Broken Ankle

by Beverly Sain
(Winston Salem NC )

I am 6 weeks into a broken ankle - plate and 8 screws
Surgeon ok'd weight bearing 30 lbs at 4 weeks into injury increasing 20 lbs each week - I am now 70lbs weight bearing and down to 1 crutch - I am worried that this is too early for all of this but I am relying on doctor knowledge. Does this sound normal - I am a very active person , while I was out running I tripped over dog leash and injury occurred. I am worried about ever getting back to normal. I am so tired of hearing negative stories from people that have been through the same injury-
Can you ease my mind ?

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Broken Ankle

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Mar 13, 2010
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		broken ankle tibia & fibia
by: Terry from Australia

Well i am 9 days in, my foot went 90% the outwards at the ankle and resulted in dislocation all ligaments torn 2 fractures in my tibia and one half way up my fibia.Finished my last morphine last night and now onto codeine and panedine. Using a frame rather than crutches but watch out for stuff on the floor at night as this can cause alot of damage when you fall over the frame.lol I am just wondering how long before i could drive a car and thus return to work? Also if there are any exersise to help this injury i am currently doind 3 x 20 leg extensions twice a day and trying to move my ankle and foot as much and as often as i can inside the cast.
best of luck to you all.
Dec 06, 2009
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starstarstarstarstar 		Stacy follow up
by: Anonymous

Follow up from my 10/24/09 comment.
Hello everyone, well last week (Dec 3) I had my cast removed and I now have a boot and crutches. I can not express how nice it is to finally get the cast off. I am doing well, I am still home from work, I plan to return full time January 6. I have some ankle exercises to do 5-6 times a week and I start physical therapy tomorrow. The skin was just disgusting, however since I am an Arbonne consultant, I had some lotion at home, I am using this, and what a difference it makes. So for all of you, there is light at the end of the tunnel. It's still not easy with boot and crutches. However I am recovering niceley since October 13.
Good luck to all of you.
Dec 06, 2009
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starstarstarstarstar 		How much longer?
by:

I broke my right ankle 9/11/09 had surgery 9/17/09 recieved plate and eight screws placed in cast non weight bearing entire time required almost constant elevation due to swelling. Cast removed 11/05/09 started physical therapy November 9, 2009 starting my 5th week of physical therapy. I still have pain limited mobility. I have complied with all my exercises at Pt and at home I started driving in the last week.(THANK YOU) I walk with one crutch on flat surfaces i'm fine for a limited time still have to concentrate on heel and toe. can not go down stairs unaided without tremors no muscle tone. How much longer?
Dec 06, 2009
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starstarstarstarstar 		How much longer?
by:

I broke my right ankle 9/11/09 had surgery 9/17/09 recieved plate and eight screws placed in cast non weight bearing entire time required almost constant elevation due to swelling. Cast removed 11/05/09 started physical therapy November 9, 2009 starting my 5th week of physical therapy. I still have pain limited mobility. I have complied with all my exercises at Pt and at home I started driving in the last week.(THANK YOU) I walk with one crutch on flat surfaces i'm fine for a limited time still have to concentrate on heel and toe. can not go down stairs unaided without tremors no muscle tone. How much longer?
Dec 06, 2009
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starstarstarstarstar 		How much longer
by:

I broke my right ankle 9/11/09 had surgery 9/17/09 recieved plate and eight screws placed in cast non weight bearing entire time required almost constant elevation due to swelling. Cast removed 11/05/09 started physical therapy November 9, 2009 starting my 5th week of physical therapy. I still have pain limited mobility. I have complied with all my exercises at Pt and at home I started driving in the last week.(THANK YOU) I walk with one crutch on flat surfaces i'm fine for a limited time still have to concentrate on heel and toe. can not go down stairs unaided without tremors no muscle tone. How much longer?
Oct 26, 2009
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starstarstarstarstar 		Still limping after broken ankle
by: Anonymous

I broke my fibula in 3 places - 2 of the breaks were up above my ankle but the other was very close to my ankle. Broke it on Labor Day weekend - got a black boot type cast the folloiwng Wednesday. After 3 weeks, doctor told me I could take it off to shower & sleep and put weight on it as I can tolerate - said it will promote healing. Two weeks later, she told me to take the cast off and walk. I walk with a limp as my ankle hurts just on the outside though. My leg feels fine. I am trying to get to the pool 3-4 times a week for water walking but when will I stop limping? It is frustrating. Would PT be helpful? My doctor has me doing circle exercises and wants me to pick up marbles with my toes and drop them into a bowl. Still can't pick them up though. So I'm 47 days from broken to therapy - am I trying to go too fast? I am 54 YO female in relativly good shape. Thanks
Oct 24, 2009
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starstarstarstarstar 		Broken Ankle Oct 13
by: Stacy

Hi everyone,
I broke my ankle on October 13 '09 and had surgery Oct 20 '09. I am only on the run between my job, my childrens events, and I go to school. This is difficult for me to be on bedrest. I will see the doctor next Thursday and hopefully I will have a hard cast. What I find difficult is simple everyday tasks, I can't take showers, I can't carry my own coffee, etc... What is the most disheartening for me is to find out there are so many buildings without automatic doors, even my own orthopedic's office does not have an automatic door. I know my situation with crutches is temporary, but for all of those folks in wheel chairs who can't even open a door to their own doctors is frustrating.
I found this siter and reading everyone's experience helpful. I am feeling caustrophobic at this time. I guess I will take one day at a time, it's been four days since I had a plate and 7 screws inserted in the ankle, so it sounds like I have a long road ahead. I am grateful for a very supportive family and my children are being so helpful. L
ONE DAY AT A TIME is my motto. Good luck to all of you.
Sep 25, 2009
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starstarstarstarstar 		Too old to play soccer at 42
by: Dave

Hi everyone!

