Question - Broken Ankle (swelling after cast removal)

I broke my ankle playing football over four weeks ago and just recently got my cast off. When i broke it i severly twisted it and ended up laying on top of it, while it happened i felt several small pops then a larger one. The doctors told me i had a spiral fractured fibula and gave me a walking cast.

Once i had the cast put on my foot, it swelled and turned black and blue, leading me to believe i probably sprained it really bad on top of the break. I was able to walk on it after the first week and a half.

Now it has been two days since the cast was taken off and i am able to walk on it quite well as compared to another team member who broke the same bone two weeks earlier. He however doesn't have the swelling that i do around my ankle, which is what i'm asking about.

The swelling is quite hard and is mostly in the area below the joint, is it normal for my ankle to still be swollen and if so how long until it starts to go away?

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Question - Broken Ankle (swelling after cast removal)

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Jan 27, 2012
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Broken fibula NEW
by: Anonymous

Hi I broke my fibula close to the ankle 6 weeks ago. I was allowed to put weight on it 5 weeks after it fractured and was limping around inside the cast for a few minutes every day. Cast was removed 3 days ago and for the first day it was far too painful to put weight on it anymore and is very swollen right up to the knee. I have been practicing moving ankle around gently and have been limping around on it today but it is very painful to walk on, it's ok when I rest it. I can't understand why it is so swollen and painful after 6 weeks when it's meant to be healed but from reading the posts it sounds like this might be reasonably normal? I feel for everyone going through this - I had no idea it would be so incredibly frustrating and difficult trying to get around on one leg.

Jan 15, 2012
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Broken fibula NEW
by: Anonymous

Hi, I broke my ankle(fibula)in the end of November and had my cast for 7 weeks and no weight on it. I took the cast off 3 days ago and my foot is all swollen and still purple/ redish in the front.
I'm also a very active person and my job involves a lot of jumping around, so the Dr. told me that being so active my ankle is also more flexible so it should heal faster than normal, like in 2/3 weeks time.
I find it hard to believe as my calf muscle hearts everytime I move and it's impossible to walk properly on my foot. I don't even know if this big swelling is normal!! Should I check it out?? I'm glad you presented this question because I was looking for informations and found this. All good information!! :)
Hope all goes well with your foot.

Dec 30, 2011
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Broken fibula NEW
by: Anonymous

I broke my fibula just after labor day. I was 8 weeks with no weight bearing and it was about ( after the cast was removed)
2-3 weeks before I could comfortably limp without the crutches. A couple of weeks of rehab and I no longer have a limp except at night when I am getting tired swollen and achy. The swelling has decreased and I no longer swell up like a ballon, but there is some swelling when I am up all day. The color took time took look normal - I would say about 14 weeks after the injury

Dec 28, 2011
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broken fibula NEW
by: Shaz

I broke my fibula at the end of October. It was in a cast for 6 weeks with no weight to be put on it. When the cast was removed I was told to gradually bear weight with the use of crutches. I am having to wait almost 4 weeks for physio. Ankle looks fine in the morning after rest but swells to twice the size by the end of the day. Some days it's more painful than others but can't wait to get rid of the crutches. Dread to think that the swelling will last up to a year and it's a very strange colour too. I try to keep it elevated when sitting but it doesn't make much difference.

Dec 21, 2011
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Recovery NEW
by: Justin

Your doctor avoids questions because sometimes it is difficult to say. 14 weeks after breaking my ankle and a very severe sprain, I still limp. I was progressing well with therapy, then I had to go back to work. I was so exhausted after work ( on my feet most of the day) that all I could do was elevate my leg to help reduce swelling. After 2 weeks at work I am stronger and am starting to more exercises to help get rid of the limp. The ligament and tendons are what takes me the longest recover from, you have to work on strength and flexibility. Concentrate on rehab, motion and strength will come back. Everyone's pain is different-I have little pain and take advil when feel pain. It is amazing the progress u can make when u start rehab- there is a good chance you that a cane is all u will need in a couple of weeks.I still have sweeping when I am on my feet all day- but it is not that severe. My limp is less noticeable now- hoping for it to be gone real soon. Good luck

Dec 20, 2011
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Broken Ankle 10 Weeks Post Op NEW
by: The Not So Tiny Dancer

It is amazing 4 years of college football as a lineman and 2 years professional rugby and other than my breaking many a finger and my nose a few times, I didnt suffer a major injury, but 5 mins acting like an idiot dancing and I go through the most painful and trying 3 months of my life and its not over yet! On Oct 1, 2011 I spiral fractured my fibular and dislocated my Ankle tearing every thing except for my achilles tendon. I did this doing a stupid dance with some guys from work when one fell into me when I was standing on one foot. (I am not a dancer but had a couple of drinks and thought it would be funny) I had surgery on Oct 12, 2011 where they put in a plate and 12 screws and reattached all of my ligaments and tendons. The Dr. said the wanted to amputate because of the vast ligament and tendon damage, but due to my age athletic background they gave me a fighting chance. Following surgery I was in a fiberglass cast for 8 weeks and a fracture boot for another 2 all non weight bearing. I am 26 years old 6'6" and at the time of surgery weighed 335 lbs. Getting around on crutches is difficult for a normal sized person, being a man of my stature they where almost impossible and in the begining I fell multiple times and could not go more than 20ft on them before I was exausted. I knew I had to do something before I caused more damage. Since my surgery I lost over 60lbs. Loosing the weight helped me to get pretty good on the crutches and now I can spend up to an hour and a half at a time on them, but the swelling is quite bad after. I went this morning for my 3rd follow up visit and was told that I could start putting weight on my leg with the fracture boot on. Today, although it hurt really bad, I was able to do pretty good puting 50-60% weight on my leg using both crutches, but when I tried using only one, my leg which has severe atrophy almost collapsed under the load. I have until Jan 4, 2012 to return to work or I will lose my job.I have a pretty high pain tollerance and I can get away with using a cane at work but they will not allow me to return on crutches because my job requires walking up to 4 hrs per day. I start physical therapy tomorrow morning and I am a pretty athletic person willing to work hard. Does anyone know how long it will take to get my stregnth back? Also from what I have read I am expecting pain, swelling, and limping for a long time, but any guess when the ankle will get back close to normal and stop making me want to die when I walk or maybe even run on it? My Doctor tends to avoid this question.

Dec 20, 2011
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Red purple inflamed foot (feels like skin is on fire) NEW
by: Anonymous

On December 7th I had a spiral fracture of my fibula... In hopital today with blood clot. Treated with Coumadin. However, today new symptom on foot (red, purple patches 3/4 of top of foot) after getting up to go to the restroom. Foot feels like it is on fire and blood clot in calf is throbbing and my lymph nodes throughout my body are sore... Anyone else have symptoms like this... The hospital staff is stumped... I would like to use an ice pack, but they can not do it without doctors orders. (other facts: no surgery, no setting... Reading about cellulitis). Any thoughts?

