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.
Hi Sandra
Thanks for your good wishes- I am glad my story reassured you- it is nice to know you can share experiences -you know I just think it is good just to write it down – very therapuetic !
I am due to see my consultant tomorrow so fingers crossed- i know they want to remove the wire as it is causing inflammation under my skin- I will post how it goes- I hope if the wire comes out it will improve more- My advice is to take each day at a time and each progress no matter how small is progress in the right direction- So even though we cant walk at the moment – I am sure we will eventually- I think this site has made me more hopeful after reading all the stories.
London today is damp and dismal so lets hope someone in England is getting the sun- your right it does help to make you feel better
take care
Carol
Hello all!
It’s just amazing to me that going into my 7th month of this fiasco I’m still not walking normally. I still have lots of swelling by the end of the day. My PT was going to call my ortho yesterday to see if he’ll prescribe anti-inflamatories. My progression is slow because of all the adema. I still have an occasional crying episode… oh poor me. I’m going to California January 7th and would love to go to Universal Studios but the thought of doing all the walking just puts me in a tailspin. I’m glad to be able to use this site to vent!
Kris
For Carol
Hi, Wishing you well. Reassuring (if that’s okay) to hear your story – as some people seem to make quick recoveries. Like you I am full of metal (and broke both ankles). Hoping to progress as well as you are -and you are doing really well considering your injury.
Had TV on this morning and it looked gloomier in London that it is here (Sheffield). A bit of sunshine really helps!
Here’s hoping,
Sandra
Hi all Mon 26-11-2007
Really ,really comforting to read all your stories- they made me feel normal ! I was beginning to think I was not ! I had an ORIF – broke both sides of my ankle and all the bones – have nine scews plate and a wire holding it all together- I did this in June 2007 falling down the stairs with my baby niece aged one in my hand-( thank God she is okay ) I am still walking with one crutch and still have pain in my ankle with swelling- My Consultant says he is not suprised it is taking this long as it was nasty break- Have good and bad days – agree it is both emotional and physical- you almost have to will yourself through it- I am from London and am also lucky enough to be paid -it looks like I wont be going back to work for another eight weeks at least – I swim weekly and go pysio- I rub vitamin E cream into my scar and it helps- I am hopeful I will be able to walk normally soon.
Thanks for writing your stories it has really helped me to know I am not alone
Carol from London
For Carole
This is great progress. I am nearly at three months and doing small steps around the house without crutches – where I feel safe – and trying not to limp. I see consultant next week and hope to switch to one crutch, which I think I probably need outside.
Got into a car (as passenger) for the first time at the weekend and managed fine.
Still experiencing a lot of stiffness and some pain from the metal in my left ankle, but I hope this will ease off – or ultimately I suppose I may have to have it out. I have had more pain at night recently as I have moved more during the day.
Not sure where you are from, but one diffence coming across is that people in the US may get more physio than they do in the UK! That obviously makes a difference to progress.
Continued success with your walking.
Sandra
I’ve really been enjoying reading all these comments. I feel very fortunate to be where I am now in my healing. I broke my ankle on 9/1 and because of work obligations (I own a nursery school) I postponed my surgery until 9/11. I had a plate and 5 screws put in my right fibula. I had the moon boot both before and after the surgery and was not able to remove it for the first 10 days after the surgery or put my foot on the floor. For the next 3 weeks, I kept the boot on except to bathe and did not put any weight on the foot. On 10/4 I had the staples removed and was able to walk on crutches or with a walker and put just a toe on the ground. On 10/25, I was told that I was 85% healed and could begin putting weight on my foot. I got out of the moon boot and into an air cast. It was quite painful at first, but I also began physical therapy on 10/30. PT has helped so much that I am now at a point where I don’t use any support (I had a cane for a few days) and wear my air cast when I go out. I walk with a limp if I don’t concentrate on what I’m doing. My physical therapist is working on that. I’m back to work with the 3 and 4 year olds, but I get uncomfortable towards the end of the day so I ice it when I get home. I am 60 years old and was told that I might take a long time to heal, but I’m grateful that it’s going well, so far. I wish everyone who has gone through his/her experience good luck and a quick and complete recovery.
HARDWARE OUT
Congrats on this and on your stamina. I appreciate the need to earn a living. Still on paid sick leave, though a little anxious about it. It’s still possible to feel your job might be under threat if you are off too long – despite the legislation in place.
All my metal is still there – and as far as I know staying – unless it is causing a problem.
My ankle still feels stiff and tight, but mobility is increasing, and I ‘walking’ almost normally with the crutches. Can do a few baby steps without, but with a significant limp.
It’s cheering to hear of other people’s progress, even on a dully rainy November day here in the UK.
Enjoy the weekend.
Sandra
Hi all:
Hardware Removed: Congratulations! You sound like a very hard worker & great mom! As to your comment:
“i just know that something good has to come of this…right???”
YES!!! Someday we should all get together to have a BIG party!!! We deserve it!
Went to my brothers house yesterday – was gone for a total of about 6 hours. My ankle was TWICE the size of the already swollen ankle I have! It is better this morning though. Just a bit of throbbing 🙂 Worth it to see family and get out of the house though.
Erika
I posted a couple of weeks ago describing my fear of having all hardware removed…which i did last friday. After 10 months with 10 screws and a 7 inch plate, i am completely titanium-free.
the surgery wasn’t nearly as bad as the initial break and ensuing madness…i am wearing a light dressing and have a couple more weeks on crutches. i also had a scope to remove some floating bone fragments that were causing a popping sound when i rotated my ankle.
it feels much better. there is a lot of healing still to be done, but it really feels better not to have all that stuff in my ankle.
i am optimistic for the first time since this happened to me.
as for going back to work, which i see a lot of people are concerned about:
initially i went back to work as a teacher on crutches 2 weeks after the break. it was terrible. but i was out of sick days and had to (single mother). this time, i have taken all of thanksgiving break to heal and am contemplating whether to take a few days off next week. regardless, i will back to work within two weeks of this second surgery.
it’s really hard. it is financially crushing. it’s mentally draining. it’s physically frustrating. but after all this time, my new motto is ‘you do what you gotta do’…and if that means gaining a few pounds due to a ho-ho craving, or charging your groceries because the hospital bills are killing you, or staying in a relationship that isn’t perfect because you need the companionship, or letting the grass grow in your flower beds which drives the home owner’s association crazy, THEN SO BE IT!
and i know you are all out there…somewhere…going through the same things as me…feeling what i feel…and we are all connected….
i just know that something good has to come of this…right???
we will be bipeds again one day. thinking of all of you…
Happy Day Late Thanksgiving to everyone, hope you had a great day. Jackie, I am having that long screw removed on Dec 10th. I am not sure what happens after that, Dr didn’t get that far. I hope it means pt and starting to walk. He is letting me put 50% weight on until procedure but in the moon boot. If you learn any more let me know. Good luck to everyone, we will all make it through this.
CORRECTION FROM SANDRA
MY injury was nearly 3 MONTHS ago. Just in case anyone thinks I have made a miraculous recovery!
Sandra
Comment by Sandra
Interesting to year your comments. Well done Troy for being out of plaster. Not sure about the high heels. I would be happy to get into trainers.
Local water board has scuppered my chances of outside walking as they dug up my drive at the start of this week. They have promised to fill in it today – not holding my breath! Then I might be able to practise outside.
Sometimes I think I am doing really well on crutches and that I could manage to switch to one when I see consultant in December. I can even manage a few steps without any – as long as there is something nearby to grab hold of – though with a limp. I can also stand on both feet for a while and balance has got much better. (My injury was nearly 3 weeks ago).
How does it feel to go from crutches/stick to solo walking – to anyone out there who has done this?
Last night in bed I had more pain that I have experienced while out of plaster. Pains in right oustide ankle. Pains on left one inside and out ankle, and front and heel. Left foot feels quite fragile today, though I am still going round as usual and doing exercises.
I have decided that the duvet might be partly to blame for the pain. I get too hot and it seems quite bulky, and I can’t bear anything pressing on my worst left ankle. I have only just started being able to bear a sock on it. Am I weird or has anyone else experienced problems like this|?