I broke my ankle playing soccer on August 16th during an over 40 soccer game. Quite competitive league...I was rolling the ball to the outside when someone slide tackled me. The pain was really intense. I went straight down and apparently hit my head on the ground as well. Hope it knocked some sense into me. Drove home and went to an urgent care a few hours later. Broken ankle. Saw Orthopedic surgeon 3 days later and scheduled for surgery the next day (August 20th). Ortho put in a plate and 6 screws/pins. Had nerve block, so no pain the first day and a half. Then the pain hit pretty hard...pain meds helped, but I limited my intake since I didn't want to get hooked. At the 4 week appt, doctor removed cast and put me in an "Air-Stirrup". Walking without crutches at times now. Still have pain at time--especially when it rains. Air-Stirrup does not seem like much support at all, and I'm putting a lot of weight on it--I'm 6.2 250 (actually not that out of shape--just a large frame). LOL. I do take my Air-Stirrup off when I'm working during the day. Fortunately, I work from home. I feel for all of you who work outside the home when something like this happenns. Anyways, I found this site the day after my ankle fracture and found solace in other people's messages. Follow doctor's orders and take it easy. A cast sucks, but it will be off soon, and the pain does subside. I feel fortunate I had an acute injury and am able to recover. Good Luck All!
Sep 19, 2009
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starstarstarstarstar 		Two broken ankles
by: Anonymous

Hi there,

Thank you for all of your posts. My Mom (who is 67) fell and broke both of her ankles three days ago. The left foot required surgery as it was a clean break and the right fook just required setting and a boot. She is in a ton of pain and I'm three states away (this is torture). They have moved her to an occ therapy room at the hospital but she is in an amazing amount of pain. They are giving her the maximum pain medicine but does anybody have perspective on "average" time frames for reduced pain, typical recovery, etc? I'm looking to give my Mom something to hang on to as she is very frustrated (which I totally understand).
Thanks
Sep 17, 2009
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starstarstarstarstar 		Recovering
by: Marsha

I broke my left ankle and dislocated my foot on July 18th, at my step-granddaughters 1st birthday party. I have one plate and a total of 7 screws. It is going on 9 weeks since this happened, and I have had times of complete frustration, wondering how long I would be hurting, when I will walk normal again, when I would be able to walk without crutches or wear a cast. Most of the time I am okay about it, I realize in the grand scheme of things, this isn't going to be forever. Reading the posts on here has helped, it helped me to find others who do actually understand exactly how I feel because they are dealing with the same types of things I am. So I thank you all for your sharing, it definitely made a difference to me when I really needed it.
I go to the doctor tomorrow to find out what is next, he said at the last appointment that I would be off the crutches and out of the cast then, I am not sure that I am really ready for that. The stiffness I feel in my ankle all the time makes me really wonder if it is really the right time to go without both the cast and the crutches. I will let him know how I feel, and I am not afraid of dealing with the pain, I just wanted to put that out there to others who would understand the feeling.
Sep 03, 2009
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starstarstarstarstar 		tibia and fibula broke
by: niki

Hi! I am soo glad to have found this site! I am a clumsy 29yr old that broke my tibia in4 places and my fibula in1 place and tore the ligament in between on8/14/09.I was on vacation(in PA)and fell down a very small hill,the grass was wet and I had flip flops on. I went to the emergency room where I was admitted and had xrays taken,had my ankle reset(WOWZAS)and then had a full leg cast on for about 6days. Then I went back home(in MD)to which I had a consult with the orthopeadist and had surgery the following day. I have a plate,4 screws and a pin holding me together... I am told that the pin will come out at 12 weeks. I have my 2 week check up tomorrow,I am hoping for a good check up. My foot too swells if I have it up for an extended period of time.But I do make sure that I have it elevated soon after for comfortand to reduce the swelling. I have to say if it weren't for the most amazing andsupporting husband and very supportive 7 year old, I don't know how I would be making it through! It helps to have a good support team in place and don't hesitate to ask for help! It definately has been a struggle not only financially but emotionally and physically as well. All I can say is Thanks for the advice from others!And to fellow ankle breakers Keep your chin up! Its only going to get better!!
Aug 26, 2009
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starstarstarstarstar 		4 wheeler Break
by: Shy

Hello everyone!! I was in a 4 wheeler accident on June 20, 2009 in which I was thrown 10-15 feet from where the ATV landing when it came down the ditch. I was shipped to one hospital where they reset the bone that had broken the skin. After xrays the doctors noticed that I had crushed the bones on the inner part of my ankle as well. I was then airlifted to a different hospital where surgery was performed and have 1 screw in my ankle (the doctors could only put in one screw because of the amount of bone that was left). I spent 5 days in the hospital and came home with a fixator on (the worse). 2 weeks later I was put into a fiber glass cast, 2 weeks after that a walking cast, 2 weeks after that an ankle brace. I feel pretty good. I have my good days and my bad days. The body is an amazing thing! I am so blessed. Now that my ankle is healing, I now have to concentrate on the broken orbital bone under my eye!!! Keep me in your prayers!!!
Aug 12, 2009
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starstarstarstarstar 		Connie
by: Kathrin

Thank you for the much needed positive report !!!!
Aug 12, 2009
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starstarstarstarstar 		Healing time with broken ankle
by: Connie

In response to person who broke ankle 6 weeks ago and wanted to hear some good outcomes - I broke mine and had surgery April 2008. By October 08 I was back to speed walking and had a trainer for weights. I have a plate and 6 screws in. I am completely back to running now (have been since Jan. 09). I worked up to it. I have no problems, not even when it rains. I did everything the doctor and physical therapists told me to, even though it seemed at the time to be forever. I have no intention to have my hardware taken out as long as it doesn't bother me. Except for the scar, you'd never know this has happened.
Aug 11, 2009
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starstarstarstarstar 		For Broken Ankle
by: Anonymous

It sounds like you were in really good shape... Trust your doctor and trust yourself !!! If you feel four weeks is too early... stop and talk to your doctor.. You know your body best..if you are in a lot of pain.. stop and talk to him.. It sounds to me that you are doing great !!!! Hang in there..My mother-in-law told me after I told her that the doc had said after surgery I would feel worse.. "well, if you are going to believe that.. you won't be surprised if you are going to feel bad..." I changed my outlook and believed that God was going to perform a miracle and he did ! The doc had only given me a 40% chance of being able to fix one of my numerous fractures with a plate.. he thought that I was going to have to have the exeternal fixator... I refused to believe that... felt something moving in my ankle just before surgery... and the doctor was able to fix it with a plate... I refused to believe that this is going to take forever... I KNOW I will be fine in a few months... Keep your thoughts positive.. refuse the negative.. and you will be fine !!!!
Kathrin
Aug 11, 2009
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starstarstarstarstar 		Aqua
by: Kathrin

You are right... it could have been so much worse for you.. so sorry about your horse...