Dec 03, 2011
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Broken Fibula & Dislocated Ankle NEW
by: Sko3

Broken fibula and dislocated ankle Oct 11th...Planted left foot and the brand new shoes i had on did not slide...Surgery 3 screws and plate. Just got my cast off yesterday morning very swollen and stiff and nasty looking...Dr stated no weight bearing or PT for another 4 weeks...Seriously! Dr.only wants me to do ABC's...Any suggestions on rehab?

Nov 18, 2011
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Ankle break
by: Justaboy

Raed we all wish we could but ur ankle will let you walk on it directly after cast removal. Your doc will probably put u in a boot with only a little weight. I got my cast off and still needed crutches for 4 additional weeks. Im slowly putting weight on it and lost one crutch. It still hurts to even try to walk normal. Its takes time, it sucks but we need to give it time to heal right. If not it can reinjure and perminate lemp...

Nov 17, 2011
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Weight on fibula
by: Barbara

Well I broke my fibula on Sep 9,2011, and was was also told no weight bearing for six weeks. I was more comfortable with an ankle brace on when I first tried to walk. As my range of motion and strength in my leg muscles increase ; the amount I where the ankle brace decreases. It is all a matter of time

Nov 11, 2011
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Ankle broken in 2 places w/a broken tibia
by: Donna

Hi there! Wow! Glad to hear some of these stories. I broke my ankle and tibia on August 3, 2011 while on vacation. Since I had only 2 days left th eER doc told I may need surgery but he would put a temp cast on and send me home to my own ortho. My ortho said they were "clean" breaks and that he felt I may do better w/o surgery. Also, I had severe fracture blisters which complicated things. Had 2 plaster casts and 1 fiberglass. Now I am in a boot. On 10/19/11 the doc told me the tibia was still not healed. So..still not ok to return to work and still not ok to start PT yet. Can put a "little" weight on the leg as advised but keep elevated and stay off as much as possible. HELP!!! I am going nuts. I am thinking now that I should've gotten a second opinion. Just like another lady wrote, I will never look at a person with a broken leg the same. Who knew????

Nov 11, 2011
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I broke my Fibula
by: Raed

Hi .. i broke my fibula in 8th of Oct 2011 and of course got swollen with some rainbow colors on all my foot .. Dr. told not to walk on it for 5 weeks .. and to keep it elevated and to step slightly on it in the 6th week with no more than 10 Kg of weight. Tomorrow i will remove the cast, my question is: will i be able to walk on it directly after the cast is removed? shall i put a brace on it? thanks :)

Oct 17, 2011
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Broken Ankle With Surgery
by: JustBoy

Hi, Iseverly fractured my ankle August 13, 2011. I waited to the next day to visit the ER. After seein the Doctor, He requested I needed surgery to fix the ankle. I had to wait a week and a half for the swelling to go down. Worst Ever! Laying around like a big baby again. The bottom part of my ankle was purple into my toes. Super Huge! The pain was just awful.Having to shower with a wrapped leg in a trashbag sucks! I had the surgery with owner of 10 pins and One plate. Stayed in hospital for 4ays with ivey pain medication. I was put into a hard cast after two weeks of surgery. Cast came of after 6 weeks and ankle is still swollen. Total now 10 and a half Weeks since injury. My new ankle is bigger than my other leg. I have the boot now but still can't put any weight on it. Doc says I need to take it slow. It has been an experience for hell. Being self employed and a drummer I count of my leg to pay my bills. Reality check I must say!! Question: Can the ankle break again if I start putting weighton it. It feels like it will crush on me if I try to apply weight to it...Hope to hear similar stories. Thanks I admire legs now! lol

Oct 04, 2011
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Want to walk
by: Anonymous

Hi snapped my tib and fib clean in half had two pins put in and its been four weeks im still in cast and on crutches doing a small amout of weight bearing. Im looking after my five month old baby and i have moved everything i need into one room including my little boys cot. Sick of watching tv and being house bound. Got docs soon and i hope they get me walking asap. I will never look at someone with a broken leg in the same way. Im feeling for all you guys and for me cant wait to take my baby for a walk in his pram again. Big love to you all.

Sep 22, 2011
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broken ankle with screws and metal plate
by: schwanda

I broke my ankle feb 21st had surgery feb 25th was told 10-12 weeks recovery...I have 1 metal plate and 9 screws in my ankle.. Still walk with a limp and ankle swells like I have a baseball inside...my Dr hasn't given me any real time to expect only saying everyone is different.. All I want to know is will I EVER be able to wear my high heels again..Im a young 35 yr old woman and flats are not sexy to me at all...Someone please help also is it a wise decision to have the hardware taken out at some point or not?

Sep 03, 2011
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re swelling
by: Anonymous

8 months into a complete dislocation of the foot 3 horizontal breaks and small bone vertically split in half on my left leg. Swelling still with any amount of time on my feet. Still experiencing pains up to my calf. Leg still some what atrophied but coming back finally. Ankle looks like its got a softball in it when its pissed off. Everything dr says to do is good. Heat/ice will give you the flexibility in it back elevation def helps with the swelling but other than that........I was told a year probably closer to 2 before it stops completely. I also was told 2 years before pain free if i'm lucky I wont have major arthritis. I have a six inch titanium plate and 8 screws

Sep 02, 2011
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ankle swelling
by: Anonymous

Also, I found that a few beers helps with any pain, but does not help with the swelling...!:)

Sep 02, 2011
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swelling after ankle cast removal
by: Anonymous

33 and thought I was 22 playing softball. long story short, had a fibula malleolus fracture. 6 weeks in a cast... (was offered a walking boot after 3 wks, but couldn't drive with that damn thing, so chose the smaller cast.) cast came off and walking w/0 crutches after just one week. feeling confident, but swelling still gets me after 8 hours at work. Doc said swelling is normal and depends on each persons body as to when it will stop. Told me to keep off it as much as possible, keep it elevated and keep it iced and that should help. Just bought one of those elastic orthopedic socks and hopes that help reduce swelling. they also make ankle braces with cold packs in it,... going to try that tonight as well. It's not pretty, but hope swelling slows sooner rather than later. Any tips on helping the swelling subside?

Aug 09, 2011
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Ankle in Plaster
by: ovended

Hi

I'm a newbie to this site - my ankle went over on Friday and I thought I'd just sprained it. Went to A&E yesterday and was told I had broken a bone. They have put on a temporary plaster cast (back cast only) til the swelling goes down. I have to go back to the fracture clinic next week for a replacement full cast which will be on for 6-8 weeks. Nothing was mentioned about surgery so I'm guessing that I may be one of the 'lucky' ones and not need it ... if anyone has had a different experience please let me know. I have noticed that since my foot has been in plaster my toes keep going a purply colour if my leg is not raised. I'm moving my toes around as much as possible - not sure what else to do.