Anyway, I have now ordered a 6 tog duvet which I hope will keep me warm enough but not put pressure on my feet. (As long as I can get down to answer the front door when it is delivered.)
Wishing everyone some sunshine like we have here today.
Sandra
Erika:
When my doctor had told me I could start putting weight on my foot (10 pounds per week), I would put my foot on a scale at physical therapy and press down until the appropriate weight was shown on the scale. It’s not a “perfect science” but at least it gives you an idea of what say 50 pounds of weight is. Good luck.
Kris
Hey All!
I went to the doctor this week, and am happy to say that after 8 weeks I am 50% Weight BearinG!!!!!!!!!
At least it is a step in the right direction. I am very positive about this. I finally start pysical therapy next week – 2x a week. I hope they can help me know exactly what 50% weight bearing is. It is hard to know if I am putting on too much weight or too little. I am still in my boot.
Have a great day everyone!!!
Erika
HAPPY THANKSGIVING TO ALL OF YOU!
I am truly thankful to be walking, although with a limp, after 6 months of this horrendous experience. My limp continues to decrease with pool therapy, physical theraphy, elevation & ice.
Hang in there everyone… it does get better. A big thanks to Christi for this site which has truly been a God send.
Kris
Happy Thanksgiving! Eat a lot of turkey. It is good for you.
I have a question for anyone that has had a plate and screws with a long screw through both bones. I am supposed to have the long screw removed next week. I am hoping that i will be able to begin weight bearing and physical therapy. I have been in the moonboot and non weight bearing for almost 7 weeks. I have been driving and do not have any pain or hardly any swelling. Can anyone tell me how long after they had the long screw removed, they were allowed to begin weight bearing. I am really hoping to be walking before Christmas. Also, how did you progress through weight bearing? Did you keep the moonboot on or were you able to removed it? Does anyone know what the implications are of weight bearing with the long screw still in place? I accidentally fell and put my full weight on my bad ankle one day. It didn’t really hurt although I almost passed out. I’m not sure exactly what happened.
Thanks for the posts. You all keep me going!
I would like to wish all us broken ankle people a very nice Thanksgiving Day. Be thankful for everything you have, even if it is a broken ankle that is taking time with the mending. You still have hope that you foot will work again someday. There are many out there who are missing a limb or two, and my heart goes out to them. I try to be grateful for every little thing, and indeed, it makes me feel much better!
Today’s a big day!! Got both cast off and boy do I feel great. Doc took more x-rays and stated everyting is healing nicely. I am still non weight bearing for another six weeks and the next visit is 01/02/08. Doc showed me the excercises I need to do daily until I allowed to try walking. I have spent considerable time cleaning my feet and legs. I was very suprised at dirty they were. My wife has purchased some Bio-Oil to use thanks to this blog. I don’t mean to sound like I am a bragger but I am so happy to be out of the cast I think I am going to burst.
My continued prayers and good thoughts to all of you as you continue your healing process. Hang in there folks.
Hey CouchPotato
You will not be wearing heels before xmas girl…I am 27 and broke my fibula and tibula broke my ankle in 2 spots and once on my upper leg I was wearing heels and feel and slipped on a wet floor I had surgery but this is a long process I broke mine on the 26 of august and just started walkin full weight 3 weeks ago I am also in physio 3 times a week and still can not return too work…You are very lucky u did not have surgery but please do not wear heels you will just hurt yourself again I was told i could no longer wear heels because I can damage my leg I have to wear flats along with a ankle brace I was told I could wear a small wedge or kitten heel in a year or year in a half…And yes when u start to walk full weight it will hurt and I hope u go to physio also as that will help u a lot…I do not even have a limp cuz of physio…But take ur time recovering its a long process I hope u get better take care..
Hello Everyone,
I have been reading your stories and I must say that they have made me feel a little better about my situation. I broke my ankle 4 weeks ago and I believe it was the fibia. Luckily, I didn’t have to have surgery on it so it seems pretty lame compared to a lot of your injuries. I haven’t been able to put weight on it yet and the doctor told me today that in about two more weeks I might be able to get off the crutches. I was just wondering if anyone else had this type of situation? I just started moving it around and it seems pretty stiff. I was wondering if anyone had any tips for when I go off the crutches and should I expect it to hurt a lot? I guess it depends on how fast you heal and how healthy you are… since I’m 21 I was thinking it shouldn’t take too long. I was really picturing myself in heels by Christmastime! haha I guess I might have to invest in some cute flats.
And I can definitely relate to the stories of depression… I just moved to California and I have been crutching around to all these fantastic parties and watching people dance all night isn’t fun. But then I started thinking about my cousin who has been crippled since she was 3. She now only has half of one of her legs and has been on crutches pretty much most of her life. SO.. I guess we should all be thankful that our problems are only temporary!
Hope everyone is recovering quickly!
Christi,
From Sandra
Thanks for your reply, which is encouraging. Assume this is you web-blog/site – which is very useful.
I have seen the physio today and have more exercises to do. She measured the angle of my ankle, flexed upwards and pointing. I have a little way to go before my ankle is at 90 degree ankle, though pointing is better, and outwards movement is limited. But I intend to keep at the exercises and improve on that. May get referred to ankle classes – did not even know they existed!
As you say, this makes you think about things differently, and appreciate what you can do.
Best wishes,
Sandra
Sandra~
I am now a year and half into this and I can tell you at least from my experience I had people commenting on the swollen ankle for a while after I was finally able to walk on it. It took a couple of months but it finally subsided. It still swells now and again depending on the weather or what I’m doing. I was told by some people to keep my ankle up and the swelling would go down but I was told by others that to exercise it more and the swelling would go down. I think it all depends on the person. Hang in there I can tell you it does get better!:) Congrats on making it upstairs believe me it is the little things that matter. Even now when I’m walking and exercising without a limp I still am in awe over the small things like walking up and down stairs, I never thought I would get over that since that was how I broke my ankle originally.
Hi to all, Enjoyed reading about what husbands do or don’t do to help.
No heat in my leg – but lots of random pain.
Now that I have started moving more, I get more swelling. I feel like I have a deformed left foot sometimes, and the swelling also includes my calf muscle.
Any tips on dealing with this?
I use the frozen peas, but they don’t seem to make much difference. Plus I do keep my leg up as much as possible.
Short of hanging upside down from the ceiling, not sure what to do about it. Now at 2 and a half months. Does the swelling settle down at all?
Very cold and damp here today, and we have had some sleet, so maybe that’s made it worse this weekend.
Really pleased to say that I am sleeping upstairs for the first time tonight. Hope the big bed makes for a better night’s sleep.
Sandra
Hi Guy’s
I just got my staples removed, my foot feel’s a little stiff. I have some pain, but not as much as when I had the hardware in my foot. I can walk now with a small amount of very pain. My foot still feels weak and I get a strange electrical sensation on my tends. But I guess its just healing. Do any any one of you feel heat radiating up and down your leg? I just feel a strange seasation. Please Advise.
I just went to dr today. After 3 months I can finally put 25% weight on my foot. Still don’t know when they will take the screw out, I sure hope soon, then I can start PT. It is amazing what all of us have been through and unless you’ve been there you don’t have a clue. I have been lucky with my husband, he has had to work plus do everything at home. I felt guilty at first but then I said, I would do it for him. Good luck to everyone, we are a unite group.
Jackie:
WOW! I guess I really do have a gem for a husband… here my husband was doing all the housework and every now and then I’d say, “could you do me a favor and at least wipe down the countertops”?… how anal of me! I do have to say that at one point I said to a girlfriend, “ya know… I feel bad for Mike because he works all day and then has to come home and do the housework”… then I got to thinking… wait a minute… that what “I” did so why can’t he for awhile. Men…. UGHH!
K
I just have to get in on the husband bashing. I can’t resist. I was scheduled to have follow-up visit with the ortho surg on 11/26 but my husband changed it to 11/29 so he could go hunting. I am supposed to be x-rayed and have the long screw removed so I can begin weight bearing and range of motion exercises, but his hunting is more important. He also left this weekend to go to hunting camp while I am still non-weight bearing on cructhes. We have 2 horse, 2 dogs and 3 cats that I am tending to in addition to fending for myself. I may need to trade this one in soon.
