Question - Broken ankle (fibula

Question - Broken ankle (fibula - weight bearing?)

I broke my distal fibula 5 days ago. Dr put me in an air cast. should I be walking on it?

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Question - Broken ankle (fibula - weight bearing?)

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Sep 01, 2010
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Fixation NEW
by: Anonymous

I too had fixation surgery with 2 pins and a screw. This happened in January, 2009. I am not sure what you are experiencing is normal, but I too had a very difficult time. I started out on a walker, moved to crutches and then I was finally able to put full weight on it after about 4 months. I was an avid soccer player playing 3 nights a week. I have not been able to play since the injury due to lack of lateral movement. I am able to run a little, but I have found walking is what works for me now. I still have pain, especially in the morning when waking up. I think for each it is different and everyone heals at their own pace. I though have never been through anything so brutal as my recovery from this injury.

Good luck to you and do everything the doctor tells you!

Sep 01, 2010
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Aug 31, 2010
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broken ankle NEW
by: Anonymous

On June 24th, 2010 i caught my toe on a lip where cement met with grass. This caused my right ankle to roll outward and then my left leg came up to rescue me but did the same thing and rolled outward so my weight had no where to go but straight down on the ankles. My left took the brunt of it and I broke my fibula in two places, tibia in one place and dislocated the ankle as well. The right leg sutstained a sprain but I could bear some weight on it. An external fixator was installed to hold things together till the swelling went down enough for surgery on the left. At first I didn't understand this but was then told that if surgery was done while it was so swollen the affect would be like cutting into a bratwurst cooked on the grill. Nasty! The next two weeks were miserable! I could only get up to go to the bathroom and then needed help to do that. I then developed tendonitis in my left forearm from trying to use my arms to compensate for the sprain on the right. Needless to say I ended up using a wheelchair. I would suggest this over crutches anyday! There is no point hurting yourself while you are trying to recover. You can rent a wheelchair from local pharmacies so please check into it, it's about $50 a month. I had a plate and 8 screws installed on my fibula and 2 screws on the tibia. 2 weeks after surgery, sutures were removed and I was put in a walking boot but was told under no circumstance was I to bear weight on the foot. I tried to return to work that day but 2 days later was put back on disability for what they thought could be a blood clot. Luckily it was not but was nerve damage and so I was down again. On August 24th I received the ok to return to work and start weight bearing. I was told to start off with the crutches, then go to one, then get rid of them when I am comfortable. He made it sound so easy I had no idea what was in store. It's my second week of weight bearing and I can barely walk 15-20 steps at a time with a walker. Yesterday I pushed myself and walked a total of about 100 feet in one stretch. I was crying by the time I got to my car. What is normal? Should I be in this much pain? I have a call into the dr. but hearing it from others who have experienced it really helps!

Aug 31, 2010
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Jul 11, 2010
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BROKEN LEG BONE NEW
by: debbie

I broke my fibula in 3 different places on Tuesday the 6th of June. I thought i sprained it and didnt go to the er until Friday. Was TOld i broke it, and was referred to the ortho. How common is surgery? is it norm to be in a cast for 6 to 8 weeks??? Im having a rough time adjusting. I have had numerous operations on my left leg from congenital hip displasure and 3 hip replacements. Now the issue lies that my left leg is so much weaker than my right leg. So it is really difficult to adjust to no weight on my right leg all on my left. I mean even going to the bathroom takes its toll on me. i am not overweight, its just that my left leg is very weak, and now has to take all the weight, plus additional weight from a cast. This is gonna suck. the er put a removable splint, so i dont even have the cast on yet

Jul 02, 2010
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I broke my fibula NEW
by: nat86

