a bit anyway.  Whatever it is I would definately get it looked at... I know....... this is an unending injury.... but it will get better.

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