Wow. I guess I am not the only one not going back to work so soon. Its so hard too, because I broke both. My husband has been GREAT about housework. He is keeping the kitchen clean, the laundry done and vacuuming. I have vacuumed a couple of times in my wheelchair – but it is very slow. I tried emtying the dishwasher, but the foot I can bear weight on still hurts when I am standing on it – so I can only do this for a few mintues. I get very tired easily. I did go to work today for 3 1/2 hours. My foot is throbbing now, but it will be ok later.
I am using Maderma ointment (it cost about $30) but it has been working AMAZINGLY on my scars. Everyone comments about it. My phsical therapist said too that you should massage the scar a couple of times a day. I find that taking the palm of my hand and placing over the scar and trying to “move” the skin works well – it hurts, but it is making the tissue underneath more pliable – it used to be real “stuck” and now it is moving more. Hope this helps. Hang in their everyone!
Kris,
Thanks for the info on spasms – glad to know I am not completely alone and weird with this! Hope they will pass.
Husbands clearly have their uses! Have done without one for years, but maybe . . .
Sandra
Sandra:
I got leg spasms at night the first few weeks I was home from the hospital. The doctor prescribed valium, I believe. I took that one night and didn’t like how it made me feel so I just dealt with it. Like I said, they went away within a couple weeks. I’m impressed that you’re pretty much surviving this on your own. That’s a real accomplishment. I don’t know how I could have done it without my husband. My sister even said if she was in my situation, her husband probably would have divorced her.
Kris
Comment from Sandra
Hi, I am from the UK. My job pays 6 months full sick pay as long as they have medical certificates, so I guess that I am luckier than some others. I don’t think I will be back before Xmas.
I don’t have a husband to do household chores (and would they?). I have some support from Home Care first thing, but want to do away with that. I can do laundry, and basic cooking for myself. No vacuuming – wait till my mum or daughter stay – and maybe I need to hire a cleaner. Changing the bed would also be a challenge. Neighbours put my wheelie bin out for rubbish collection. My daughter has been brilliant and Mum who is 78 has done more than she thought she could. My son has also done extra shopping and came round to change a light bulb at the weekend! It all helps.
I think you should do what you know you can do, stretch yourself if you want, but don’t let husbands or anyone else push you. It might do more damage in the long run.
I carry stuff around the house in carrier bags. Now running out fast, and I know it’s not ‘green’, but they are a convenient way to move things if you are on crutches.
As I have only just got outside the front door, I can’t imagine going to work. Unfortunately, I also have to commute which is a one and a half hour drive at least, or about three hours via buses and trains. Can’t imagine getting on and off a train and I don’t fancy being knocked about by other people. Would love to be able to drive soon, but worried about pain, and of course, want to be safe.
I cannot fully weight bear on my left ankle, and foot has to flex more, but I am sticking with the exercises and walking about inside as much as possible.
Some of you out there seem to be in a lot of pain, and I do feel for you.
Does anyone else out there get spasms in their leg and foot? My foot even jerks sometimes when I am in bed.
Still using Bio-oil for my scar, but might try special plasters that have been mentioned.
My scar tissue still feels tight at one end and skin puckers when I move my foot – kind of restricts movement. Hope that will ease off.
The weird thing about moving my foot and ankle is that I can feel all sorts of things moving inside. Hope that will pass off.
Sandra
Mandy, for scars I used scar tape from the drug store. It was very helpful & today my scars hardly show.
Wow to the ladies with the husbands that are expecting them to do all this stuff is insaine its true untill they have had an injury like we have they will understand…Ah yes everyone needs to take an easy also..Another question anyone know of anyhting good that will get rid of the scars I have 2 on both sides of my ankle…..!
Ericka,
Go at the pace you feel comfortable with…not at your husband’s pace. Maybe several hours a day, maybe alternate days, maybe do some work at home. The stress can be both physical and emotional. I started back after 6 weeks working 4-5 hours a day, and not every day, and gradually worked up to full days every day. I work in a very busy environment with many people and emotionally I found it difficult to deal with all the people at first.
I heard from a broken ankle person who normally was on his feet in a shop all day. The doctor ordered him not to work for 6 months because of the stress of being on his feet all day if he did go back. So there are great individual variations and individual situations.
Kerri:
I have not done laundry, vaccuumed or emptied the dishwasher in 6 months. My husband has done it all, with a little help from my daughter. I “just” emptied the dishwasher for the 1st time last week. Tell your husband to chill out. If the tables were turned and he was the one with the injury you know damn well he wouldn’t be emptying the dishwasher or doing anything else for that matter. You have enough to worry about… you don’t need that kind of stress. Tell him to go out and buy paper plates and plastic silverware!
Kris
Hi Everyone,
It has been four weeks since my surgery, right ankle plate, 7 screws, and long pin on tibia. I have only been off the pain killers for 5 days, and had bad withdrawal symptoms, it felt like I had the flu for 3 days. I am still in a cast and on crutches. I will be getting an air cast in 2 weeks. Erika, I feel for you. I really don’t think many people understand the extent of our injuries. Not many people have broken bones as severely as we have. I get very hurt when my husband says, you could empty the dishwasher, or vaccuum. I know for me, I am not ready to be pushed into doing too much to soon. I drove for the first time yesterday to pick up my daughter from school. I think I will be able to do that now, the fresh air is wonderful. Sorry for the long post. By the way, Mandy, I am from Sag Harbor, New York.
Mandy & all:
I am from Rhode Island. The law states that you are covered under the federal family medical leave act for 13 weeks. After that, you can be “let go”… which was the case for me. The best thing that came out of breaking my ankle is that I no longer have to work for a bunch of a-holes…. I have a great job now and the best part is that since I work at a University, my daughter will be able to attend college here for free! Since my accident I have become a true believer in the fact that “things happen for a reason”.
Kris
Hi just woundering were is everyone from? I am from Canada and I have benifits I am on short term disability and I can not be fired I have an awsome boss also that understands and does not want me back till my physio and my orthopedic docters clear me..I am also on my feet all night too…Sorry to hear that some of you can lose ur job please just be careful that u do not hurt yourselfs when going back to work..:)
Erika:
I broke my ankle June 2nd, surgery with plate and 5 screws. I went back to work Sept. 1st, still non weight bearing in an office environment. I made my doctor sign me back into work, against his better judgement, as I was afraid I would lose my job after being out for 13 weeks. I used a wheelchair to get around the office as getting up and down from my desk, using the crutches, was a pain in the ass. I was in a walking cast at the time and elevated it on a box under the desk. At the end of an 8 hour day, my ankle was extremely soar and very swollen. I called my doctor at the end of the week and had him sign me back out of work. My advise is to do what you can even if it’s a few hours every day or a few hours a few days a week. Work your way up to what is comfortable for you. I did get fired from that job but was fortunate enough to get another job right away. I am now full weight bearing, walking with a limp, but walking nonetheless. I go to pool therapy once a week and regular therapy one or two days a week. I am fortunate that I now work in the nursing department of a university so that my boss allows me to put my foot up on my desk and ice it a few times a day. Hang it there. It’s a long road with different obstacles as we progress, but it does get better. Just walking is a huge “step”…. pardon the punn.
Kris
I am 7 weeks post break and 5 weeks post surgery, 1 plate 8 screws (1 long screw that needs to come out) in my right ankle. I went back to work a few days a week 2 weeks after my surgery. I also work in an office environment and could work from home. I cannot sit at my desk so I use another chair to elevate my leg and put my laptop on my lap. It is not very comfortble, but it works. I get up and move around about every 2 hours. If I ice in evenings, my ankle almost looks normal except for the metal sticking out. I have found that a large bag of frozen peas works quite nicely as an ice pack.
I am also still non weight bearing but I started driving last week and it is going well so far. It takes me a long time to get ready in the morning and until I get home in the evening I am exhausted. I focus on the light at the end of the tunnel and keep trying to get back to my normal life. My approach to dealing with this may not work for everyone. You should use your own judgement on how much you can do. Don’t overwhelm yourself, but you should push yourself a little bit. I hope this helps. Hang in there. It will get better.
