So its been about a 1 year (and a month) since I completely broke my ankle (broke every bone and dislocated it) and I’m proud to say my ankle is basically healed. I have scars on both sides of my ankle and it still swells bigger than my non-broken ankle but overall I can do everything again that I could do before I broke it. In fact I have started running at the Gym and it holds up well. Every so often my ankle will tell me if I’ve done too much by causing some pain or if the weather is changing. I still have all of the metal in my ankle as I figure that I’m going to at least enjoy the summer before deciding if I want to get the metal removed or not. Any of you out there who have broken an ankle before do you still have the metal or not? Is it as simple a procedure as the doctor says to remove it? Do I have to go back on crutches at all?
Randomness of Christi
Catch-all of what's on my mind! From Movie Reviews to TV and Cats.
Hello Dee,
I have been doing some research on whether or not to have the hardware removed. I have been told by my OS that I have to keep it in for at least 1 1/2 years minimum before even considering having it removed and then only if it has started to cause problems. The real issue appears to be age. The younger you are the better to have it removed (that appears to be below the age of 50). The fact is that having screws put in your bones creates holes and this can cause brittle bones if they are removed and then a greater danger of breaking your bones again. Only you and your doctor can make that decision. I wish you good healing!
Hi Dee
(Anthea here – 41 yr old female. Tri Mall fracture on 20/1/10 – ORIF surgery same day – screws and plate on right, screw on left – longer screw removed 22/3/2010).
You sound happier. The exercise with your foot flat – at first you won’t be able to slide it AT ALL so don’t be alarmed – just hold it for as long as you can with that pulling sensation. When my physio showed me she said “well, slide it back” – I said “Im trying!” – it just wouldn’t move but now after a few weeks of doing it I can slide it a little more over time.
I can stand now with both my feet flat but when I look at myself in the mirror when I stand my right side is higher so I know that I am not standing as I used to.
Another thing I have read on the net is that you should get a ball – any ball I think will do and roll it under your foot – it is sore at first so don’t press hard but do this along with your other exercises at least 3 time a day – also on the heel but be warned it is sore and you don’t want to bruise yourself any more than you already are!
Regarding the longer screw – it was the one that was in the middle of the plate so has 5 other mates left in there. The reason that it had to be removed was that it was sticking into my joint which wasn’t a problem when I was non weight bearing but would have rubbed the bone away had I walked on it. I think it had to be longer than the rest at that point to secure the plate (not everyone will have that longer screw). Anyway, I was only allowed to weight bear after its removal. In terms of how did it feel after – well, I never put any weight on it so never felt it. At this point I can feel something hard on the outer ankle and think it must be the head of one of the other screws – weird.
I am certainly having good and bad days at this stage – I think when it feels good I am doing too much on it and then it feels bad again so sets me back a day or so …. and so the cycle goes on! Very annoying. I have to go back to work in 10 days and was hoping to be off my crutches – grrr
Marina – glad that your pressure sore has improved – poor you – had to deal with that as well. Would love to see your photos on FB – I have put some up too.
Have a great weekend everyone and keep doing those exercises! 🙂
HI ANT
hi to everyone as well .thanks much ant for youre kind word sand support it did help,im trying the exercise you mentioned with sitting at the edge of a chair and pulling my foot backwards and then pressing down my heel as fa back as possible but!! my foot dont seem to stay flat the more i pull it in backwards the higher up the heel goes,so at a point avery quick point my heel is up off ground and only my toes on ground thats the picture i want you all to get clear my ankle cant bend much and still facilitatae my foot lying flat i just dont understand!!its totally frustrating ,are you all able to stand up straight with both foot completely flat,any how some way some how gonna work it all out it just has to get better i tell myself.Also ant i checked out the squido site before trying loading my notes to get on but it didnt so no im not the dee on it now i plan to go on though and meet some of those folks but now i guess i have to go on with another name for clarity maybe dee2 haha or something so look out for me on there soon.
HEY CHRISTINA how are things with you ,keep strong
LAURA its feel so good to find some one who is strong enough to advocate for all the metal to be removed i have been thinking about it for some time now mwntioned it to my doc but he is making it seem as if i have to keep them in for life thats best according to him i really dont want ,also my parents seem to think it not wise for me to be wanting them out at least not yet they say but they are not the ones walking around with metal embedded inside their ankle it so uncomfortable at times i can literally feel them plus they make my foot feel so packed and tight,for me its about 6 mths and i know some people who have taken out theirs within this same amount of time but still i understand i cant use others to judge because we all have a unique injury with unique bodies that carries out healing very differently.so come may my doc will only take one screw out i really want to cinvince him to get rid of them all since i think the rest cand be done naturally afterall the bones are now properly alinged and ankle in place ,however my last check up in may did show a section that is not fully healed as yet.im now on calcium and vitamin tablets .SO LAURA LET ME KNOW WHAT YOURE PROCEDURE WILL BE LIKE AND WHAT YOURE DOC THINKS ,WHAT ARE THE POSSIBLE DISADVANTAGES?
OH ANT I ASKED SOME TIME AGO but dont remember getting an answer was it just the long screw that was removed and for what reason was it do you feel any difference in terms of movement and comfort of the foot since the screw removal.do you know if by any chance it was or could in other cases cause a restriction.
HI JUDY HOW IS WORK AND YOUR ANKLE TAKE CARE NOW.
TAKE CARE CALL AND TRY TO BE POSITIVE FIND SOMETHING TO SMILE ABOUT EVEN THOUGH ITS PAINFUL TIMES.
Hi Dee
(Anthea here – 40 yr old female. Tri Mall fracture on 20/1/10 – surgery same day – screws and plate on right, screw on left – longer screw removed 22/3/2010).
I totally agree with you that it is easier to walk in shoes! I have some great ASIC trainers which are very comfy – I love them but thought that I couldn’t go to work in trainers so went looking and trying shoes over the weekend – no luck -NOTHING felt any good so eventually settled for a darker pair of ASICS (darker for winter with my darker pants) – I have resigned myself to the fact that I will be in trainers for some months to come so fashion will be out the window!
I get a sort of pins and needles feeling in my heel when I first put it on the ground first thing in the morning – weird. My physio is very strict with me and making sure I put my foot flat when walking – NO LIMPING! and no walking on my toes. It’s sore but I am told that it’s better to still walk with both crutches than limp on one.
A good exercise is to sit on the edge of a chair – slide you ‘bad’ foot as far back as possible but keep foot flat on floor (push your heel down) – as far back as you can and hold for 5 seconds – repeat 10x. After a week, hold for 10 seconds then 15. I could hardly move it at first.
I am able to move my ankle joint up and down but have little (almost none) “lateral” movement – so find it hard to swivel side to side – do you know what i mean?
Dee are you part of the squidoo site – there’s a Dee on there but not sure if it’s you? – it’s another one similar to this but seems busier.
http://www.squidoo.com/brokenanklehelp
Things WILL improve but it seems that it takes time – be strong and we all understand what you are going through. 😉
HI ALL
im coping and praying as ususal,but i must admit that beneath the surface there are concerns and worries event though i know its not going to help much or rather any at all,so im doing all my stretches and exercise but still cant seem to observe in real improvement,ihey people i asked quite a while now but didnt get an answer so i ask again does any one have the situation whwer there joint in the injured ankle caint bend enough ,where it sort does a little and then seem to be lock at a point,and when you try to stand up straight that foot the heel is off ground in other words the injured foot cant go flat, because of this i cant walk barefooted but if im in a shoe with a little lift at the bottom i get a more smooth flow,the thing is it cant be too high or too low so a little in between hell or a slight wedge goes fine for me or whenever i pad the back of my shoe,flat slippers of bare foot i cant manage i tend to hop at that time ANY BODY DO YOU UNDERSTAND SOMETHING TO SAY ON THIS WOULD REALLY LIFT MY SPIRIT I FEEL SO BLANK WHY IS THIS SOim beginning to feel as if the foot is pulled up so therefore ive lost some lenght,but my doc and psio says it may go flat after a while but they have been saying that for 5 months now im really worried. I HAVE A LOT MORE TO SAY INREGARDS TO MY GETTING AROUND BUT GOT TO GO NOW AT WORK LAURA I HAVE A QUESTION FOR YOU TOMORROW ,TAKE CARE ALL AND KEEP POSITIVE IM TRYING TO DO THAT
Hello all Anklebreakers,
(Marina, here, 58, female, right tri-malleolar fracture with dislocation Oct 7, 2009; surgery Oct 22, 2009)
It’s been almost 6 months for me. Went on my first major shopping trip using just a cane and that was to IKEA (which as you all know, is not just a shopping trip, but a major vacation ‘destination’!!!). Went with sisters, nieces, brother-in-law. We walked for over 2 1/2 hours, but I sat wherever there was a chair. I think my back hurt more than anything, but I made it! My ankle/foot were sure swollen and discolored by the evening though so elevation was a must.
Also made my first trip to the city’s indoor pool. I walked in chest-high water back and forth 32 times and really felt the drag on my right ankle. I didn’t actually swim since it was my first time and the kicking part made me a bit nervous, but made swimming motions with arms for the exercise. Then did tip-toe exercises and side leg lifts. I was so sore the next day, but it was a good type of sore like a work-out (or marathon!)
My physical therapist today said she only needs to see me one more time and will give me exercises for home and pool so I feel I’ve graduated!
I still use a cane when I go outside the home to straighten my gait and eliminate the limp. I still struggle with balance. If I get bumped, I feel like I’m going to tip over. I cannot balance on my right leg or put all my weight on it to just stand yet. So I still need to work on that part. I can climb stairs slowly, but still go down stairs like a little kid taking one step with right then set the left leg beside it. I still need to be able to quickly (almost run) up and down stairs and inclines before I can return to work.
My pressure ulcer is down to about 1/4″ hole in my foot so that has greatly improved.
The more I’ve exercised, I’ve noticed a burning feeling in the top of my foot and then I have spasms. I told the therapist that it’s bad enough that I take Tylenol PM to get me relaxed enough to sleep at night. We’re hoping it’s just from the nerves that are trying to regrow. Will ask OS next month when I seem him.
All in all…big improvement from a month ago.
For those that have trouble with showers…The biggest blessing was the Tub Bench for the bath tub. I couldn’t step over the edge of shower, so put a TUB bench in the other bathroom. I could sit on it outside the tub and then slide over. I would adjust the shower head where I wanted it. It’s very secure with suction cups on the tub floor and has a back…padded and very comfortable.
I can now step into my shower holding onto the grab bar we installed and have a SHOWER stool in that shower because it’s too hard to wash and balance. The TUB Bench was about $60 and the Shower stool about $30 at Walgreens. Worth every penny. The TUB bench is now in storage (it’s pretty big), but the shower stool will probably be a permanent addition to my shower.
Also, the pros and cons of wearing a boot while sleeping…I’ve heard both. Basically listen to your doctor AND your body. I still had 2 more weeks of wearing boot while sleeping but just couldn’t sleep and hated that velcro snagging and ruining everything. Finally took it off at night and nestled my foot in an airplane neck u-shaped pillow still elevated on 3 pillows.
Hi All,
My name is Laura and I broke my ankle August 2009. I broke my fibula and tibula. I have a plate and 8 screws. It took about 12 weeks to get back to some kind of normalcy. It has been a difficult road because I continue to have swelling and dull pain. When I was going through the recovery process I was diagnosed with RSD. Idea that the sympathetic nerves are miss firing telling that area to protect it. Kind of weird. I had to have back injects to the nerve to almost in sense restart them.