I am not almost two weeks post op.. Surgery took three hours.. one big plate and I think about 10+ screws.. The doctor took the cast off four days later and have been in the walking boot.. but no weight bearing.. He told me six weeks after surgery we will start gradually... I do, however, do my 100 reps of moving my foot...

Except three days I have worked every day... not do I only need the paycheck.. but I also need something to do.. I have been off my pain meds for four days now and only take the sleeping pill at night... I need my six hours of uninterupted sleep..

I have never in my life been this helpless and it really humbles you... but it also makes you realize that people care about you..

This is not the end of the world... just taking an involuntary break... :)

Hope you heal FAST !!!!

Kathrin
Aug 10, 2009
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starstarstarstarstar 		hi katrin
by: aqha

im sorry to hear about your injury,it was better for me to have surgery a few days later bc it gives you time to prepare yourself for it, my surgery took 1 hour and 30 min and it seemed lk 5 mintues so its over pretty fast, i have been out of work since my injury(8 wks) im a vetinary tech so i cant go back until i can walk a little,
i think what keeps me postive is how lucky i am to be alive after my accident and to have a injury that will heal with some time, others not so lucky(my horse died in the accident she ran into the rail to hard and fast), i know how much it sucks but theres nothing to do now but to let it heal, time went by pretty fast for me try readin books, watching movies. i wish you the best of luck
Aug 10, 2009
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starstarstarstarstar 		horse injury
by: aqha

hi everyone i wish i would have found this sooner. I broke my tibia/fibula and had a dislocation when i was thrown off my race horse, i had surgery 9 days later had 2 screws and a plate put in, im on week 8 since the injury and week 7 of my surgery, i had to go in to change my first fiberglass cast bc alot of swelling went down and my cast became real loose, that was 2 weeks ago i have a recheck tomorrow and im pretty nervous im hoping to get a air cast im so ready to scratch and clean my leg!!!!!! lol it really helps to hear people that can relate to the emotional, physcal pain one goes through. im trying to stay postive and praying for healing. i hope everyone recovers back to health and god bless
Jul 25, 2009
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starstarstarstarstar 		Just happened..need some advice on how to get through the next few months
by: Kathrin

Hi...
mine is not a "sports" injury.. My clumpsy butt triped a a gasstation. Broke three bones and one about 20 times. It also came out the joint, but he already fixed that (worst pain ever). The doctor said it is a pilon fracture. Surgery is not even scheduled until the earliest in about 10 days. So now I am lying here in pain, no hope for getting better yet.. no surgery until ten days from now... and ONLY depending if my skin looks good or not... Then he said after surgery I would be totally down for seven to ten days?! He says without complications a plate and screws will do the trick.I am only two days into this. I hate being helpless and actually have to ask for help for now.. How do you cope with that? I also have a very demanding job (comptroller) and no back-up.. Trying to figure out a battle plan this weekend on how to get it all done.... What would be the best way to approach this whole situation?
Jul 25, 2009
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starstarstarstarstar 		Broken ankle- plate & 6 pin
by: Alicia

Hello, I'm Alicia. Broke ankle on vacation in Utah, at friends house. Doctors at utah hosp. reset ankle but told us I had to have surgery. WE opted to return home to Tex. So I flew home 3 days later with broken ankle. Dr. in Vic. Tx my home operated have plate and 6 pins. Have two weeeks to go with fiber glass cast. Aug 6 , 12 days away. Reading everones exp. has helped me feel better.Gives me idea of what I might have to go through. I am scared, but positive. Have lots of faith. I also have my crying moments. My husband is hanging in there.
I also use wheelchair alot. But can't wait to walk. Hopefully, the next step after this cast is an air boot. Will let you guys know!
Have a good day!
Jul 09, 2009
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starstarstarstarstar 		Helpful Hints
by: Anonymous

I just broke my ankle 6 days ago and wanted to share some ideas/items that have helped me already.
1) Curad makes a plastic cover that's very easy to use to take a shower or bath and it's reuseable. My daughter found mine at Walgreens.
2) I just filled out a Temporary Disabled Placard application to have my doctor sign at my appointment next week. So when I get to the point that I feel like getting out, we can use a handicapp parking space.
3) I'm using a walker so I have a canvas bag to put items in that I can't carry. I didn't see any need to buy an item especially made for walkers when a tote bag works just as well.
4) I put all my bathroom necessities (toothpaste, hairbrush, etc.) in the plastic tub that the hospital sent home with me. It keeps everything reachable and accessable.
5) Tonight, I'm going to try using a belt to strap my foot to my pillows as my foot keeps slipping off in the middle of the night and I wake up in pain.

So far, that's it. I'll add more if I come up with any other ideas. Would love to hear of any helpful hints others may have for daily living with a broken ankle.
Jul 04, 2009
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starstarstarstarstar 		Da Ankle
by: Donna

My story -- it happened on 5/29/09 -- i made it home safely from work -- came running down the basement stairs to use bathroom -- but little did i know my dog had peed at the bottom of the stairs -- i went sliding and then broke my ankle -- i just couldn't believe it -after reading your posts -- i guess i have been lucky -- i have a clean break -- no surgery required or screws required -- the cast was removed on 7/2/09 -i am healing fine - and i now have an air cast to wear -- my physician has said that i should start moving it -- so i do twice a day -- i can put a little weight on it -- i tell i have torn my rotator cuff completely off and have had a cyst removed on wrist -- but this is the worst because you are so reliant on others-- and the post about dieting is soooooo true -- i am going to cut down on the food and break out some weights to some upper body training -i also found having a wheelchair at home has been more helpful and less dangerous than crutching everywhere -- i would luv to hear from someone fittess44123@yahoo
Jul 03, 2009
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starstarstarstarstar 		Broken Ankle
by: Anonymous