Hey Erika…I hurt my self on aug26/07 had surgery on the 28/07 and I am now walkin full weight and in physio and I can not go back to work…I am hopping for jan but it could be longer….Its hard I feel as if I can go back to work but my docter suggested I not cuz I could screw up my leg/ankle again and have to go threw this whole mess all over again…For the usual person I believe its up to 6months or longer…Good luck I hope I was some help..
Ok. So as you all know from my last posts, I broke 1 ankle and the other foot 6 weeks ago. What I am wondering is this: I am still non weight bearing on my right foot – broken ankle 8 screws and a plate. I can bear weight on the left – but it does still hurt. I walk very cautiously on crutches with just the left foot.
I have gone to work a few times – which is just up the street. My husband brings me. I work in an office. I have to try to keep my foot up or it swells. I don’t have enough room under my desk to keep it up there. So I have a box that I put it on to the right of me. So, it is a bit awkward and uncomfortable. I work with my husband and he is pressuring me to come to the office more. He says I need to get out. I can work from home, but he keeps complaining that his secretary is “stressed” and needs help. She tells me not to worry and to stay home and take care of myself.
So, how long before all of you went back to work? I am overdoing it, or am I babying myself? It does swell and hurt after 2-3 hours.
Let me know what you think – Please!!!! Thank you!
My story: I broke my leg when I fell down 4 steps on July 6/07. I broke it in 3 places, a spiral fracture, both my tibia and fibia, and down into the ankle joint. They say it is a very nasty break. They did a closed reduction under sedation that day, and an open reduction the next day. He put in 10 screws and a plate. I was in hospital for 6 days.
I was in a soft cast for 2 weeks, a plaster cast for a month, and then an air cast. I started physio, and doing my exercises every day at home, they were impressed with my range of movement.
But I am not healing well enough, and am still non-weight-bearing at 19w tomorrow. I don’t go back to the surgeon till Nov 28th so will be non-weight-bearing at least until 21w.
When I saw him last he said to try to put a litle bit of weight on it, and if it went badly, he would go back in and add another plate. So I tried and had one good week. Then it started huring all the time, and especially if I tried to even touch the floor with my broken leg. I couldn’t get the swelling down even with icing and elevation. So physio said no more weigh-bearing.
I am 53y old, and have had arthritis since I was 14y old. So using the walker & crutchesm & hopping – has caused problems with my good knee, my good hip, my shoulder, my neck and I think I even pulled a muscle in my chest. So even when my bad leg isn’t hurting, the rest of me is. I have been off regular pain meds since 7w, but still need them occasionally – just Tylenol 1’s though.
I was fortunate to have a 1st floor bathroom, but went up on my butt to bed from the very 1st night. Now I crawl up on one knee, but have a hard time getting up off the floor at the top. I use a wheelchair when we leave the house.
I am so discouraged to be unable to walk after so long – I feel like I will never walk again.
Comments by Sandra
Two and a half weeks out of plaster and about two and a half months since I broke both my ankles.
Had my first walk outside today by myself. Meant going downstairs and up my sloping driveway, but got to go up and down the street on this sunny November day. A big thing for me. My worst ankle does hurt now but it is not too bad.
Seen the post about returning to work – I am hoping for six months (then my sick pay drops) – but hopefully not a year. How about others out there?
On weight – got on the scales and have apparently lost 10 kg = approx 25 pounds. Amazing what hospital food can do. Still overweight and I don’t want to put this back on, so moving as much as possible seems important. Not commuting, and not being at work – stressed and tired – has also helped reduce my food intake.
Like others, I do what I can to pass the time. I have written almost every day – whatever I want – though I still haven’t got round to finishing my novel. Read a lot. Tried pastels and hope to get to watercolours and sketching. Ages since I have done these, so no works of art, but it is soothing. I also watch daytime TV, look after myself, and potter around inside as much as I can, use the computer, chat on the phone. Sometimes I just sit with my feet up and look out of the window watching the sky.
Other times, I think about all the things I want to do, how I want to be etc. . . when I get back to some kind of normality.
I have set myself small aims all the way through, like get to use a proper toilet, wash my hair . . . As I progress my expectations expand. So now, it’s sleep upstairs again, have a shower when I want, get taken out in a car . . .
Driving myself seems a long way off, but I can still dream.
Focusing on recovering. Living in the moment – but holding on to some sense of the future.
Best wishes,
Sandra
Hi! May 14, 2004, I went into the back of a tractor/trailer diesel (big rig) – thank God for the drop down t-bars. It was a domino accident and I was the third. I suffered both ankles compound fractures and dislocation. In addition my collar bone, 4 ribs and overall upper body trauma. I was in various hospital for a month, wheelchair for 6 months, recovery – still continues. I had to learn to completely walk again, I will never run, BUT I can walk. I had two sets of surgeries for each ankle, and fear I will have another to place hardware in the right. Being single, with my family two states away put an interesting twist onto to it. I am grateful I had saved for a rainy day cause it flooded!! I have a slight limp. When I am alone I have an obvious limp and in public its is slight or people ask if I hurt my foot. Which is a plus, because that means it doesn’t appear to be a “settled” limp. I stopped taking pain meds on my own. I was in and out of casts for 18 months, I had open wounds that required silver treatments to get them close and heal – that required a soft cast change every three days. I felt the public wonder what happened as I would walk past them. Today, the worst is when a car motions for me to walk across, knowing I will be slower than average, and they will feel irritated but won’t show it, and in the back of their mind, hurry up! So, I try to get them to “go ahead” and it become a battle of patience either way! I suffer from pain on the bottom of my feet – shoe shopping used to be a treat, now it is half sport and half punishment!! I have a very good attitude, and when I feel myself down or questioning why me? I stop myself, and I am grateful I have feet that hurt, and I am grateful to all the medical staff and support staff for their time, educational sacrifices and for their care. I was 37 when I had my accident, and had worked very hard to loose over 100 pounds 5 years before my accident. The weight is a battle. I have gained 25 lbs since the accident but I have it maintained at least. Thats the vicious cycle. Take care all – and it’s great to see all this support from ones who really understand!!
Oh one last thing I forgot I am also not back to work yet but honestly it will take about up to a year somtimes to get back to work i believe I will be back in feb but I am hoping for before that..!
Hey guys remember me? I want to write this to give hope to all of you guys…I broke my ankle in 2 spots and had a break on my upper part of my leg I have a metal plate and 8 screws then 4 on the other side…Its been about 3months for me and I am up walkin,driving I do not have a limp anymore I have pain but not as much as it was prior…I am in physio 3 times a week I can not stress at how important this is this is part of the reason why I am doing so well and do ur excercises they tell u to do at home also very important another thing follow what the docter tells u…At night when I am in bed I still keep my leg propped up and when I am watching t.v. or what not..my ankle is not as swelled as it was but always ice…It gets better trust me I was upset I understand…I hope I was some modivation to u all…It gets better but also know that u have to make sure u do not over do it when u start walkin full weight…I hope u all get better soon..!
Hi all you depressed folks!
Some day all of you will look back and basically will have forgotten how bad things were and put it behind you! I guarentee it. That is why those of us a little farther along are very encouraging! I post because during the day when everyone was gone and I had to crawl around the house & move up & down stairs on my seat it was the posts on the internet at various sites that were very helpful. So I decided to return that help and support to others and hope that the tips are useful as well.
Take care and keep busy, doing just a little bit at a time. Read, write letters, start knitting, crafts, or whatever to keep yourself from moping around.
Good Luck to all!
I agree with you all, anciety and depression goes with the broken ankle. Everyone has kind words like cheer up, time will pass, but it is a different story when you are the one going through it. I like all of you just keep on trying to be positive, some days are easier then others. This has been a long process 3 months so far, and I am still non weight bearing. All of your coments help to know there is an end. We must all keep on going!!
Shattered Ankle & All:
I thank God for this site to keep my going. I think depression goes with the territory. I was overweight to begin with and now I’ve gained more weight. I drink every night and sometimes it just seems hopeless. Like Troy said, “it could be worse”. I keep thinking that hopefully soon I will walk normal again and then maybe have the motivation to lose weight and be happy again.