It has been about 8 months or so. I am having all the hardware removed at the end of April after a bit of a fight with the orthopedic surgeon. I decided to have it all removed because I am sick of being poked with needles. This was the FIRST time I broke anything or had surgery. I am only 33.
Let me just tell you. Don’t let anyone tell you anything. DO your own researh and make sure you are an advocate in your care. There are many different views on getting hardware removed and treatment options. I will let you know one thing, its going to take a while AND you will have residual swelling for a long time. Realize you were not born with that metal, so your body may just not like it very much. Keep your options open.
I am nervous, but I know this is my best option at this point.
Good luck to all of you.
Hi,
Cathy here, bimalleolar fracture left ankle on 1/20 plate and screws inserted 64 years old.
Out of the cast and 8 weeks of nonweightbearing had one screw removed a week ago. The staples from the 2nd surgery were taken out on Friday. I’m experiencing swelling and sensitivity to touch throughout the ankle and foot.
I am able to walk with a walker and after starting PT on Tuesday expect to move on to a cane. I’m frustrated with how long everything takes me to do ..so slow moving but the good news is I’m moving without a wheelchair and was able to get in and out of the shower on my own.
Thanks Marina for your kind words. I couldn’t use crutuches either because I sprained my shoulder in the fall.
I have really been dependent on my husband for care and support. Luckily he works part time and was able to adjust his schedule to be available when I needed him most. It’s been a long road for him also but he continues to be cheery throughout.
On March 3rd I fell down basement steps and fractured my ankle in 3 places. Two on the tibia and one on the fibula. Due to arthritis and diabetes, my doctor chose not to do surgery. I was in a splint for one week, then a cast. After two weeks, I developed a blood clot in the same leg and they had to remove the cast and put me into a boot to treat me. I am now back into a cast for 3 more weeks. Comments are interesting as I am also experiencing the rubbing/burning sensation on some parts of my leg where the cast rubs against it. This is also non-weight bearing. Doctor has advised I will be put into a boot at 6 weeks but will probably remain non-weight bearing for a while again. Sounds like from the comments that I will have quite a long road ahead in getting back to what might be normal.
Hi, Cathy.
(Marina here, 58, female, tri-malleolar fracture with dislocation on Oct 7, 2009; surgery with plate, pins, screws on Oct 22, 2009; non-weight bearing for 8 weeks)
We have found it helpful to start each post with your name, age, type of fracture and injury date since it’s so hard to keep up with all the different types.
So sorry to hear of your injury. Mine also was the first fracture I’ve ever had. It’s amazing what a split second can do to forever change your life! I was taking a photo of a lake up in the mountains when on a picnic with my husband. Bless his heart..he had to pick me up and drive 45 minutes back to a hospital.
I never felt so helpless in my entire life and thought I would never walk again. I haven’t been able to measure my progress on a daily basis but can see improvement from week to week. My husband is a flight attendant so is gone 3 days at a time and he says he sees improvement each time he returns. I was so fortunate he could take that first month off. I couldn’t have managed at home by myself otherwise.
It does get better…those first 6-10 weeks of non-weight bearing are the worse…just laying there thinking of the pain and all you need to do. The first 3 weeks for me was the worse since I had to wait 2 weeks for surgery. The pain was constant and unrelenting.
By January, I was using the walker and by February, I was using a 4-prong cane. I never used crutches due to a previous elbow injury, no upper body strength and general uncoordination! I had a very active job for an airline, running up and down a jetway; boarding passengers, running down the back steps to the tarmac helping to load passengers’ wheelchairs, walkers, and strollers. It will be quite some time before I can return to that.
Some people never can return to an activity that they once did. I still have quite a bit of swelling and stillhave a purple foot. But I can walk around the house unassisted though with a limp. I use a cane when I go out to help me to walk straighter. I also started driving again several weeks ago…just in the neighborhood. I don’t have enough range of motion or confidence to brave the traffic and do fast acceleration for merging.
I will say that I did not enjoy Christmas. We flew to our daughter’s and with all the combined grandkids and the inability to even climb 3 steps into the house (being carried by my son and son-in-law), we only stayed a few days. The air travel was also difficult but got to pre-board, sat in front so there was room to elevate my leg. But every week gets better.
Depending on how severe your injuries were, you may recover more quickly especially if you don’t have a long period of non-weight bearing.
Good luck!
Hello,
I am so glad I found this site for sanity reasons. This is my first time breaking anything, so I had no idea what I was in for.
Thank you Judy for telling me things will get better once this cast is off. I know the discomfort of this cast rubbing the wrong places can drive me nuts at times. The burning feeling is the worse. Lots of ice and in the air.
Cathy you are a month ahead of me in this process of healing. I have figured out patience is important. Everyday I figure I am one step closer to walking and driving. I hope you will be able to enjoy all you wonderful events coming up.
Lets all keep out chins up and heal fast
Becky
I fractured my ankle on January 20th while on vacation in orlando. I’m 64 years old and worried about what I can expect for my recovery.After surgery to place a plate and screws on one side and screws on the other last week I had another surgery to remove one screw. I’m walking mostly using a walker but during the day at home can manage a number of steps on my own with some discomfort. I see the doctor tomorrow to remove the staples from the last surgery and then will begin physical therapy. I have so many happy events coming up in the next months and am fearful about being unable to enjoy…2 graduations, a wedding and my own 40th Anniversary. Is there any way to hasten the recovery? Will there ever be walking normally?
Hi Judy, Hi Dee, Hi Marina, Hi Ant & Hi Everyone,
I’m happy to say that I’m returning to work on Monday. (Too many bills & medical expenses to pay).My doctor said it was up to me if I want to return to work, as long as I feel comfortable enough to do so.I just spoke with my Manager & HR personnel and they said if my doctor is in agreement & will sign my release then they would be happy to have me return. So I’m going, but I’ll still be in the BOOT and walking on crutches, since I’m allowed only partial weight-bearing & I’m continuing therapy sessions.I have enough work-space to elevate my foot & my boss will ensure that such provisions are made for me.
The road to recovery is a long journey, but we are already in it and only time will heal our injuries. I’m thinking positive, telling myself that I will heal and that I will do everything that I used to do prior to my injury. I was not very patient & now I have no choice but to be patient. Everybody, stay positive and continue to follow the doctor’s/therapist’s instructions.
Hi All:
Sorry to be so quiet lately, but work has been getting in the way of my chatting with you, which I’d much rather be doing!!
I’m going to follow Marina’s lead and post my injuries every time, which is a really good idea. Without faces, it’s really hard to remember where everyone is in this journey!
So, Judy, 58, dislocated tibia and fibula, second break in fibula, three breaks in ankle, fractured 5th metatarcil in left foot. Hardware = 2 rods, 2 plates, 8 screws.
I’ve started going back to the gym and have tried to increase my workouts with every visit, although sometimes I overdo and have to take a step back the next day. It’s making me feel so good to work up a sweat again and increase my muscle strength. I still have a good deal of pain, but can tell that the workouts are helping.
Carolina–did you ever try the Tiger Balm? I was looking at Walgreen’s the other day and there are all sorts of creams for joint pain. It’s probably wishful thinking that any of them could take away the type of pain that we all have, though.
Christina–I’m so sorry you were disappointed at the doctor’s this week, but it’s GREAT that your alignment was good! I hated crutches, too, but when it was time to move to a cane, it took me a few days to give them up. Every new step along the way made me feel unsure of myself and frightened. I, too, work at a desk and am wondering if you could experiment by only returning to work part-time at first? If you find you can sit for the full day (and not have to lie down), it could be good to go back, but only if you feel up to it. Are you in an office or space where you could elevate your foot and also ice it if you need to?
Dee–Sorry to hear that you feel isolated. I think people are just so busy with their own lives that they simply don’t stop to think what you’re going through. I will say that the friends who came through for me when I was really down now hold a special place in my heart. Situations like this really point out the value of being thoughtful and helpful. My father-in-law used to always end his prayer before dinner by saying: “Help me to be mindful of the needs of others.” Pretty great, no? He was a terrific guy.
Ant–I cringed when I read that you fell at your friend’s house. That’s my worst fear. Are you all recovered from your surgery? General anesthesia is just the pits. My first surgery wasn’t too bad, but the second one absolutely flattened me. They couldn’t get me awake and I felt dreadful for days. Hope it’s all out of your system by now!
Marina–Is it possible that you could be transferred, even temporarily, to a less physical job with the airline? Your story about the escalator was a good one, and I could feel exactly what you were going through. It’s good that you didn’t push things and headed off to the elevator instead.
Lorna–Are you all prepared to go back to work? I really hope it goes well! Will you be walking with a cane by then?
Becky–You’ll feel so much better when your cast comes off. The boot isn’t too bad at all and it feels really good when you can finally sleep without it. I only had a plaster cast for two weeks but, even then, it drove me crazy. Too heavy and it poked me in all the wrong places!
I hope I haven’t missed anyone here! If I did, it’s not because I don’t think of each and every one of you on a daily basis. In the beginning of my injury, I felt so alone and finding support was just a miracle. Now, I find myself wishing that no one else would have to go through what we have and that this site would become totally unnecessary.
Keep smiling, everyone, and have a great day!!
JudyT
Hi, Christina,
With all the posts, it’s hard to remember everyone’s injuries!
(Marina, female, 58, right tri-malleolar fracture with dislocation on Oct 7, 2009; surgery Oct 22, 2009 – tri-malleolor means all 3 bony parts of the ankle are broken: outside fibula; inside tibia; and the talus in the back.)
I’m thinking my os is letting me decide my ability to work as well. I am getting disability now (have used up my 5 months of sick pay), but I work for an airline and run up and down jetways and up and down the back steep metal stairs to the tarmac. The key word is ‘run’ or ‘hustle’ to turn the flight in 20 minutes. I also have to board the passengers, open and shut aircraft doors, push wheelchair passengers down and sometimes back up the jetway; plus carry wheelchairs, walkers, strollers etc, down the back steps. Just thinking about that makes me have panic anxietey.
I don’t know what type of fracture you had or type of work or how fast you are healing. I think it all does depend on you. I went to my GP yesterday for a physical and that was the first tiime he had seen my xrays and said mine was severe. He said I would heal, but everyone heals differently. He said I may never do some of the things that I had done before. He said he had a similar fracture with surgery 25 years earlier. He healed but can never play basketball again, which he loved.
After 20 months, my swelling is moderate and foot still turns purple do to poor circulation. At 6 weeks, my swelling was still major and I was still non-weight bearing in bed elevated high-high for 10 weeks. If I had a sit-down job, I could probably return now although I would be uncomfortable if I couldn’t lay down and elevate a couple times during the day. Plus I’m not driving in traffic yet, just neighborhood streets. I walk very slowly with a cane (and limp without it).
I don’t know if this answers your question or not. I hope you are able to return if you need to, but would hate to see anyone rush and re-injure herself.
Good luck.