I'm 23 years old and last friday june 25 i basically missed the last step of my apartments stairs and fall and i heard a click noise my i was in so much pain and couldn't move my foot so i went to the ER. They took three x-rays and told me i had broken my fibula and inch above my ankle. The ER Dr. told me that in this cases most of the time they will have to have surgery but in my case probably not, he put me in a temporary cast and told me i have to go to the Orthopedic so on monday jun 28 i went they took the temporary cast off, took 3 more X-rays and told me that my bone was still in place and so that for now i won't need surgery. He put me in a new temp. cast for a week and told me that next week on tuesday july 6 they will take more x-rays to see if the bone was still in place or had moved and if the bones hasn't move they will put me on a permanent cast for 6 weeks but if not i will need surgery. The pain is horrible and my low back is staring to hurt as well, i been having bad cramps, and the bottom of my foot hurst too... I'm so scared , i am a stay at home mom and ofcaurse i verily can do stuff its good to know that i have a good husband that takes good care of me and family members as well the help me when he is at work... but well i only hope that i don't have to get surgery.... if u have any advices please contact me i will appreciate it... thank you and i hope all of you get better soon too

Jul 02, 2010
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Jun 07, 2010
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broken ankle NEW
by: Deb

I slipped in down a step in the garden and broke my ankle in 3 places and had a to have a plate and 2 screws to fix it. This happened on 1st May and I had the plaster changed after 2 weeks and I've got to keep this one on for another 5 weeks, not having to go back to hospital until 23rd June. The consultant said I can start to put some weight on it on the 6th week and abit more on the 7th week. I'm not sure what they mean by this, can I apply my whole weight on foot? I have been using my crutches but find everything very tiring, is this normal? I'm always feeling tired and achy. My shoulders ache and my good leg too, I assume this is from using the crutches. Also when I'm upright my toes on my broken ankle look very purply - as soon as I rest and raise my foot they return to normal colour. Is this normal?

Jun 07, 2010
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Apr 30, 2010
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Weight Bearing Pain? NEW
by: Lanie

Hello! I rolled my ankle on the ice and have a non-displaced fracture low on Fibula. I was non weight bearing for 10 weeks. The fracture is about 70 percent healed now and I've started PT. This has not been a terribly painful injury for me....until now! Just wondering about pain on weight bearing.....is it normal and if the fibula doesn't really bear weight what is hurting? I have been using one crutch when practicing weight bearing. Are you supposed to put weight on it even though it hurts quite a bit when I do? Could it be tendons or muscles that are weak that are actually hurting and not the bone?
Thanks! I am very motivated to walk again and don't mind pain.....just want to ensure that pain is normal!

Jul 06, 2009
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Too Soon? NEW
by: Anonymous

Spiral fractured my fibula right above the right ankle playing softball 1 week later was put in a fiberglass cast swelling went down in the cast rebroke it 2.5 weeks later Then I had orif surgery (plate with 6 screws) wore a splint for 2 weeks got the staples out now wearing a walking boot it has been 3 weeks in the boot just while i am at work. Now I am playing softball a little with ankle brace and athletic wrap. Is it too soon?

Jun 26, 2009
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Ankle break fib, spiral & dislocation Tib NEW
by: LynC

Hi Sarah Lou,

I broke my left fib just above the ankle, spiral off it and dislocation break 31/01/09 (kicked in collecting ring at show - he was going opposite direction to me and never even apologised!). Had 7 pins and plate week later. Plaster off 6.5 weeks after op (now at 7.5 weeks). Riding at 10 weeks (thanks to top sports physio), jumping at 12 weeks, competing (show jumping) at 14 weeks. BIG MISTAKE!! Bad fall at 16 weeks as my balance wasn't great (leg OK), ribs weren't. All went on hold 2 weeks, tried again - now had loss of confidence as well as balance - tried competing 1.30 classes - disaster. Now at week 21 wishing I hadn't bothered and riding two horses a day on the flat, no jumping. Ankle still very sore and stiff and does not like the workload. Still struggling with balance.

I've had a magnificent physio who has been supportive throughout - but take my advice take it slowly - forget about this season - I have now. Its very easy to ruin a good horse by rushing back - you have nothing to prove to anyone.