K
ShatteredAnkle,
It is a tough spot to be in for sure but you are going to be better really soon in my opinion. The mental piece of this has been hard for me as well. I try to stay as busy as I can with whatever occupies me at the time. When I start to get down, I do a quick mental inventory of how lucky I really am and I remind myself how temporary this is in the overall big picture. Of course it is a day by day process but keep your chin up and don’t give up. Think strong and be strong. Good luck and best of wishes to you. Sincerities from Wylie Texas.
it has been 10 months since i shattered my ankle. 10 screws, 7 inch plate. i was on crutches for 3 months, then a boot, then a soft cast. by summer, i could ride my bike and get around with a slight limp. but then i started having severe nerve pain–shooting pain that nearly floored me if i didn’t have someone or something to grab onto. so now, i am having all the hardware removed day after tomorrow. i’m terrified. i’ve been in a horrible mood all week and feel like crying every time i even think about it. i just don’t want to go through all of this again. i know the hardware removal will be less painful and i’ll probably have two weeks on crutches with a soft dressing. my doc says the ankle will work better once the metal is out, but i have my doubts. the shatter was so bad they just threw most of my bones away. now there are some floaters left so i’m having it scoped as well.
my biggest problem has been overcoming the mental anguish that goes with this. it’s so hard not to get down. my doc told me to plant flowers. i know–ridiculous, right? i actually tried it out of desperation. it was a lot of work and hard to hobble in the garden. i could use some suggestions for how to maintain a positive attitude. i’m a single mom who works full time as a teacher (on my feet) and this is just totally debilitating.
frustrated in fort worth
Sandra,
I did go from crutches directly to walking..but for a reason. I could not take the crutches (used them for only a week or two). My hands became very painful..worse than my ankle. I went to PT and asked if I could just get rid of the crutches and he said yes, if I could do it. I just hobbled carefully out of the office and never used them again.
About scar tissue. I had a serious problem with this as I had an open wound for 6 months which the doctor could not stitch closed as I had bad skin damage. Eventually I used scar patches. Almost all material, lotions, etc. I tried were very very bad, very reactive to the healing tissue. Eventually, at the advice of a PT friend who taught PT, I started gentle massage (myself..not anyone else)in the surrounding area without any lotions. Now the skin area is just fine with a barely visible scar a year and a half later. You do NOT want adhesions to form at the scar tissue site so I recommend everyone do this who has this problem.
Good Luck to all and remember to say a prayer for all those who are still in bad shape.
Sandra:
I went from being on crutches for 4 months to partial weight bearing with walking cast & crutches. When I went to full weight bearing, no crutches, it set me back 2 weeks because of excruciating pain and swelling. Although everyone’s experience and breaks are different, I would recommend going from using two crutches, to using one crutch for at least one or two weeks, to using no crutches. Ease yourself into full weight bearing. Attending physical therapy is very important and if you can fit pool therapy in… that’s WONDERFUL! Good luck.
Kris
Kris,
Agree with your comments. I broke both ankles on 30th August. Spent 5 weeks in hospital, the first 2 in plaster and mainly on my back. I used the ceiling tiles to mark off my time! 1 for each week; each divided into days in my head. 3 weeks meant half way toward being out of plaster. Time – how slow or fast it goes is still a significant part of my day.
PROGRESS. Now nearly 3 weeks out of plaster and just started physio. Going up and down stairs on a diagonal with both hands on the bannister. Bad leg should lead going down, but as I have 2 bad legs my right leg which is stronger is leading (otherwise it got muddled). I cannot carry crutches, so now have 3 pairs. One for living area, one left at the top of the stairs, and another pair in my downstairs hall. You need reasonable upper body strength for this, but it feels safer that crutches, and it does mean I am working my muscles.
And – went outside the front door today and up my short steep drive and back (with the physio). Hope to go up and down the street someday soon! Another piece of progress – huge for me – if it sounds tiny to others. But anyone else out there who is closer to the ‘break’, you will make progress.
ON SCARS – I have two and had a problem with the one on inner ankle feeling tight and aggravating. I have sensitive skin and E45 which hospital recommended made my scars ‘burn’. I am now using Bio-oil which helps with healing scars. I massage a little into scar and surrounding area and it has really helped to ease the scar tissue and skin around it. Bought this with internet shop from Waitrose but it is avaialble on internet. Everyone’s skin is different, but it might work for someone else.
Still stiff and swollen around ankle area, which I am told is partly due to the metal in my ankle, but hoping it will ease off soon. Cannot yet wear a trainer on that foot, so stuck in summer sandals.
QUESTION: For those of you further down the line, did you go straight from crutches to walking unaided, or did you use a walking stick first?
Best wishes to all recovering ankle-breakers.
Sandra
It’s just amazing to me what a long, drawn out process it is to recover from a broken ankle. We all have been through hell and back. We get through one phase, i.e. surgery, casting, crutches, and then onto the next stage, walking cast & partial weight bearing, then full weight bearing and for some, then metal plate and screw removal. I have to say, that having broken my ankle in two places on June 2nd (surgery with metal plate & 5 screws) I’m on the home stretch… full weight bearing, however limping because I still do not have full range of motion. Going down stairs is an impossibility. I walked, or should I say limped, around a college campus on Sunday for a tour with my daughter. Since then I’ve had hip pain, back pain, leg pain but believe it or not, the ankle did not swell like I thought it would. If it’s not one thing, it’s another. Boy will I be happy to have this whole experience behind me. Good luck to all of you… there does seem to be light at the end of the tunnel.
I broke my tibia and fibula on July 12th, 2007. The hospital said I would most likely need surgury but went to an outside osteo surgeon and he told me that we will treat this non surgiscaly (which i loved), put me in a boot and stayed non weight bearing for 6 weeks. At that point, for two weeks I was gradually putting weight back on it and then full weight bearing at week 8. The problem is I never got to full weight bearing, I tried, pushed it at the gym like he said to. Well at week 10 he noticed the tibia was shortening, and my leg got shorter, “nothing to worry about” he said. At week 12, still in alot of paid, another X-ray showed it wasn’t healing like it should be(I’m in very good physical shape and work out daily)he put me on a bone stimualtor ($3000 device) which increases blood flow to your bone for another three weeks. At week 15 I got fed up and consulted another doctor (finally), he said it was very bad and he needed to send me to a trauma doctor, I had what was called a tibia plafond fracture, where the bone was crushing down on my joint now. Well at week 17 I had surgury by a trauma doctor who put the screws and plats and an external fixator on my leg(like a permanent errector set attached to my bones) to hold everything together as they had to relengthen my leg and put n bone grafting. It has been one week now and waiting, the extenal fixator will be removed in 6-8 weeks (hopefully)
just got out of the hospital yesterday night had 7 screws and plate removed from fib side already feeling 100 times better totaly worth taking out
Tara, I having the same dilemma. The Dr. said he’d take out the screws If I want. But he seem’s to think and I agree to leave them in if there not causing any ill affects. So I’ve been taking a day by day stance and seeing if it’s really necessary to have them removed. It’s been a year now and I still have some swelling in my leg and an odd ache every once in a while. But other then that, nothing I can’t bear. My dad broke an arm and they put a plate and screws in his arm about twelve years ago and never considered taking them out. He went to his grave with it. So all I can say is…if really it’s an annoyance to you and a pain and if you have them removed . Then if it helps. Please, please let me know if it was worth it.
Good luck, Lee
I broke my right ankle a yr ago today. I had a metal plate and 5 screws put in. 1 scew was removed(it was a long one)but 4 remain with the plate. Cold weather causes pain. now I have swelling and pain when I rub were the scews are, I am not one to run the the doctor over something that is small, but with the screws there I wonder if I should. I know I want them taken out but again just dont know if its something that needs to be done.
physio is very important, after breaking my ankle in august i have been for the last three weeks and like i have said it can be painful espeially the next day. but you get over that and start again.i have had a very bad knee since i have been weight bearing and thought it was arthritus.but because my anke pulls so much on the inside of my ankle i tend to walk with my foot turning out faceing one oclock intead of twelve,and it affected the linement of my leg so i had to make sure i walked straight,the pain in my leg and knee was worse than my ankle,so if it wasn,t for physio i wouldn,t have picked that up,but poor vicky,i hope physio will help you ,its early days yet,thinking of you.