Any advice would be much appreciated.

Jul 22, 2011
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Fractured Fibula Surgery Complications--Help
by: Anonymous

I slipped on wet patio June 5, 2011 and sustained what I think is called an oblique fracture (diagonal) to the fibula a few inches "above" the ankle. Had surgery, plate and four screws three days later. This was a NONdisplaced fracture, I was first told that IF I had the surgery, recovery time would be like 4-6 weeks, but if I didn't, then it could be 12, 15, 20 weeks or longer, so I elected to have the surgery obviously and the plates and screws put in. At my first post op visit, doctor then said it would be 6 weeks recovery (before I could weight bear), then next post-op visit, he said 6-8 weeks, then next post-op visit, he said it would be 8 weeks," then next post-op visit, he said it would be a "minimum of 8 weeks." If he had told me 8 weeks or more to begin with, I probably would have elected for no surgery since my fracture was nondisplaced, so I am very irritated. What's worse, I keep asking him why my foot (ball of my foot and toes) -- NOT my ankle, gets swollen and very blue-red within moments of dropping my leg height down to floor, or even down past waste height when sitting, and I am getting no answer as to WHY; he just tells me this is normal and it will take time -- UP TO A YEAR. Okay, this really infuriates me, because I had NO swelling in my toes or foot PRIOR to the surgery, so obviously this is somehow a result of the surgery he did. Does anyone know what causes this problem and why it takes up to a year for this to resolve? My doctor clearly doesn't think it is important for me to understand what is going on--he just wants me to accept this. I need some answers and need to know if there is ANY way to help move this along faster. I am concerned this will go on indefinitely. Thanks!

Jul 20, 2011
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11 yrs later.....still problems from break
by: sandy

11 years ago i slipped on an icy snow covered sidewalk and litterally splintered my ankle and lower leg. splintered breaks are harder to fix..i now have plates rods and screws holding it together....when i landed from the slip, the bones broke but not the skin....however..my foot was backards. the operation left 2 vertical scars, one from ankle up 6 inches on front of calf and one on side over ankle bone about 6 inches also. got infection in wound from operation..this was inside cast...bad scarring. gibbled looking skin over operation scar.scar tissue has tightened ankle movement....cannot run quickly anymore...after operation i turned purple from ankle to crotch and the swelling was very bad..had to use bed pan for a couple of days....finally when allowed up the pain of the blood rushing down the leg. was excruciating. 11 years later...the screws which are visable through the skin hurt when knocked on anything...standing for long periods is impossible, any cold weather sets the leg and ankle to throbbing. i did not have the hardware removed because the surgeon said it wasnt a good idea because if there was any other infection or break in the future that it was likely they would have to amputate. also...arthritis has set into the hip bone on that leg and knee and ankle...BUT..the surgeon did say it as the worst break he'd ever seen and normally would have cut my foot off......hoever...as it was the worst he'd seen......he wanted to try to fix it and see what happened......and i'm still standing.....with problems...granted....but on MY own feet....for which i am grateful...

Jul 06, 2011
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Answer to mr honey moon.
by: Anonymous

I wouldn't walk in it. Make sure the bone heels well first. Only partial weight(40lbs) if any for 2 more weeks. Im in the same situation. Cast came off today, broken ankle,metal plate, and those were my orders. Good luck

Jun 30, 2011
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should i be walking 2 days after my cast removed?????
by: Anonymous

hi, i fractured my right fibula while on honeymoon, i have been in a cast for 6 weeks and had it removed 2 days ago, it is still swollen both sides of foot and also the back of my heal, the hospital said this is normal and ordered me to do physio at home, however today i am walking (well hobbling) on it, im wondering if i should be walking on it yet?? its a little uncomfortable but im just thinking this is because it has been in one position for 6 weeks. please help

Jun 25, 2011
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Tibia spiral fracture, fractured growth plate
by: Anonymous

April 18 2011 i did a frontflip of a fairly high wall and landed weird thought nothing was wrong but a twisted ankle as i hfve broken 8 other bones. After getting x- rays the had to rest the bones and adjust the growth plate. I had 4 weeks in a full legged cast later found the growth plate reset had completely failed so the doc added 2 more weeks in full leg cast. After the everything was healing right the doc put me in a short leg cast for another 6 weeks. I recently recieved a aircast/cam boot 1 1/2 weeks ago and slipped on water causing the stiff ankle to suddenly jerk and i am now expirencing swollen achilles heel, any suggestions? May i mention i am 16 as i celebrated my birthday during this recovery and it is hard from going fully athletic to physically disabled. P.t. starts in 1 week hope it helps.

Jun 19, 2011
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Broke the three ankle bones
by: John

Reading these posts that I'd add my experience. Broke the three bones constituting the ankle while out for a walk. I am 55 and while walking along a dirt trail, my ankle twisted I heard a snap and knew something within the lower leg area was broken.

Tried to walk and couldn't. Went to the hospital and within 6 hrs they had a plate and pins in. Woke up the next day, what they had done was simply fold a cast like material up each side of my leg, let the material harden and wrapped the half cast with a tensure bandage.

2.5 weeks after the break I went back to the hospital, the same surgeon cut the half cast off, they xrayed again the ankle again and on looking at the xray the surgeon said you can go. No cast, no tensur, nothing the ankle was badly brused and heavily discolored where he had used tape and glue to close the wound. He told me the bruses would heal and suggested I do not walk on the foot for 4 more weeks.

It is now 4 weeks after the break. My foot turns dark red when ever I move about on crutches but with no cast I am tempted daily to walk on the ankle. No pain when I transfer weight to it but I want this thing to heal right and so am trying hard to make it 6 weeks with out walking.

Time will tell

Jun 14, 2011
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broker ankle and fissure
by: crazy jumper

hey, 8 days ago i jumped off almost 6 meter hight , with a faulse landing ,which resulted in breaking my ankle and a fissure at the bottom of my leg bone. The doctor said i have to wear a plaster cast for 6 weeks, and still in my 2nd now....so are you all telling me that all what is happening to you- swelling, pain etc... Is gonna happen to me for sure after I remove my cast????????

Jun 06, 2011
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Bitten by the stairs
by: Angel

HI I slipped on some stairs inside a house Jan 4th 2011 and had surgery on the 5th and was released from hospital on the 6th. Damage done...completely dislocated foot (not something you see every day, your foot lying completely horizontal to the floor along the pinky toe side of your foot.)My ankle shattered in 3 places and the small leg bone was splintered vertically. I'm the proud owner of a six inch titanium plate and eight screws for the rest of forever. My question is.....has anyone else had their injury throw a lot of body heat??
I have been weight bearing for about six weeks and my ankle gets really hot and swollen, then is hugely stiff the next morning.