Marina
Hi Judy,Dee & Everyone,
I had my 6th weekk follow-up visit with the orthopedic doctor yesterday & was told that my bones have healed on the outer sides but the inside is still fragile & that it will take another six weeks (I’m disappointed).Alignment is excellent. I do not have pain, just slight tenderness, stiffness & slight swelling. Anyway, I was started on PT and allowed to do partial weight-bearing (only 50lbs)in the BOOT. I still have to use rutches (which I don’t like). I have a follow-up visit for X-rays again in another 4 weeks time. This process of my ankle healing is a very long drawn-out one. I did not realise the severity of my injuries: One plate & 7 screws.The ankle had snapped on impact and folded inwards, thus breaking both sides of the ankle. The other part of the story is this: My doctor said it’s up to me if I want to return to work, I just have to let her know and then she will sign my release to do so. I want to return to work, I have to, because I’m running out of funds, PT alone takes a lot of money & I have endless bills to pay I do Office-based work, mostly sitting at a desk. Do you think it’s wise for me to return to work, with my BOOT on and walking with crutches? I would appreciate yourthoughts on this please.
hi ant,
ooooh yeaaa!!! im so happppy !!youre surgey went well even though you are now facing up to the after effects i hope it will be shortlived,so i guess only one screw was removed the long one right,how many you have in now? i do know what youre after effects pain feel like i sympatize for that hope you hve something that can help,i too may be going through a similar phase come may as if there is no improvement in my limited flexibility of my ankle then my doc says brace yourself for another surgery to remove the longer screw like youres i think ,as it may be what is causing the restriction.but now since all the knowlwdge i have gather from this site even if i improve with regards to the movement in my ankle i dont think it is healty or wise to keep it in for now im really going to push hard with my exercises ,i have been doing that but i will try to see if i can raise the bar a bit cant see any real improve ment as yet,thinking about is frustrating im learning to walk now so being able to move a little and then i may have to take a step back oh lord help me!!.ant for what reason did youre doc decide to take out that long screw? and for the removal was it a new cut on both sides or somewhat within the first two from youre earlier surgery
i dont quite remember tough i think you have mentioned it did you weight bear any at all before now.let me know what exercises and techniques youre pt entails.to everyone else how things going hope you are all taking it step by step haha or rather hop by hop or crutch by crutch,we all have a story now so each day we just have to push on through because we can still influence a heart or life for positive. keep strong all we on a road we liscene to be on,
HELLO ANT!!
(Marina here, 58, female, tri-mal with disloc 0ct 7, 2009; surgery Oct 22, 2009)
So glad your surgery went so well! I know what you mean about looking at the email and seeing all your friends on there….the friends that can actually identify with what we’re going thru! I am also on the squidoo site. I found that one a couple weeks after this one..I actually receive posts from Randomness of Christi – 2 yrs later and Randomness of Christi – 1 yr later as well as Squidoo. I feel so important when I see 28 emails waiting for me to read.
I hope you recover quickly from this surgery. I thought my long screw would be okay but the more I’m up on my feet then the more pain I seem to have from that one and now starting to feel come on the outside where plate is. I hope it’s temporary but will see surgeon in 7 more weeks.
Today I posted my photos on Facebook. My son thought I was a little crazy to make a Fractured Ankle Photo Album, but it’s a big a part of my life as my kids and grandkids are!
Happy Healing!
Hi Dee, Marina – everyone! My surgery went well yesterday – got there as told at 1pm, got dressed into my very pretty (!) hospital gown and my husband I waited and chatted. I went into theatre at about 2.50 – so not a long wait and when I opened my eyes again I was in the Recovery Room and it was 3.50 – we were home by 5 – not too bad. I didn’t feel nausea yesterday, infact felt quite fine but today not too good. My ankle has been bandaged and I am allowed to put weight on – have to wear the boot for another week (but can’t fit it over bandage). I have been told not to worry too much about putting weight on over the next few days as it will be too sore but I will do as much as I can – I am so excited! Like I said, today I am tired, headache and very tearful! But to be expected after General Anaesthetic. Have kept the screw they took out – it looks just like the ones my husband has in the tool box!!! Ha ha – all shiny and silver!
I have an appointment at the Fracture Clinic on the 30/3 and will have my stitches removed and then only go back there in 6 weeks time! In the meantime I will have PT and really hope I can get driving again real soon.
Thank you all for your thoughts and comments – I look forward to seeing them all. My husband laughs every morning when he opens the emails and says “there’s heaps from your new friends!” There is another helpful website to look at for us “anklebreakers”
http://www.squidoo.com/brokenanklehelp
Lots of lovely people on there too.
Take care all and keep those chins (and feet) up! 🙂
PS I will let you know my progress over the next few days / weeks
I feel so much better reading other peoples progress. I fell February 20 surgery was February 25.One plate on the fibula with 6 screws and the fibula has 2 screws. My toes turn blue if my foot is down any length of time.I am in a cast for 3 more weeks. Then I will go to a boot, being able to do some exercises. No weight on my ankle till first of May. Night is the worse because of the swelling in the cast. This is really a slow process, because I was always so active. I have been unemployed for the past 16 months, being 56 does not help ether.I am trying to keep a positive attitude.
hi to everyone
im sitting at my desk at work just stealing a few minutes to wish everyone a blessed day ANT TODAY IS YOURE BIG DAY I WILL BE PRAYING FOR YOU ALL THE BEST AND KEEP ME POSTED AS TO WHAT HAPPENED O.K .my joint is still stiff so bascically im just tryin to figure out whether or not im pushing hard enoughor not ,folks i really do think about my injury a lot but i will get around to breaking my concentration by finding and getting involved in some activities some how.every body try to stay positive.
peace out!!!
hi all
its good to hear how everyone is getting on! I would never have thought that a broken ankle would have caused so much pain and discomfort but from now on i will make the extar effort to visit friends and family with such probelms in the future!
Oh Marina, your escalator incident sounds scary! i thought about using one a few days ago in a shop but changed my mind and used the lift. Today i went to my local supermarket and managed to walk all the way around while clinging on to the trolley for support was great to walk without crutches though!
Its now been 11 weeks since my accident on the ice and although i am still in a lot of pain, my ankle is still fairly swollen and discoloured i can walk a little bit all be it with a bit of a limp!! im due to go back to work in 2 weeks time and im really looking forward to getting back to normal although im sure the excitement of returning to work will be very short lived!
hope everyone is getting on ok, stay positive as it can only get better!! xxx
Hello Ant and everyone
(58, female, tri-mal with dislocation Oct 7, 2009; surgery Oct 22, 2009)
I too have been told 12-18 months to walk without limp, still have swelling and discoloration.
Everyone is different: type of fracture; dislocation; age; health; etc.
I have (had) a job with an airline and I boarded passengers including wheelchair passengers. I now realize why when I would whisk them down a jetway they would be nervous! I was a very nervous wheelchair ridee – so afraid someone would tip me over.
Am walking pretty good with a cane and still limping without a cane. Before I go back to work, I’ll need to be able to walk about 2 miles without stopping because I have a 1/2 mile walk to bus stop then the long walk thru the airport plus I walk over 5 miles per day just in the course of my job. Still a ways to go yet.
I will tell you about my first ESCALATOR experience! My husband and I were returning from visiting my son and he didn’t think I needed to get a wheelchair by now. So, of course, I’m very slow and he’s way ahead dragging both rollerbags. The escalator to ground level is 2 levels and he was already almost to the bottom before I even reached the beginning. I stood there with my cane and watched that step go by (faster each time, I swear!). I kept putting my foot out thinking, “NOW…go for it” But then would pull my foot back too scared to try it. A party of 3 walked up behind me and the guy must have thought I got on and bumped me pretty hard from behind. My husband turned around at the bottom to look up and saw the panic in my eyes. The guy kind of laughed and said sorry, then realized I had a cane (so somewhat disabled) then felt kind of bad and insisted I go on down before him. Well by then, I just couldn’t. I moved out of their way and walked around to the elevator. By the time I met up with my husband my heart was still beating wildly and I was in tears. It was the most frightening thing thinking I could have fallen 2 stories down an escalator. My husband says he still cringes when he thinks of it because he feels that would be an injury I would never recover from.
So I think I’ll wait on those escalators for a while! A friend of mine – after having knee replacement – said that the first time she took an escalator, she was so excited, she had to call her kids and tell them!
Hang in there everyone. United we can make it! We have all had our eyes opened to a new world and its challenges.
Everytime I would run up and down the steep metal steps going from jetway to tarmac carrying strollers, extra bags, walkers and wheelchairs and occasionally almost slip, I would tell myself, “Don’t fall, Marina, you know ankle injuries take a long time to heal” Of course, my fractures came fromm slipping on a pile of sand/gravel taking a picture of a lake in the mountains! Who wudda thunk?
Hi Dee – I am sorry that you are feeling so down. What I have realised is that in general people just don’t know how bad it is to have a broken ankle!!! It is hard and I do know in a way how you feel. I only have my husband and 2 teenage sons living in this country – the rest of my family live overseas and although I do have fantastic support from my little family and a few good friends here, there are some that haven’t even been in touch since this happened! I will be treating people who have a broken leg/ankle very differently from now on because of my own experience – I am ashamed to say that I never knew before this happened to me, how bad a broken ankle can be. I will definitely visit, take home baking/meals, phone and give support because it is very lonely being stuck at home all day! The people who have not supported you Dee, probably don’t realise it is so bad – maybe you should suggest they look at this blog site because it will open up their eyes!
There is also so much conflicting advice – even on this site so I guess it is a matter of doing what works best for you. I find mine eases up after a bath (I put Epsom Salts in the Water). I had a fall at a friends house last night which really gave me a fright and the worst things was I had to put weight on my ankle in the process. It is a bit sore today – hope I didn’t do any damage but I guess I will know tomorrow! I was so shaken up – I hate being in places that are unfamiliar with my crutches! Anyway, the sun is shining today – we have a glorious day – so will make the most of it. Take care everyone, Dee – hang in there – I like to tell myself that “this is just a moment in time” – xx
hi to every one
blessings from me to you all,judy you are such a strenght an inspiration on this site to every one, i must say.hey christina and caroline keep strong i know its a long haul of a journey,i broke my anle last year october so im going six months now and can hardly get around comfortably my ankle is so stiff and can hardly bend to provide and support the necessary motion for walking,as i have said earlier i am happy with judy’s progress and all the others who are progressing and view it as a symbolism tht there are brighter days ahead and thngs does get better, myself is very frustrated here right now with my painful injury and the expenses it occurs im about to go crazy for the past maybe 2 weeks i could not afford therapy but i did a lot of exercises whenvever im not able to attend,hey judy did you see my response to you the other day ,please scrooll down and see and read it gives a clearer picture of my frustration,why in life the people you give most of youre honor and think they will be there for you no matter what,when it boils down to situation like this they are never there for you its as if you are the back burner on a stove or a burden now,they have suddenly become so busy they take a vacation and they really pull away not evevn to call most times and to give some kind words or to help out in any other way,which reminds that in life and in this situation with our injury we owe it to ourselves to really push on and accomplish our normalcy as much as possible and at times we need to focus on us first and fully. im so depressed from all aspects of life but i have to give god thanks because i know it will all be over an it will make me stronger,plus in some little corner of this world ive got it good compare to some one else.have anyon e else feel neglected and left alone since their injury by some one close who think u would be there for you ,apart from the pain in my ankle im feeling that pain as well. im here now can hardly move im all stiff and tight in the joint i have done all that was outlined to me ,and i do it every day but still walking and the motion in the foot seems not to budge a bit,buti shall endure.judy how do you come down the stairs? do you use both foot to step down or are you still going down with one only i can only use on right now.BY THE WAY ANKLE QUEST WHATS A GENERALIZED INFLAMMATOEY SYNDRONE.
Judy, Hi!