Hi I broke my right ankle and I have plate and screws that are staying in all the time. I was down to one crutch and finally got rid of it at 12 weeks I do wear an ankle brace on it that is a brace that laces up and 3 straps on it. It really helps when I am walking on it and when I go back to work at the kitchen at our school, I have to wear it everyday. It will take time and hang in there! I can't believe I have came this far!
Jun 27, 2009
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starstarstarstarstar 		broken ankle
by: Stephanie

Hello everyone! Well I had the surgey and got a plate and seven screws . The first two weeks was very painful . But on my two week check up I was put in a hard cast for four weeks with no weight bearing which I'm not happy about that.So hopefully when I go back I will be put in a air boot! It has been a life changing experince . Thanks for all the post it helps to hear from other with the same thing .
Jun 27, 2009
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starstarstarstarstar 		Ankle fracture
by: eb

I just had surgary on my left ankle on June 12. They put two screws inside however the doctor said that in 2 months they where going to take out one. I just like to know if i would be able to play basketball again after recovery. Would i have the same abilities i used to have before the surgary?
Jun 20, 2009
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starstarstarstarstar 		roller derby broken ankle
by: Patty

I broke my ankle in three places on May 26th, about three and a half weeks ago. I was playing roller derby. I had surgery the next night and have a plate and 11 screws on the outside of my ankle and two screws on the inside. I had a hard cast put on a week ago and no weight bearing. I still have some pain and when I lower my foot, to sit or just to walk (with crutches), my toes turn purple and they swell. Does other people experience this?
I go to the doctor in about three weeks and hopefully if everything looks good, I will get a walking boot. I am wondering if I will still be walkin with crutches for a little bit? What are other's experiences.
Also, like another skater's question, has any other skater gone back to skating after breaking an ankle? I really want to go back to playing roller derby but I am very scared of reinjuring it again.
Jun 10, 2009
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starstarstarstarstar 		Broke Ankle in Mar'08
by: Anonymous

Unfortunately, I am still in pain after breaking my ankle (both tibia and fibula all the way through. I have 7 screws and a plate. I still often have quite a lot of swelling.

Then 1 mo ago I twisted the same ankle walking on uneven ground and broke a bone in my foot! Xrays show my ankle has heeled nicely so that is good news.

I did the PT religiously, but I still do not have good range of motion and strength.

I am told by others it may well take another year to heal and it may not be 100%.

It is frustrating but glad it is not even worse.
Jun 08, 2009
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starstarstarstarstar 		Be positive
by: Joanne

Hi broke my ankle and tibia playing rugby on April 12th 2009, got a operation the next day needed 2 plates and 6 pins. I had a fibreglass pot on for 2 weeks then got that changed when my stitches were removed then another pot on for 4 weeks. During this time i couldnt put any weight on my ankle. After 6 weeks i got my pot off thinking i would get another on with a shoe but the doctor said i could weight bear without one. That was nearly 2 weeks ago now and i can fully weight bear with 1 crutch and take some steps with crutches. I know this is going to be a slow process but im aiming to be fit again by january as im joining the police. Im not going to rush but do things right by going swimming to slowly build movement and getting physio.

Have decided no more rugby for me as i couldnt deal with the pain again. Good luck to everyone with a similar injury
Jun 06, 2009
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starstarstarstarstar 		hello again
by: Anonymous

hello its now been about five weeks since i had my cast off so 11 weeks since the accident. function is returning and the limp is reducing. still weak on uneven ground but trying to practice running. recommend balance exercises. it gets better but very slowly
Jun 05, 2009
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starstarstarstarstar 		broken ankle
by: Stephanie

Well Im into a week of hell . I went out last Friday night for dancing with some friends and slipped and broke my ankle in the worst way all 3 bones and now Im in need for sugery.I have alot of swelling and Im in alot of pain . This post has helped me so much . Im a very active person. I just cant wait to walk again . Thanks Everybody!!
Jun 01, 2009
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starstarstarstarstar 		ankle
by: Anonymous

i had 9 days to go before removal of my cast for my broken ankle. i today removed it in frustration and am scared of if my ankles healed enough
May 29, 2009
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starstarstarstarstar 		Updating my post
by: Anonymous

Left Distal Fibula Fracture with ORIF surgery:

Timeline:

Apr 2- Fractured Fibula Sliding in Softball
Apr 8- ORIF Surgery- 1 plate, 5 screws

NO WEIGHT BEARING FOR 6 WEEKS- Get a wheelchair! Crutches are annoying!!!!

May 22- 6.5 weeks, Partial Weightbearing-1 Crutch, with a cam walker boot
May 27- 7 weeks after, No crutches, but still wearing a cam walker

In two weeks, I am able to walk in regular shoes. Basically, 10 weeks til I can go back to wearing shoes.

Believe me, to all of you people out there, I wanted to know when I could be back on my feet again. I went from playing on 5-6 coed teams to doing absolutely nothing, but mope around the house. KEEP YOUR SPIRIT UP! The minute you get back on your feet, you will feel alive!!!! DIET as much as possible. Everything turns to JELLO!!!! =) Julie

Email me if you have questions: jhardy@dadeschools.net
May 29, 2009
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starstarstarstarstar 		Why Me?
by: Why Me

SO this past Sunday had an accident while playing basketball. Went for a layup and had a defender come under me and take my feet out from under me. Resulted in a flip and an unfortunate fracture to my distal fibula. Luckily however it was non displaced and after seeing the doctor today he gave me a 90-95 percent sure i would not need surgery. Currently i have been put in a cast told for the next 4 weeks non weight bearing and then three weeks cast weight bearing. This has been a total blow to me since i am an extremely active person. Taking Summer school and then senior year of under grad, have a real estate job, and am a basketball player who practices and plays everyday, and remodeling my house. I don't really have a question, just not a strong support system most people will just make comical statements and parents use the it just happens. Anyway after seeing the doctor today I am thinking about switching to a sports medicine doctor even though i wont need surgery i believe they will be the best option to seeing my fracture through to become strong enough to run and jump full speed again on the courts and also provide proper therapists to get me on the right track. it appears ill be off the court for about 8-9 months until I am good to go. Atleast I will be able to lift before then. Anyway I am the newbie just saying hello and giving my story.
May 28, 2009
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starstarstarstarstar 		My right ankle
by: Crystal