May 31, 2011
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Broken ankle
by: Toni

Hi all. I recently broke some bones in my ankle when I went paragliding in Turkey. It was tandem, on top of a mountain bu we did not get very high on take off and ended up being dragged onto the rocks. All very much of a shock as never broke anything before. Had the op in Turkey and have plate and screw. Having to wait over a week to go to fracture clinic. Ended up at A& E tho as back slab plaster digging into my leg. The leg swelling has gone down, especially my knee. I am taking antibiotics and anti inflammatory pills and co coda mol at night. I think the most challenging thing is getting to the loo, it takes so long to get there as I am very wobbly with the crutches. The step into the house and garden looks like a mountain! Keeping my leg up is so much better than down and the only pain I have are little sharp ones along my foot, including my heel at night. I keep wiggling my toes to keep blood flow going. So frustrating that this is going to go on for weeks as unable to weight bare. Can't wait for the plaster to be removed as that is so heavy and drags on my foot. At night my leg is so restless, can't find a good position for it and the little pains make me want to keep moving it about, not good when you want to sleep. When the fracture clinic do the x-rays I hope the bones are knitting together. No idea of healing time frame at the moment. No more paragliding for me.

May 31, 2011
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spiral fracture tibia
by: Anonymous

I suffered a spiral fracture of my tibia on Jan 5th 2011, full lenghth plaster for 12 weeks and below the knee plaster for a further 8 weeks no sugery. Had my plaster removed 23rd May still slightly fractured, but I can walk full weight bearing, My leg and ankle are quite swollen and my ankle is quite painfull and movement is somewhat restricted. Im sure that it will improve with time.
Its like Chritmas and birthday all in one when my plaster was removed, never broke any bones before. I am 61 and I dont want to go through that again.

May 22, 2011
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rugby injury
by: Anonymous

I broke my fibula, fractured my tibia and dislocated my ankle in an incident playing rugby, where I was tackled and twisted over with 3 people lying on top of me. The pain was horrible, and the fact my foot was hanging at a 90 degree angle wasn't nice either. Because I'm only 16, the surgeon didn't use any screws or plates and just reset the bone and sent me off in a plastercast for 7 weeks. I've now had the cast off for about 20 weeks, finished physiotherapy 10 weeks ago and I still get fair amounts of swelling when I play sport on it, which is completely normal. Swelling in a break like I had is expected for normally at least a year. Hope this has helped, and it's nice to know there are other people Going through the same pain.

May 12, 2011
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Sweeping control
by: Steve

I broke my ankle 5 weeks ago and am currently in an aircast. When get home I alternate hot and cold packs to deal with swelling after walking in boot all day, got rid if crutches this week after finding I am able to weight bear...

May 04, 2011
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Broken ankle
by: Anonymous

I broke my ankle in 2 places on march 1, spent 6 weeks in a hard cast, no weight on it, cast was removed 3 1/2 weeks ago. I am walking unassisted at home and using crutches for distance stuff, I have been driving, but am experiencing swelling, any tips?

May 03, 2011
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fractured spiral fibula
by: Anonymous

Fell and spiral fractured fibula. This advice may help. My ortho doc put my cast on while my leg/ankle was still very swollen. I had a follow up visit to my family doc and he took one look at my fat swollen foot and toes and gave me diuretics and told me to stay away from salt..it retains water. Absolutely helped ! After two weeks in that torture cast I went to another ortho doc and he said it had to be removed it WAS too tight. Thank God they took it off...my foot was turning black and purple worse than before the cast. Now 6 weeks later its off and I have an air cast that is ill fitting and won't stay in place. A stirrup brace called Formfit. I remove it as much as I can because it is so painful. I ice my ankle off and on during the day and curl my toes as much as I can. I am pushing 70 so I figure I will be a long time healing. But I also take calcium and vitamin D for bone health...it really does help. Check out stronium also for bones. I took quite a fall and think if I didn't use calcium for many years I may have done more damage. And now 6 weeks later, my foot looks pretty good when I remove the brace...somewhat swollen and tender but doctors especially surgeons tell you NOTHING of what to expect after your bones have healed. Most hardly speak to you ..nor look at you just your Xray !!

Apr 23, 2011
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Ankle Rehab
by: Fred

Injury: Broken Tib & Fib at Ankle
Surgery: 1 screw one side, plate and 6 screws the other.
Cast: Fibre Glass 6 1/2 weeks non weight bearing
Cast off: One Week ago

Everyone's injury will be slightly different in severity and recovery time - also how fit/young the indivual is will also influence things but it is good read other comments. I'm 39 and relatively small and fit.

My ankle is still swollen. More in the evening. Trying to walk around to exercise. Also doing little exercises 3x per day to try to get it more flexible.

Can walk short distances unaided, using one crutch most of time and both crutches if I'm out for the day. Its is only a little sore to walk on - more due to the soft tissue and swelling than the break. Ankle still not very flexible but getting better.

A little bit at a time I guess. Foot up in the evening and a little massage. Physio in 10 days which should help enormously.

Stay positive and hope all here get better soon.

Apr 10, 2011
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Broken Ankle Christmas Morning
by: Brenda

Hi I slipped on ice Christmas Morning whilst out walking my sons dog. I was admitted to hospital and after a few days had External Fixation fitted to leg and this was on about month. Operation to remove it and replaced by heavy plaster cast for another month.Then a Fibre Glass Cast another month. it was removed then after Xray decided i needed another Fibre Glass Cast!! this was on for 2 weeks and finally after 14 weeks I am now cast free but have ankle brace. it has been quite an experience and at 68 years old quite traumatic but but hopefully am now on way to recovery!!

Apr 10, 2011
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Apr 02, 2011
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Broken fibula
by: jim

6 weeks ago last tuesday i broke my fibula when i turned on it funny, well thursday just gone the 31st of march i got my plaster cast off . the doc told me the healing was nearly there but not all the way i was put in an air cast and a boot and told i could weight bear. this was a heaven sent as i was now able to shower instead of having baths. but once i took the air cast off once i couldnt resist leaving it off now im walking around the house two days after reciving the cast with only a limp and my range for turning isnt what is used to be . i have a small bit of pain in my ankle but this is mainly due to muscle and ligement strain. pt starts monday so hopefully il be back in work (bartending) in two weeks time.

Apr 01, 2011
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One plate and eleven screws
by: Spring "Break" 2011

I broke my ankle in 3 places after hitting a patch of ice while cycling. One week after surgery I went from a soft cast to a boot, but no weight-bearing for 10-12 weeks. I am 6 weeks into recovery and just started PT. Like others, I am still experiencing some swelling and I also experience significant blood flow to the foot, especially after showering. The doctor used Dermabond to close my incision and I still have some oozing at the top of my incision. This concerns me because I thought I my incision would be fully healed by now. I'm finding healing from a broken ankle is as mentally challenging as it is physically. I am an avid runner and I'm hoping to be back to running by the end of summer.