HI All,
I broke all the bones in my ankle on 9/19/06. I had an Ultrasound machine home and started useing it about a month after my injury. This has helped my blood flow, swelling and numbness around my toes and heel.
When the doctor spoke to me after my injury, he told me that the damage was so severe that if I did not get blood flow. I would need more surgeries. I was desperate to anything. I use the Ultrasound around my foot and ankle area. Not where my screws are implanted. Needless to say it has worked for me. My bone is fully healed, on 10/26/07 I had the hardware taken out and now on 11/13/07 the staples will be removed. I am walking fine FWB, no limping or cane. The only thing bothering me now are the staples soon to be removed.
Taking out the hardware made a lot difference for me, my foot does not swell as much, I have full motion without pain. And now I will be able to use the Ultrasound all over my foot. All I can say its worked for me.
May God be as kind to you all, as much as He’s has been to me and my recovery.
I was told I could not get any ultrasound treatments becuase of the metal in my leg & ankle…But I can not stress enough of how important it is too get physio when you break ur ankle or leg..I broke my ankle/leg on aug,26/07 and I am up and walkin and driving and going to physio and I am starting to feel wounderful mind you I am not over doing it I can not go back to work yet my ankle is still swollen but is slowly going away I lost muscle in my leg & ankle I honestly do not have pain at all only when I have over done it or it will get a throubing sensation…I do feel for you all that have it much worse than I have..But have paitance and it will pay off…Hope u all get well soon.
I’m sorry to hear about the blood flow & healing problems some of you are having with what sounds like very serious enjuries. Makes the rest of us probably feel like we’re in pretty good shape. Patience is the answer, for sure. You will be fine someday!!
I have heard about ultrasound devices and other devices that promote bone healing and growth. These do work for some people but that’s about all I know. Perhaps if anyone knows anything about this you could be kind enough to post some information.
Hi All,
On Dec.4/06 I fell off my ladder putting up christmas lights, I have 15 screws and two metal plates, broke all three bones and had my heel break off from the foot, I was in a fiberglass cast of 3 months with no weight allowed on my foot, its been 10 months now i am walking with a cane as the bones have not completley healed my doctor has told me that my bones my be healed by march of 08 my foot is still numb from my toes to my heel but I can put about 70% weight on it now. It takes a long time to heal so for everyone out there hang in there it will eventually get better some days I am frustrated its taking so long but hoping it will get better the surgeon is talking about fusion surgey in the future if the pain does not ease, anyway great site glad I found it good luck to all, George
On August 11 this year I was in a serious car accident that crushed my ankle, broke my femur in two places, broke my hip and broke my wrist. I have been in a cast on my ankle for 3 months just got it off last week and now I’m going through theraphy for both my foot and my wrist. I have a rod that is attached to my femur and had pins in my wrist, I also have screws and pins in my foot and cannot put any weight on it still. Doctor says there is still no blood flow back to the bones has anyone had this problem and it so what did you do? If you can help me please do….
hello again
thought i would fill you in with my poor ankle .broke bones either side of my ankle in august i have a plate and seven pins and two screws.ten weeks down the line i go to phisio which is torture.i so admire all you athletic people out there you seem to just get on with it.in plaster stairs for me were a nightmare.my behind came in very handy, laying in bed at night not being able to move .what if there was a fire how would i be able to run out.i was lucky i have a wonderful family .how do you manage if you are on your own.
thank goodness someone else has had panic attacks i am normally a cool person take everything on the chin but when you are laying in bed with a block of cement around your leg or thats what it felt like,you cant help it so thank you troy hope you feel better soon.
Airport tips for gimps with moonboots
I had to fly to Boston 5 weeks after breaking my ankle (3 1/2 after surgery). I wanted to share what I have learned to make it easier for others if you must fly with your moonboot.
The TSA folks at the airport will take your crutches to put them through x-ray. You will need to hop on one leg, so make sure you have help or get a wheelchair to get you over to the walkthru metal detector. I would also recommend that you remove your moonboot and put it through the x-ray. My moonboot has metal on it and set off the metal detectors which required that I have a wand scan and pat down (not a fun experience). The TSA will not ask you or even suggest that you should remove your boot but it makes the process easier. The metal in my ankle did not cause any problems, removing the boot allowed me to clear security without a problem.
Logan Airport was very accomodating and the TSA staff were helpful. HIA was not. Also if you are flying on a puddle jumper that does not connect directly to the walkway at the gate, you will need to go up and down some stairs. Some very rude people who fly will not want to wait for people who need assistance to board the plan. Apparently someone on crutches is not considered a person who needs assistance.
While I made out ok on my trip, it was tiring and more difficult than I anticipated. It was also an eye opener about how rude and selfish some people can really be.
Jack,
I am not sure if this is a general rule of thumb but my doctor told me that as long as the hardware isn’t causing pain or discomfort it can remain indefinitely. Since I am still in he healing stages he also told me we would cross that bridge later on if needed. I am interested in what other folks doctors has had to say on the same subject.
Hang in there everyone.
Mellie,
I broke my ankle in April ’06 (bi-malleolar, plate + 7 screws in fibula), and my surgeon did not prescribe physical therapy until I asked for it after 6 months. I was able to walk fine at that point, but sports were still difficult.
I think therapy can be really helpful, even after a long time, if the injured ankle is still weak or stiff. Improving flexibility might be limited, but strength should be possible. You can do exercises on your own, but a therapist knows the most helpful exercises and can help you do plenty of them on a regular basis.
The hardware removal question is what’s on my mind at this point. Anyone else have their’s removed? What did your surgeons say?
Had surgery Aug 28,07.. Got a metal plate 7screws & 12staples,A CAST regular.. 1st & 2nd wk a lot of pain & vicodin, and for THOSE that feel the Tingling, throbbing feeling is the nerves healing. TODAY is Nov 7,07 What ever you do you got’s to keep leg up at all time..Find ways to keep your self occupied even wrting or working out doing crunches..TO me the real time to heal is at least 3month in cast 12to14 wks. By NOV 28 taking cast off to find out the rest, but by the 4month you should be walking, did my research, which might be in Dec depends on doctor..I’ve changed my eating habits to eating Kale,Broccoli,blueberries,are all bone building food & taking vitamins, especially milk mass to helping your body, heal better, more vitality.. As 4me I plan to leave my screws in because the calcium will grow with the plate & bone, but for those that still feel pain let your doctor know, you shouldn’t feel pain unless its going to rain or??? But if any question please Email me at [email protected] & if bored and need advice look me up and I’ll give you my number if it helps to explain better..Don’t give up there others that have it worse than us..Try something new… Rich..
Sheldon,
He just had a regular break, no dislocation or surgery. The doctor put him in a walking cast that was removable. He was on crutches for about two weeks, and then he hobbled for a couple more. At six weeks he was putting full weight on it and streching. He said that the ace bandage for compression really helped with the pain. He is 41 years old and has been an avid runner/marathoner since he was 16. So I understand how hard it is for you to be patient.
kerri i too want to start running but i cant…and ur husbands story has just givin me some hope…but i was wonderinr to what extent did ur hubbie break his ankle…how bad was it? how many screws? and how old is he?
thanks
Sheldon,
Sorry to hear about your ankle. My husband broke his ankle on 7/13 and has been running on it for about 3 weeks. He says his ankle aches after he runs but he is not doing any harm to it. He ran a 5k last weekend and finished 3rd overall, and 2nd in his age group. I would think that the quick starts and stops in basketball would aggrevate the injury much more than running alone. Good luck to you, and know that your patience will pay off in the long run.
I just wanted to thank people who replied to my post here. You are right, I definately will do whatever the doctor says. I don’t want to come back to soon and reinjury or prevent a proper healing. It will be tough to hold back, especially if it feels okay. Playing basketball and running are big things that I do. I can’t help but wondering things like, okay so if I miss 3 months of the basketball season, maybe I could still play the last month, or will I be able start running in time for the early May 5K race I usually participate in, etc.
But I certainly understand if I push it too soon, I will just end up setting myself back. I will just have to see how it works out.
Also the post about not being a big milk drinker was interesting too. I don’t drink a lot of milk either. I have in the past taken calcium supplements, but not for a while. They didn’t say anything about that at the doctor, but it would make sense to maybe take some calcium pills for healing a broken bone,especially if I don’t really drink milk. That was a good tip I think, so thanks for that too.