I broke my right ankle on mother day.
I was playing ball and i fell on a stump and twisted my ankle 90 degrees.Ouch
I was rushed to the hospital and the next day had surgery.I broke my tib,had a plate and 4 screws.On may 27th,16 days later i had to go in to get my staples removed.Thank god.I was put into a hard cast(purple) and was told no weight bearing for 5 weeks.My next app is june 30th,I hope i hear good news and pray i have a air or walking cast.My foot never swelled and i had no bruising.I can wiggle my toes and move them up and down and move ankle up and down and sideways.Wonder why Dr told me no weight bearing i feel fine...
May 26, 2009
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starstarstarstarstar 		Feeling Great
by: Beverly

It has been 24 weeks since my accident and I thought when I first started writing on this site back in January that I would never feel so good. With a plate and 8 screws I am back to running on my treadmill and walking outside on a daily basis . It's feels great and I owe it to a wonderful surgeon and postive attitude ! I am shocked each day that I have no pain. Hang in there for the ones that are early into their injury it will get better- Do what the doctor tells you, drink lots of water , eat right and stay positive.

Beverly
May 23, 2009
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starstarstarstarstar 		RUN JOE RUN
by: Anonymous

For all the athlete's out there with a broken ankle, dont lose FAITH cause... I broke my ankle on Feb. 5 got hit by a truck when I was cycling and now I have 2 plates and nine screws. Im a professional runner, and now Im running again 6 min pace about 6 miles every other day. People that know my story freak out to see me like normal. But I used this chapter to reflect on my life and say that GOD IS MY ROCK and he has gave me strength.
Every morning before walking out the door i pray (You have blessed me with many gifts, God, but I know it is my task to realize them. May I never underestimate my potential, may I never lose hope. May I find the strength to strive for better, the courage to be different, the energy to give all that I have to offer. Amen.)
Before running was about who was the fastest but now I praise the Lord when I run and its awesome. So now I must take day by day and get back on the road to make the olympic trials.
For my bro Rich S. if you some strength or need to talk email at run.monkeyjoe.run@gmail.com , I know how you feel when you lose something you love but don't worry it will just take time.
God Bless......




May 23, 2009
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starstarstarstarstar 		hello all
by: rich s

im glad the internet provides an opportunity to talk about such things.

i broke my ankle severely playing football (soccer) on 21st March. some1 fouled me and when i looked down my right foot was facing right when it should have been facing forwards. the bone did not come through the skin. but i broke my tib, my fib and the ankle was dislocated at the joints.

i had surgery that night and have a plate and five screws. im now eight weeks on and i walk with a limp and a dull ache, im worried about not being able to play football the way i could before. i was a skillful player (which is what got me into this mess) and i love not just the game itself but th feeling i used to get from the quality of my play. im really scared that at 21 i wont be able to play that well again. im encouraged by the return to play of arsenal footballer eduardo, but still if anyone has had a similar experience i would love to know.


good luck all.
May 19, 2009
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starstarstarstarstar 		Pain one year later.......
by: Anonymous

Hi,

I have had problems all my life with my right ankle- various sprains and weakness. I severely sprained my ankle/ foot in May last year playing while playing Netball. First x –ray showed a broken bone in the foot.

After being ushered out of accident and emergency with crutches and only a support grip, I was told to go back one week later. One week later, after another x ray, the specialist told me I had not broken a bone in my foot at all! And it the ankle was just badly sprained and the foot bruised.

However the interesting thing is that I have an extra bit of bone on the inside of my ankle? Thus the weakness - which could do more damage than good to remove through surgery! (At this point I was very confused as this extra bone had never shown up in an x- ray before!!!)

I was on crutches aprrox six weeks and did not attempt to do any sport for another month.
A year later I still suffer from sharp pain on the soul of my foot and on the inside of my ankle where the extra bone is.

Having been told previously by the doctor that physio is pointless and that surgery is risky. WHAT DO I DO? Some days it hurts when I have done No sport/exercise and when I rotate the ankle, it makes clicking noises.

Could I have been misdiagnosed a whole year ago?????? please help as I have a sports course in 8 weeks and I do not want to miss it, BUT I do also not want to cause further damage!!!
Apr 25, 2009
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starstarstarstarstar 		Hoping To Skate Again
by: Caz

Its been about 9 weeks since i broke my tibula in my ankle had to get 7 screws and a plate im 19 did it skateboarding. It feels pretty good now and keeps getting better every day i hope to be skating again in a week or 2 i just gained the ability to run again. Its wierd cause at first when you get the cast off it feels like you'll never be normal again but give it a couple weeks and everything starts to feel normal again.
Has anyone else skated again after breaking an ankle? and if so how was it?
Apr 20, 2009
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starstarstarstarstar 		Ankle Injury
by: Anonymous

Well it's been 12 days since my surgery...The DR removed my staples today. I've been taking Naprelan 750mg and the swelling has gone down tremendously. My dr also gave me a ski boot to wear, and even though it is bulky, it's still better than a splint I was in. I can rest my leg on the ground, but without weight bearing. I'm excited, but hoping that I can walk again soon.
Apr 20, 2009
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starstarstarstarstar 		reply
by: Anonymous

I have been taking alot of medication, I actually just stop because I did not want to get addicted.Lortab are good to take it help easy my mind, its best to take a pain pill to easy your mind.my accident happen jan and my foot is still swollen.when they remove the staples it actually was not any difference in pain.now the best way to not feel so much pain is to take your pain pills every 4-6 hours, when i tryied that i had less pain.i was at first taking my pain pill twice a day and that did not work, its best to take it every 4-6 hours, i was taking about two or three different pain pills a day.taking one pain pill a day does not work.i am still now only allow to bare 25% but i go to the doctor in the morning and hopefully i can bare 100%.i am so scare to try to put full presure on my foot.I have a plate and 7 screws i believe.Now i will say it depend on the person because for the past three months i have been in the wheel chair.i could not even stand on my good leg no longer than three min.i push and made my self learn to walk with crutches and in a week i now using my cruthces all day.
Apr 16, 2009
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starstarstarstarstar 		Broken Left Distal Fibula
by: Anonymous