Mar 23, 2011
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Fractured tibia, fibula & metatarsal
by: John

Feb 7. Had a fractured tibia, fibula & metatarsal apparently from a drunk driver who run over my left foot while on motorcycle. Feb25 received open reduction internal fixation on left ankle, doctor had put in 1 plate & 13 screws to stabilize the fracture. Pain is excruciating 2-3 days after surgery, glad morphine is there to help me pull through. All those sleepless & restless nights waking up in the middle of the night screaming in pain. 2 weeks after surgery, am off my tramadol meds, withdrawal symptoms is a living hell but that's another story. Now on removable cast on crutches, non weight bearing. Foot swelling has subsided a bit but the pain is still there. Glad to bump into this site makes me realized I am not alone in this fight. Hang in there, be brave stay focused it will pass. Time will heal all wounds. God bless

Mar 21, 2011
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Broke ankle falling on ice
by: Patiently waiting

Great to read these posts as it's helpful to know there are many people enduring similar injuries. I'm 40 and slipped on ice in the parking lot going to work on 1/31/11. I fell awkwardly and heard a CRACK. First bone I ever broke in my life. Got to the ER and had xrays - probably the most painful thing ever since they make you turn your leg to get different views w/o having set any bones yet. Found out I dislocated and broke my left ankle in 3 places. They set the bones and put me in a splint. I went home and waited until 2/9 for surgery. Had to wait for swelling to go down (and for an opening in doctor's schedule). I needed a plate and 10 screws. I never imagined I could have done so much damage from one little fall. Wore splint for 2 weeks, then got a hard cast which I have to wear for 4 weeks. I'm getting that cut off on 3/24 and am not sure what to expect next. Most of the time it feels like someone is poking my ankle and foot with pins and needles! There is definitely still swelling as I can feel the tightness within the cast. It hurts to move my toes a lot and I can't imagine how stiff my ankle will be at first. I'm definitely going to PT and will do everything they say. I have no idea when I will be able to go to work (which requires standing/being on my feet).

Mar 20, 2011
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broke fibula and sprained ankle
by: biker

I fractured my fibula and badly sprained my ankle on Jan. 15 9 weeks later my leg and ankle are still very swollen .How much longer?

Mar 14, 2011
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We're not alone!!
by: Anonymous

Wow!!! I am so glad to read everyones comments
and to know that the swelling i'm experiancing
is somewhat normal, the last comment about
massage makes alot of sence, and I guess having patience also would help, these are our "FEET"
we're talking about, we really need to take care of them. Thank ALL for your comments and "HOPE" that your comments provided:-)

Mar 06, 2011
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Broken ankle (fibula lateral malleolus)
by: Anonymous

Hi, I broke my left ankle (undisplaced lateral malleolus in the fibula) after a bad fall (15 feet high and 35 mph) while motocrossing. I landed on an uneven surface with both feet. Thanks god i was wearing really good boots. After visiting the emergency room the X-ray showed only that fracture , which even looked like i did not cross the bone completely. They put me on a fiberglass cast right away.

2 days later i went to see my doctor and after i showed him the X-rays he decided that it was going to be better for me to just use an Aircast in both feet. He said that that kind of fracture is better to heal with some constant weight on it. (given that only 10% of the body weight is carried by the fibula, and i am 190 lbs 6f3in it did not seem like a big deal to me) He told me to use crouches too. He mentioned i should be fine in 4 to 5 weeks and go back to normal life.

He put me on 2 pills of 200mg celebrex (one in the morning and one at night) and 1 pill of Ketoprofen 150mg daily. For the blackness due to the contusion around my foot he gave me a product called Hirudoid Forte which is a cream. Now 1 week later my foot is not swollen at all except around the end of the fibula which was expected, there is barely any darkness due to blood on my feet.

I am currently living in Lima,Peru and the accident happened here. Based on previous experiences with doctors in the USA, i must say doctors here rock!!!! one i fracture two feet metatarsals while in Miami and the doctor sent me home with no Xray, a bandage an a tube of BenGay.

Mar 04, 2011
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Lateral Malleous spiral ankle fracture
by: Anonymous

I fell on ice on Feb 1. I have been casted since the 4th. My toes are a little swollen and turn purple when I stand. I still have a constant ache on the ankle and I feel pain up to my knee. I am just wondering if it's normal to feel this even when its almost 5 weeks casted?

Feb 25, 2011
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purple skin after cast removal
by: Anonymous

I fell on 1/27/2011 on black ice and fractured my ankle, went from ER to surgery 10 srews and some plates, had the soft cast for 1 week then a hard one for 3 weeks. I went yesterday and he took the cast off and gave me a walking air cast i have to wear for 5weeks and for the first week use crutches and no weight on it for a week then gradually add some slowly, my question is my foot from my ankle to my toes are very dark purple, i noticed after i took my chair shower(LOL) is this normal?? i sit in the recliner with air cast off and leg propped but still purple and yes my foot is still swollen a bit

Feb 24, 2011
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lateral malleolus fracture
by: Anonymous

Basically, I broke the end of my fibula when I tripped and fell down some stairs. It happened about a year ago. Doc told me the fracture was slightly misplaced but not enough to have pins put in. I was non weight bearing and wore a splint about a week till the swelling went down then a regular cast for 6 weeks. After that I was changed to a walking cast for two weeks and started hobbling around without crutches for short distances. I had pain for the first couple weeks but by week four I stopped taking the pain relievers. After the cast came off, I was given an ankle brace and tall boot to wear at my discretion. I think I wore the boot for a week before I switched to using the ankle brace for support. I resumed normal activities (except the gym or hiking) and I was fine for a month. After that first month, I started to get ankle swelling if I was on my feet all day. Sometimes I'll have pain in my achilles too and aching can get really bad when the weather changes. I would say I regained full range of motion and I don't have any stiffness at all. Only problems left after a year are not being able to wear heels for more then an hour or two (for the gals out there try wedges, those I can wear all day), swelling if I'm on my feet all day (I can go on a 3 hour rigorous hike and be fine but just standing all day will kill me!), and the strange achilles pain that comes and goes. I expected some swelling just didn't think it would be still happening a year later! I don't know what to think about the achilles pain but I'm seeing a new doc about that in a couple weeks now that I have insurance again.

Feb 03, 2011
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Soft tissue injury
by: Anonymous

So over a year ago a metal vice fell onto my leg at school. I went to casualty and was told it was a small fracture that would heal on it's own and had an ifection called semiscepticlitus. After i started walking again a bruise above my ankle would appear and be painful to walk on. After numerous hospital appointments and physio my consultant said it must be a soft tissue injury and i should have a cast for 6 weeks (fibreglass) after I had the cast removed my leg was still bruised. My doc said he actuallt didn't know what was wrong and he had never seen or heard anyhthing like this before! I need help! i'm 14 and was previously very sporty and am going on an expidition to India next year and my leg needs to be fixed!! Please help!

