Update-Broken Ankle-1 Year later

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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?

2,203 thoughts on “Update-Broken Ankle-1 Year later”

  2. Troy:

    While ladders are your enemy…. bleachers are mine. From now on while attending any sporting events I’ll be bringing my own chair!

    Kris

  3. Michael, Luckily I was not involved in a motorcycle accident. (Knock on Wood) My journey began by falling from a ladder while cutting tree limbs. Ladders are now considered my enemy. 🙂

  4. Hi to all – all of these comments are so helpful. I’ve been on my foot alot lately – Xmas shopping and cookie baking. I can really feel that “hardware” and I guess from all the comments it will be best to have out after the holidays. Guess I could leave it – it will be a year in late March but the stiffness and soreness is more than I had anticipated. I just hope that the surgery is as easy as the Dr and group says and I don not have comlications. Anyone out there that had the same concerns as I and did NOT have the hardware out – and now you are doing OK? Thanks to all for “sharing”!

  5. thanks for the advice debbie, hopefully, because i drink lots of milk, hopefully that will aid in my bone healing.

    a question for troy, did you break your ankle riding your bike as did i?

  6. OK folks I have another mischevious smile. I just finished taking my first walk in shower and standing unaided on my own two feet. I only have one word to describe it – “FREEDOM”. I must say it felt nice. I want to get on my Harley now but I’m not quite ready for that. Soon I will be.

    Keep pushing and keep your heads and spirits up everyone. Each day is another victory for each of us!!

  7. Thanks Sandra, reading about your metalwork problems makes me feel fortunate, with the removal of the inner plate etc that is fine now, and I have had no trouble with the outer one, I can feel it under the skin which is wierd, but other than stiffness and aching toes/heel when I walk I have no pain at all. Keep your chin up.
    After reading some of the experiences here I feel lucky. What’s with all this anti blood clotting stuff, I did get an injection in the stomach for a few days before and after my ops but didn’t hear any horror stories and certainly didn’t have to inject myself.
    Apart from the pain I get in the heel and toes of the affected foot (what’s the best way of treating that and does it get better with time) while walking everything else is fine.
    I was told to stay of work for 3wks after being released from hospital but 2wks on and after really putting my ankle to test a few times including Christmas shopping with the wife I think I am ready to return to work next week, the only thing that worries me is driving a car with a clutch again, I have been driving an automatic for 2 months (borrowed from my parents, but now returned) My consultant says as long as I can do an emergency stop everything will be fine.
    Mikey.

  8. To Michael Bell

    I, like you, did not require surgery (!) but my follow up x-rays one month later weren’t great. I had a hard cast for one month and when they x-rayed at the end of a month the fracture was showing no calcification or fusing at all…..YIKES! But the swelling had gone way down and Icould carefully bear weight on it so the doc put me in a moon boot and said I could only bear weight with that for another month as the fracture was still very clean and not displaced.

    I think the main problem is that I am NOT a milk drinker and didn;t even think about that following the break and obviously they didn’t ask or anything so I have been loading up on the Vitamin D and Calcium…..it certainly can’t hurt. A month after I started taking the D and calcium I was having a weird pain and requested another set of x-rays and guess what….the bone was healing much better!!! Turns out the pain was just soft tissue.

    My doctor said that after 3 months from initial break (just the fibula) I would be back to most normal activities and I pretty much am. I can even jog a little bit!

    So good luck to you and if you aren;t a milk drinker….START NOW!

    Good luck!

    Debbie

  9. Jan~

    I don’t know if this will make you feel better or not but right after I got off my crutches I started having severe pain when I was breathing. I had a cat scan done and it showed that I had a pulmonary embolism in both lungs and clots all over in my broken ankle leg. I was hospitalized for 5 days and then released and told to do the Lovenox for a couple of days after. I was then put on coumadin for six months. They say the reason that I formed the clots in the first place was two things birth control pills and the inactivity of having a broken ankle. I can say though it has been over a year and even though I can still feel the clots I am fine. I would do what the doctor is recommending to be on the safe side…. hopefully that helps!

  10. thanks for info Diana. like everybody else this whole injury has been the worst thing Ive been through. it has been 3 1/2 months for me and i can walk a little but it does have pain and the more i walk the more it starts to hurt. little by little it does seem to get better but it is slooooooow going. thanks again. any time frame info from anybody about walking and limping would help. it seems the best place to get info is from people that have been through an ankle fracture. my doc. does not tell me much at all. Good luck everybody

  11. Jan:

    I also had to give myself injections of Lovenox, but it was for two weeks AFTER my surgery. Expect some bruising in the mid-section where you will be making the injections.

    Good Luck
    Kris

  12. hi i just got off the phone from the othopediast office, they said not to bear weight on it till i come in for a follow up xray, which will be jan 4. I am hoping it healing normally, got i dont wont to go under the knife. does the follow up xray usually go well? what are peoples experiences in this situation, i surely would like to hear them

  13. Hello all:

    I had my last PT appointment this week. We’ve decided that there isn’t anything more they can do for me as I still have lots of swelling. She did speak with my ortho and he may start cortizone shots to help with the swelling when I see him next Friday. We had snow yesterday. Walking in the snow was an interesting experience… stressful since you don’t know what’s under the snow AND a little painful as the ankle moves in all directions on uneven surfaces. It’s going to be a LONG winter.
    Kris

  14. FROM SANDRA

    DIANA – I was taken out to buy Xmas lights yesterday (still no tree!). Then we went to the supermarket. First time I have been in one since August (first time out in the dark too!) Managed fine on one crutch most of the time, reverting to two towards the end.

    Can relate to comments about your feet. My heels really hurt, my trainer was pressing on my inside scar and I was just desperate to get the things off. Walked around for about two hours – longest I have done. The good news is I did not get pains in bed, and my feet are fine this morning – though I will take it’s easy today.

    ERIKA – Well done. Looking forward to achieving the same kind of freedom.

    DENA AND DEBBIE – congrats on your progress and happy horse-riding.

    DEBORAH – sorry to hear that you need the removal and hope it goest well. This site is really helpful.

    Positive thoughts to all.

    Sandra

  15. Hey Everyone: I can walk!!!!!!!! I was told by my surgeon this week that not only can I walk, but that if I can I can walk with a sneaker. I actually DROVE!!!! Just to next door 🙂 but at least is was driving. Wow… Does walking hurt. I put on a regular sneaker, but brought my crutches to work-in case. Glad I did. Needed at least one crutch after an hour or so. I am getting pain in the ankle and leg (broke ankle in two places and the tibia). It has been 11 weeks. Even though it’s painful…..I feel like I’M FREEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

  17. For me Tatum, it was 6 1/2 months for me and I was fine at first, (with exception of wearing an ankle brace) but as the time went by and the more walking I did, the worst it has gotten for me. After finding this site, it has been a tremendous help in realizing that in order to live a somewhat normal life and to alleviate some of the pain I must go back and have the plate and the 8 pins taken out along having the other bone with the 2 screws that hasnt healed,debrided. I feel I have no other choice. If my new Dr. could have spoken in plain English, then I may have already had it done, but now I will be 1st in line after the Holidays. I am scared that I may be on crutches the same time frame since I don’t heal fast and have lymphoedema. Good Luck to everyone and thanks for all of your comments!

  18. hello tatum

    my experience is six weeks in plaster cast ,then light weight bearing.then i think its up to you how much you cope with,its how much weight you allow yourself before it hurts,don,t push yourself,it takes time and patience,you will have pain in different places every day.and so much stiffness but it does get better trust me.take care.

  19. hi all anklebreakers
    been xmas shopping today and i am pleasantly suprised how i coped took my time, tried not to limp in vain im,e afraid,mind you i am afraid of takeing my trainers off just in case my foot explodes,but on the whole i am quite proud of myself.its suprising how good a bit of shopping therapy will do.it takes your mind off things for awhile.
    sandra i hope you can start getting out and do a bit of xmas shopping its bad enough having one bad ankle let alone two have someone to take you in a wheel chair .take care.

  20. any info on walking after walking cast comes off. how long does it take to walk without much pain and without limp? any info would help

  21. My accident happened on Dec 7th and just saw the orthopedic surgeon today. Too much swelling, can’t operate until next week. They are putting me on Lovenox, an injectable blood thinner, to prevent any major clot development. Not sure i like it….$3,500 but have heard an awful lot of horror stories about blood clots and pulmonary embolisms and it’s probably cheaper than a funeral. Anyone else have trouble with clots? The night before this happened to me I met a guy who had just lost his wife, (in her 40’s) she broke her ankle and went to the same emergency room I did but didn’t even make it through the night….it scares me…why did I meet this fellow??? A warning??? I think I will follow the doctor’s advice and learn to give myself the shots. My bruising is pretty bad…I wonder if that will be much worse???
    Oh, well, i’ve been staying fairly positive about the prospect of being off my feet for another nine weeks and have very much appreciated reading all of your stories. Glad to see the good recoveries and will pray for all of you friends who are having a hard time. Good Luck and God Bless,
    Jan

  22. Hey all you Anklebreakers….
    thanks for all of the info I ever could have imagined. I am a “newbie”. A slip and fall on a patch of ice in a parking lot. 9Why did I turn down that accident policy that pays me $150/day for every day I am off work?)