I broke my left distal fibula about 2 weeks ago sliding to thrid base in softball. A week after the break, I had surgery to fix the fracture, leaving me with a plate and 5 screws. It has been over a week now that I had the surgery, and I am in pain. No painkillers that I am taking seem to help. What did everyone else's doctor give them? What about anti-inflammatories? I am reading your posts about making sure to take multi-vitamins, drink lots of water, and eat right. I heard from a friend not to take too much calcium because he got kidney stones for taking too much calcium. My ankle is so swollen that it's bothersome. I am wondering if the staples are bugging me from the swollenness. Any ideas or comments you have for me?
Apr 09, 2009
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starstarstarstarstar 		recovery
by: kyle

2 months after my ankle surgery, i am bearing 100% wait and jogging lightly, if you want it, it will happen for you, baseball is life, and i asked doc if i will ever play at the level im used to he said prolly not, but i no i will, my ankle has a plate and 4 screws, keep ur head up i feel great, post surgery sucks but give it time, thanks for everyones input, it really makes me feel like im not the only one
Apr 09, 2009
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starstarstarstarstar 		hello
by: kyleVA

My name is Kyle and I was boxing a buddy in his garage, i slipped and fell and broke ankle in 2 spots requiring a plate and 4 screws, it is now 2 months after surgery, and under docs orders i am walking very well with no aircast, i am actually doing well, so for all of you out there with this injury, if you have the will and drive to do it. Its right there for you, i was a great baseball player, and i dont no if il ever be as quick on my feet, doc told me that i prolly wont, but my will is pushing me to. So everyone keep your head up.
Apr 09, 2009
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starstarstarstarstar 		RUN JOE RUN
by: Anonymous

This is my 9th week and the aircast boot is gone. The doctor allowed me to walk and to run in two weeks, its sounds crazy but I been on multivitamins and extra calcium pills, and a legit diet. I started on my 7th week to walk in the pool and some cycling. This is for the question (When you first step down do you feel like electric shocks are discharged through your body and does this feeling disappear), yes it feels weird but the blood needs to circulate. Once you have put your weight on the leg the pain will be gone through time. So now its 9 weeks and im walking OK..and feel no pain. Just pray and be strong, GOD IS SO MIGHTY!!!
Apr 08, 2009
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starstarstarstarstar 		Fractured Fibia Feb09
by: Karen

Fractured my Right Fib on Feb 09,09 and I am now into week 9. I just had the cast removed yesterday and was given a walking boot and told to start walking with a weight of 30 pounds. So far so good, moderate pain and aching. My question is : When you first step down do you feel like electric shocks are discharged through your body and does this feeling disappear. I was told not to do any physio for another 3 weeks b/c I have been slow in the healing process
Apr 03, 2009
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starstarstarstarstar 		On the road to recovery....
by: Anonymous

I fell on Feb 10, dislocating ankle, which was reduced by paramedic on sight (owowowie), surgery the next day....One break to my tib, 8 to fib, 2 plates and 8 screws, splint for 2 weeks, fiberglass for 5 weeks, and now in air boot with 50% weight for another 4, doing movement exercises myself. Who knows then, I just have to do one day at a time! Thing is, everyone's breaks are different and you can not compare your recovery to someone elses'. It's scary if you have never done it before but we will heal, we will recover and we just need to take it easy, keep our feet up, and work hard! We are going to be upset (I bawled for 3 weeks straight!) but take pride in the little victories..Good luck to you all, and remeber, ASK QUESTIONS because the more we know, the less we fear.
Apr 02, 2009
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starstarstarstarstar 		Recovery
by: Celtic John

Hello again,
Updating my status to give everyone some hope.Broke and dislocated ankle Dec.30/08. Surgery next day, 2 plates and seven screws to hold fibula in place.Plaster cast off on Jan 15/09 and staples removed. Fiberglass cast put on until Feb 11/09. No weight bearing until that day. Started Physio the next week.I am now 12 weeks in and can fully weight bear and walk with slight limp. Have regained full rotation of ankle just missing about 10 degrees of dorsi-flexion.Ankle still swollen after walking and a little sore but Dr. says this is due to soft tissue healing.Should be back at work in 4 weeks or so it is progressing that well. There is hope people, it just takes time.For the record I am no athelete and not in the best of shape but doing just fine.Keep up the hope and you will be just fine in the long run ! I pray this helps a little bit. John, Toronto, Ontario.
Apr 02, 2009
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starstarstarstarstar 		Recovery
by: Celtic John

Hello again,
Updating my status to give everyone some hope.Broke and dislocated ankle Dec.30/08. Surgery next day, 2 plates and seven screws to hold fibula in place.Plaster cast off on Jan 15/09 and staples removed. Fiberglass cast put on until Feb 11/09. No weight bearing until that day. Started Physio the next week.I am now 12 weeks in and can fully weight bear and walk with slight limp. Have regained full rotation of ankle just missing about 10 degrees of dorsi-flexion.Ankle still swollen after walking and a little sore but Dr. says this is due to soft tissue healing.Should be back at work in 4 weeks or so it is progressing that well. There is hope people, it just takes time.For the record I am no athelete and not in the best of shape but doing just fine.Keep up the hope and you will be just fine in the long run ! I pray this helps a little bit. John, Toronto, Ontario.
Apr 01, 2009
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starstarstarstarstar 		reply previous message
by: Ms Bina

I had my accident on jan 10 and came home on jan 15 and my pt was at my home for a visit jan 16. I had pt for about three weeks and then it ended and now my pt started back a couple weeks ago.my pt helps with movement. i think you will need the pt first befor trying to walk with boot. I was told that you need to have movement in your ankle so that it will not be so painfull when you walk the more movement the better your muscle will work when you walk. I dont understand how everyone is already walking and it been over ten weeks and im still not walking and have been told to do only 25%
Apr 01, 2009
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starstarstarstarstar 		broken ankle
by: Anonymous

I also broke my ankle feb. 4, w/ a plate & 7 screws. My dr. allowed wt. bearing at 6 wks. I'm walking w/ air cast now, but my dr. does not want me to start pt just yet, besides the movements he says to do at home. I can walk short distance w/o boot, but very painful. I go back in 2 weeks for another check up. Does anyone know if it is normal to have pt start so late after accident. My ankle is very stiff, I can only move it so much on my own, I wonder if I should be in pt now. It seems every dr. has their own philosophy, but how do we know what is best for us?
Mar 30, 2009
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starstarstarstarstar 		Basketball Blues
by: Albert