Feb 03, 2011
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broken ankle
by: Anonymous

I am recovering from my second operation 11 weeks post op tomorrow. i fractured the navicular bone at the top of my foot in Aug 09 and had to have bone graft and surgery in sept o9 iwas in cast for 6 weeka then i was fitted with a aircast boot for 7 weeks after having the boot removed my foot was quite swollen and painful still this was in dec 09 finally by the time i saw my surgeon againe in april 10 he advised me the bones had not healed and needed a further op which took place in nov 10

i am now 11 weeks post op and had the cast removed last friday after being in cast for 10 weeks the surgeon has said the same words as before it is totally healed, but i am still experiencing a lot of swelling pain which is increasing each day IS THIS NORMAL HAS ANYONE ELSE EXPERIENCED THIS . PLEASE GIVE ME SOME HOPE

after 18 months of walking with pain i was hoping for some releif

Jan 26, 2011
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Broken Ankle - keep the faith
by: Anonymous

30th Nov 2010: Slipped on black ice on my way home from work. Ankle rotated underneath me and I suspect my full (overweight) self caused my lower fibula to crack diagonally. Heard a quiet but definite crunch so knew best not to walk in it. At 43 years old my first break! Broken fibula in the first cast did not align so had operation to fit titanium plate with 7 screws(nickel allergy) Beware the painkilling drugs (2 weeks tramadol and paracetamol) that gave me constipation more painful than the break - enough said on that subject though Movicol was my saviour! I'm someone who does not mind cold feet and I'd say that this may have helped with the swelling. I still have swelling and purpleness now the cast is off (a week ago now) which subsides considerably once leg elevated. Swelling is much reduced compared with the first cast which was balloon-like over most of foot ankle area. Around ankle joint now but can extend to 10cm above ankle bone and cause my wound to tighten. Starting to put weight on my leg, incrementing by 10 lbs per day and tomorrow have first physiotherapy appointment. Very tingly under toes and most of foot (gentle warm massage helps) but my heel seems fine (was worried as heel in cast often kept me awake with sharp pains). The extent of my dry skin was a bit of a shock though a careful bit of dove soap/sugar, massage and shea butter afterwards got rid of most of it and foot looks almost normal.
My scar is visibly forming some 8 weeks since my operation. Stitches are the dissolving type. Some of the scab dropped off today and revealed a narrow, neat indented line. Remembered to keep it dry and unpicked so it doesn't become unsightly nor infected. Plan to use a good scar treatment oil once the wound/scab has fully healed. I would say that fresh air has helped the healing considerably. Although I have a good diet I take supplements for bone health to make sure that what I need to mend my bones is adequate and consistent, particularly as my appetite is low and I've lost more than a stone in weight (some muscle). I also gave up alcohol mainly as it enhances my clumsy nature!
Hope this is helpful to those of you who are in similar predicaments – I am heartened by these shared experiences which made my own more bearable. It’s certainly no picnic.

Jan 24, 2011
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13 year old fractures tibia and fibula playing soccer
by: Anonymous

My daughter fractured her tibia and fibula playing soccer. She had to elevate and ice the ankle in order to get the swelling down to put on a cast. She had a cast on for four weeks. She was able to walk with the cast on wearing a removable boot. Once the cast was off, the ankle felt pretty good. Ortho ordered 8 sessions of physical therapy. Her ankle is still painful and swells if she does too much like walking or standing. After two weeks, she has return to soccer practice, but only playing at 50 percent. She is unable to do sprints and kicking. Working out seems to help reduce the swelling. I am still having her take ibuprofen and ice at least once a day. I imagine she will not be playing full contact soccer for another month. So in all, it will probably be two months total for rehab. Hope this helps.

Jan 19, 2011
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broken fibula
by: Anonymous

I had a clean break of the fibula almost 6 weeks ago - no hardware required. My doctor told me I needed the cast on for 6 weeks, even though the x-ray showed no sign of the break after 4 weeks. Another doctor told me the cast could come off after 4 weeks, which is what I chose. I am so happy I did it! I still have somw swelling and pain, but I am healing quickly. Some doctors are very conservative and want to keep you in the cast too long (in my opinion). I believe the longer you keep it on, the longer your recovery. Good luck to everyone going through this process!

Jan 15, 2011
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WEBBER C FRACTURE
by: Anonymous

I fell playing football,and had a double spiral fracture one in my tibia and the other of the fibular.Also called a webber c fracture.7 weeks in a cast and a week in moon boot.Its been off for 2 weeks now and my foot and ankle are extremely swollen and its painful to walk.Im back at work but am struggling due to the pain,mainly in my heel.Doctor says 3 to 6 months and I should be ok.HOPE SO IM SICK OF WALKING LIKE A PIRATE WITH MY MASSIVE LIMP AND THE PAIN!!!

Jan 10, 2011
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Fractured Ankle
by: Erica

Hi everyone just thought id comment that i fractured my ankle 3 days ago i tripped over my cat who had decided to run out in front of me when i got out of bed in the morning.well it started hurting really bad so i decided to finally got to the e.r. at midnight.. doc said i fractured my ankle put a temp cast on it told me to call the foot doc tomorrow which is monday 1/10/11 im in alot of pain.. i will run out of my pain killers tomorrow am nervous that i will not be able to get another script my foot is extremely swollen i feel like numbness and a tingly sensation my ankle foot and part of my leg throbs and i have sharp pains im having a really hard time getting around with these crutches my gf wil be gone the next 4 days so i will be alone im quite frightened of falling or something i didnt realize how painful this is..i have a feeling i will need surgery. these pain meds arent touching the pain i think i need something stronger can anybody tell me if i should have a problem getting another script and how long i will prolly have to wear a permanent cast? being that the pain killers are narcotic im afraid to ask for more i kinda went through them quick i got 30 and will be out tomorrow morning on day 4.. but there is no doubt that i will need something for pain.

thanks

Jan 06, 2011
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2 weeks out of cast
by: Christine

I felt like I had to get back on my feet asap. I was without crutches at home almost emmediatly. Steady stretching and pt excersices at home on my own. I've been driving short distances for six days now. I am conciously walking with full regular strides, it hurts at times but feels right too. I don't want to wind up with a flat limp. Going up stairs is easy, still struggling going down. That too is getting easier everyday. Diligence is the way for me. Not ready to work as a bartender again yet but am able to care for myself and kids again. That alone feels great!Let's see what the Ortho says next week! Speedy recovery wishes to all.

