Wearing heels after ankle surgery

I'm glad I'm not the only one!  I was never comfortable in heels but would wear them occasionally.  I don't think I'll ever wear them again for the same reason....I am terrified to go through this again.

Hi. i had the same injury. I would love to know about your improvement and how things are for you now. I'm really scared I won't be able to wear heels ever again 😢

Hi! Do you have an update after the more recent surgery?

It's been over 15 months since I first injured my ankle in a car accident. I had 3 surgeries within the first 4 months, with the last one being at the end of January 2018.

I can now make the choice to remove some of the plates, but my surgeon expects little to no improvement as a result. My right foot has been stuck in a 90 degree angle position since the injury/surgeries.

I love heels & they're basically all I wore before. This injury has caused a lot of psychological damage, along with the obvious physical, which no one seems to relate to or understand. I get upset when I see heels I like. I gave away every last pair I owned b/c I couldn't look at them anymore. I don't feel like myself in public 100% of the time.

A new issue has arisen now that I am seeking new employment. I was let go from my job for being unable to do the things that have always been expected of me. Heels are pretty much required for business/business casual work attire, even for interviews. I'm at a loss as to what I can wear as a substitute for heels, especially with dresses & skirts.

I know this is all underneath someone else's response (sorry!), but does anyone have any suggestions for me? Thank you!

Hi ... I just read ur comment and I can say for myself. after 2 yrs and half I'm almost feeling back to normal. Not being able to wear heels is... sad and really no one will understand how u feel unless they have been in ur shoes. I used to crave the attention for my bf to understand how I felt but I finally told myself no one will understand. u feel like u can no longer be sexy with no heels. u can always try buying the low heels and flats which I wear alot. I recently bought my 3 inch heels and still could not wear them all day. have u done physical therapy? that helped me alot. The only difference is my doctor never recommended me to take off my plates anytime soon but hang in there. I've learned to be so much patient unlike before . But now I am working out running but cant so alot of jumping like jump squats.

I am so sorry about your accident. Losing mobility is a life changing experience. I decided to have one of the plates removed and it helped.

I tried some booties, Blondos that a clerk at Dillards suggested. I've worn them most of the winter And the heel helped my mobility some by stretching the stiff tendons. They are available online as well.

I had to rethink my business wear and let go of my hopes of returning to heels. My self worth is not tied to my looks at all but it was a blow and down right depressing. I'm not sure what I will wear this spring and summer but hopefully the same clerk can help me.

Talk with someone about your feelings and as time passes it does get better. Best wishes on your interviews.

karen

After 1.5 years, I am probably as near normal as I will be. In my case, it is time that has been my friend. I can wear heels now if I choose. Back to normal? No. But very livable, yes.

For what seemed like the longest time, I was wearing flats and using my bad foot like a rudder on a boat, perpendicular to my good foot. I could do some stairs alternating feet like normal, but certainly not going downstairs, which I still do step by step.

My biggest break was my son's beach wedding. Walking on sand for four days proved to be the best physical therapy ever.

Removing hardware is not an option for me.

Fear is probably what slows me from walking normally down stairs.

I continue to be super vigilant about any possible fall.

When I first posted here, I was feeling down, scared, and pessimistic. Perhaps my impatience got the best of me. My orthopedist projected 1-1.5 years to resume to some modicum of normalcy. He was on target, for me.

hi. i had the same surgery and I love heels too 😓 would love to know how you're dealing with it and whether its possible for us to wear them again in future.

Hi. i recently had my ankle surgery with frame. I would really love to know about your improvement over time. I love heels and I'm really scared I won't be able to wear them ever again. But your post has given me some hope. Please i would love to hear from you.

hi im suprised people are still looking at this. but i broke my ankle 2016 its now 2022 so its been least 5 yrs for sure. u can contact me via email if u would like as well. But im doing alot better. i still dont wear my 5 inch heels but im scared too. i can wear my 3 inch and im okay. I'm not going to lie it still hurts on a daily . i still go do my zumba and run here and there . i actually work for a podiatry office and they had told me i could take my plate and 10 screws out but i havent yet. it does get better. but years of this hardware i have arthritis now. I would not recommend walking long distance with heels. i also started wearing cowboys boots more often instead of heels. keep your head up. Ana

Moderator comment: I have removed the email address as we do not publish these in the forums. If users wish to exchange contact details please use the Private Message service.

so sorry about your experience. I too injured my ankle in a car accident unlike yours mine does not get to 90 degrees and stuck in a wedge position so I am stuck wearing wedged heels. It doesn't help the pain at all. The surgeon said the next best thing is to fuse the joints in that position.