What's "normal" after ankle surgery?
Posted , 2 users are following.
I am three weeks post-op for a double ankle fracture on my left ankle, had a metal plate put in on the outside, and several screws in the small bones on the inside.
I am completely non-weight-bearing for three more weeks, and I have followed the doctor's orders meticulously. The surgeon and the physical therapist (just started two days ago) both say that it's looking great and everything is proceeding according to plan.
I just... don't know what is normal in this case? I've never broken anything before. Every odd sensation makes my anxiety flare and makes me worry that I've somehow done some damage to the surgical work, or that something is going wrong under the skin, where I can't see it...
The thing that seems to be bothering me the most currently is the weird rubbing sensation on my inner ankle when I flex it. It's as if there was an irritant there and I feel like I SHOULD be able to just move my foot away from it to get relief - except it's actually a part of my ankle now, isn't it? Pretty sure it's the screws I'm feeling...
Is this a sensation others have felt? Does it go away with time? Is it something I just have to get used to? I know I need to be patient, it's only been three weeks and the pain is really, all things considered, not that bad. Doesn't ever really go over a 5 for me, and usually it's much lower. (Though the pain has increased somewhat, understandably, in the past couple days after starting PT).
Can anyone give me some insight from their own experiences, to help put my mind at ease and help me understand what to expect? ❤️
Thanks so much!!! ❤️
0 likes, 1 reply
nicole04436 jessie72761
Posted
hey, i double fractured my ankle too and had plates put in. im 6 weeks post surgery and after 4 weeks went for a check up and the doctor said i can go into a boot. i was shocked. and really nervous about weight bearing again. i suffered badly with the swelling, the pain was unbearable and seemed to get worse around 9pm every night. that has stopped now luckily, but im still very swollen and stiff. im seeing progress every day, physio has helped massively and i am doing it multiple times a day. im terrified to lose the boot next week, i dont feel i am ready to walk without it. but then again ive suprised myself with the progress im making so far. i still cant fully weight bear with the boot either. i get a sharp pain where the plate is which worries me. i dont really have any advice but just wanted to give my experience so far, hopefully it gives you some comfort as everyones recovery is so different, but also horrific!! how are you getting on now?