Yes, indeed, it is truly a blessing that I found this website, because here are many folks who understand what I’m going thru because they themselves are facing or have faced a similar situation. I was researching broken ankles & looking for broken ankles forums/discussion sites when I found this one. And you are right: no one around me understand what I’m going thru, I do look very calm and in control on the surface, but really, I am devestated by what happened to me. You have been very encouraging and I’m thankful to you for your practical advise, I will try to do the massaging. I usually rub Olive-oil or Coconut-oil lightly, but I don’t apply the massaging pressure yet, I only massage over the incision scars.I was scared to apply pressure before because I did not want to risk aggravating the ankle, I felt that the ankle looked fragile. I will also check out the Bio-oil that you mentioned. But my ankle is feeling better now so I will do some light massaging. It’s almost 6 weeks now. I’ll see my Doctor next week, and I hope I get good news.(Good news being that I will start to walk again). I will keep you posted.
Thanks everyone for telling your stories. Stay strong.
Christina
Hey Caroline:
I’m probably not the best person to advise you, because my injuries were different from yours. I see you had two breaks, but I had a broken left foot and six breaks on the right–tibia, fibula (2) and three in the ankle. I also had a quack operate on me the first time who missed three breaks, which meant a second surgery almost a month later for me. So, my healing was pretty slow going at first.
I think I was non-weight bearing for almost three months (remember, I lost a month of healing) and then I went from a wheelchair to a walker, crutches, cane and now, nothing. I’m 8 months out and have been going up the stairs normally for about 2 months and down for about a month. I do, though, remember having to make the trip on my rear! 🙂
One bit of advice–don’t judge your progress on a daily basis. Look at it in terms of weeks or even months and you’ll see your progress. I still have stiffness and pain, but very little swelling. One day it just stopped. I’m glad you have no pain and didn’t get into the cycle of pain killers like I did. The quack got me started on double doses of Oxycontin with a chaser of Percocet and at the end of the first month, I was a blubbering mess. I took myself off completely at that point, and went through two days of pretty awful withdrawal. My second surgeon’s jaw dropped when he saw the prescriptions the first wrote for me. I’ll never let that happen again.
Try to move as much as you can and double up on your exercises if it’s comfortable. It’s amazing how quickly we can lose muscle tone and stamina. The hardest thing for me yet is to raise up on the balls of my feet. I know I have to strengthen my calves if I ever hope to walk normally again, so that’s my focus right now. That, and improving my cardio.
Hope something here is helpful to you!
JudyT
Thanks for replying to my post Judy. I am pleased I came across this discussion site, I have had some comfort knowing that I’m not alone, all it took was one second for my life to change. I want my indepedence back. Any idea when I will walk up the stairs again? I mean like how many weeks after the injury will I be allowed to do stairs? I took no painkillers, never filled my prescription for it. The only time I took Percoset was on the day of the injury in the ER and after the surgery. Surprisingly, seems like my pain level was minimal.I will see my Doctor next week, I will let you all know how it goes. I’m hoping for the best, that I will be allowed to start to”learn-to-walk” again.
Whilst reading the posts I’ve seen some mention of “Tiger Balm,” this item could be found at the Chinese or Korean Stores. Maybe it’s in many other Stores too. I’ve seen it many times, but never had any reason to use it.
I wish everybody a speedy recovery!
Thanks again Judy,
Caroline
Hi Christina:
I’ve always been very strong, too, and never had a major injury before. Literally three weeks before my fall, I had a bone density scan that showed very strong bones and no signs whatsoever of anyting bad. I guess it just goes to show that you can break anything if you hit it hard enough! 🙂
Over the past months, here are things that have helped me: lots of ice, meditation, Bio-Oil for my scars, massage (especially to break up the scar tissue), pool walking, stationary bike, lots of stretching and, mostly, my girlfriends (including the ones here). It’s so important to know you’re not alone and the depression that inevitably follows a major injury is a dark, ugly place to be. As I look back now on the first months, I almost feel like I put myself in a sort of hibernation because my life had been so turned upside down. I’ve always been very independent and to be home-bound and relying on others for virtually everything was awful. I now give thanks every day that I can at least walk again and am making progress toward normalcy, even if it’s not coming as fast as I want it to.
I also remember the first day I found this site, and it was such a lifeline. No one else around me understood what I was going through, but here was a whole community of folks who did. Now, every time I read a new story from someone who has been injured, it makes me cringe. But, at least we’re healing, getting better every day and will eventually be back to our old selves.
Sending everyone healing vibes,
Judy
Hi Judy,
Thank you for your kind words of encouragement. It is comforting to know that I am not alone in this situation. I’m so glad thati found this website, every post has been enlightening and encouraging. Yes, I will stay positive and visualise myself as walking, running & wearing heels again sometime in the future. Already I’ve literally been having recurring dreams that I was walking again and walking perfectly just as I did before my injury. So I’m hoping that this dream will come true.That’s my focus & I will continue doing the exercises as often as possible. Thanks again Judy, and to everyone, thanks for all your posts. May we continue to stay strong and to support each other.
Hi Christina and Caroline:
Please take a deep breath and try to understand that all of our injuries are different and our bodies will heal at different rates of time. Your injuries are very new (under 6 weeks) and, while I truly want to tell you that all will be well soon, it just may not be so. Please try to stay positive and hope for the best. Do everything the doctors and PTs tell you to do and even do more exercise than you think you can. Keep visualizing yourself back in boots and heels, and I’m sure you’ll get there. These are awful injuries, but not enough to keep strong gals down like ourselves!
Know that your friends here are pulling for you and will be here for you no matter what. We know what you’re going through and have, literally, felt your pain.
Peace and love,
JudyT
What causes the swelling which is so difficult to go away? Is is the breakage of the ankle bone? The surgical incisions? Or the bone marrow that spilled out of the bone at the time of breakage? The body is supposed to repair and heal itself, but why, why does the swelling persist? Now, I’m distressed because it seems like I’m going to always have one ankle looking bigger than the other? How will I feel comfortable wearing skirts and dresses?Everyone will look at my one side fat ankle. Would I be able to wear hihg-heels or long-boots? My ankle was broken 5 weeks ago, so I have to deal pain, with re-learning how to walk, discoloration of skin in the affected area and mild swelling in the ankle and instep. I am very distressed overe this situation. I’m 35 years, I always thought that I had strong legs, I didn’t know it would break so easily.
This is Caroline – aged 36 years old:
Is there anybody who recovered completely from a broken ankle, that had to be surgically fixed? I fell on the ice 5.5 weeks ago & broke my ankle in two places. I had surgery to fix it and two weeks after the cast was removed & I was given a boot to wear & told to take off the boot every hour and to exercise the ankle so as to regain the flexibility. At first it was difficult, but gradually I was able to get the ankle working, though I still feel a bit of stiffness. My instep and ankle is still a little swollen and discolored. When will these go away? For 6 weeks I will not be able to bear weight on the foot. When will weight-bearing start, I wonder? I have a Dr. appt. in the next week.I was told that if all looks well when my ankle is X-rayed next week, then they may put me to walk. I hope that I will be able to walk, I have to to return to work. During the corse of time, would I ever be able to run again? Or dance? This is most distressing. Any info would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.
Hi Dee
I think it was the reply to my message by Ana you are referring to, she was on her feet very quickly indeed! Unfortunatley i am able to walk a little without my crutches but only a few steps then i feel as though my ankle will just give in. Its so frustrating, on the day of my last op the physio said that in 2 weeks i would be walking fine without crutches its now 4 weeks later and im still struggling. I have very limited movement in my ankle and have noticed no change with the exercises ive been doing (these are using a resistance band and moving it back and forward and to the side). I have had some comfort knowing that im not alone, i was staring to think it was just me!! dont give up though, we will all get there its just going to take us all a bit longer than we expected!
take care xx
ps i apologise for my terrible spelling!
Hi all;
I fell and broke tibia and fibula and the bone on the top of my foot that leads to my big toe. This happened Dec28/09 and I had surgery Dec 29/09.
Plate with 6 pins on the inside and 2 screws on the outside.
After 8 weeks and 2 casts, the air cast was ok,I started walking slowly with a cane I find this a lot better then crutches.
Doing PT for the last week and ankle is quite sore when I leave.The swelling is still there with a lot of bruising. I soak my foot nightly in my whirlpool foot spa and epson salts. I truly believe this helps and physio agrees.At night I keep it elevated and use an ice pack for 15 mins.
Have to use scooter when shopping, other shoppers are very kind and helpful. Don’t care much for the winter so I’m really looking forward to Spring weather.
Dianne
Hi Dee,
I have metal..6 pins, one long plate with 8 screws..in my ankle. This stuff has been in for 4 years. Generally metal is not taken out if it doesn’t cause problems. For most ankle breakers it is left in. The trick is to know if it is the cause of problems or not and this is where the doctor(s) decide. In any event, if it is taken out, they usually first wait a while..a year or so..but individual cases can happen much earlier if it is the case of problems.
It is possible that you may have other problems: with tendons, ligaments, and damaged tissues…or have a generalized inflammatory syndrone of some sort. There are many possibilities besides metal.
Keep your leg elevated above your heart as much as possible. That does help! Stay out of warm water. It just draws more blood into the foot. Cool packs (frozen pea packs) help too.
All this is very shocking and depressing to everyone when we have these things happen. Just ask anyone else here who has broken their ankle! It does take time to heal and to make mental adjustments.
All the best!
Anklequest.
WHATS UP JUDY HOW THINGS?
hi lorna x im amazed at how quickly you could do without youre crutches and cane ,you were able to attend the ceremony and take part wow,what are some of the xercises youre pt put you throug,i do try hard but it seems as if im not getting anywhere,im sittin here right now with my foot all stiff can hardly bend ,and numb,whenever i soak it in warm water it lighthens up a bit and then i can do some stretches and exercise and also take some steps but then if i sit for some few minutes to get some work done it goes back to zero,and i cant stand up foe long either it swells and aches i dont know what to do. does any one have a problem getting their foot to bend in order to facilitatae walking,its as i have to stand with my foot outwards for it to lay flat,when i try to bring in it to stand with my feet together beside each other its as if the joint lock at a point and i sort of have to tip up with that foot,right im really frustrated and depressed!!!ifeel so alone where i am,most times at work i have to cramble around ,as for me i have 9screws my doc did not take out any but i have noticed that most of yoy have the lonfg one removed,i still have mine in he says he is not convinced that it is the problem so i am now pursuing some more pt and some more range of exercises for 2 mths,after which he says if the ankle will not bend as far up as the other then he will do another surgery ,really can anyone get some info and tell if it is possible that the screws or plate can cause some restriction of the joint?,why does it cease up at times?also im a bit messed up at the fact that he thinks it should come but allowed me to strat weight bearing learning to walk and then may be he will i think i would have prefferd the process for ant where i non weight bear for the weeks then take it out then and then learn to walk,they say its important to trust youre doc so i trust he knows and is doing what is best.he alse mentions that he is not advising me to take them out oh no at some point i do want them out ,because he did say they could so dont know why the change now,this sit is my new and best companion i feel so belonged and supported all you others im praying for you ,had know idea i would meet so much persons with this injury,people from all over ,felt so much likean alien and unreal when i had my screws like i was the onlyperson on earth living with them, for now i hope PETRA KEEP STRONG AND THINK OF ALL THOSE PRECIOUS LITTLE CHILDREN THAT YOU WILL BLESS WHEN ALL IS OVER FOR THEM YOU HAVE TO PUSH ON THROUGH I AM RELLY GETTING TIRED AND WESK MYSELF NEAR TO GIVING UP BUT I THNIK I CAN ENDURE SOME IM STILL HOLDING.,i really seem to cant stop at this point im just exploding wright now as i type as i said i think im giong isane LOL, NO FOR REAL THOUGH . STAY STAY STRONG ANT,,HANG IN THERE ANT YOU WILL BE WALKING AGAIN THATS THE REALITY WE MUST ALL FOCUSED ON .NUFF LUV AND SUPPUTE!! THATS HOW WE SAY IT IN JA.