Lyn

Jun 21, 2009
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Broken ankle (fibula - weight bearing?) NEW
by: e_speakerca

I am 38, in great shape and very active. I broke my fibula on 30th march when my skate caught a rut in the ice and I rolled right over it and hit the boards hard. This was my first break ever. After the reduction procedure and attempt to fix the bones in place non-operatively, the fibula eventually displaced (fibula was healing nicely, but as the swelling went down, it created too much room inside the cast and I moved my ankle during my sleep) and I had an ORIF on 15th of april. I had a plate with 7 screws inserted to hold my fibula in place. 2 weeks after the surgery (3 of May), the staples were removed and the post-operative cast replaced with a fiberglass one for the next 4 weeks. From day one after the break I was non-weight-bearing and used crutches to move around. During this time I was also taking "Moomiyo" - this is a remedy that I know is used in Asia and Russia to help with a number of ailments, and it particularly helps with speeding up mending bones (there are some references that claim speeding of bone healing btw 20-45%). Not sure if this stuff worked or not in my case, but 4 weeks later, as originally scheduled, my surgeon was very happy with the results of X-rays and suggested to start physio right away, which I did the very next day.
I was also equipped with aircast, but wore it only one day - as physio-therapist explained, it is OK to go without it in a safe environment and it would help developing the range in the ankle which was very limited. So, instead of wearing aircast I am just trying to be extremely cautious when walking to avoid re-injury. 2 weeks after the cast was removed and loading my foot with daily exercises and stretches, I am walking almost without any limp, but at the end of the day there is still a bit of swelling and discomfort. Sometimes I take a pill of advil before I go to sleep. Tomorrow I plan to get back on ice for the first time and see how it feels. I tried wearing my skates in the house for 5-10 minutes, and it felt stable, so a few controlled laps around the rink should be OK.

May 12, 2009
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2 inches below the knee NEW
by: Anonymous

I broke the fib about two inches below the knee. I have an air boot..why don't they just put a tensor bandage on it? Was a bike accident tore my ac inthe shoulder..my mcl in the knee and have a bad sprain of the ankle..sheesh..It was Friday May 1st 09 it has been a week and 5 days I am walking on it..shold I be?

May 12, 2009
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Apr 21, 2009
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spiral fibula fx NEW
by: Madie

Just happened Sunday and was surprised to find out it was a fracture with some minimal displacement/dislocation (not total).
The "urgent care" place let me walk out with a boot...but I wenton to an orth person who said to be non weight bearing for 3 weeks then return for x-rays to see how it is healing. The boot is for stability to lower the possibility of increasing the dislocation to the point of needing surgery...so I am using the crutches. He is allowing removal of the boot for 1) icing, 2) foot flexion and 3)calf isometrics to reduce the chance of clots.
I am very active but he emphasized slowing down. I think I will follow his suggesti

Apr 15, 2009
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patience! NEW
by: sarahlou

i broke my fibula and displaced the ankle joint tearing ligaments and had plate and 6 screws inserted 3 weeks ago. I was fitted with a pneumatic walker (aircast) after 2 weeks and am able to put absolute minimum weight on that ankle for next 3 weeks now. After that i start physio.
My physio told me that the reality is that bones do not completely mend for 12 WEEKS and that i am not allowed to get back on a horse until that time has elapsed. After the initial 6 week healing time i am to start physio twice a week to get the ankle joint working and back up to full strength.
I was devastated as am in the middle of the event season, but am determined not to risk any further breaks so am going with the 12 week full recuperation time.
I really advise everyone to get advice from a really good sports physio as they have such a lot of experience in the healing process. I think my surgeon was too gung ho and happy for me to get out there in 8 weeks. I think sometimes surgeons arent as aware of the post operative recuperative needs as physios are.
Good luck!and be patient patients..... God its hard!
sarahlou

Apr 15, 2009
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Mar 26, 2009
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Displaced no fracture NEW
by: Sanya

I had a screw implanted for small dislocation but no fracture. Have been with non weightbearing cast and crutches for more than six weeks now. Doctors insist that I should stay nwb till screw removal (3 months post op) but I did a research on the net and can see now the whole treatment is controversial and everyone seems to have a different opinion regarding treatment.
Anyone with this type of injury?