  23. Hey Dena

    Just wanted yo to know that I finally got to ride on Tuesday after 3 months! It was great to be back in the saddle. The ankle bone did not bother me at all just the ligaments and tendons around my ankle and the bottom of my foot are sore but not tender, mostly just tight. Cantering was much easier than trotting since my muscles were weaker in my right leg but I did it and my thight muscles hurt more than anything….that’s what 3 months off will do!!!

    So I am hopeful that if I ride a few days a week for a reasonable amount of time I should be back to jumping next month. I also think that stretching in the stirrups and stuff will help with the pt as those are the muscles and tendons etc. that I need the most!

    I’ll keep you updated.

    SHELDON…I live in Florida and I just sucked it up and drove after the hard cast was off. My doctor did not say “yes’ Or ‘no’, just that some of his patients would take the boot off to drive as he felt you really aren’t weight bearing so much when you drive. I think it all depends on your range of motion. For what it’s worth, I drove with my left foot and took the boot off (put it in the trunk) on the off chance I did get pulled over I would not mention the whole broken ankle thing!

  24. Hi everybody,

    Today was a great day for me. I had a trimalleolar fracture(ankle tibia fibula were all broken) as a result of getting bucked off one of my horses on October 18th. I had surgery on October 23rd. Six screws were placed. I went to the ortho doctor today and had xrays. All breaks were healed and none of the screws had migrated. He said that I was really lucky, as he had not expected everything to be completely healed yet. I purposely scheduled a physical therapy appointment several hours after my doctor’s appointment. I am released to begin weight bearing as tolerated. And, I will probably be able to ride in six weeks, depending on how I am doing. I picked a physical therapy facility that had a pool. So, today I walked in the pool. What a great feeling it was. I would highly recommend everyone, if you are able, and One is available to find a facility with a pool. I did 10 minutes of walking, in 4 1/2 ft deep water. Even though they told me that I was only bearing about 10%, I really felt like I was fully walking, which is something I needed. I have been really, really frustrated this last week, not being able to do much. I did calf raises in the pool and stretches. Initially, it was kind of like pins and needles, but that subsided quickly. I am sure that it will be different when I have to walk outside the pool. But, oh what a feeling. I will go to PT again on Friday. Good luck to all.

  25. After a bimalleolar ankle fracture how long does it take to walk without pain when the walking cast is off? any info would be helpful. Also how long does the limp last? thanks for help

  26. HELLO FROM SANDRA

    SHELDON. On driving, Consultant’s say-so is what counts in the UK. I have been told I can try driving when I feel like it – not sure I am ready yet. Told a neighbour I could drive and he looked horrified – well, he has seen me about on my crutches.

    DIANA – interesting you use the term plateau. At just over 3 months I feel like I have reached one with the stiffness in my left ankle. Did more walking yesterday and it all feels a lot tighter today. Hope it loosens up soon.

    MIKEY – Hi, from someone else in the UK and best wishes for a good recovery. I have similar hardware in my leg and ankle, but have not had the problems you have. Sounds horrible, but you sound pretty positive.

    MICHAEL – I think your Consultant should have given you some advice on when to weight-bear. I had strict instructions not to on left leg for the first six weeks when I was in plaster, but I did more damage to it than you.

    Bye,

    Sandra

  27. my broken ankle seems miniskule compared to the stories i have read here. I broke the tibia bone from a motorcycle accident, and no surgery or screws were needed. my question is this: it is two weeks today that i had the break, when should i try to put any weight on the foot, i must admit i am scared to try it, cause i dont want to have to go under the knife, what do you people think?

  28. Hi, I just stumbled (excuse the pun) on this site while spending hours on the computer, it’s one of the few things I can still do.
    Thought you might like to hear my story.
    Way back in early August while playing cricket, yes i’m in England, with my brother in law and our children, I broke my left ankle in two places resulting in an 8″ metal plate and 8 screws being inserted on the outer of the ankle and a smaller plate with pins and wire (K clips) on the inner ankle. All went fine until the plastercast was removed about 5 weeks ago when it was evident that the K clips were protruding through the skin. This was fine my surgeon assured me but as the swelling goes down over time I may have to have these clips removed as they will protrude further and may become uncomfortable, I was a bit perturbed at this point but he is the expert and knows what he is talking about so off I go home thinking I was on the road to recovery. I was given excersises to do and told I could return to work provided I did light duties. After a few days and a certain amount of pain from the area of the clips the lower leg, almost up to my knee became swollen and red, I also had a fever. So returning to the hospital I was told I had Cellulitis (I didn’t know how bad this was until searching the web about it once I got back out of hospital) in my ankle caused by the combined movement during walking and excersising. This apparently was making the K clips move about under the surface of the skin and, acting like an egg whisk turned my flesh to mush resulting in Cellulitis. So another stay in hospital where I was pumped full of Antibiotics for a week and then, once the infection had cleared up, the removal of all the metalwork in my inner ankle. I was released from hospital 2 weeks ago with a further weeks supply of Antibiotics, the stitches were removed last Friday and, fingers crossed, all appears to be fine now, but I’m not counting my chickens just yet. Still got a long way to go, I am going back to work next week, which for somebody that’s self employed is not a day too soon. Anyway I hope I haven’t worried anybody with my tale of woe but all’s well that ends well.

  29. Shel,
    Apparently laws differ from state to state. I live in NJ and was told I could not drive because I broke my right ankle.. by the doctor. You have to be able to slam the brake down fast. If you have a broken ankle insurance will not cover you for you are driving illegally. I did start driving after about 8 weeks using my left foot for the brake after practice on local roads. I wanted to start work on a limited basis & had no other way to get there..21 miles away. I drove very very carefully in the right lane on freeways at the typical speed since I did not want to cause an accident. In retrospect I think I should maybe have waited a few weeks for I was using crutches at the time and the police would have noted that. I did feel I was driving better though than all the cell phone users, which is also illegal to do in NJ.

    I imagine that the reality is that resuming driving will vary from individual to individual. Good judgement and safe driving should prevail. I think asking the PT or the doctor might help answer that question in different states & countries.

  30. Sandra:

    I can totally relate with the worrying about walking outside. It’s definitely more challenging at this point because uneven surfaces do irritate my ankle. I work on a college campus and today I had to walk from one building to the one next door. There were some ice patches on the pavement and I was Soooooooo worried. I feel like I walk like a 90 year old now instead of the 46 year old that I am.

    Kris

  31. it,s going on to sixteen weeks since i broke my ankle, and i know i have come a long way from comeing out of plaster to crutches to a stick,[i refuse to use a stick because my husband has to ,so we look a right pair wadling down the road].i now feel i have come to a platau,its not getting any better,i have a shooting pain half way up my leg same side as the screws,at the momment my toes and top of my foot is really bad,im,e doing all the right things pt and exersise at home my foot is still so stiff,and i can,t walk far.really a bit fed up.

  32. This has been a great site. There is a lot of insight and support for going through a tough thing.

    I have one question that recently have been bothering me. I have recently read (on this site and others) some tidbits about the “legality” of driving with a broken ankle. Is there any official source of information regarding this? I only see snippets where people say things like “I found out when I was driving and it was illegal”. How do you find this out? It seems like there should be a good online source I could look up the exact law. Cause there is some many different cases, what if I can fully bear weight but still wear a boot? is left foot accelerating flat out illegal without proper adaptations? etc. How does one know if your ankle has reached the point of being “legal” again?

  33. FROM SANDRA

    Hi, sorry to hear that some people are experiencing such a problem with their hardware. At this point not sure where I stand. Have two aching ankles today as it is cold and I have done more walking. I can feel my metal plate under the scar, but try to ignore it. Still stiffness and pains – often at night, but at the moment I could not say if it is the metal. Worrying to hear people start to experience problems after a year. So hoping that mine all settles down.

    CAROL. Nice to hear from you. Glad op went well and I hope things improve for you.

    It does seem to take a long time to recover from this. I am worried about going back to work as I still walk so slowly, and get tired, and then there are the aches and pains.

    On a positive note, walking more in the house without the crutch. Got up for loo last night and when I woke this morning wondered where the crutch was. Walked back to bed in the night without it and did not notice!

    But it’s all much more worrying outside, what with uneven pavements and roads, pot-holes, dead leaves, loose grit, camber, ups and downs, wet, ice . . . .

    I think I have become a bit over-anxious!