Lorna X,
I broke/dislocated/fractured, etc. my ankle at the end of June. I also had a wedding (beginning of August), but I was the bride’s maid of honor. I asked the PT to make me work out the most I could push it, so that I could walk without a crutch/cane. What I didn’t expect was the swelling. No shoe fit. So I bought a pair of leather (keds) and put rhinestones all over them. At least they weren’t plain, but and I was able to be a part of the ceremony. Lots of luck. Keep us posted.
Hi all
I dislocated and fractured my ankle (4 breaks) ont he 3rd jan 2010 when i slid on some ice. i had an operation on 4th jan to insert a plate and 7 screws on one side and one scre on the other. I was in cast for 6 weeks and then had an operation on 16th feb to remove the one screw. its now been 4 weeks since my last operation and ive had 1 session of physio. My walking is terrible, i can only walk a few steps unaided and my ankle gets very painfull if i try to walk to far even with my crutches. I have a family wedding in 2 weeks time and i have no idea what shoes i will be able to wear wth my goregous dress, trainers perhaps!! I wish everybody a speedy recovery!
lorna x
Hi Dee
You have had a long haul – you will get through though! I had a chat to a nurse friend of mine and she said that with an ankle fracture that was also a dislocation, the trauma to all the ligaments and tendons is immense – it will take a long time to get those working properly again. Your question regarding removal of the screw; um – I had my appointment with the anesthetist last week and I am scheduled for a full anesthetic but he said if they see that it will be easy to get to then they may give me a local. I will let you know what happens. Although I am dreading another anesthetic so soon after my other one I think I prefer to be ‘knocked out’ than feel them digging around! I hope at some stage later on that they opt to remove all the pins and plates – don’t like the thought of them being in there forever? But only time will tell.
Take care 🙂
Petra,
I think the mental part of this is the worst. It does take alot of healing of the mind to get thru this.
It has been a year since I had the hardware removed. 6 screws and a plate, and 2 and 1 1/2 years since I broke the tibia and fibula. 13 breaks. There is a platform crutch as I call it, that may be of some use to you. I used it for about 2 months. You place the knee of the broken ankle on it and you can roll around just about anywhere. Not good for steps tho.
You will get better it just takes time, there is still a little swelling yet, not too much tho. When the weather changes it aches a little too. Not like it did when I had the hardware in. They do put you out for the procedure. They keep you awake for a little bit so they can do the nerve block in the back of the let but that’s all.
Hope this helps. jan
I live in Quebec, Canada. I broke my ankle on January 31, 2010 and was operated on, on February 1…I have a steel plate on either side of my ankle held in place with screws..so two plates with a total of 16 screws..it has been difficult to say the least. I am lucky in that I have had no complications and no pain. There is a lot of swelling when my foot has been down for a while, as soon as I raise and rest it on pillows the swelling goes down and the color becomes more normal. My doctor said that this is very normal and will take a long time to go away. I go for my first PT appointment tomorrow..I must admit I am feeling really positive about it. I was allowed to remove my aircast last week (I chose it over a plaster/fibre cast because it could be opened and even removed for an hour or so) and have been using crutches at home to get around, putting more weight on my ankle.
I am a principal of two elementary schools and that has been the hardest part..not being able to work. I am officially off until May 1st and at this point I think that I really will still be out that long. Reading the other posts has helped me because I felt like such a baby, crying a lot at the beginning..Thanks everyone for telling your stories.
hi marina,hi ant,hi everyone just encouraging you to all be strong,i know how long and frustrating the journey is i broke and dislocated my ankle from last year october had surgery as well,but until now moving around is a major difficulty,i too might have to do another surgery but my doc gives me two more months of pt because he is not convinced that it is the screws that is restricting my joint,also can you imagine that there is still a section of my foot that is not healed,did my xrays last wed,doc says is not happy about the result as he can still see a break in the bone whats up with that im actually going six months now ,sometimes i think im not going to make it out sane,i think by all is over i will be mad. good luck with youre op the 22 of this month ant will they just numb the foot or fully aenesthese you to sleep,by the way has anyone ever removed pins or screws without going fully to sleep,both procedure freaks me out, my foot hurts and my back too,is the back pain and discomfort that comes with it normal,anyway you all stay strong im just here in ja trying to mentally prepare myself in case i have to do another op.
Hi, Ant,
I broke my ankle (tri-mal with dislocation) while on a picnic with my husband. We had a picnic at the lake about 45 minutes from home off a bumpy, dirt, winding canyon road (it seemed 2 hours returning!). I was standing on a pile of sand on side of the road taking a photo of our beautiful desert lake in the canyon. Walking off the pile of sand/gravel, I started to slip then dug in my right foot to get traction and the rest is history. I was wearing flip-flops so my husband swears that is the reason so they are now banned from the house!
I did not have pain in my upper leg while sleeping…all my pain was the crushing ‘bear trap’ feel in my ankle and top of foot. I had an ache in my upper leg for a few days following surgery because I had a local block as well as general anesthesia.
When I was still in the wheelchair (elbow injury and couldn’t use crutches without causing more breaks!), my left (good) knee became terribly painful for overuse in compensation. Then when I started walking with walker, both knees and hips began to hurt. Hips then would hurt at night when I would try to turn. But no…no pain in hips while still in elevation on pillows stage.
It is hard to rely on others and my husband was a rock. We have church “family” near by and we were well fed for about 3 weeks with in-laws and a sister helping out. I think the thing that bothered me most was I’m particular how I clean and how I fold laundry. So the inability to clean like I wanted and seeing my laundry folded ‘wrong’ was a stupid part of stress! I had to keep reminding myself that it was okay and just sit back when offers came in to help.
There are some other posts you might want to check out as well….Randomness of Chrisi – 2 yrs later. https://www.twistermc.com/christi/87/broken-ankle-2-years-later/
Also squidoo.com http://www.squidoo.com/brokenanklehelp
I’ve joined all those posts as well. Good luck with your next surgery. Keep me posted how it goes in case that’s where I’m headed next!
Thanks for replying to my post Marina. Our injuries sound similar.
My injury happened while on holiday in Africa – had the surgery that same day and then 3 weeks later was allowed to make the long journey home to New Zealand – doctor would only let me travel Business Class (nice!)as my leg had to be elevated all the time. The rest of my family had to settle for Economy (shame).
The pin I am having out is one of the 6 attached to the plate – it’s too long and is sticking into my joint and could cause arthritis later (would like to avoid that!) – so can’t move that joint until pin is out incase it rubs. The one thing, though that I wanted to ask you – did you have immense pain in your hip/upper leg mainly at night? I have no doubt that as I read through all these entries on this site some of my questions will be answered.
I am finding is so diffcult to rely on others but have found that even though it’s hard, I only have to ask for help. People are only too happy to help and will be honest if they can’t which is great. Good days and bad hey. But I do have a saying that I think about when things get tough
“It’s not the size of the load, but how you carry it that makes the difference …”
Thanks again Marina. 🙂
Ant,
Sorry to hear of your fractures. I’m a 58 yr old female..also tri-mal with dislocation right ankle on Oct 7, 2009 and surgery Oct 22, 2009.
I felt the same way…so pleased to find this site but then got very discouraged when I heard from others how long the healing would take.
Dr. hasn’t seemed concerned about taking the inside pin out although that is now the one that hurts (which didn’t bother me at last visit). I was non-weight bearing for almost 10 weeks (8 weeks after surgery). I also had a very active job (airline operations…ran up and down jetbridges about 30 times a day and ran up and down the back stairs to tarmac) I’ve been off work 5 months now and still don’t know when I’ll return to work.
Just started driving on side streets 2 weeks ago. I’m okay as long as I don’t have to quickly accelerate to merge with traffic (no freeways!) I stay away from any busy streets with stop lights so only drive in the neighborhood and luckily can get to PT on side streets.
I just took my first walk around the block by myself with a cane for security and to help with my gait. Dr. is still treating a pressure ulcer on top of my food that has caused scar tissue on blood vessels, tendons and nerves.
I’m grateful to be walking again and am no longer using wheelchair (motorized carts in grocery stores, I still use) walker, or tub bench. I use a small shower bench still. But so glad to be able to climb out of shower on my own. Still can’t sit in a tub because I am unable to squat to sit and then get up. Swelling and purple color is still an issue. But progress is coming.
Hang in there
Marina
Wow – I am pleased I came across this discussion site but also feel quite deflated! Is it going to take so long to get ‘back on my feet’?
Broke my right ankle on Jan 20th (Tri-mall) and dislocated as a result had 6 pins and a plate on the outer side and one screw on the inner. Now nearly 8 weeks later still no weight bearing as I have to have one of the longer pins out on 22 March. I can’t drive, am not at work and having been such an active person before this, find it so frustrating! I see from most posts though that there is light at the end of the long tunnel!!
I thought it would all be over in a few months and I would be back to my busy life with my busy family!! Oh well – I have tried to stay positive otherwise it brings the whole family down but can honestly say it has been a shock. I will certainly be treating people with broken legs with more respect and concern in the future! I must get back to reading all these posts. I am looking forward to having my screw out next week – then I can start to learn to ‘walk again’. 🙂
HI JUDY IM HAPPY WITH YOURE PROGRESS,I TAKE IT AS A SYMBOLISM THAT THINGSS DOES GET BETTER,AND REGAINING NORMAL LIFE DUTIES IS POSSIBLE REGARDLESS OF ALL THE PAIN AND DIFFICULTIES.ABOUT YOURE HARDWARE NOW BEING TOTALLY EMBEDDED IN BONE AND HAVING TO KEEP THEM IN FOREVER,HOW DOES THAT FEEL,AS FOR ME I REALLY HOPE AT SOME POINT IN TIME I CAN GET RID OF THEM ALL,THATS WHY IM SO MESSED UP THAT I MAY HAVE TO DO ANOTHER SURGERY WHICH CAN ONLY GET RID OF ONE, I WOULD REALLY LIKE TO KNOW HOW COMFORTABLE YOURE FOOT FEELS WITH THEM IN,AS FOR ME ITS AS IF THEY ARE A BIG LOAD FORCED INTO A SACK THAT CAN HARDLY HOLD,SO TO CLOSE THAT SACK THE ENTIRE SACK IS NOW TIGHT WITH NO SPACE,BUT IM STILL PRAYING AND BEING POSITIVE THAT ALL WILL BE WELL SOON.THE EXPENSES IS ANOTHER THING DRIVING ME UP THE WALL,ITS FIVE THOUSAND JA DOLLARS PER WEEK FOR THERAPY($5000.00),WHERE I LIVE IN JAMAICA I HAVE TO PAY A TAXI ANOTHER $4000.00-$5000.00 JA TO TAKE ME TO MONTEGO BAY CITY TO SEE MY SURGEON,XRAY COST 4300.00 AND DOC FEE ANOTHER 4000.00 NOT TO MENTION THAT SINCE I LVE IN WHAT THEY CALL THE COUNTRY SIDE OF JA ITS QUITE A DISTANCE SO I HAVE TO BUDGET FOR LUNCH MONEY AS WELL &IM A GIRL WHO LOOOVES MF FOOD TRYING TO EAT HEALTHY THOUGH,ANY WAY I SEE MY PSIO TOMORROW SO I AM TO CONFIRM WITH HER IFI CAN STILL PURSUE GOING TO THE GYM,SHE HAD SUGGESTED IT A WEEK AGO BUT DECIDED TO WAIT ON THE X RAY RESULT AND DOC REPORT BEFORE ANY VIGOROUS EXERCISE PLANNED,NOW BASED ON THE FACT THAT HE SAYS HE IS NOT HAPPY ABOUT THE HEALING TO ONE SIDE DONT KNOW HOW THat WILL WORK OUT.BEING IN JAMAICA WHERE I LIVE WITH NO M/CAR ITS NOT THAT EASY TO GET AROUND EVEN TO FIND A NICE POOL,I WILL PROBABALY HAVE TO TRY AND GET A DAY AT A HOTEL OR ONE OF THOSE INNS OR CATTAGES WHICH WILL COST IN ORDER TO TRY THOSE POOL EXERCISE AND THE BEACH I HEAR IS GOOD YEEEESS!!!1 WE HAVE LOTS OF THAT BUT AGAIN SO FAR FROM ME,IM IN WESTMORELAND WHERE THERE IS NEGRIL BUT THE DISTANCE AND THE TRANSPORTATION ARE TWO MAJOR OBSATCLES,BUT I MUST SAY I HAVE TO FIND A WAY TO WORK AROUND THEM.WHENEVER ITS COLD WHERE YOU ARE I HOPE I CAND FIND A WAY TO SEND SOME JAMAICAN HEAT TO YOU, EVEN THOUGH A FEW WEEKS A BACK WE HAD SOME COLD FRONT WHEATHER BUT TAHT A BABY COMPARE TO WHAT YOU EXPERIENCE,TAHNKS MUCH FOR KEEPING ME COMPANY AND BEING THAT SOURCE OF STRENGHT RECENTLY ,OH BY THE WAY HOW MUCH ARE YOU ABLE TO DO AT THE GYM,CAN YOU USE TREAD MILL AND ALL,NEVER BEING ON ONE BEFORE GUESS MY INJURY WILL GIVE ME THAT EXPOSURE SOON.ALL THE BEST TO YOU KEEP STRONG.YOUR PALL DEE.