Mar 26, 2009
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Listen to What the Doctor says NEW
by: Anonymous

I had ORIF surgery on my ankle 3 years ago and I was told to not weight bear until at least 6 weeks. I did as I was told and only went to 50% weight for a few weeks as well. In total it was 14 weeks before I was walking without crutches and still took a cane with me just in case I was tired.

I started running last year for the first time post surgery and it went well. I was unfortunate and have already developed arthritis in it (I am only 33 now).

Best of luck to you all and don't push your selves. We only mend as fast as we can.

Mar 25, 2009
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Being Patient NEW
by: Tandy Indiana

I agree, I would follow the doctor orders. Not only could you do more damage to the bone, your chances of having arthritis when you are older improves dramatically if the bone/joint do not heal properly.

As I have said in my previous posts, my doctor has been right every step of the way. I am doing absolutely everything he says, even though I feel I could be doing more.

I have a doctor's appointment tomorrow. Will update my situation more then.

Good luck to you!

Mar 25, 2009
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caution NEW
by: Anonymous

You may want to be a little more careful with it. You don't want to mess up the joint area around the tibia, fibula and where it rests on the foot bone. It may be ok as the fibula it self is not weight bearing, but I would think a little caution for now would be worth a lot less pain if you prevent arthritic changes.

Mar 25, 2009
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broken fibula NEW
by: maj

On Feb 27 I slip on ice whiling feeding the birds and broke my fibula. I was in and out of the emergency department in less than an hour. Had ex-rays that showed a small crack just above the ankle. Dr. told me to see an ortho Dr. in about five days. At that time the Dr. put me in a boot and said I could shower and sleep without it but not to put any weight on it. Other than the first two hours of the accident, I have been pain free with minimal swelling .I too, have been very impatient about getting on with life and found myself walking in the boot with out the crutches and even walking barefoot. Things a little stiff but again no pain. This is now the middle of my 3rd week. Am I flirting with disaster, or are things just coming along that well?

Mar 23, 2009
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Still having Pain NEW
by: Tandy Indiana

I am a bit surprised you should "be fully recovered". I too had a displaced fibula fracture and I have been on my boot for 2 weeks following non-weight bearing on either crutches or a walker since I had surgery on 1/14/09. I have a doctor's appointment on Thursday. My doctor tells me it will be 12 to 18 months before I am fully recovered. I expect to stay in my boot for at least another month prior to trying to walk without the boot. It seems really quick for you to be deemed "fully recovered." I would probably get a second opinion, especially since you are still experiencing pain. Good luck with your recovery!

Mar 21, 2009
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pain after ORID NEW
by: TnFirefly

I broke my fibula with displacement of the ankle joint. I had the surgery January 6, 09 and am supposed to be fully 'recovered' and weight bearing according to my doc. He was ready to clear me to go back to work the 17th but I asked for 2 more weeks due to pain and swelling. I am not an athlete at this point, I was at 360 when I was hurt and after two months of not walking I gained to 400 lbs. I don't need the fat jokes, I already know I am disgusting. But I am also in pain and expected to return to my job which is on my feet and fast paced hard labor and am worried that I won't make it through the 12 hour shifts. I am a CNA and a large part of it is lifting people in a nursing home. This is not a responsibility I take lightly. I don't want to be lifting someone's grandmother into a wheelchair only to find that my leg caves and someone gets hurt. I have 10 more days to build strength in this leg and doc is not helpful at all. Any advice?

Mar 17, 2009
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best to stay off it NEW
by: Anonymous

I would strongly suggest listening to the doctors on this. If they say no weight bearing, don't do it. There is a chance you could disturb the hardware that is in your leg and prolonge recovery. Once you are cleared to put weight on, go for it. And get into physio as soon as you can. I get my staples out tomorrow, I have not done any weight bearing yet. I also had lots of ligament damage as well. All I know is I am going to make sure I listen to the doctors on this one. I don't want to screw it up and have only 80% function of my ankle for the rest of my life.