    Best wishes to all, Sandra

  34. Hi All,

    Went to the doctor today…2 months into a fractured tibia. He said everything was healing up well but that he highly recommended that my 2 screws be removed this Spring…as they are very close to the joint and might cause problems down the road if they were to stay. I actually didn’t expect him to suggest hardware removal before i had any problems from them, but maybe they will be painful once I can start moving regularly again. It’s so nerve-wracking to think of another surgery directly after a long recovery. Reading others experiences here…and how much better they feel after getting their screws removed…i’m certain this will be the right thing to do.

    Range of motion my #1 source of pain. Will the stiffness ever subside?

    Happy Holidays everyone…& Happy Healing!

  35. Hi all anklebreakers

    I had my wire and one screw removed last monday- still have remaining eight screws and plate in- it feels more flexible – but waiting for the stitches to heal which is frustrating- had to revert back to 2 crutches for the first four days as well which felt like taking a backward step- but I am determined to get there cos its been six long months since i done this and I need to get back to work- For me I think the surgery has made it better so far- but will know more when stitches have healed -but good luck to those who still havent had it –

    Carol ( London)

  36. Hi all:
    I’m into month 7 of recovery. I’m so scared I’m going to have to have my plate and screws removed as my ankle is still painful on that side when I walk. The good news, however, is that I actually put a “real pair” of shoes on today… actually boots. They do have a heel… but it’s a wide heal so I’m not worried about “falling off of them”. My ankle has been killing me the past few days with the cold, rainy whether here in Rhode Island. Will the pain and swelling EVER end?
    Kris

  37. Hi everyone, I had the large extra screw and a pin removed yesterday. Surgery went fine but he discovered that my ankle is extreamly tight so in two weeks when the surgey sites heal and the stiches are taken out, he said I will have to have intensed pt, so I am probably looking at two more months before I even get to try walking. I am back to hopping on a walker. He said the plate and 10 screws have to stay in a year. If they don’t bother me they can stay there, if not then they can be removed at that time. I will put that on a back burner for now. I just want to get through these two weeks and hope the pain subsides. None of us knew what a long process we had before us. I hope everyone on here is doing well, I think of you all. We can do it.

  38. Yes, I went to Walmart today, and boy have I paid dearly for it! The pain was so bad and shooting up my leg into my knee that it brought me to tears! I can’t walk that amount of distance or else I am down for the rest of the day and partially the next. I should have known better to get the motorized cart, but wanted to also get the exercise and be free I guess. Not so simple! It seems that since I have been off crutches, I have gained at least 10 pounds and get around much less than I did when I was on them! There is no where I wouldn’t go being on them. Since reading this site and the many different stories, there is no doubt that I need the hardware removed especially the plate and pins. I just dont know why my Ortho didnt insist that it be removed to downsize the anguish and pain! I guess,I am afraid that I want heal so quickly again and yet be on cructhes another 6 months. It’s really a no win situation! I will keep you guys posted once we get past the new year as to how it goes! Thanks

  39. Thank you Shel and Deborah for the information on the compression sock. I have not inquired about it but will do so. I know my Dr had suggested support stockings. I was lucky and not on crutches – I used a walker and now that I look back on it – what a pain that was. I had calicuses on my hands – and I used wash cloths on the handles to help cushion the rubbing. Guess crutches could be worse. I walked a lot today Christmas shopping and I’m feeling it tonight. The tightness I’m sure if from the screws and plate. I just need to get enough courage to do it. I just want to hear from more people who have had the surgery. So far it sounds like it is not such a big deal. However, I do know that there could be complications. Just want to get through the holidays and then decide. Thanks for the encouragement from all of your stories.
    Thoughts to all and speedy recovery to those who are still struggling with the pain. It does get better but I don’t think the foot will ever be the same. I’ve come to that conclusion.

  40. Thanks for your reply, I do wear the compression hose for the lymphoedema, although they are very expensive since I had to be fitted for them. They are thigh highs and stretch out so easily and get behind the crease behind my knee sometimes and I can’t stand it. I suspect that having the plate and pins taken out is the best thing to do, now that I realize now that this has to be what is causing me so much pain! I guess I am just afraid how long it will take for me to walk again with consideration of my healing and how long I was on crutches in the beginning.

  41. Hi Dev, have you tried a compression sock? They are great to help move the swelling into the leg instead of the ankle. At least it’s something until you can get the hardware out. It really helps me. I got one from my PT, they have rolls of the material they just cut off. You maybe abnle to find one online or even maybe they make something simlar for diabetics? Not sure.

    As far as time off work, I am too hoping they will let me go back after a day or two since I have an office job.

    But I have months to wait yet, I wish so bad they could just do it now, but I only broke early Oct of this year. So I get to hobble around and be in pain until they are sure it’s strong enough.

  42. Reply to Mandy and all
    I stumbled and broke my ankle in 3 places March 27 – it seems like it has been a long, hard road. I’m so glad I found this site as I’ve been lucky and healed well for a 61 year old – I’m in good shape – was walking 2-3 miles everyday and up to 4-5 on weekends. Boy did I miss that! I had 3 breaks and have 6 screws and plate. I was on Percoset for about a month. Everything seemed to be going well and Dr released me from further appointments end of Aug – which he felt was excellent. However shortly after that I started having swelling and pain. Went back to him in Nov and he said looks like I’m part of the 20% that need to have hardware out. One of the screws is loose as I’ve been walking again. He said most “active” patients tend to need to have hardware out. I’m NOT looking forward to additional surgery. Have read all these answers and still don’t know if the decision is best to take it out or leave and wait to see how it goes. I do wear an ankle soft brace when I walk as it seems to help me feel secure but yes the ankle does swell! I just worry about how long this second recovery will be. Dr says it is not bad – but how about all of you that have done it? How long – 2-3 weeks before going back to work? i have office job. Does the stiffness and sorness really ever go away.
    Prayers to all of you that have endured this. Amazing how many of us have.

  43. Deborah B

    Although I don’t have all the same problems, I do have osteo and very similar pain when I walk or put weight on it (which is only around the house). My doctor and mt PT think the pain (shooting pain up the leg) like you describe is due to the plate/ pins. I think it’s wise for you to try the removal at this point since you are so far out and still in the pain. I too have to wait quite a few months before I can have mine out.

    The best things you can do is take vitimin D to help the calcium you take absorb and take extra calcium supplements. That will make sure your bones are strong. Remember too alot of the pain is simply from not using it as much, once the hardware is out, my guess is you will feel better. Some of us just can’t keep it which is crappy I know.
    Good luck to you!

  44. I was so glad to find this website, to find that I am not alone out here. It’s been 1 yr and 3 months since my motorcycle accident! I wound up with a Grade 1 Bimalleolar fracture,on top of the Lymphoedema I already had due to a prior blood clot, which makes it even more painful with the swelling. I have a plate with 8 pins and 2 screws. I was on crutches for 6 1/2 months and still have not healed completly where the ankle was shattered that has the 2 screws. (they call me a non union healer) Since I was able to put down those god forsaken crutches, I have suffered extreme pain daily to the point I am in tears or just plain miserable. My ortho finally gave me a script for Loritabs, which I had to demand. But he only gave me 2 refills and really doesnt want to see me back until I have decided I want to do another surgery to remove the plate with pins and debride the shattered bone with the screws in it.(HOW DO THEY THINK WE CAN LIVE WITH THE PAIN?) I am also borderline osteo, I have just noticed that I may have a pin that is starting to show the outline through my skin. After reading this site, I have decided that it may be best that I do get the plate and pins out. Because it feels almost as if the bone is splintering up my leg and thigh when I walk. But I am just afraid that I want heal quickly and will be on crutches again for a very long time. Not to mention that I am afraid the bone want be strong enough! Does anyone out there have this problem with the Lymphoedema?? They also say that my worst outcome will be a fusion, in which I am so afraid of! Thanks

  46. FROM SANDRA
    Hi Nancy, seems like a long haul, but as you say you are closer to walking than you were a few months ago. Hope the op goes well.

    Sandra

  47. Hint for the pillow sleeping,

    I take my pillow and attach it with a winter scarf. It REALLY feels nice to sleep that way!

    I also use the same idea with ice, I use “blue ice” packs by rubbermaid. They are little single packets of refreezable ice that is flexable, wrap in a towel, then attach with a scarf.

    Hope it works for you too!

  48. Hi everyone, hope all are doing well. I had a doc appt today and am scheduled for surgery to remove a long screw and an extra pin on Monday. I was told I will have two more weeks in the moonboot then possibly start pt.
    I sure hope it works out that way. It has been a long 4 months and I can see it will probably be another 3 months to be walking a little. I guess I just have to look at it as it is a lot closer then 4 months ago. I am like the rest of you and sleep with a lot of pillows also, seems more secure.
    Everyone take care and keep on keeping on.

  49. FROM SANDRA – just in case anyone who has a more recent break is interested!

    Just over 3 months since doing the damage.