Here is an interesting tidbit I got from a Dr. along the way–you are not crazy or imagining things if you can predict the weather with your ankle–especially if you have hardware in it…as the barometric pressure changes before the weather changes–our body tissues also change but since it changes at a uniform rate we don’t notice it..unless you have a lot of scare tissue. Scar tissue expands and contracts at a different rate than intact tissue or metal for that matter..so you feel an ache before a storm.
I broke my ankle in 1999 while siding a house. I am active and 41 yrs old. Slipped on a ladder, muddy boots etc. Landed on a brick footing of the building and snapped both bones and could read the bottom of my boot. Set the break myself before paramedics arrived. Surgery 5 screws and plate, and long screw to hold the ankle knob to the bone. Back to work in 1 week at the office job (luckily). Had a cast for 8 weeks, then velcro brace. I didnt really listen too well to the physical therapist…could have done more stretching etc. but i am really active etc. I helped a friend build a garage and shingle the roof, talk about stretching the ankle-walking on the slope roof. After 2 years I could compete in 5k running races. I did this for a few years and now 8yrs later my ankle is grinding and snapping noises and my kneecap is feeling like a needle is jabbing under it. I can only run 3 miles now and then the pain is too great to go on. I suggest that when you get your cast removed to really do the physical therapy up to your pain threshold. Keep at it. I have poor motion and limp a few steps every morning. I am looking for advice on what to do, but this ankle stuff is a tough one. take care all.
Sheldon..I agree with previous posts…stay off the jumping for a basket ball until the fracture is completely gone. You will be just fine if you are patient. No doubt you can throw the ball around and practice free throws, etc. but nothing more until the doc says OK. Yours is probably a simple crack in the fibula.
Hi Shelson….
I think I may have had the most similar experience to yours. I broke my right fibula (the small skinny bone on the outside) down low as well and it was a clean break (no displacement) down low. I was in a splint overnight and had a hard cast (non weight bearing) for one month and a big-ass walking boot for one month. Unfortunately I am not a milk drinker and when I had new x-rays at the end of the 2nd month the fracture was not closing in at all but the swelling and tendons were getting better so he took me out of the boot and I have to wear high top sneakers or hiking boots for stability.
I am a little antsy as well as I am a self-employed horse trainer and STILL can’t get on a horse. I think at the end of the 3rd month (Nov.) I will see where the calcifying is as I am now taking vitamin D and calcium.
Everyone’s recovery is different but I can tell you (like everyone else) elevate, ice and DON’T overdo it!!!! If your basketball is for recreation purposes, when the time is right it will happen or you could make it worse and then have to have surgery!!!!
Take care and have a speddy recovery!
sheldon if you really want to play that bad im sure you’ll be fine in 8 weeks….but if i were you id chill out for this season and come back next year thats if you want to recover 110%
Hi,
I just broke my ankle last night. I was playing basketball and jumped for a rebound and came down on someone else’s foot and it rolled my ankle. The x-ray showed that one bone was fractured near the end of it. I should have asked the name of the bone, now I see all the posts above about tiblia or fiblia and I don’t know which one it was. In any case I was told I have about as “minor” of a broke ankle as possible. Just one fracture, no surgery, no pins, no screws, etc. They put it in a splint for this week, next week I will get a hard cast.
What I am curious is how long will it be before I can run/play basketball again, etc. I had been playing in two basketball leagues and running 4-5 miles like five days a week. I am 30 years old. I have read through a number of the posts here, but it seems like many people had multiple bones broken and need surgery and pins. So I have to think that affects the recovery time. I am curious if anyone who is approimately my age, who broke only one bone and didn’t need surgery what was their recovery time?
Hi Lee….I am in physio right know and my physio doc and my orthopedic doc said I would have the swelling for the rest of my life but not as bad as it is right know I broke my leg/ankle on aug,26/07 and mine is still swollen but it is starting to go down….I really do not have much pain right know…Do any of you guys get constaint headaches know to were they feel like u got hit in the head with a brick?!…I used to never get headaches till this mess happened?!..Hope all are getting better..Mandy
Hi, Thanks for the comments on getting up and down the stairs. When I feel a little stronger I may try it sitting down.
Phoned about physion in home yesterday but their computer system was down. Phoned again today and told I have not even been referred for community physio. Phoned back department who had told me I had been referred last week, who told me someone else was responsible, and they would follow this up and get back to me . . . and so it goes on!
Had the same problme with ambulances. Being non-weight-bearing needed 4 crew, which means 2 ambulances. Absolute nightmare getting this arranged and confirmed for clinic visit. Sorted that myself, but hope the physio does not turn out to be as bad.
No private insurance – and treatment should be free via NHS.
Left leg out of plaster two weeks tomorrow. Not as swollen, but getting pain, particularly in the night. My ankle also feels very heavy – I imagine that’s the screw. Hope it will ease off. The inside scar is still tight.
On the positive side, I am moving around one floor okay and negotiating the kitchen well – often with one crutch. And foot feels much easier to move on. Way better than hopping anyway!
Really encouraging to hear about other people’s progress. So thanks for these posts.
Best wishes,
Sandra
Broke my leg on Nov.2 and set on Nov.5,06. A year ago today! Got a rod from my knee to my ankle and five screws just above the ankle (the doctor tells me but I swear it looks and feels like there in my ankle). Haven’t decide yet on removing any of the screws yet but the rod (Dr. said) should stay. It took a lot longer then I ever imaged to heal. Even now it’s still not 100% with a weird ache every now and then. Though now, doing pretty good now, but the problem I’m having now is the leg gets and stays swollen most of the time. Does anyone know if the swelling will ever subside or is this something I’ll just have to live with.
Hello All. Like others, I am grateful to find this site. I want to write down my experience to date if I may. I am a really upbeat and energetic 41 year old father from the DFW area. I served in the Marine Corp and have always been healthy and strong. I have been totally surprised at how much this injury can temporarily change ones life.
On 9/29/07 I fell off a ladder. I was at the top of a ten foot ladder cutting a tree limb for my neighbor when the limb broke and fell into me, sweeping me off the ladder. I broke my left tibia, as well as the other two bones of the ankle. I also dislocated it causing the ER doctors to give me a “Conscious Sedation”, which was totally unreal. I have a metal plate with nine screws through it and into my tibia. Wire was used to keep the ligaments and tendons in place.
I also managed to break two bones of my right ankle as well as crush my right heel. From the top of where my ankle and leg come together I have two screws at a 45 degree angle to the back of my heal. The doctor also used some cadaver bone to help repair the heel.
I was in the hospital for five days and then able to come home with splints and wrap on my legs from the knee down. After 10 days I returned to the doctor and had another series of x-rays taken and the staples removed from my surgery incisions. At this point the doctor placed me in fiberglass cast. It is wired but swelling in my right ankle has not been an issue at all. However, my left is entirely different. The swelling was unbearable and I had to return to the doctor a few days later to have it replaced. The doctor put a second cast on and a few hours later it was even worse than the original. Finally I had to go back to the ER and have a scetion of it removed on top in order to alleviate some of the pressure. While on my way back to the ER I encountered my first ever panic/anxiety attack and I think that has been the scariest part of the whole ordeal to me. The doctor told me it is quite common for people with cast, on mediaction, in pain and feeling somewhat clostraphobic to experience this. Hopefully never again.
I am going back to the doctor on 11/26/07 to have the cast removed and more x-rays taken. At that time the doctor will decide whether I can begin PT or whether I should be cast for additional time. This is approximately eight weeks after the surgery. I am really not in pain but more just cast aggrevation and pins and needle tingling and burning.
I really want to attack the therapy and get back to my life as quickly as possible. I guess I will have to start out with a walker and then progress on until I am back to normal. My doctor told me to expect it to take me nine months to one year before I am where I was before the accident. I really do not know what to expect other than I am going to take it easy and do exactly as I am told by the professionals.
Good luck to all of you out there. Thanks for letting me air this out. It has been nice just to get it off my chest.
http://home.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user
i broke mine on 6-16-07…i posted a pic of it on my myspace….heres the link to it if any of you guys or ladies wanna compare
http://viewmorepics.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=viewImage&friendID=15253251&albumID=0&imageID=20331957
copy and paste it
Love and Hugs to everyone, we will all do it.