Hi Dee:
Jamaica–NICE! I’m sorry to hear that your doctor visit didn’t go as well as you wanted, but hopefully the break will heal and you won’t need an additional surgery. You have a lot of hardware (I do too), so healing really does go slowly.
I’ve started going back to the gym and it feels so good to be finally getting back to normal. I still have a limp, though, and sometimes it’s worse than others. Oh, my doctor says that my hardware (two rods and 8 screws) will stay in forever–that they’re all embedded in bone now and all looking good in the x-rays. As for the pain, some days are good and some are not. I know, not very encouraging, but the truth.
I spent all last month in Florida and exercised in the pool every day. That was amazingly helpful for me, so maybe you could find some nice, warm water in Jamaica to do the same? I doubt it would be to hard to find!!
I hate to sound like a broken record, but I know from experience that every single step in the healing process takes much longer than you might expect. I want everything to move along quickly, but it’s just not to be. The most important thing is to stay positive and exercise as much as possible.
Keep smiling!
Your pal, JudyT
THANKS JUDYT FOR YOURE ENCOURAGEMENT AND ADVICE,IT DID GIVE ME SOME SOLACE AND HOPE,I KNOW ITS BEING A WHILE ,I AM FROM JAMAICA AND DON’T HAVE INTERNET AT HOME SO I HAVE TO STEAL A USE AT WORK,AS IAM DOING NOW,I VISITED MY DOC WEDNESDAY BUT IT WASN’T GOOD NEWS HE SAYS HE IS NOT HAPPY WITH THE X RAY RESULT AS THERE IS A SECTION OF THE FOOT WHERE HE CAN STILL SEE THE BREAK OR A LINE WHICH WAS EXPECTED TO FILL IN BY NOW,ITS THE TIBIA I THINK,AS IT RELATES TO THE FLEXION HE SCRUTINIZE TO ENSURE THAT THE RESTRICTION WAS NOT DUE TO ANY OF THE SCREWS,OR PLATE HE SUSPECTS THAT ONE MAY ,BUT HE IS NOT FULLY CONVINCED THAT IT IS .SO HE RECCOMENDS SOME NEW EXERCISE TO MY PSIO FOR ANOTHER TWO MONTHS AND IF NO IMPROVEMENT I DO ANOTHER SURGERY IN MAY,I AM PRAYING AMD HOPING IT DOESNT WORK OUT TO THAT, ANY SURGERY I REALLY WISH I WAS COMPLETELY HEALED TO TAKE THEM ALL OUT ,IAM SO ANNOYED HAVING THEM IN,DOES ANY ONE KNOW HOW LONG BEFORE THEY CAN ALL COME OUT,HE SAYS TWO YEARS,DOES ANYONE LIVE OR KNOW ANY ONE WHO LIVE A FAIRLY NORMAL AND HAPPY LIFE WITH THEM IN.I AM ALSO REALLY PRAYING FOR ALL OF YOU AND YES ANKLEQUEST I HAVE BEING DOING PYSICAL THERAPY FOR SOME TIME NOW BUT STILL A LOT OF RESTRICTIONS AND STIFFNESS OF THE JOINT,BUT AS MY NOW NEW FRIEND JUDYT SAYS I WILL BE PATIENT,I DO ENJOY THIS BLOG IT GIVES ME A NEW SENSE OF BELONGING ,AS SOMETIMES WITH EVERYBODY AROUND BEING ABLE TO MOVE SO BRISKLY GETTING WHATEVER THEY WANT DONE I DO FEEL ALONE AND OUT AT TIMES ,STILL MUCH THANKS TO THE ALMIGHTY FOR LIFE ,HEALTH ,AND STRENGHT . HOW IS YOURE PAIN NOW JUDYT,HOPE IT NOT MUCH KEEP ME POSTED PLEASE!! YOU CAN EMAIL ME AS WELL, IDO PLAN TO GET THE INTERNET SOON AT HOME ,ON A WED OR FRI AT WORK I CAN STAY OVER AND GET SOME USE.ALL THE BEST TO YOU ALL ITS HARD JOURNEY BUT WE WILL OVERCOME IF WE PURSUE WITH ALL OUR MIGHT.
Hi, k2tha1
I’m a 58 yr old female, tri-malleolar fracture with dislocation right ankle on Oct 7, 2009; surgery ORIF with plate, screws, pin on Oct 22, 2009.
So sorry to hear of your accident. I was very fortunate that I never got an itch. And that is so very unusual for me because I can get an itch anywhere all the time. I think that was my big blessing during the whole event.
I was non-weight bearing for 8 weeks and yes it did hurt to put weight on it. But each day was better than the day before and each week was better than the week before. I still have times that it hurts alot when I walk if I’ve overdone it the day before, but it’s now down to a discomfort and tightness (due to swelling) for the most part. And it really wasn’t the metal that made it hurt. You have over 200 tendons and ligaments in your ankle/foot. You’ve stretched most of them when you dislocated your ankle.
When I first began to walk, the bottom of my heel is what hurt the most. Now the bottom of my foot is just sensitive to cold. It’s the outside of my foot under ankle bone that hurts me the most when I’ve overdone it.
I also still get deep shooting pains on top of my foot. My first 2 toes are still numb up to mid foot but I also have a wound/pressure ulcer that is being treated, so that may have compromised the nerves.
My foot still swells quite abit. Just 5 minutes in the shower and I have a purple foot. I heard that isn’t unusual with such a severe break.
Good luck.
marina
broke my ankle in a few place and dislocated it had to have pins/plate/screws put in they cancelled my op 6 times its in a cast now after a succesfull op but it doesnt half itch couple of questions is there any way to cure the itch? and also when the cast comes of i need a bit of psyio does it hurt the first time you put pressure on an ankle after having all sorts of metal put in there?
cheers
Dee,
It sounds like some physical therapy could be helpful at this point. Have you looked into that possibility?
Anklequest
Hi Dee:
I fell in early July 2009 and broke my left foot, right tibia and fibula (two places) and ankle in three places. I now have two rods, two plates and 8 screws and am going on 8 months since the injury. Please be patient with the flexibility. It takes much longer to regain than you might imagine, and I still walk with a pronounced limp. Sometimes I stand up and my right leg feels really good and other times it hurts like blazes. If your doctor will let you, I’ve found that pool exercises really help enormously. Good luck on your journey!
Judy
hi to everyone i’m dee just browsing when i came up against youre guys blogs and immediately it inspired me.i fell last october 2009 resulted in my ankle being broken and dislocated.my foot was placed in a hard cast for about 8days when i was sent to a regional hospital to seek specialsst opinion,he reccommend surgery saying its safer to ensure that the ankle is healed in properly in position and to align the bones and that not doing it would be taking risk that may result in me having a deformed foot.so i did and now i have a plate on both sides and some screws,(9) it has being a long and frustrating journey.after the surgery my foot was also placed in another hard cast for about 3 weeks after which i went back ,my stitches was then removed,the area cleaned and another cast, this time the fibre one put on ,at this point i think i would be insane by now ,in all i went through three casts the final the being fibre one taken off dec 9,at that point i was advised not to weight bear any at all ,but i started pt the following day dec 10,just some electric thing pluged onto it which would pulsate right through my foot and is said to stimulate the nerves as i had some nerves damage and the sensation to one section was very slow,i am coming along now amd learning to walk again but still with major glitches as my injured foot lacks so much flexibility when i try to bring it up it doesnt even go half as far as it used to or as the other ,it also feels as if the jont is locking up does any one have this experience please let me know ,i think the lack of flexibility also affects my walking as my injured ankle cant bend much hopefully it will get better over time.i go back next wed march 10 to my doc .any word of encouragement would help how did you all cope with easing youre mind from worring all the time,does walking get better
Marina, I’ve been following your posts.
I had a very similar fracture, at age 60, ..bad..with similar repairs.
Plus I had dead tissue, and then an open wound the size of a half dollar when the tissue came off. My tissue was due to trauma that happened during my break. My ankle was very very swollen in this area before surgery and the surgeon said this would likely happen when he saw me in the emergency room. At the time I had no clue as to what he was talking about.
In short, the hole was open until about 6 months, closing gradually. I changed dressing myself almost every every day. Once closed, for the next six months I kept it loosely covered to make sure it didn’t open. Then for a year after that I messaged it gently on a regular basis to keep scar tissue from adhering to underlying tissue. Now it is fine, minimal scar, just hurts a little under pressure in that area when I wear a laced up hiking shoe or boot.
I had no problem driving after about 8 weeks, but, like you, I did start out on side streets. At first it was very intimidating since I broke my right ankle. It is truly amazing how differently and how much more carefully I drove…much safer, actually!
Finally, I did not have the swelling reaction that you have, which might be a symptom of the RSD diagnosis you mentioned.
My problem now, after 4 years, is severe traumatic arthritis.
All the best. If you want more details on any of this, I can do that.
Anklequest
Hi,
I’m a 58 yr old female, tri-malleolar fracture with dislocation on Oct 7, 2009, and ORIF with plate, screws, pin on Oct 22, 2009. Non weight bearing until Dec 4, 2009. Complication of wound (dead white tissue) on top of foot that surgeon commented on after surgery. He keeps insisting I hit it on something when I slipped. I didn’t and have photos to prove it. He referred me to plastic surgeon on Dec 8, 2009. No one seems to know what or how the wound occurred. Numbness on top of foot. Range of motion pulls on the wound. Surgeon just recently diagnosed RSD, which I don’t really agree with. Plastic surgeon tried treatment of wound by ‘neglect’ and ‘wait and see’ and then just completed two weeks of Unna boot treatment. Wound is smaller, but still has been 4 months. A family friend in the medical field just saw it and thinks it looks like a pressure ulcer that could have been caused by original splint in ER or during surgery.