    HI. Saw my Consultant this Wednesday and have progressed to walking a little more unaided, or using one crutch in the house. Still on two outside. Also trying one crutch down the stairs – until now just clinging on to the bannisters with both hands.

    Walking on one crutch raises new issues, cos if you lean on that crutch too heavily it changes the alignment of your hips, and can affect your back.

    I fractured both ankles. Left one most messed up and I have metal plate and pins in my shin bone, ankle screws and wires in ankle. When I asked about all this hardware the response was it can stay in permanently unless it causes problems. I can’t say I want any more surgery, so that’s okay with me at the moment. It is difficult to tell what might be due to hardware and what might just be the fractures/damaged ankle. My right one was also fractured, has no metal and still aches a lot sometimes/can be really painful.

    In terms of problems – I still get some swelling, pain which tends to be worst at night, my scars can be really irritated especially at night, I still have some numbness/lack of feeling in some of the toes on my left foot and in top part of that foot, plus I have some stiffness across the top of the foot. My sideways movement is restricted to the left, but up and down is fine.

    Consultant says that all of the above are typical after ankle surgery and I might expect to take up to 6 months to recover (though not sure if he meant from now, or from the surgery). Numbness might take longer to go (or not).

    I have been told I can try driving when I feel like it – as long as I can do an emergency stop, so will give it a go soon.

    On a positive note, I wrote a list of questions/concerns out for Consultant, produced them in the consulting room and he went through them all with me. So I did feel I had enough time, and was treated well.

    Seeing him again on 16th January, by which time I may be ready to return to work.

    On shoes, I am in trainers like most people. I have a pair of Merrill sandals with velcro which have been helpful; the one downside being the strap round the ankle that presses on my inside scar. I also have a pair of CROCs (sandals) which I can wear some of the time. My physio has told me to change shoes around throughout the day.

    On sleeping, I still have two pillows lengthways in my bed to support my feet. Having a scar on each side of the left one can make life a nuisance, as can the pain at night, but I manage it. Hope I won’t have to use these pillows for ever.

    Not sure if moonboots are the same as air boots in the UK, but my think was quite an unflexible piece that went up to my knee, and also aggravated my ankle quite a lot. It was a huge relief to take it off at night to sleep, but as noted, I have had pillows in my bed the whole time.

    Due to start some ‘lower limb’ classes on 17th December, so hope this will help with flexibility and with stability.

    Anyone else sometimes feel they lurch around like a drunken sailor?

    Hoping the rest of you are progressing well out there. It’s all about different stages, and adapting as you go along. Pretty challenging, and I think I have learned quite a lot about myself.

    Sandra

  50. PROGRESS FROM SANDRA – just in case anyone who has a more recent break is interested!

    Just over 3 months since doing the damage.

    HI. Saw my Consultant this Wednesday and have progressed to walking a little more unaided, or using one crutch in the house. Still on two outside. Also trying one crutch down the stairs – until now just clinging on to the bannisters with both hands.

    Walking on one crutch raises new issues, cos if you lean on that crutch too heavily it changes the alignment of your hips, and can affect your back.

    I fractured both ankles. Left one most messed up and I have metal plate and pins in my shin bone, ankle screws and wires in ankle. When I asked about all this hardware the response was it can stay in permanently unless it causes problems. I can’t say I want any more surgery, so that’s okay with me at the moment. It is difficult to tell what might be due to hardware and what might just be the fractures/damaged ankle. My right one was also fractured, has no metal and still aches a lot sometimes/can be really painful.

    In terms of problems – I still get some swelling, pain which tends to be worst at night, my scars can be really irritated especially at night, I still have some numbness/lack of feeling in some of the toes on my left foot and in top part of that foot, plus I have some stiffness across the top of the foot. My sideways movement is restricted to the left, but up and down is fine.

    Consultant says that all of the above are typical after ankle surgery and I might expect to take up to 6 months to recover (though not sure if he meant from now, or from the surgery). Numbness might take longer to go (or not).

    I have been told I can try driving when I feel like it – as long as I can do an emergency stop, so will give it a go soon.

    On a positive note, I wrote a list of questions/concerns out for Consultant, produced them in the consulting room and he went through them all with me. So I did feel I had enough time, and was treated well.

    Seeing him again on 16th January, by which time I may be ready to return to work.

    On shoes, I am in trainers like most people. I have a pair of Merrill sandals with velcro which have been helpful; the one downside being the strap round the ankle that presses on my inside scar. I also have a pair of CROCs (sandals) which I can wear some of the time. My physio has told me to change shoes around throughout the day.

    On sleeping, I still have two pillows lengthways in my bed to support my feet. Having a scar on each side of the left one can make life a nuisance, as can the pain at night, but I manage it. Hope I won’t have to use these pillows for ever.

    Not sure if moonboots are the same as air boots in the UK, but my think was quite an unflexible piece that went up to my knee, and also aggravated my ankle quite a lot. It was a huge relief to take it off at night to sleep, but as noted, I have had pillows in my bed the whole time.

    Due to start some ‘lower limb’ classes on 17th December, so hope this will help with flexibility and with stability.

    Anyone else sometimes feel they lurch around like a drunken sailor?

    Hoping the rest of you are progressing well out there. It’s all about different stages, and adapting as you go along. Pretty challenging, and I think I have learned quite a lot about myself.

    Sandra

  51. I threw the crutches! 🙂

    Ok, so not literally, but I walked around my house in my moon boot crutch fee last night! I am in week 9 post break, I was cleared for weight bearing at week 7 but it hurt so bad I couldn’t do it. I still took my crutches and used them at work today but maybe Monday I will go solo. I seen my doc yesturday too and he will see me in one more month to see what it looks like, he feels plate sqrews need out as I have small bones, and they seem to be in the way so to speak and causing pain. Sounds like I have a long wait yet and the doctor stated it will rough until we get to that point. YUCKY!

    It still really hurts to walk on. My heel hurts and anout 8 inches below my knee hurts and I didn’t break that part! I still have constant pain as well, but not unbearable. Anyone else?

    But, at least I walked! 🙂 Wishing all of you the best!

  52. Hi Debbie,
    Thanks for the reply. My email is: [email protected] . I would love to know how your return goes. I have to remind myself everyday that it could have been so much worse. But, like the 4 yr old you are training, I had my 7 yr old E’Sops Fable mare getting ready to move up to the Low AA Jumper’s. She had done very well in the baby greens with my trainer. I decided to keep her and move her to the jumper ring. She is unmoved by anything. Her brother, the giant 5 yr old who bucked me off, I had just started over crossrails. Then I have a 3 yr old Fuerst Gotthard mare that I was going to have broke this fall and my 2 yr old Hanoverian Pablo stallion that needs to be brought along faster to be ready to present to the Hanoverian Society for the initial stallion inspection. And, the 2 yearlings won’t be ready for any formal training for a couple of years, although, I would like to take the filly to the Hunter breed ring. Oh well, it will just put things off a bit longer. And, I do have the Sprenger stirrups. I have had them for years and love them. I just hope that there are no glitches with the ankle. The tib/fib I am not worried about. I am already in PT twice a week, non-weightbearing. THe worst part of the therapy is the desensitizing of my foot that I described previously. It is obnoxious. But, it needs to be done so that I can at least start wearing a sock or slipper. The flexability has greatly improved. Wednesday is D day for me. I will have xrays to determine if I can begin weight-bearing. When I am back in the swing, I will be more careful, when I am loading the trailer. I certainly don’t want a repeat. That is great that you have great clients that have helped you out. Well, bye for now. Happy healing everyone.

  53. Hi Dena…..

    Well that would be me you are talking about! I train Hunters and Jumpers here in Florida and that is my sole source of income and guess what???? I got bucked of the HORSE TRAILER!! Yep, packing for a show I was coming down the ramp kinda quick and BAM fell right off the right side and broke my right fibula. Luckily I did not require surgery but was in a hard, non-weight bearing cast for a month and then a moon boot for a month. Life sucked! I had to hitch a ride with customers out to the barn and taught from the golf cart. I’ve been working with a customer’s 4 year old warmblood that I had to send to a friend of mines to ride and it’s killing me that I’m not the one in the ring with him! He is just fabulous and is making his Pre-Green debut next weekend….without me! I have great customers who have really helped out alot but I m iss riding so much!

    My accident was September 6 and I am told that I can start flatiing next week. I’ve been doing lots of stretching and PT at home and am really excited. I don’t care if I have some pain as long as it’s soft tissue…that’s to be expected I guess and I can grin and bear that. My Dr. swears to me that the fibula is such a low weight bearing bone that it won;t be a big deal, but I don;t know if he really gets how much the ankle has to absorb when jumping. I do plan on using my Sprenger stirrups that flex becase they help with my old knee injury…yeah, I know George Morris hates those but sorry dude, they feel better to me!