Glad to hear people in a similar situation. I was playing basketball which i have been doing so all my life once a week in a rec league. I simply came down from a rebound and boom....bone out the side of my ankle. I couldn't believe it! It happened last tuesday and i am now in a soft cast waiting for them to take off my staples and stitches. I have no idea what i did to my ankle because the doctor decided to tell me everything right after surgery when i was soooo drugged up and could not retain any info...lol..WTF! Anyways i feel like crap and cant wait to find out exactly what i did. These type of web pages are great for me..it gives me an idea of the type of injury i have. Thanks to everyone who posted. My only main question is if i will play ball like i used to? I couldn't ever imagine not playing 100 percent.
Mar 29, 2009
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starstarstarstarstar 		Hi SB
by: Ms.Bina

Well I had to have surgery done on my ankle I was in a car accident and my ankle bone came out my foot.My doctor just agree on me moving my ankle around and bearing 25% at my 10th week. And to be honest it seems as if he hesitated to put me on 25%.Doctor state the healing is going very well but he wants my bone to be completely heal.Because u are right if you put preasure on your ankle to soon it could do permantent damages in the future.I was scare to start trying to put down 25% but i feel more comforttable now after reading this site cause some people been putting weight on the ankle as early as four weeks.It been a little over ten weeks and i am now just starting to do movement so i should be ok soon. My pt told me that the more movement u do in your ankle the better chance you can bare pain when u walk. Walking without a boot in my opinion is too early.I have a boot and Im not allow to walk with my boot ..I would get a second opinion threw another doctor cause I know in my condition at four weeks i still had a cast on my foot to make sure there was no movement..Take care..Ms.Bina
Mar 29, 2009
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starstarstarstarstar 		Broken fibula
by: SB

I am starting in my 8th week (Feb 4th)with a broken fibula near the ankle. My therapist wants me to walk without the air cast during therapy. I am not brave enough. The doctor says it is 80% healed. Does anyone think that it would hurt to walk a short distance without the air cast. I am very cautious about this. I don't want to do further damage. I was lucky, I had no surgery.
Mar 27, 2009
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starstarstarstarstar 		My broken ankle recover
by: Ms.Bina

Hi I was in an auto accident Jan 10,2009 and doctor just inform me i can bare 25%weight on my ankle. I have pt three times a week but mostly what i do with pt is exercising with my ankle and legs. My foot is actually still swell, sometimes it goes down and then back up. To be honest I have fear of wondering would I be able to walk back normal. The doctor state that everything is going ok but it can make u worry when u are so ready to get back to your normal life. I am a single mom with five kids and the day of the accident my son was in car and he was only three weeks old. So just image what i am going threw, i am in a wheel chair and i do have cruthes. If you feel down about your situation just keep a high faith. I am full of joy everyday and thats what easy my mind. I believe every thing happen for a reason.So please keep your faith and remember your situation could be worst. I was wondering what stages I should expect now it been about 10 weeks since i had the accident. Keep God first!!
Mar 24, 2009
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starstarstarstarstar 		There is a light, but a long tunnel
by: Anonymous

I slipped and fell on a wet concrete floor in Manchester, England. I was taken to the Emergency room there and told that I would require surgery. 9 screws and 2 plates later, I spent 6 days in the ward in England before I could fly home to the US. The surgeons in England were great, but not very forthcoming with information. I've had one follow up appointment here in Chicago with a Ortho doctor my General Doctor referred me to. It's a catch 22, he does not seem interested in talking about it to me because he did not perform the surgery and there was no way I was going to stay in England for the entire recovery period. This website has given me hope and the ability to know what to expect at each weeks mark. I'm 3 weeks in now, the surgeon here in the states removed the staples and gave me an aircast 10 days after the surgery. The nurse told me that I only needed to wear it when I was up and about, when I'm sitting with my leg elevated that I should be exercising my ankle joint. I have pretty good range of motion at this point but look forward to what is to come. I know that the road to healing will be long, but I'm anxious to get started down it. My foot still turns purple when down for any amount of time, I guess I wonder when that will end or what can be done to help it besides elevation & time, if anything?
Cheers!
Robb

Mar 16, 2009
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starstarstarstarstar 		Helped to read your comments
by: TBrooklyn

A minivan ran over my ankle while I was crossing the street last week and I had surgery a week ago on my left ankle - have a plate and 7 screws. Came home after 5 days in hospital and was lying here feeling frustrated and in pain. Reading your comments helped me to remember to be patient and that even though it takes time I will get better and be able to walk again. I'm praying that by the summer I'll be able to be up and walking around with my 4 and 6 year old children. I went online to see if it was normal to still have such pain and be so uncomfortable a week after surgery but I now see that, unfortunately, this is the norm. My husband will just have to hang in there while I recover - I need to learn to let go and relax and focus on healing. Good luck and God bless to everyone and thanks for sharing your situations. In the meantime, I won't beat myself up when I find I'm crying when I watch a sappy commercial!
Mar 10, 2009
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starstarstarstarstar 		update -13 weeks into injury
by: Beverly

Just wanted to update everyone and let them know it does get better. My last post was 6 weeks in , I am now 13 weeks in and doing great ! I stopped wearing my air cast a week ago per dr instructions and now wearing a comfortable shoe. Very minimal swelling , starting PT next week.Doing home exercises and walking with only a small amount of pain which dr says you have to work thru. Still trying to keep elevated when I can. I wish the best of luck to everyone , it's a very frustrating injury but try to stay positive , it does get better just follow dr instructions.
Happy Healing !
Mar 10, 2009
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starstarstarstarstar 		So glad you found us!
by: Bart - SII

I am so glad that so many of you have found this thread. It helps to share your story, no matter how frustrating these injuries are...every little bit helps when your world is turned upside down in the blink of an eye.

The purple foot after elevating is normal - different people will react differently, but in the very early stages of injury, swelling will fluctuate greatly depending on position. That is why elevation is so important, and why they often won't put on a "real" cast immediately...so the swelling can calm down first.

As I have said in many "broken ankle" posts, this injury takes a long time to recover from. It is somewhat faster if you have a great therapist for rehab, but many times it takes upwards of 6 months to a year to be back to normal, or close. So, take that into consideration before making any major life decisions.