Just wondering if anyone else has gotten a pressure ulcer during surgery? If so, how big and how long did it take to heal? How did it affect your therapy and overall ankle rehab? Does it affect blood vessels and nerves?
Also, it would seem to me that a dislocation would stretch and cause tiny tears in ligaments and tendons. Surgeon said ‘no’ …it’s an either/or situation. You either tear ligaments and tendons or you break the bones. PT said most likely tears. Wondering what others with tri-mal fracture and dislocation have been told.
I can now walk without assistance, but use a cane outdoors. I cannot balance on right foot, and just recently began driving on side streets (where I don’t have to floor it to merge!). Range of motion is not good. Still major swelling. Just a matter of 5 minutes in the shower will have my right foot purple, ankle huge and entire right leg reddish in color.
Would love to hear from someone with similar problems.
I feel for every poster……my quick history, broke my right ankle in a hockey game in early Oct ’09, surgery the next day involved a pin on the inside ankle bone and a plate and 8 screws on the outside….took every minute of 12 weeks to heal and back at work now since its been going on 5mths, its been alot better than I expected as I’m a tradesman and spend 12hrs/day on my feet in a workboot…..my question to the forum is: considering getting the inside pin removed, as this is basically the only daily reminder of my injury discomfort/pain wise…has anyone had the steel removed, specifically the pin (plate and screws on outside of ankle are a non issue regarding pain)…..appreciate any replys!!
Keep your chin up connie it does get better
I shattered my ankle 8 months ago in a car wreck. Some of your comments really gives me hope, thank you!
I had a Tri-Malleolar fracture which is a brake to the fibula and two brakes to the tibia. I have been recovering very quickly. I am now going to the gym while wearing an air cast. I was wondering how to approach the next level of trying to run. I wasn’t sure if i should try running in a pool before the tread mill or outside? Also if there were specific exercises that would help?
I’m recently having trouble with my insurance to cover for my last pt and doctor appointments. Which i feel is the most important but am just waiting until i sort through everything with my insurance.
I just really want to be able to run soon. Its been far too long…
Excellent articles. I sometimes find it hard coming up with articles for my website but you did a great job here.
Well today is eight weeks since my fall, in which I fractured my left foot and crushed my right ankle and had to have seven screws and a metal plate inserted. I am writing hoping i can give encouragement to others. I have to say this was the absolute hardest thing I have ever had to go through. I am 30 yrs old and never imagined I was this fragile. The first two were the worst, I cried all the time just thinking how could this happen. I was at home which I thought was a safe place to be but I guess not that day. At that time I had no hope. I was depressed and feeling like I was never gonna be able to walk again.
Well that was then and I am feeling much better today. I actually took my first steps today without my crutches and it felt great. I also starting driving yesterday which made me the happiest girl. :)I took some advice I found on here on got myself a par of uggs which are great. I have to wear a brace on my ankle and I can wear my uggs with it. It feels great to have some of my independence back. It’s amazing how being able to do the little things we normally take for granted can completely light me up. I know I still have long road of recovery to deal with but I can now say I am hopefull. I wish everyone the best of luck on your recovery.
vicky,
Sorry to hear that you have to go through this. I have already had 3 surgeries but I am at least walking. It does get better and don’t worry we are all here for you.
Wendi
Do not ever wear rubber garden shoes out in the ice and snow. I put the trash out behind an office, was walking in when my back leg slipped on the ice, and my other foot stuck fast to the ice. These were rubber clogs. When my body fell, my foot twisted 180 degrees. I shattered all the bones in my ankle. Dr. said it was worst break he had seen except for one. The x-ray showed fragments everywhere. This was Jan. 5th. On Jan. 10th our pastor came by and prayed for me. On Jan. 11th I went in for the surgery and afterwards the surgeon came out and told my family that it looked astonishingly better than the x-ray had showed; that there were no fragments, only two breaks at the end of the fibula/tibia. He said he had never seen anything like that happen before. I only ended up needing three screws. Two weeks after surgery the cast was removed and I received an inflatable boot, telling me to be very careful.
This whole ordeal is the worst experience of my life. I went from working every moment to not being able to do much but lay around with my leg up. But the “silver lining” to this cloud is that I’m able to help my daughter finish memorizing the New Testament of the Bible (a project she is determined to do.) She teaches music lessons out of our home several days a week but takes every other available minute to memorize verses and say them to me. If it weren’t for this activity, I don’t know how I would survive the cabin fever! She memorizes the scriptures and then says them to me while I read and make sure she says it correctly. Lots of review. But it is such a great joy to see her accomplishing such an undertaking. She’s been working on it for 4 years, but because of my continual work schedule and lack of time, she had no one to help her. If she doesn’t say the verses she memorizes shortly after memorizing them, she forgets them and has to do them over again. She memorized the book of Romans in the last two weeks, and hearing this has helped to “restore my sanity” in the midst of the pain, and has helped the pain not seem so terrible.
I’m not allowed to get my foot wet yet, and I am told I have to lay on my back for another 3 weeks with my foot elevated, which I can hardly stand. Reading the above comments has given me a sense of encouragement and hope.
First two weeks after surgery I didn’t take any painkillers and cried a lot at night, but the pain is a lot better now. I feel sorry for anyone who has ever had to go through this, and I pray for every person on this blog to heal quickly and not suffer any more pain.
Hello all,
Hope everybody is doing well. I kind of had a break through week. I’ve had no pain medication for the last 4 days ! I had been putting ice on my ankle but it didn’t seem to be helping. Just for the heck of it I tried using the heating pad and that has done the trick ! What I can’t understand is the location of the pain. It doesn’t seem to hurt over the areas where the breaks are. The pain is mainly on the inside edge of the sole of my foot. The majority of it in the arch area. Could this be from ligament or tendon damage do you think ? My next doc appointment is about 10 days away and I’ll ask but I wondered if any of you have had this.
Sharon
I don’t know much about pin removal but I had two screws removed and then found out that the tendon was not healed all of the way so the doctor put two more new screws back in. I could still walk and everything after that. I did not need crutches. I have a plate and screws and that is going to stay in according to my doctor forever. I hope this helps.
I am almost 6 weeks post surgery, 10 screws, plate and pin. Still non-weight bearing in fiberglass cast and experiencing alot of heel pain and inner ankle bone pain.
It has already been mentioned that the pin may have to come out, but this is quick and easy. Can anyone advise on thier experience with pin removal, crutches after? , cast? , recovery time?
Susan,
It was years ago that I broke my ankle….and took almost 2 years for me to stumble on this solution. So almost 9 months since I did the compression bandage and now beginning to feel almost normal.
Jerri
jerri…
how far into recovery are you???
thanks
susan
Hello Susan,
Well I am able to run again, something I thought I would never be able to do. The swelling is much diminished as well as the pain. For me, this compression bandage/brace was a minor miracle. Give it a try and hope it is beneficial for you as it has been for me.
Jerri
jerri…
that is the one i have!!! you have inspired me to start wearing it…my therapist recommended me to buy it for swelling….but seeing as it helped you so much…what with being able to dance !!!! i will start to wear it religiously!!!
how far along are you in your recovery??
thanks…
susan
I have done everything I was supposed to do even babying my ankle and I still had to have a third surgery because the tendon is not all the way healed. My doctor told me it is going to be a long process. I just want to get back to my normal self.
Hi Susan,
It is an elastic brace like this one, open at the toe and heel, mine was tan/beige/flesh tone….
http://www.braceshop.com/productcart/pc/ProCare-Elastic-Ankle-Support-9p93.htm
Interestingly enough, I am working at the moment here in Qatar and purchased the brace at a local pharmacy for like 20 Riyals or about $5.00. Believe the best $5.00 I ever spent.
Good luck healing……..
Jerri
jerri…
am curious about your brace,,,i have one…is yours like open in the toes and heel area??
my swelling has gone down greatly…and kinda seeing a bone like shape where my plate is, on the outside has me freaked out!!! funny..huh?? after 5 months of all puffy swelling…that is what i consider normal now!!!
guess i find it hard to believe the ankle can actually look normal again….
also…had a great break thru moment tonite…walking down steps forcing myself to lead with the good leg, so as to bend the bad leg…stretching the tendon…i felt a pop…and walked limp free for a good 30 minutes after!!! WOO HOO!!! i take all these “baby steps” and put them together…as in…one week ago…two weeks ago i couldnt do this!!! that has helped me stay positive!!!
heres to speedy healing to all!!!
susan
Lala I’m right behind you. I’m five weeks in. 7screws and a metal plate. It scares me that even three months down the road I may not be as far a long as I would hope to be. This is definitely the hardest thing I’ve ever had to go through. My story is that both of my ankle gave out going down some stairs. I also fractured my other foot but that one seems to be healing. To make matters worse I can’t help but think that I may have some how caused this to happen. less then a year before the incident I had surgery on the same foot has the broken ankle to remove a bunion. I had three screws out in then. And I haven’t been right since. ten months after the surgery I foot was stilk swollen and couldn’t bend it enough to wear some shoes. And then this happened. I just hope I can recover from this.
Hello,
I had posted this awhile back but maybe worthwhile to post again.
I had broken my ankle sometime ago, actually almost tore my foot off, so I have numerous pins, a titanium rod and sundry other items holding my ankle together.
Just like many of you, it hurt, I limped and it would swell considerably. I visited another doctor to see if there was anything that could be done, they told me I would have to live with it. Well I accepted that for a time until one thanksgiving dinner, I wore heels. My ankle was swollen and suffered considerable pain.
Some months later I was invited to a party and knew that we would be dancing, I wanted to wear heels but was very reluctant to do so. Out of the blue I decided to try something, I purchased an ankle brace, the elastic type. It was beige, close to skin tone in color and I wore it under my hose. It worked beautifully, no swelling, I danced to my hearts content….smiles.
Well I thought that was great, so I continued to wear the brace for a few months and eventually quit wearing it. My ankle now rarely swells, I am now able to run again, a huge surprise to me and I can wear heels whenever I wish.
This is just my experience and may not work for you, but maybe worth a try.
Hello: I tripped over a “hard to see” cement block in a parking lot. Imagine that. My life changed in a second. It was a Thursday night. One night before I would have gone on vacation to prepare and enjoy my daughter’s wedding. Instead, I had to have surgery the very next day. I had seven pins (lucky number :)) and a plate put in. My ankle was broke in three places, not to mention a severly bad dislocation. I attended my daughter’s wedding in a wheelchair and a big, fat, foot cast! Nevertheless, everything turned out beautiful and I had the BEST Orthopedic surgeons/team one could ever ask for. That was four months ago. Despite removing a pesky front ankle pin, and some physical therapy (that has been disrupted during I believe was a critical point–due to an oversight in my insurance system), I am still dealing with lots of swelling. I cannot walk without a very heavy limp which strangers comment on–and I assure that it is much better than the days I used a wheelchair!!! Will this ever get better? I’m gaining so much weight and so hard to do anything. The ankle is in CONSTANT pain. Can anyone relate and have adivce? Trying to work my way back to the gym.