    The best thing you can do is be patient and keep up with therapy and you will be back in the saddle sooner than you think. Now if I could just get back into heels!

    Let me know how you’re coming along!

    Debbie

  54. Hi. Thank you all for your comments. They do give me hope.I suffered a trimaleolar fracture to my right ankle with severe dislocation of the right foot. This was also complicated by a spiral fracture to the tibia 12 inches long. I was bucked off one of my young horses that is a true 18H(6 ft at the base of the neck). That was Oct. 18. I had surgery 5 days later; six screws, no plates(my surgeon said that my bone was an irregular shape). I am an RN by trade but have 9 horses( 2 are retired and 3 are not of riding age) and ride jumpers competatively. They all live at home with me. I have great support. My fiance and I live together. Him, my youngest son(21 yrs old), & my mom have been so good to me. Dave, my youngest son, takes care of all of the horse chores and has since day one. I am so fortunate. I am still non-weight bearing. I go to see the ortho doc Dec 12. Although the ankle pain subsided a couple of weeks after the surgery, the horrible burning and pins/needles is just now starting to subside. My doc said that was nerve pain and would take a long time to improve. I can’t stand to put a sock on(I live just outside of Phoenix, so not so cold). I leave my moonboot off all of the time. Fortunately, he never put me in a plaster cast. I would have gone crazy. The 2 weeks in a splint was torturous. I am not really depressed, but get very frustrated at times. I am used to training/riding several horses a day, feeding, and cleaning stalls. As a Pediatric ER nurse, I can be on my feet 12 hours a day with few sit down breaks. I have had 6 knee surgeries, have fractured 3 vertebrae, and cracked several ribs. I have never been this disabled this long. And, as I have read and been told, I still have a lot of recovering. I am very concerned because I need full mobility and strength in my ankle. My most seasoned competition horse and I jump over jumps that are 4 and a half feet. When landing, a riders ankles stretch way down and absorb a fair amount of the shock. I am told that if I heal properly, I will ride in about 5 months, but not jump for 9-12 months. My horses are on vacation. If anyone out there has had this type of injury and rides hunter/jumpers, please let me know how it has been for you, as I am worried about full recovery so I can compete at the same level and continue progressing. Happy recovering to all.

  56. Hi Erika…I also had a smiliar break as you I find wearing trainers running shoes my foot actually feels really good in them I wear those when I am like running around say to the drug store or so then when I go out say a lil dressyer I wear flats you can find some really cute ones and some that are really comfy..I will never wear a heel after what happened to me….Anyone else wear a ankle brace that ties up?..I find after I wear mine my ankle fricken swells massive and it hurts..I like to not wear it but I put it on just in case I fall or something never wanna go threw this ever again…!

  57. I started by wearing nike airwalk sneakers. I got so sick of wearing white sneakers with everything I bought a pair of black and a pair of brown champion sneakers. I find that at this point I have to wear something that laces up so that as my foot swells by the end of the day, I can loosen the laces. I used to love to wear my Dansco closed back clogs, but I put them on one day, took a few steps and it freaked me out. Anything with a heal, I would stay away from. I also heard from my PT that Dansco’s are known for people “rolling” their ankles. Looks like I won’t be wearing them ever again.

    Kris

  58. I have a question for all who are in a regular shoe now. I am thinking my doctor is going to tell me next week that I can wear a regular shoe. I broke my ankle in 3 places and have 8 screws and a plate. What type of shoe are you wearing? I am a woman – might make a difference. Is there anything you have found that is comfortable, stable but not ugly? 🙂

    Thanks!

    Erika

  59. Re: moonboots…..

    I have to say that even thought I could walk with mine it was a love/hate rfelationship because the boot was thicker than my sneaker and the whole right side of my body was higher than my left for a month so my hips and back were always hurting me. I decided to forgo the PT visits and am doing that myself at home in favor of getting a massage once a week to help with the muscular pain. Funny thing is that EVERYTHING other than my ankle is what hurt from that dang boot! Even my right heel killed me as it made me walk with my weight on the hind end of my foot.

    Luckily I have been out of the boot for a month or so now and my body feels much better. Still a little stiff in the morning and if I’ve been idle for awhile but is getting much better.

    Positive vibes to you all!

    Debbie (Florida)

  60. Sheldon..

    Sleeping with foot on a pillows & a large loose ace bandage around foot and ankle (that also kept my foot pulled forward) did the trick for me after some trial and error.

    Your doctor could be my doctor. They are surgeons (hopefully excellent)but not people persons. That doesn’t excuse the 30 seconds. I learned a lot more from others & took my x-rays to be looked at by another doc I knew, who pointed out more details to me.

    You are doing great, and it sounds like others on the board are moving along as well.

    Delia, thanks for your answer.

  61. Hey Everyone…Glad to see everyone is getting better…Thought I would share an update with me I broke my tibula and fibula I had 3 brakes and I am in my 5 week of physio and I start back at work on modified in about a week in a half working 2-4 hours then in 4 weeks I am back to my full time hours my limp is gone….I also still sleep with pillows to support my leg and ankle….And as for driving no it does not hurt when I drive it actually feels great when I go cuz ur moving your foot and ankle….Hope u all get to were I am at soon and its been only almost 4 months for me…Take care..

  62. Sheldon:

    From my own experience, once I was put in a walking cast and was able to remove it at night I was in heaven! Just the fact that I didn’t have to lift that heavy cast every time I rolled over in bed. I too, slept in a twin bed… actually I slept in a daybed in the living room for 5 months as I wasn’t able to get upstairs to the bedroom. I can say, that when I first slept “castless”… I would still sleep with a pillow under my ankle. When sleeping on my side, I would put another pillow between my knees. Congrats to you for making it to the next phase. As for me, Dec. 2nd was the start of month #7 of recovery. Still walking with a limp, attending weekly P.T. At this point I’m wondering if hardware will have to be removed. My ankle is very tight and sometimes painful on the side where my scar & hardware is. I will try to avoid that at all costs however because the thought of crutches again sends me into a tailspin. I have extreme shoulder pain (bursitis) from being on crutches for 4 months.
    Kris

  63. Sheldon: I broke my ankle in 3 places, and went to a boot after 2 1/2 weeks – because my ankle kept swelling so much. I too was scared at night. Here is what I did. For the first few nights I just wore the boot. After that I wrapped my ankle w/ 2-3 ace bandages. Not too tight – to hurt my ankle – just enough to keep it from moving so much. Then, I slept with LOTS of pillows. I slept by myself in a twin bed. I put a pillow under my broken ankle, and one on either side of that pillow so I that it would not fall off the pillow. I also took ibuprofin before bed. Anyway – all that seemed to work pretty well. When it was not so swollen, I wore a “0ff the shelf” ankle brake cast type think – underneath the ace bandage which made it even moe ridgid, but no so much as the boot. What about wearing an ace bandage and a high top sneaker loosely? At least it would not be as heavy as the boot. Anyway – hope everything continues to go well. I am at 10 weeks and still am at 50% weight – w/ crutches, although I am sneaking steps here and there with the moon boot! 🙂

  64. Hi everyone. I broke the very end off of one of my ankles bones just over a month ago play basketball. Yesterday was the big day when they removed the cast, re-xay it and determine if I needed another cast for three more weeks, or if I could progress to a walking boot.

    Yeah!! The x-rays showed good healing and the doctor decided I could go to the walking boot so I am sans cast for a day now.

    My experience was with the cast for over the last two weeks I have felt zero pain in my ankle. It just did a great job of holding the ankle in a rigid position where it would never twist or hurt at all. I kind of got to feeling like why am I wearing this, it doesn’t hurt anymore. But now I understand better what it was doing. Just the little bit more room the walking boot allows for the ankle to flex and move in ways it has not for the past four weeks, I have felt some pain in the past day now. Not bad but certainly noticiable.

    I am not especially happy with my doctor. Every appointment so far, I have felt like he is in a big hurry and is just kind of passing through. Like he wants to come in look at the x-rays for about 30 seconds, make a decision of what to do and be out and on his way that minute.

    The doctor said 1) I should still use my cruches for partial weight bearing this week, but next week I can try to go without them if possible. 2) He said I can feel free to take the walking boot off when I am not walking, for example at night time. So last night I slept for the first time in four weeks without any cast or ankle restraint on me. It did not go that well. Does anyone have tips for this? Do you take your ankle boot off at night? My problem is that when I roll or turn in my sleep my ankle does flop or twist around a little bit. After four weeks of the cast holding it rigid, it just was not used to that at all. I would not say I was in “great pain” but enough discomfort that I woke up several times during the night and had to try to get the ankle in a more cofortable position.

  65. anklequest…..I had the hardware removed cause I felt that it was restricting me from movement and my ankle felt pinned down and always stiff….recovery went really well> I was walking in less than 2 weeks I feel much better with it out….I feel free and my ankle is almost feeling as good as before….though it still gets swollen from time to time but not like before……in my opinion it was a good move to have it removed…..I was really scared but I’m glad I did it!!!!