Again, so glad you all found this post - please keep encouraging each other, and post around to the other threads with similar injuries...that is why I created the site - for mental support in these challenging times!

Bart
Mar 09, 2009
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starstarstarstar 		broken ankle
by: mrs. b

it was nice to share this terrible experience with others. i am on week four of recovery, slipping on stairs i suffered a compound fracture, breaking both the tib and fib bones, and dislocated my leg too. i recived surgery immediately the next day on my ankle. after two weeks with a plaster cast i recieved a air cast, and yesturday started to weight bare on it lightly (what the doctor told me to do). the surgical tape is still intact on both incisions on each side, but i do feel much stronger everyday. eating well taking vitamins, and a calcium suppliment also with lots of water included too. i am schedualed too see the sergon again in two weeks. good luck to everyones speedy recovery. having a strong support system at home is a definat asset!
Mar 07, 2009
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starstarstarstarstar 		6 months in
by: road to recovery

I broke my ankle Labor Day weekend. I had a plate and 4 large screws put in. I never was in a real cast, but had progressing boots. I also did PT for 6 weeks.Now I still walk with a limp, I can not run, and I have limited feeling on the top of my foot. I'm wanting to get pg this summer but I don't really know what m,y options are knowning that eventually all this hardware needs to come out. The doctors office has treated me terribly and I decided yesterday I am going to find someoen else to do the removal surgery which I was told should be at least another 6 months away.
On teh one hand, i could see going ahead with my plans and teh metal will keep my ankle stabilized when I am carrying the extra weight of preganancy, but on teh other hand I could see this taking the swelling feet to a whole nother level since my left ankle is still twice as big as normal. Anyone else have insight?
Mar 07, 2009
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starstarstarstarstar 		Purple Foot
by: Johnny

Hello, I broke my ankle playing soccer about 4 days ago. I have to have surgery next week to have plates/screws put in. The doctor wanted to wait a week to make sure the swelling was down enough before doing surgery. I have a splint on right now. So I continue to lay here in bed elevating my foot. When I do get up, my foot turns dark purple and feels tight. I'm assuming this is because of the blood rushing down after having my foot elevated for long periods at a time. The doctor saw this happened at the hospital, but didn't say it was a problem. I didn't think to ask at the hospital because it was all so new to me. Does this sound like a normal issue? When I elevate my foot again after being up, it goes back to the normal color. Also, I have full range/feeling in my toes. Just thought I'd check to see if this is occurring or has occurred with anyone else. Anyway, I know I have a long road ahead. I'm frustrated, but staying positive. Thanks for your time.
Mar 04, 2009
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starstarstarstarstar 		Recovery
by: Celtic John

Hi there,
Dislocated right ankle and broke fibula walking to my car on Dec. 30,2008. Had ankle reduction procedure and cast placed 5 hours later. Surgery orif at 4:00 pm that day. 2 plates and 7 screws later everything seems OK. Surgical cast removed after 2/12 weeks and fiberglass on for 4 more weeks. No weight bearing. Started rehab exercise following week. Ankle still swollen and tender, but incision healed and function returning slowly with time and exercise.This injury takes time and can be very frustrating but I would not do anything too quick.
Feb 20, 2009
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starstarstarstarstar 		Its going to be ok!!!
by: RUN JOE RUN

Im in the same case, this is my second week with this broken ankle and the doctor said on the next check-up, I can remove this cast and start moving slowly. This sounds crazy to me, but Im a professional runner! I come from a heavy training cycle, I was running about 80-90 miles a week. But one afternoon I got hit by a truck when I was riding my bike to work. I was planning to race in a mararthon on May, cause I wanted to make the olympic trials. But i felt my whole life come to a pause but I come to learn that God had just slowed me, so I could learn how to listen to myself and not to others. And now I have grown so much and cant wait to hit the roads again. Plus the doctor said I was healing fast, but i don't smoke,drink and i sleep alot now. Just so I can recover faster and im so thankful to my friends family that are looking out for me. So when this nightmare is over, I will be a stronger runner!! And for everyone out there don't lose FAITH, our ankles will heal soon!!! GOODLUCK :)
Feb 12, 2009
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starstarstarstarstar 		Broken Ankle
by: Beverly

Hello Betti Minnesota - First I am so sorry to hear about your injury but you are on the the upswing now so hang in there and stay positive. At my 6 week check I went into a walking air cast which has been great !I don't know if you are familiar with this type of cast but you can actually pump air into the cast for more support if needed. I never knew how much I took walking for granted. I am no longer using a cane and or crutches. I can take the air cast off to take a shower and just this week I have taken a several steps without the air cast and I have no pain! My best advice to you is to make sure you do what the doctor says , I have been drinking lots of water, trying to eat healthy , get rest and take my regular vitamins and I do believe that does help with a better recovery. I do not return to my surgeon until March 5th so I will keep you posted - It's nice to have others to talk to about this - I am 9 weeks in now and feeling great which I owe alot to my surgeon. Stay strong - it will get better. Let me know how your 6 week check goes.
Feb 11, 2009
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starstarstarstarstar 		Happy New Years to Me!
by: Betti Minnesota 02112009

Beverly - I am glad to hear that you are also tired of the negative comments regarding this injury that are out there. On New Years Eve I was dancing with my daughter, I stepped wrong, twisted my ankle resulting in an ankle and fibula fx. 2 screws in my ankle and a place and 6 screws in my fibula. I am going in for my 6 week appt. on Friday and hoping for the clearance to start bearing weight. I was wondering if you are still in a cast or just a boot? Hope your recovery is going well!
Jan 23, 2009
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starstarstarstarstar 		Broken Ankle
by: Beverly

Thanks for your reply and your website-

Jan 21, 2009
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starstarstarstarstar 		progressing weight bearing
by: Bart - SII

This sounds normal - 6 weeks is normal time for fracture healing, and to take a gradual approach to increasing the weight bearing is a good idea. Any injury to the ankle that requires plates and screws is going to take a long time to heal, often up to or greater than a year after injury. Rehabilitation can be of benefit, as well as gradually increasing activities and following your doctors advice.

Bart

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