Zero strength in ball of foot/calf months after trimalleolar ORIF
Posted , 5 users are following.
Hi all,
I suffered a trimalleolar fracture and dislocation at the end of August, had external fix for a week and then ORIF. Two plats and ten screws.
I was NWB for about 8 weeks, and have been FWB for about a month, two weeks in a CAM boot and just sneakers since. I've had a couple of PT sessions and the consultant gave me the all clear to stop using crutches last week.
I can walk with a limp in sneakers, without pain really but in trying to figure out why I am limping I think it is because I have almost no strength in my calf or ball of foot so I struggle with the last bit of the walking step where I should be on my toes a bit as my opposite heel touches down. Currently my ok foot comes down while the recovering one is still quite flat.
The PT gave me exercises to start doing heel raises standing up, but I find this so hard due to pain and weakness in the ball of my foot and calf muscles... presumably due to atrophy from it being inactive for so long.
The PT and Dr said this is to be expected but after a week of doing these exercises, the strength doesnt seem to be returning at all.
Did anyone else experience this or can recommend exercises that helped gradually strengthen calfs/toes/ball of feet.
Thanks!
0 likes, 3 replies
sandra91776 tom48911
Posted
my surgery was in July and I still have limp some days
Try to concentrate on heel/toe when you place your foot down while walking.
This helps me
It takes awhile to get back to normal so be patient
melissa91009 tom48911
Posted
It'll take a few weeks to get that strength back. 8 weeks not using the muscles it takes roughly the same time to rejuvenate the muscles that have shrunk in volume and strength. Just keep doing them but not so it causes pain. Slowly increase your reps etc as strength increases. Unfortunately, it takes patience. The loss of strength is usually proportional to the time spent in the cast. I've been in a cast/boot for over a year, so things will take a lot of time. I need a full reconstruction as well and I'll never get my strength and range of motion back. It's awful. 😢.
Good Luck to you!
Melissa
melissa91009 tom48911
Posted
It'll take a few weeks to get that strength back. 8 weeks not using the muscles it takes roughly the same time to rejuvenate the muscles that have shrunk in volume and strength. Just keep doing them but not so it causes pain. Slowly increase your reps etc as strength increases. Unfortunately, it takes patience. The loss of strength is usually proportional to the time spent in the cast. I've been in a cast/boot for over a year, so things will take a lot of time. I need a full reconstruction as well and I'll never get my strength and range of motion back. It's awful. 😢.
Good Luck to you!
Melissa