  66. Delia,
    I orginally came to this board to find out about the hardware removal and whether I should do this or not. Why did you have yours removed? Where there problems?

    Glad to hear things are getting better.
    Thanks

  67. Weight bearing at last. I got the all clear to start weight bearing last Thursday and can now stand with my full weight. I was shocked and grateful that it is going better than I thought it would. I am having some mild pain and swlleing today. I was able to slip into a lose pair of muck boots and go out to the barn today. I still use my moonboot when I go to work but I am pretty much barefoot around the house.

    I am concerned that the OS decided to leave the long screw in that goes through both bones. It will only be removed if it breaks – yikes. Has anyone else had their long screw left in? He originally told me it would come out before I could be weight bearing and then changed his mind. I am hoping to get all of my hardware removed in 9 months to a year if all goes well. I’ll probably have to find another OS to remove it since mine does not want to do it.

  68. Troy:

    “mischevious looking smile that was surely across my face. My wife and Dr. would most likely object but I am happy just the same. LOL”

    I too have had that grin….I am 9 weeks – I am 50% weight bearing now, but have taken a few steps with my “moon boot” when no one is around. I feel like a little kid doing something wrong! It is a weird feeling – I can’t feel alot of places along the bottom of my foot and a couple of my toes. It didn’t hurt too much – but the boot has a lot of support.

    Dianna: Sorry, can’t say I have to shave my foot 🙂 I haven’t started walking on foot except 50% but before I started walking I was having painful “electrical” like sensations in the bottom of my foot and toes – not sure if its related to yours.

    Physcial therapy again tomorrow. 3rd time. Therapist pushes on the bottom of my foot (up towards my leg) and massages the achilies. I had to ask her if she could break it – it’s so stiff & sore! She smiled and said she knows what she is doing…. 🙂 Hope so!

    erika

  69. hi all ankebreakers
    anybody else out there feels like fork lightening going through their toes and foot?,been on my feet alot today my foot is really swollen i know i will have to wear a fluffy sock to bed as the covers will feel like sandpaper always happens when i do to much i hope things do get better.and another thing i have always shaved my legs,now i have to shave my foot whats all that about?please tell me im,e not the only one.

  70. Troy:

    Ah yes… the first “stance” is very interesting to say the least. I remember I also didn’t have much pain, just a weird feeling to actually be standing on two feet again after 4 months of non-weight bearing. It was after walking on it for a day that the actual pain came… and may I say “excruciating pain”. And although that did subside, I still have pain when walking since I still do not have full range of motion and the ankle (or should I say Kankle) is still quite swollen. The pain is definitely tolerable and I wonder if I’ll ever walk without a limp. My Physical Therapist is also frustrated. It does may me think, after reading many of the other’s experiences, that I may have to get my metal removed at some point. Thanks for the giggle though… I can just imagine your mischievous grin…
    Kris

  71. Hi All, A confession of sorts…. while I am non-weight bearing for a few more weeks, I stood up to reach an item from the top of the pantry and had no issues at all. No pains in either ankle or leg. The sensation of standing for the first time in weeks did feel a bit weird but not as weird as the mischevious looking smile that was surely across my face. 🙂 My wife and Dr. would most likely object but I am happy just the same. LOL

    Take care all – heal at your own pace and with strength.

  72. hello to everyone…..I have written here before and still read all coments that have been posted… All I have to really say is that yes this is a long road for us everyone is different some days feel like forever as we all know!!!!…..But yes it does eventually get better. I had broke my ankle 10 months ago…..had a plate and seven screws put in……had them removed last month I was so scared to go through another surgery and not being able to walk for another 2 weeks…..I wa also freaked out about many scary stories I had read on the net…..anyway after I went through the surgery I remember waking uo and feeling alot of pain…..it really hurt when I woke up..but after some drugs obviously it was okay…..in my expeirence my pain lasted for about 2-3 days after that it wasn’t to bad the scar looked bad cause it was so swoolen and fresh…..1 week later it started looking better. Towards the 2nd week i was paranoid to walk and put pressure on it but day by day I tried and eventually started walking on it….mind you it took less then 2 weeks but I am glad that the hardware came out….I just find that my ankle cracks alot know……the recovery time for me wasn’t to bad mind you everytime I step out of my house the first thing I think about is not falling now that the snow is here I’m scared…..it’s a crazy feeling none of us want to go through again….I hope everyone a speddy recovery and just remember there is an end to this long road.

  73. Hi All,
    I am writing for my daughter who is thirteen and broke her ankle in March. She is finally doing better. I’ve written before. She had 2 pin inserted in March and we had them removed about 2 months ago.
    Recovering from removing was bad for two weeks. They removed, cleaned up the scar and trid to stretch the ligament that goes to the big toe (she is having flexibility issues). I won’t lie she had a hard time after that surgery. I got into a heated arguement with her orthopedic surgeon. We were origninally told that she would be walking on it in a matter of days. So to then get her home and she is in a lot of pain, and I mean alot, I was surprised. Just getting up to use the bathroom was an ordeal. I give you this info because I want everyone to know that you should expect some recovery time if you are considering removing the hardware It took a good 5-6 weeks for her to feel like it was okay. She still has an issue with not being able to point that big toe. She is an athlete so she is not weak! Okay but the good thing is she is finally better. Today is her first time in months that she will be playing in a game. 9 months since she broke her ankle. No regrets taking out the hardware. She is feeling better, and she is playing basketball. She looks good! Good luck to you all!

  74. Good to hear everyone’s story of how they got hurt. It really helps to share, I think.

    I am doing better today, dr gave me some Tyl 3’s, & as much as I hate taking pain meds, I’ve been taking them occasionally, and it helps.

    And I am actually walking! Slowly, with my walker or crutches, but it isn’t as bad as I feared. No swelling this time, and minimal pain. Guess I just needed a bit longer to heal.

    I broke my leg with just a miss-step on the stairs at home, falling just 4 steps, but there was a wall at the bottom. My leg bent against the wall, and then my body hit the wall, breaking my leg in 3 places, just above the ankle and down into the ankle joint. That was July 6th, so 21w ago.

    Eric – congrats on wearing your shoe! I never realized what a big deal that would be till I tried one day – nope, not going to happen for me yet.

    Kris – Great story! Your daughter must have been a bit worried till you came home! I have an appt with my physio guy on Monday to see if he can suggest a dr for a 2nd opinion.

    Carole – I am in Canada, is most everyone else here in the UK? Hope you get good news on Monday!

    Shel – I keep hearing people say they got morphine in the ambulance. I didn’t get anything till they were going to xray me – even then they asked if I wanted it or just go to xrays! I was in so much pain, but was trying to be brave and not complain – guess they thought I didn’t need it?

    I didn’t get my surgery till the next day too, and they kept me waiting to eat, saying they didn’t know when. I broke my leg at 6:30 AM so hadn’t eaten since dinner the night before. I hadn’t even gone to the bathroom yet that morning!

    Sandra – I know what you mean, I am so afraid now of falling. Every time I pass the stairs at night to go to the bathroom, I fear I will fall down them again.

    Diana – I also find myself asking others I met, what “daredevil” thing where you doing when you broke your bone?

    Hope I didn’t miss anyone! We have a ton of snow today – that’s going to make it fun to get around!

    SignMyCast.net

  75. hello sandra
    when i was in hospitali met a woman who fell outside debenhams broke her hip another fell off the pavement same thing, lady fell over her hoover broke her wrist you can go on and on i see people on crutches now and feel like asking them so what happened to you.the other day in tesco a lady came around the corner on crutches like me and i shouted snap,ime definatly loosing it.

  76. Comment from Sandra

    Hi Diana,

    I was on annual leave, stepped off the kerb and hey presto, did a twist and turn in a hole/depression in the road. It might sound more impressive if I could say I did it abseiling for charity.

    By the way, I had to wait 45 minutes for an ambulance, lying in the road. I was not bleeding and was not unconscious so I was not an emergency.

    Word of advice: – don’t fall over in a small village in rural Norfolk. Much better to do so in a big city where the ambulance might get there sooner.

    Met another woman in hospital who did the same kind of damage to her ankle She was picking apples, and slipped on a fallen apple!

    In discharge room, met a woman who broke her spine falling down the stairs.

    Amazing how it happens, and it has certainly made me more cautious.

    How

  77. hi a ankle breakers and shel
    as simple as that, slipping down stairs it amazes me how easy it is,i slipped in the , garden the grass was wet because we had the paddling pool out for the granchildren my one year old grandson went under the water i dashed to to him fell slid across the lawn stopped by the pool and and picked him up i saw the bone move in ankle knew i had broken it. its going to take time and patients,
    catherine.
    how did you break your ankle?and how long ago?