Hello everybody,
I would like to comment a moment on anklequest’s post. I realize I may be taking his comments the wrong way but, well…It sounded a bit like a lecture. We are all aware that patience is needed. I don’t want to speak for everyone but in my case I was simply venting. Everyone gets tired of the process and wants to return to a somewhat normal life. I want to do more but I’m not going to do anything the doctor doesn’t want me to do. The great thing about this forum is you are able to share frustrations and progress here and others will sympathize and cheer for you. As for motivation, you can’t possibly be anymore motivated than I or anyone else here is. Reading these posts has only strengthened it. I don’t expect easy answers but I sure do appreciate hearing what others before me have experienced. So anyway, perhaps you did not intend for your post to sound like it did. Maybe I’m the only one who read it that way.
Wendi, I’m really sorry for the fact your screws couldn’t come out right away. I feel disappointed on your behalf. I’ll have my fingers crossed that things turn out differently next time. Thanks for listening as always.
Hi All!
PT is not always the answer. My PT started only after 8 weeks when it was clear the bones were healing. I had a very serious break (now 4 years ago) but hardly had any PT-4 sessions- and didn’t need any more as I was doing all of it on my own. The PT guy fortunately was honest and told me I really didn’t need it as I was developing a lot of ROM on my own and was highly motivated. My PT started only after 8 weeks when it was clear the bones were healing.
PT is helpful for those who cannot, for various reasons, do it on their own or need a lot of guidence. Mostly it sounds like some of you need patience more than anything. Healing of these injuries takes a long time (much longer than you think) and can also be aggravated by pushing it too much too fast.
And Florida..well..ankles hurt in Florida too…so that’s somewhat of a “state of mind” for those who like the heat. I live in the cold north to and found that trips to the sunnier climates in winter made no difference.
All the best to everyone as you struggle to find what works best for you. There are no easy answers for anyone.
Anklequest
My doctor has not started me on Pt yet. Mine is hurting right now but I also just had another surgery on monday of last week. I was supposed to have two screws taken out and then it turned out that the tendon is not fully healed so he put two stronger screw back in. I broke one of the other screws. I have stitches in both sides of the ankle right now so I am not doing a whole lot of movement until they come out which is next week monday.
hi judyt…
i feel the same way with the muscle loss….i try to do the toe stand on just the bad ankle/leg…and it feels as though my leg may snap!!! hahah….soooo weak…keep me posted how the pool works for you…i have to call today to have my records transferred to that pool facility….so hopefully i can start this week!
i feel the same way about the ice….heat alwyas made mine feel better…crazy thing now is, my swelling has significantly reduced…no idea why??/
Hi All (especially Susan):
I, too, feel like I’ve stalled in PT, and my insurance just ran out for it this past week. I started PT immediately following surgery and had about 3 months of treatments at home. I then went to outpatient PT and insurance paid for 20 visits. So…I’m now doing exercises at home. I do bridges, straight leg raises with weights, side raises with weights, and ankle stretches with band resistance. I also have little strength in my calf and cannot raise up on my toes with just one foot, so I’m doing calf raises on the stairs. I still can’t go down the stairs one foot after another, so another task to work on. I’m going down to FL on Jan. 28 and am planning to stay for a month and really concentrate on pool exercises. My PT told me to walk back and forth, sideways and then diagonally to increase balance. She also said to do side steps and then cross-over steps in all directions. I’ve also discovered some “old lady” 🙂 exercise programs on TV, and they’re just my speed right now! It sure does take longer to rebuild muscle than it did to lose it!
In the meantime, I’ve really been troubled by the fact that I still have so much pain and the cold of Chicago has been driving me nuts. So, this weekend I dug out our heating pad and have been heating my right ankle and the break in my left foot that for some unknown reason has started hurting again, twice a day for about a half hour or more. I’m not kidding you, it has probably reduced my pain by half. Up until now, the PT has only had me icing, which was torture as I was already cold to begin with.
Another thing I’ve been meaning to mention is my success with a product called Bio-oil. It’s sold in the scar reduction section of the pharmacy and I think it’s great. I have a nasty abrasion scar going down my shin from where I slid down the stairs, and also inscission scars from where they put the two rods and all of the screws in. The oil makes my skin feel great, and I’m sure it’s reducing the darkness of the scars. My daughter saw my shin yesterday for the first time in months and was really surprised by how much it had improved. I’ve probably gone through four bottles of the stuff, and I plan to continue with it.
I can hardly wait to get out of the cold, and I’ll keep everyone posted as I start the pool work!
Judy
hi all…20 weeks post fracture here…and feeling like i’ve stalled in pt. anyone else feel this way? also, those who didnt do pt, how did you do at home on your own…like what kind of exercises?? i am going to call today to switch to pool therapy to see if that helps me, get past this plateau,
thanks, susan
Thanks bob,
I sometimes wonder if I will ever get through this. I went in on Monday to have two screws taken out and then it turns out that the tendon isn’t quite healed so he had to put the two screws back in. I had broken one screw so he replaced them with bigger screws. It just seems like I will never get better
Hello All, 3 yrs ago exactly I broke the tibia, fibia and thalus – 1 plate and 10 screws. The first 8 months were the hardest but IT does get better with each day. Cold weather however will ALWAYS be a problem….I think all the metal freezs and will cause a deep ache in the ankle and foot which will then travel up the rest of the leg. Soaking foot in hot water is the only thing that will help. Good luck to all of you, I’ve felt you pain!
My doctor hasn’t given me any pt. I don’t know why but I just started walking on it and he never gave me any. I am doing fine on it. except for breaking a screw and having to have surgery again to remove two screws and have two screws put back in. Other then that I was moving it around fine.
Yay !! Y’all give me hope ( yes, I’m from the south– GA). On Feb. 3rd I will be 6 weeks post op, so I guess I’ll have my fingers crossed that he’ll let me start pt. By the way, my human resource manager said that if my doctor will approve it, I can work from a wheelchair. I would totally do it; I really miss work.
sorry…7 weeks i started non weight bearing pt…13 weeks started weight bearing…
lisa …forgot to mention…i was 13 weeks when he let me start pt, non weight bearing…
hey Lisa, It’s been almost five weeks since my surgery,(I had a plate put in along with seven screws) and I am still nonweight bearing. when i went to the docs on monday he told me I could start physical thearpy asap. I also got my cast off which feels great and I have a special brace I have to wear. But the doc wants me to start moving it on my own. How long since your surgery?
hi lisa… i am at 19 weeks post injury…i started pt in october…before i was allowed to weight bear…i did all kinds of strengthening and range of motion exercies…i didnt start weight bearing till five weeks later on nov 25.
so…hopefully your doc will let u do the same.
i am transferring my therapy to pool therapy next week…i feel stalled at this point…still limping…cannot do a toe stand on just the bad foot…so…i heard alot of people on here were pleased with the pool..so i’m gonna try!!!
good luck to u…
susan
Hello everybody ! I have a question for all of you who are further down the line in the healing process. Were any of you allowed to start physical therapy before you could do any weight bearing ? My next appointment is Feb. 3rd and I’m hoping I’ll be able to do something. This waiting is killing me. Also I don’t have any long term disability and my short term ends at the end of March. Any info guys ?
Judy,
I live in West Palm Beach, I am sure it’s warmer here, but Floridian’s are babies to cold weather. I dislocated, broke, tore, fractured, etc…… my left ankle over 6 years ago, I had the hardware (1 plate, 6 screws, and 2 pins removed over 3 years ago. Which by the way I kept to remember not to ever ride on a wave runner again….LOL. I have never been the same. I have no cartilage left at all. I have several osteophytes, and the arthritic ankle like none other. I am 33. It’s been rough. Aside from the “no high heels” which I have gotten used to by now. It’s the not being able to keep up with the hubbby and kids at times.
Keep up the therapy, it helps. Swimming is great. I get massages but my ankle is a restricted area because of the cortisone shots I get every 3 months (my only salvation). I have also been recommended to do acupuncture, but have not had the chance to go. If anyone has tried it, please post your experience.
Lots of luck…..keep posting…..
Ana: Our place is in Bonita Springs, and my mother lives in Naples, so I’ve been following your weather. Until yesterday, Chicago hadn’t been above freezing since before Xmas, and we also have ice and snow on the ground, so I’ve been pretty miserable. There have been days when I just couldn’t force myself outside. Yesterday, I was out and got too cold, and then I was miserable for the rest of the day and night. Florida looks like heaven right now. Our pool is kept at 90 degrees so, even if it’s chilly, I’m able to swim and exercise. I wonder if the amount of hardware I have causes me to be so stiff and uncomfortable in the cold? I’m sure it can’t be helping things! Where do you live in FL?
Susan: I’m about 27 weeks out and still have lots of pain. Some of it is nerve pain that comes in jolts and goes away quickly, and some is the deep aching variety. It doesn’t wake me up in the night so much any more, but every time I stand, I hurt. I also notice the pain moving around. Every time I make progress, I seem to throw something else off! The pain has gone down enough that I’m able to now put more equal weight on my legs, but I have to concentrate on taking regular steps, instead of limping and quickly getting off the bad leg. I hate to dwell too much on this, but I’m also getting pain again from my “good” foot, which has been healed for some time (I broke the 5th metatarcil on the left foot and have 5 breaks in the right ankle/leg). I really just think that I’ll continue to go through these “stages” until I get back to my old gait. I’m really glad that you’re pain-free. You give me hope!
I’m really looking forward to getting back to the pool, as I too feel stalled out. A friend of mine also just forwarded to me the name of a person in Bonita who does Watsu massage, and I’m going to look her up. At this point, I’ll try just about anything!
Has anyone done any acupuncture? That’s also been suggested to me, but I have zero experience with it.
Judy
wow…judy i feel bad for you that you still have pain..i am 19 weeks post injury…with no pian, just stiffness…i think i am gonna look into pool therapy. i have been doing land therapy…and i feel like i am stalled….not getting any better…the real problem i have is getting the heel/toe action back…and the ability to squat…maybe the warm pool would help loosen me up a bit!!!
i will keep you posted….
Hello Judy,
I too know that cold weather is an enemy to joints. I see that you are coming to Florida. It’s great weather, but not so much lately. Northern Florida was 17/18 degrees and mid Florida around 28/34. I am sure nothing like your hometown, but us Floridians are frozen. I also have a pool, but I opted for the salt system instead of the heater (maybe next year). Hope it’s warm when you do arrive, the pool therapy is great. I have heard that chlorine affects joints/arthritis, and was told that the salt was better. Has anyone heard this before? Lots of luck, feel better soon, and stay warm. Keep us posted.
I guess I am one of the lucky ones because I don’t get back aches but I still limp a lot.
Hi Susan:
I’ve had about six months of PT, both in my house and outpatient, but I seem to make the most progress when I’m able to exercise in a warm pool. We live in Chicago, and the cold, ice and snow are driving me nuts, but we also have a place in FL, where I’m able to exercise in the pool every day. My PT has now given me a bunch of exercises to do there, and I’m headed down for the full month of February. My plan is to just concentrate on healing and exercising every day. Just getting out of the cold, which seems to stiffen my ankle, sounds great right now. I can hardly wait to leave on Jan. 28.
And, yes, my back gives me fits, too. I walk with a very distinct limp and it throws my gait completely off. I have to consciously make myself lean into the steps on my bad leg, as I tend to get off of it as quickly as possible. No surprise, since it still hurts so much! But, if I concentrate and move slowly, I can feel my “old” walk coming back. The bridging that someone else mentioned, as well as straight leg raises with weights, also really helps.
Judy