Mar 16, 2009
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ORIF Surgery 1/14/09 NEW
by: Anonymous

My understanding from my doctor for the reason to not walk on it is the possible slippage of the screws. I too believe I could walk on mine, but just this weekend am off my crutches. My doctor wanted me to walk on my crutches and the aircast for 2 weeks while gradually putting pressure on it. I am now able to walk with no crutches. I do know this, my doctor has been right every step of the way so I am making absolutely sure I don't ever have to go back through this again. My doctor warned me at the beginning that it would be a lengthy process and could take anywhere from 12 to 18 months to totally rehabilitate it back to normal. Hope this helps.

Mar 16, 2009
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walking but not allowed NEW
by: bignat

i have had orif about four weeks but still in cast does not hurt at all when walking even though not allowed by doctor what damage could i do

Mar 10, 2009
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Fibula Fracture NEW
by: Anonymous

Thanks Bart for your comment. I now have had the cast off for 1 1/2 weeks and have the aircast. I am slowly able to put weight on the foot. I am able at times to walk on the boot, although very slow, without the crutches. I have quite a bit of swelling (however it goes down when I prop my leg up). My motion seems to be a lot better than most after going through what I have. My doctor is quite surprised with how much I can move my foot up and back. I am wondering if anyone else has had this same surgery so I can compare where I am at with their experience. Questions like should by this time I be walking without the crutches? Should I be more patience and continue walking with the crutches? I am just so anxious to start walking again, I wonder if I am pushing too hard since it has only been 1 1/2 weeks....

Mar 10, 2009
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broken ankle NEW
by: Anonymous

hi just wondering broke my fibula and tibula the medial mallleous 2 weeks ago and my doctor told me i can remove my cast tomorrow.i have a plate and 2 screws.How long do you think the recovery should be is it true it could be 3 months?. thanks awaiting your reply.sabziiii

Mar 10, 2009
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Displaced NEW
by: Bart - SII

By displaced, I mean that the bone ends are not aligned any longer. Distal fractures, depending on where they occur can sometimes be treated without surgery if the ends are together and the ankle joint is not compromised. If the fracture ends are not aligned, or if there is a chance that the ankle joint could be compromised, most surgeons will opt for the ORIF procedure.

You are, unfortunately, in for a lengthy recovery. The time spent immobilized and or non-weight bearing has an effect on ankle mobility, and so the recovery takes time to get the motion back. Make sure you get into rehabilitation as soon as your doctor will clear it, and that you find a therapist who will work to get your motion back.

Good luck,

Bart

Mar 09, 2009
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broken ankle NEW
by: sabziiii

hi i broke my fibula and my tibula nearly 2 weeks ago im in a cast but my doctor is removing my cast in 3 days time .do you thing it will 3 months to recover? just wondering thanks .

Feb 02, 2009
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Distal Fibula Break NEW
by: Anonymous

Explain what you mean by displaced? I too have a distal fibula break. I had open reduction internal fixation surgery on 1/12/09. I have been in a cast since my surgery on 1/14/09. I had two pins placed in the fibula spiral fracture. I have been walking with a walker (don't those old ladies make it look easy??? HA!!). Doctor says I have four more weeks of non-weight bearing to go. I have had very little bone ache, but my staples were a nightmare. Had to leave original cast on for 2 weeks before the doctor could remove the staples. Once the staples were removed and a new cast put on, I have had just a little pain on my incision. Wondering if anyone else had this kind of spiral fracture and surgery and what I should expect going forward. Thanks!

Oct 19, 2008
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fibula fracture and weight bearing NEW
by: Bart - SII

The fibula is not a weight bearing bone, so putting weight on your leg should not cause any undue stress on the fracture site. As long as you are in the aircast / walking boot, you should be fine. This is standard care for a fibula fracture that isn't displaced.

Of course, if walking on it is painful, you can always opt for using crutches.

Bart

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