  78. HI TO ALL

    Keep losing my post, so hope I am not repeating myself.

    Shel- nice to hear your story. Read previous posts about hardware. Personally, I would rather keep mine in for as long as possible, as long as it is not causing a problem. Just to avoid more surgery and convalescence. Do have restricted movement in my metal ankle so will ask consultant about it this week. The other one also hurts a lot from time to time but has not metal in it.

    Catherine – keep moaning if it helps, but have a laugh too. I write, write, write, and probably won’t be able to read most of it if I ever read it!

    Anybody feel like a dance? Thought it might be nice one day, but seems a long distance to go for me.

    Cucumber sounds like a great idea Diana.

    Bye for now,

    Sandra

  79. Hi to all

    Catherine – keep moaning if it helps, but have a laugh too – if you can.

    Shel – nice to hear from you. There are previous posts about hardward to read. I

  80. Hello all, well since I’m new I’ll give all my details. I broke three bones in my left ankle as I broke a land/ speed record on my stairs at home. My office was closing the doors after 10 years, and I was the Operations Manager. Obviously I had a lot on my mind, and that day was to be my final day. So, I stepped on the 1st stair and twisted and broke, and slid the rest of the way to the bottom. Luckily my hubby was home, I did go by ambulance as I was in terrible pain, and all I could think of was I would get there faster if my husband drove me, yet…. The ambulance had morphine 🙂

    So after I got to the hospital and was drugged up, they then out me under to stabilaize it. They kept me waiting all day sure, and kept saying that they would need to wait to eat until the surgery which “might” be yet that day. Needless to say at 6pm I assumed there would be no surgery and had to beg for food! Surgery was at 10 the next day, 5 sqrews and one plate. I stayed overnight and went home.

    Two days later I was in so much pain I wanted to die. I called the doctor’s after hours and they said well if it hurts that bad see us in the morning… AHHH! They couldn;t give more pain pills until they seen me. They had me just on percocet.

    When I went to see them, it was pretty obvious to them, I was so swollen the cast was basically killing me. They cut it off and wrapped me and put me in the boot. The next visit and new cast, and then again more swelling and new cast. I think I had 5 total casts!

    Through all of this I didn’t have a job anymore anyway, and nobody was willing to hire me. So I too spent many a day in tears.

    Finally I got a job, and just started on Monday. I got my cast off on Wednesday (7 weeks non weight bearing- cast) I am now back in the walking boot and started PT right away. It’s tough but after the first visit to PT I already have gained some ground. I still have to use the crutches as I have severe pain when I put a good amount of my weight on it. The pain actually feels like it comes from my heel anyone else???

    So now, I wait and see what comes. About the hardware: My doc hasn;t told me good or bad about it, he says if it bothers me he will take it out. My PT person stated since I have really small bones it may make things worse as I am more likley to feel it and have issues with it. The area where the one sqrew is horrible and flexing the foot to the right kills the plate area right now.

    I have major swelling still and the PT person fitted me with a compression sock: THAT IS A MUST HAVE!!! It sends the swelling up the leg and into the toes more so you can work your ankle as mine was so swollen it was restricting me working it.

    I would love to hear a detail of surgry to remove hardware as well, timelines would be wonderful! I am not sure my doc wants to wait a full year! Wondering how that works. Anyway thanks to everyone, I am glad I found this

  81. Grump, grump, whine, complain! OMg, that seems to be all I am doing lately, and it’s just not me. Usually I am the first to offer help, support and hope.

    Tried walking like the surgeon said, and ended up that night in excrutiating pain in my good leg. Went to ER and dr said could be a torn ligament in my good knee. Stay off it, use the wheelchair, elevate, ice.

    But I am continuing to walk with my crutches to the bathroom and kitchen, I need to have SOMETHING to tell the surgeon when I go back, even though my knee hurts so much.

    I am so-o tired of feeling sorry for myself!

    SignMyCast.net

  82. hi all anklbreakers
    we will all look back one day at what has happened to us, and find something that was,nt funny at the time,but looking back you cant help but laugh.when i had just come out of hospital laying in bed feeling so sorry for myself with slices of cucumber round my toes because of the burning[any body still in plaster out there, thats very soothing]i did get myself in a state one night and i had a panic attack,my poor husband could,nt cope with that,and so he had a panic attack and had to phone my daughter to come and calm us both down, i had to pull myself together because he was worse than me oh my god.MEN.

  83. Comments from Sandra

    From Sandra. Good to read all your news, and comments to some named people follow.

    Mandy. Well done if you are driving after 3 months and find it helps. Do you get any pain at all?

    Catherine. Keep practising and I hope it will get easier for you.

    Diana. Agree about the need to exercise, but it’s so cold out there it makes my ankle ache. Instead, I pace up and down the room or the landing. I have been told to walk barefoot/in socks as it will flex my foot more – and I can feel it!

    Carol. Hope op goes well and it helps.
    ON SHOES – I have just been able to get into a pair of trainers this past week, and feel more supported than it my flat sandals – especially arch of foot. HOWEVER, physio has advised me that I still need to pratice natural foot movement (heel to toe), and trainers don’t really allow foot to flex fully. So I am only wearing these when outside.

    Catherine. Not a very helpful Consultant and not good to get conflicting info. You deserve a second opinion. Shame about the shower – can it be fixed or replaced? If it came via UK OT service, they should sort it for you. Or British Red Cross might lend an alternative.

    Eric. Congratulations. Interested in your big toe. I have two toes on left foot without full feeling, and they don’t go flat to the floor. Hope it will come back, and need to ask Consultant about it next week. However, physio tells me if pad of toes connect with the ground, that’s okay. BUT they are my toes and I would like them to be normal!

    Ankle Quest. You have made really good progress.

    On my progress. Carried half a cup of tea into lounge today with my crutches, and did not spill it. A bit foolhardy, but it’s warmer than the kitchen.

    I am walking alternating legs and crutches, which is more like normal walking. Still doing small paces in the kitchen and bathroom without them, but not anywhere else. And trying not to lurch around like I’m drunk when I do.

    Best wishes to the rest of the anklebreakers’ community.

    Sandra

  84. Eric:

    Great news for you! Congrats! Having your foot in a regular shoe is a huge milestone. I have to tell you a funny motorcycle story though. I got my motorcycle license a year ago April. Since I broke my ankle this past June, I wasn’t able to ride the Sportster at all this past summer. We have two motorcyles, the other is a Harley Heritage Softail. Well in September, about 3 1/2 months after my ankle break I decided to go for a ride with my husband on the Softail, riding on the back. At the time, I was still in a walking cast but I removed it and squeezed my foot into a sneaker. I used my crutches to get 1/2 way down the driveway and swung my leg over the back of the motorcycle to get on. I left my crutches leaning against the house. My daughter returned from a sleepover and when she was dropped off, imagine the look on her face to see my crutches leaning against the house and I was no where to be found!!!!!! We had a good laugh over that one when we returned. Hang in there. I plan to be riding again next summer.
    Kris

  85. Hello Everyone,
    FinalllYYYYYYYYYYYYY…I can now where a normal shoe. I severly broke my ankle in a motorcycle accident. I just got back from the doctors and am in a normal shoe. Although I may never feel my big toe again, I feel so happy to be getting back to a normal life. It has now been 4 months and I am just being to walk with a normal shoe (of course still on crutches). I wish you all a speeding recovery for there is light at the end of the tunnel…and to all my motorcyle brethen on this website, be safe out there on the roads

    Best Regards,
    Eric

  86. Catherine

    Really sorry you had bad news- Its so hard when you go in and see the Dr’s as they just rush you through like a conveyor belt and you have all these questions in your head and when you come out you think I should have asked that and that but you dont as they jsut talk over you- Perhaps you should get a second opinion as Kris suggested – Are you in england ? perhaps if you are you could go to your GP and tell him/her your concerns- and they could speak with the consultant on your behalf.

    Best wishes

    carol
    Ps I am going to have my op on Monday- will post how it goes

  87. Catherine:

    Sounds like it’s time to look for a new Dr. I had the same problem with my Dr. It was like every time I went to see him, he acted like he’d NEVER seen me before. My Physical Therapist was the one who finally agreed with me that I should see a new orthopedist and they recommended someone to me. You may want to do the same. I wouldn’t jump into another surgery without getting another opinion. Good luck. It’s frustrating, and we all have good and bad days. This was a bad one for you…. hopefully tomorrow will be better.
    Kris

  89. Dr said walk or face surgery!

    I am so frustrated with my dr visit today! The x-ray still shows an obvious break in my tibia, above all the screws. He starts in that it looks like he will need to go back in and add the plate. I said that’s what I thought he would say.