Jan 06, 2011
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extreme swelling
by: ginny

slipped and fell at home and broke my ankle in 5 places. (yes i am going to get checked for osteoporosis). went straight to surgery from ER and had 2 plates (rods) and 11 screws. soft cast for 2 weeks then hard cast for 4 weeks, then a tall hard walking boot. swelling is EXTREME! can walk slowly but painful. both dr. and physical therapist said swelling and discoloration is normal even though it's been 3 weeks with the cast off.i can't imagine i will ever get a shoe on! i am 49 yrs old. i guess some of the comments on here are correct, may take months to feel anywhere near normal again.

Dec 30, 2010
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bust up ankle
by: out of service

Hey There,

I broke my ankle and leg exatly four weeks ago, and I am finally able to start walking on it. Doc took off the cast today and my leg looked like a club! Doc said its totally normal due to the trama the ankle and leg went through so not to worry. I hope you have a speedy recovery, and keep the leg elivated when not in use, that really helps.

Dec 24, 2010
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REply Broken Ankle (swelling after cast removal)
by: JoLo

I broke my ankle running- had cast for 6 week and just had removed 2 days ago. I was lucky - docs said it was a clean break and should heal nicely...but am surprised about how much my ankle is still swollen.

I am walking but still witha limp and dont have the mobility of the back of my heel as of yet- I suspect that is from the cast for 6 weeks. The doc said I should be running- even skiing- in no time....I'm skeptical when I look at the ankle...plus I'm 43 years young and realize that healing is not as quick as a kid....

Dec 18, 2010
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ankle
by: Anonymous

I had an operation on my ankle some 10 weeks ago...I had the arthritus taken out, 3 stress fractures fixed along with a damaged tendon repaired...I had two different casts put on over the first 7 weeks and an air boot for the final three weeks...I then had the airboot taken off...there is lots of swelling both in my entire foot and up the calf...I was told I did not have to wear the boot anymore...there was too much pain so I use it and will for another couple of weeks until I have no pain...I was told by other people that had similar operation that it could take several months before the swelling goes down and it might never go completely away..I am 71 yrs of age and is just the way it is...I will stay in touch with my own medical doctor who I have complete confidence in and he will advise me..

Dec 18, 2010
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Dec 16, 2010
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Fractured right fibula
by: Christine

On 11/13/10 Two hours before a Dave Matthews Concert at MSG I rolled my right ankle getting out of the parked car. Pretty sure I had broken it, I sucked it up and rested on my husband and friends to carry me to the show (Our Anniversary gift). Dave and the band were awesome!! It's been almost 6 weeks and two casts later. No pain but lots of discomfort. As a wife and mother of two. It's been more emotional and frustrating to be prisoner to the sofa. Thankful for my Mom who has stepped in to help run the home. I'm also a part-time bartender and miss my people and frankly..THE OUTDOORS LOL
My cast comes off next Thursday. Worried about the next phase, especially driving again. I'm glad you all shared your experiences. Helped not to feel so alone.

Regards,

Christine

Nov 13, 2010
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My treatment on a broken ankle ?
by: bomba

On the 8/9/10 I slipped on a rock in a National park and went straight to the emergency dept and they xrayed my ankle, which had swelled up straight away after the fall. The Dr told me it was a sprain and that I'd walk on it in a week. Sent me away with crutches and pain killers.. 6 days later it was still swollen so I refered my ankle to my GP and got an ultrasound, they found a fracture of the tibia..and it had moved. The next day I was back in the emergency dept (different hospital) and told me I needed a plate and 3 screws. 2 days in hospital with morphine, was not a pleasant experience, the pain was excruciating. They performed the op, and I was fitted with a moonboot straight away. Which was on for the duration of the healing,3 weeks fulltime moonboot and crutches.
Then finally I could take the boot off at night,
and gradually weight bear on my ankle. It was amazing how you lose you confidence and are scared on putting pressure on your ankle. However one important thing is while you are healing, is to have your ankle up and resting as much as possible to reduce the swelling. After a fews days of ginger steps, I was walking around with the boot. One key treatment was to have warm baths with epson salts which really helped to relax the ankle and calf, which lost alot of tone and muscle. Also massage the ankle and foot with ancia and cocoa butter really helps with the fading on the scare. After 5 weeks of walking around with the moonboot, I could finally be release of the boot. Physiotherapy and Hydrotheraphy have really helped to loosen all the very tight joints in the ankle. However I am seeing the therapists 3 times a week until full movement comes back into the ankle. Also home exercise to stretch the ankle when it is feeling uncomfortable and sore. I still have a problem with swelling when I have been on my feet for too long. So icepacks have been a lifesaver and long warm baths have too. Now its a gradual process to reduce the swelling and loosen up all the tight ankle muscles however I have to reconsider my foot wardrobe now..One thing I have to say is always get a second opinion from another Dr regarding a sprained ankle, it still makes me scratch my head, how could they have missed the fracture in the first place.

Nov 10, 2010
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Need answers
by: Anonymous

I also broke my fibula 8 weeks ago.got the cast removed 2weeks ago and got told to use the boot,
It's good to use for the first week as you can gradually fully weight bear onto it,
I went straight from two crutches to none and found it was putting alot of pain into my heal,so I spoke to my pt and she gave me permission to wear trainers.
I get harsh pain in the morning for a few minutes and then the rest of the day I'm ok with abit of pain on the sole of my foot.obviously I'm limping around slowly but everyday it improves a little bit,I am also driving again-short trips and this is helping my ankle free up some more,it's like doing the pt's exercises but against abit of force.
Hopefully in two weeks I will be back at work.
Anybody else pushed themselves to get bk?
My theory is the longer you leave it the stiffer the ankle??

Nov 10, 2010
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Need Answers!
by: Anonymous

I broke my Fibula on Sept 20,2010 have been in cast for 7 weeks, went today to get cast off. Doc said he felt it needed to be on for 3 more weeks! this doc doesnt explain things, I am so frustrated with this doctor!!! Supposedly he is the best in town! He put me back in a cast for 3 weeks without really explaining why and with a walking boot and said I could slowly start putting pressure on it as I can tolerate it! Gradually go up in LBS! It does hurt but itsnt it going to hurt after being in a cast for 7 weeks and stiff as a board? Wont it be sore? Is it safe to start walking on it after 7 weeks guy's? I have to be walking by Dec 10 Im going to Mexico!! I dont care if I have to use a cane I just want to be able to walk any light at the end of the tunnel???