Fortunately for me I have a bathroom on the first floor. I didn’t see the second floor of my house for months. My husband set a day bed up in the living room for me to sleep there. When I did finally venture to the second floor, I crawled up on hands and knees and went down on my butt. There is no railing going up to my second floor. Crutches are too scarey to do on stairs. I wouldn’t recommend it. The bathtub boot (or condom as the other person called it) was a lifesaver. I didn’t have to use a garbage bag and duct tape it on. It slips right over the cast and forms a suction at the top, to your leg. You can get this at any medical supply store. I think in the beginning I took a bath maybe two times per week because of the inconvenience. Hang in there… it’ll get better. I just passed month #5 and have set great milestones…. 1) walking (although with a limp) without crutches, 2) stepped into the shower this weekend instead of sitting on the edge and swinging my legs into the shower, 3) shaved my legs this morning while standing up. It’s the little things that mean so much when you been through this ordeal.
Sandra..Oh my ya I found when I got home after the hospital and my surgery I was not comfortable using my cruthes on my stairs I always went on my bottom down them and did the same coming up them when I got back up stairs I rolled to my left side up to the side so I was not near the entrance to the stairs and my mom put a chair were I was I put the weight on my left leg cuz I broke my right ankle and leg had my right hand grab the railing and pushed myself up with the chair and when I was going down the stairs I sat down on my left side…I found too if you wanna bath i got a shower bench but one you can slide onto and that helped and they have things called leg condom’s and they sucktion to your leg when ur sitting in the shower and when I was in the hospital before and after my surgery they had to wheel me in the bathroom on a toilet comode I also got a tolirt side riser for when I got home cuz it was too hard with the regular toliet…..Oh girl I hope u and everyone else gets better.!..
Sandra: I too broke right ankle and left foot (not ankle). I can weight bear on left foot – right is still non bearing. See if your insurance (if you have any) will pay for VNA type physical therapist to come to your home. Mine paid for a few visits and they taught me how to use crutches, etc.
To use crutches going “up” this is how you do it: Keep crutches next to you with non bearing foot up. Don’t move the crutches and hop with your weight bearing foot up one step. Follow by bringing the crutches up. Keep going. DON”T do this alone. I can go up one crutch at a time. You keep both crutches together and put them under the arm of the non weight bearing foot. Hold the railing nice and tight with your other arm. If you can lean against the railing and or lay your arm down on it – that helps. Again, leave the crutches down and use your arm on the railing along with the crutch on the other side to bring up the good foot. Then follow with the crutch(es) and bad foot. Make sure you don’t hit your sore foot on the stair.
To come “down”, you need to do the same thing with the crutches together. Use the arm on the railing. Bring the crutches down FIRST and keep the good foot on the top stair. Then lower your good foot down with your arm and crutch helping. I think down is actually easier on the arms, but scarrier because it is going down.
If you want to go down and up on your bottom – this is MUCH easier. To go down: If you have a wheel chair, or if you can get yourself on a chair and “slide” – get yourself to the very top of the stairs. While still sitting on the chair, but the hand on your “good side” on the railing, and stand at the top of the stairs. Be careful. Lower yourself down.
Always remember this saying: “THE GOOD GO TO HEAVEN (UP) THE BAD GO TO HELL (DOWN” – this helps to remember ALWAYS put the bad foot first going DOWN, and the good foot first going up.
I can go up and down very easily on my butt. Try it. It is not hard. If you have a way of getting on the floor and “scooting” your way over to the stairs, do this instead of the chair – it is way safer. The crutches are SO scarry. I did go to a doctor appointment and used crutches to get in and out of the building (including a couple of stairs!) – but I went down my basement stairs on my butt and I had help (my mother in law drove and helped me). But I DID IT!!!!
It has been 6 weeks since my surgery. I know this is long, but I hope it helps and PLEASE ask your doctor or call your health insurance and ask about the physical therapist. Or, else call the hospital where you had the surgery, and ask for the “case manager” and ask the question. SAFE WALKING EVERYONE! 🙂
Sandra
I spent at least 6 weeks going up and down stairs on my seat. So did a freind of mine. Much safer and easier. We have a house with same arrangement as yours. I also crawled around on the floor. I di eventually learn how to go up & down on crutches but wasn’t on crutches long since they caused extreme pain in my hands and they were “scary” on steps.
Good Luck!
Hi, Broke both ankles at the end of August, 2007. Left ankle more complex, so surgery and pins and plate that others have referred to. Started hopping on plastered right leg after surgery on left leg (non weight-bearing), using a frame. Right leg went in to an air boot after 3 weeks – and still hopping. Had plaster and air boot off 2 weeks ago and sent home with crutches – about 5 minutes with a physio in a shared room. At home found each set at a different height! Adjusted them myself but now starting to get backache. No physio, so frustrated, but doing the best I can – exercising foot and ankle and moving around. Operated left leg was swollen – improving. I have numbness around toes and across top of foot. Scar tissue from inner scar is tight and pulls foot inwards. Thought I would try Bio-oil on this. I was told all my metal was permanent, so interested in the debate about removal. Get pains in funny places, but sticking to occasional paracetamol. Cannot leave my own home as there is a flight of stairs down to front door, and I have a flight up to bathroom (so no showers). No input yet on how to do stairs with crutches, though I have started to print off info. Has anyone tried going up on their bottom? is it easy getting down that way? Basically stuck until I get some physio input which I am told might take weeks. Worried about paid sick leave running out.
So much for the UK NHS (could say a lot more about
that).
Interested in feedback.
Sandra
Thanks for starting this site Christy, it sure is helping so many of us.
Mandy: I keep thinking about shoes! I can’t weight bear for another 3 weeks – but I see cute shoes now, and think: I will never be able to wear cute shoes again! Actually, I probably will be able to have a lot more room in my closet 🙂
Today a great friend picked me up and dropped me off to have a massage, and then took me to have Chinese Food! It was awesome! First time out since the doctor on Tuesday.
Love this site – makes you feel good to not be alone. Thanks for the idea of “writing the alphabet” with your foot – I will try that – I have just been moving it in circles. I want to move it as much as possible to avoid tightness – it is so tight right now. My ankle was at a -4 position a few weeks ago, and now I am at a +1! So, progress is being made. I am starting now too to rub Maderma on the scars with a bit of massage for the scar tissue.
Thanks for all the stories!
Thanks for the advice everyone….I just got back from my physio assesment I was told I will not beable to return to work for at least 6-8 weeks maybe longer I apperently lost a lot of my muscle in my leg and am very swollen even thou I have been flexing and icing but I guess everyone heals different…I am from canada and my benifits cover me for howerver I am off I am on short term right know my physio is 100% covered also I feel for the people that do not have coverage it is really expensive….Soo apperently driving can help your foot also I never really thought of that…I hope you all get well and I love the advice…
Oh… and for those of you going to walmart… you’re right about those motorized carts… they do go at a speed of negative miles per hour. AND… they’re not exactly made for tall people. I’m 5’11” and I had a tough time getting my foot with the boot in the cart. I have to say though, that the carts at Stop and Shop go a little faster and have more leg room! It’s pretty bad when you’ve resorted to comparing the quality of motorized shopping carts. HA!
Hello everyone,
I had surgery 10/16 for a tri-m w/dislocation. On 10/31 I had x-rays taken, staples removed, and a new cast put on. I will be in this cast for 4 weeks. I told the doctor about the pain I had been in. He told me to quit trying to be a hero and take the pain meds. He was so right. When you can’t get comfortable it is very hard to not be depressed. So, I am back to taking 4 percocets a day. I am in less pain now that the staples are out. My bones are healing well and I am very optimistic that I will be okay. Eric, I am so sorry to hear about your friend. I bought my first bike a year ago and absolutely love to ride. I guess I will have to wait til next spring. Good Luck to everyone. Hang in there.
Kerri
P.S. Sudoku helps me pass the time.
From a work standpoint, you only protected under the family/federal medical leave act for 13 weeks. After that, you can be fired…. I was.
Good Luck.