    I told him I tried to do some light-weight bearing, like he said 6w ago, and had one good week, and then lots of pain and swelling that lasted for days, despite icing and elevation. I couldn’t even move my toes for several days. So the physio guy told me that showed I was not ready, and no more weight-bearing till I see the dr. The dr says, don’t listen to the physio guy, only listen to him.

    He says, get a compression bandage and try to walk for a week, and come back and tell him how I feel. So I will walk, with my crutches, pain or not. I am not afraid of the pain – I am afraid of re-fracturing my leg!

    I asked him if the bone was healed? He said it looked OK, as he left the room. I wish he would stay and answer my questions, reassure me that the bone is truly OK, and safe to walk on. He makes me feel like he doesn’t really know or care – just walk and see if it breaks again?

    Then, when I am putting back on my knee sock, under my cast, the nurse says no, it is too tight and full of wrinkles. (Yes, it’s a bit tight from my leg swelling, but there are no wrinkles.) So she gives me a piece of stockinette, too small to cover both my foot and my leg, which wrinkles no matter how I adjust it, and she tells me I must wear it whenever I wear my cast, not my sock.

    But if my sock is too tight, what about the compression stocking????

    Oh, and my shower seat (a patio stool) legs bent in the other day, and I haven’t been able to have a shower since! I just need to whine for a bit, sorry…

    Signmycast.net

  90. Hi All

    Sandra glad you managed to walk to the shop – it sounds like you are doing really well- I went to see the consultant today – the wire that was holding everything in place is going to come out- probably next week- he says this will hopefully help with the redness, swelling and pain- another operation – but it is only in for the day- and if it gets rid of this pain I dont care- I need to walk normally and shop till I drop- workmates or no workmates I think we all deserve it after what we have been through !
    I hope Catherine got good news today.

    Does anyone find what shoes/boots you walk in makes a difference- only I have been wearing flat boots for the last few days and the ankle has been painful- but when I walk in trainer like shoes it seems better ?

    Thanks for listening

    Heres to postive thinking and recovery

    Carol

  91. hi all anklebraekers
    and catherine
    i am so sorry you have suffered since you were fourteen,and hope you are having or had a good day,i just felt like having a good old moan the other day,nothing seemed to go right normally i like to be organized this time of year but it seems my ankle is putting a stop to that, oh here i go again,i am so glad i found you all
    mandy
    i broke my right ankle to,the screws are on the inside and the plate on the outside no problem there its the screws side is pulling and feels like scraping from the inside,and no we cant stay in all the time we have to exercise even if it is shopping.ime going to physio twice a week my legs feel like jelly after and im,e good for nothing for awhile.take care.

  92. Hi Everyone!
    For the Londoner…eventually the sun will shine again. I live in the New York metro area and it rained all day yesterday. That made me realize how bad it can be over there in the mist, rainy and cloudy London area. (I’ve been in London three times for a week or more and every time I had the most wonderful weather.)

    For the rest of you…every day is a blessing as I get better and better over time. I walk the dog a mile a day, and that helps. I am now starting to run a little with him. This Thanksgiving weekend I gardened for 4 days and carried around heavy things and it was no problem. My leg is still an inch or two thinner than my other leg, and I am strengthening it now by standing on one leg and moving up and down. This also helps flexion & extension of the ankle. I now have almost completely perfect motion in the ankle after a bad trimalleolar break in Feb of 06. I thought I would never recover for a time, but now no one would know I broke my ankle.

    By the way I am 62 years old. There is hope for all of you. Keep up the physical therapy at home. That is what I did after only 4 sessions… then I stopped. I am a very self directed person and highly motivated so I did a lot of therapy on my own and still do. This does not work for everyone, I know, but it does work well as long as you keep it up. I’ll never have a perfect foot again (I can see that it is not put together the same way it was) but I’ll keep active since I see that works over time.

    Also, to the person who wants to see the LA movie studio…easy, get a wheel chair. Don’t keep from doing things just because of the break.

    CHRISTI…thanks for setting up this site!!!

    Good Luck everyone.

  93. Hi everyone, it has been a busy night. Just want to say hi. It sure helps to read everyone’s stories and know we are not alone in this. Let’s all keep up the good work, we can do it.

  94. Diana – Oh, I have arthritis too, since I was 14y old and my good knee is giving me so much grief having to take all of my weight. I am learning ways of getting up without straining my good knee. Some days it hurts way more than my bad leg!
    I find I can’t use the crutches in the night, I am just too exhausted. So I keep a walker upstairs for bathroom trips.

    Sandra – that’s quite a journey on crutches! Good for you! I can’t do more than walk to the bathroom or kitchen with mine. If we leave the house, I have to go by wheelchair. I tried one day to walk to the doctor’s office from the car, but I just get too tired…

    ~*~ Catherine
    Signmycast.net

  95. Hi Diana..

    I also broke my right akle in august its been 3 months for me and my ankle is also still swollen..I am in physio 3 times a week as well still not allowed to work..As for running into a co-worker you do not need to worry my Orthopedic docter as well as my Physio girl suggested I get out and about and do some walking as that helps make ur leg/ankle and ur muscles stronger u just have to make sure u do not over do it thou…Hope things get better..:).If it helps I am already driving I find that helpsmy foot also it gets better I can also feel my screws too I have a metal plate and 8 screws on my right side of my ankle then 4 screws on the other side of my ankle I broke my tibula & fibula and once on my upper leg it gets better trust me..:)

  96. Hi from Sandra,

    Busy here this evening!

    I managed to get up the hill and into our small local shop today – and back again, with my daughter as an escort. Managed with the crutches, but the round trip was about 40 minutes – not the usual 15-20.

    My left ankle and foot is speaking to me this evening! I have found that the more I do the more pain I get – especially in bed at night. I could only sleep (well nap) in one position last night.

    Can’t remember who said it, but I feel that most of my stiffness is the screws, and some of the burning and stabbing pains I get.

    For Carol and Catherine, I hope that visit to the Consultant goes well. Mine is next Wednesday.

    Diana – shame about bumping into someone from work.

    I had thought that one day – maybe like you – a taxi ride to a shop for Xmas stuff and a cup of tea might be part of my recuperation. It’s about taking it slowly, building confidence, and looking after yourself. Spending all day at work is a different matter altogether – so don’t rush it (you or me?).

    I do feel energised by my walk, despite the pains, and like the rest of you out there am determined to keep going, and walk again as soon as I can.

    Night (or good morning) to all,

    Sandra

  97. hi catherine
    thanks for the words of wisdom.i am 56 and have ostio arthitus as well as a once broken ankle,its been hard on the knees, and crutches nearly killed me.but we live to tell the tale dont we ?take care. diana.

  98. Oh Diana! That is not good – too bad you had to run into her while shopping!

    Sara – thank goodness you were wearing a helmet! Great progression – it’s good to be able to talk to others who understand, isn’t it?

    Sandra – you are doing so much better than me – hope it continues to progress for you!

    Carole – great healing for being 60y old! I am 53 and thinking that it was my age why it is taking so long for me.
    Carol – I go tomorrow as well, for my next surgeon check-up. I have been so worried that he will say he has to go back in and add another plate since I am still NWB after almost 21w. Wish us both luck!

    ~*~ Catherine

  99. hi all anklbreakers
    broke my ankle in august i have two screws and a plate its been fourteen weeks and its still very painfull when i walk ,not so much the plate side its where the screws are i swear i can feel them and that side of my ankle is still quite swollen,i am walking with a stick.i had to turn up for an appointment this afternoon,so i thought i would try a bit of xmas shopping i only managed one shop,and what happened?i came face to face with a person from work ,you are looking really well she said.[oh my god]i didnt even have my stick with me if only she knew how i feel,now i feel worse but i wouldnt be able to stay on my feet for six hours five days aweek,oh i wish i had taken my stick.take care.

  100. Hey All,
    I have been reading everyone’s stories for the last couple weeks. They have been comforting…to see the progression. Though my injury does not seem as serious as others here…i thought it would be nice to cover the gamut as far as experiences.

    I fractured my right tibia on 10/26. I was struck by a hit-and-run driver while on my bike. Fortunately i was wearing a helmet…otherwise i would have been hurt much worse. I had surgery with 2 screws placed(not as serious as some here) 1 week later. I wore a hard cast for 10 days and then was given a moonboot for the next month. The doc told me to add weight slowly over this period. I’ve been wearing it for over two weeks and have started walking without the crutches. I have a significant limp and though the pain is dull it is not overwhelming. My ankle still swells through out the day…but always calms down after elevation. Do you think I am doing more harm than good? Am I being too impatient and ultimately preventing proper healing?

    I can also attest to the stiffness & tightness. Sometimes it is hard to believe that my ankle will ever recover. How can it be normal again…or ever compare to the healthy ankle? I can understand the frustrations everyone feels…when the most basic activity becomes a huge barrier. My husband has been great, but i can start to see it taking a tole on him. But your stories here have given me some hope. It’s just a matter of time, right?

    Thanks all!

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