Nov 10, 2010
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Nov 07, 2010
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Don't listen to every thing your doctor tell you,listen to your body.
by: Anonymous

I broke my ankle on 8/30/2010.
After surgery,pins,screws,and plates in place, cast was in place. And than I was thinking what if my foot and leg swell up,need to scratch, clean to prevent germ from spreading, or something goes wrong with my foot or leg and I wouldn't know because it is completely sealed!?
Sure enough,immediately after I came home,my leg swelled up badly,it was painfully pressing against my already hard cast and causing me a lot of pain. I was in tears!.
I called my dr and ask to have him cut my cast right down the middle. Off-course he though I was out of my mind and he advise me against it. But I persisted on it.
It was the best decision I have made.
I was able to relieve the pressure off of my leg when I feel slightest pressure from my leg and foot,I got to scratch when ever I wanted, able to clean away possible germs, and most importantly, when ever I was in pain,I gave gentle massage often very carefully. The rest of the time,I wore half of the cast with carefully wrapped professional bandage on me at all times. After 4 weeks,I am completely off of my cast,no sign of discoloration or pain. I installed stationary bike in my room and on it often to loosen up the stiffness and faster recovery. I am learning to walk again. My leg still swells up when I stand a long period of time.

Nov 05, 2010
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8 weeks after breaking ankle
by: Miss BooBoo

On Sept 8 I broken my ankle (the non bearing bone) got a fracture boot for 7 weeks. Got it off 2 weeks ago. Walking is tough but getting thru it. Really sharp pain in the ankle early in the morning. Swelling not bad in the morning. By the afternoon it is swollen some. Can walk unassisted and use a cane sometimes. Hope to be up and running in 2 to 3 months. This whole thing sucks. No to mention workmans comp. All I can say is elevation and patience. I hate it.

Oct 23, 2010
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Fractured ankle
by: gazza

You basically had a soft tissue injury with an associated fracture. In other words it takes a lot of force / energy to fracture your bone this energy has to transfer through the soft tissues.

The fracture has now healed enough to leave you free of your cast, but it will take significantly longer for the soft tissues to settle around the joint.The swelling normally is around the ankle spreading into the forefoot and worse during the latter part of the day. This can take up to yearto settle but usually 3 to 4 monthes.

Suggest end of the day foot up beer and chill :-)

Oct 05, 2010
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Pain after cast off
by: Siobhan

Hey guys i broke my tib and fib at a school trip down in canberra i was tabboganing and ran into a big snowman and broke my right ankle and i got my cast off yesterday and its swallon is that normal also i cant walk on it it is to painful esspecially at the back of my ankle and my knee but i havent even broke my knee any way is it norrmal for me to still be in soo much pain

Sep 17, 2010
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Yes, it's still swollen after cast is removed...
by: Baby Monster

I broke my ankle July 18, 2010. The ankle everted and I heard a pop as I fell. At first, the hospital told me it was a really bad sprain. I kept insisting that it was broken. They sent me home (with it wrapped< as a sprain). An hour later the hospital called me back and said that I was right and that they didn't read all the x-rays (duh). I had broken the fibula and the talus was out of alignment. I went to another hospital the next day because emergency couldn't put a cast on it. The 2nd hospital set up for surgery 2 days later: 1 plate, 5 screws and 1 pin later. I NEVER had any kins of pain whatsoever. Just throbbing like a sprain. I think I was in such shock, especially when I broke my ankle, the medial malleolus bulged out like a pooping eyeball.
After surgery, cast was on, with biweekly cast changing) for 8 weeks. Now I'm wearing the walking boot. My ankle is still swollen and a bit uncomfortable while walking. It's only because, as someone else mentioned, previously I haven't walked in total 8 1/2 weeks, there is something foreign in my leg, fluid has built up around the ankle even though I had my leg up constantly. The OS already told me, it will take 6 months to a year for it togo back to 'normal'. I can't even drive my car for another 6 weeks. As a massage therapist, my colleagues will be working on my ankle with lymphatic drainage. But be patient.

Sep 10, 2010
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Swelling after a fracture
by: Anonymous

I broke my left ankle whilst playing soccer. I didn't know it was fractured until two days letter when the swelling couldn't stop. I went for an xray and my OS put me is a cast for 2 1/2 weeks. At first I didn't feel any pain at all until four days latter it was like someone is pocking me with a thousand needs whenever I put my foot any level below the heart. I struggled for abt 5 days with the pain and I barely slept at night but keeping the ankle elevated helped to reduce the welling.
After a few days I feel much better but not 100%. I got the cast removed yesterday 9th of Sept 2010. The Doc told me to eat right to ensure a quick recovery and to add weight as I feel and that I will be able to walk in a few days time.
I think its normal to have an ankle swollen after cast is removed especially when you had a broken bone. It might take days for the body to absorb all the excess fluids causing the swelling depending on how you use the foot. A massage and making small circles with the ankle can help increase blood circulation and reduce swelling to promote healing.

Aug 30, 2010
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Broken Ankle ( swelling after Casrt removed)
by: Anonymous

I did have an ankle 'broken' in July 2010, but i am still not sure it really was broken, as I did not believe the doctor, that it was, as I never had pain, only a bit of , but no big deal. Wearing this cast now for 5 weeks, I walk now with 2 shoues - I see a swollen ankle and I walk fine as long as I dont walk to fast and don't do anything 'stupid' with my ankle. Tomorrow I will see my doctor ( my real doctor) and if you are interessed I will write you more what and why the ankle is still swollen.

Aug 26, 2010
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BROKEN ANKLE
by: Debbie

I broke my ankle Feb. 28/2010, I had surgery March 4/2010. Plate and 7 screws put in. I was off it for 5 weeks non weight bering. It swelled quite abit, but I kept it up lots. It healed good. Or so I thought. Yesterday I noticed that it was sore and swollen, and a bit of pain. I went to the family doctor and she said that I might have an infection. This is almost 7 months after my surgery. I am being treated with antibiots and now have to go and have an exray and a bone scan, what is up with this. I hope nothing is wrong and I don't have to go through alot of mess with this

Aug 26, 2010
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Aug 22, 2010
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broken ankle
by: Anonymous

Hi I've broken my ankle in 3 places, had op pins and plates, but i am suffering with heat down the outer side of my leg it gets quite hot just wondered if anyone knows what this might be?? thanks

Aug 22, 2010
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Jul 15, 2010
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pURPLE FOOT AND SWOLLEN ANKLE AFTER REMOVAL OF CAST.
by: l MORRIS

bROKEN tALLUS AFTER CAR CRASH pURPLE SWELLING ON ANKLE
hi there broke my tallus in car crash have two pins and am healing well after six weeks in acast. Took off plaster last tuesday and i have phisio next week . The ankle and foot go deep purple if i leave it down. Should I walk on it more and ignore the swelling and colour changes. PLEASE ADVICE HAVE NO CLUE NEVER BROKE ANYTHING IN MY LIFE. thE ANKLE BONE BURST OUT THROUGH THE FLESH AS WELL AS THE SURGERY INCISION FOR TWO PINS IN THE TALUS BONE.

Jun 30, 2010
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14 weeks with broken ankle
by: Anonymous

i broke my ankle 14 weeks ago i have had 5 casts on and now im in a boot how much longer will it take to heal

Jun 29, 2010
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swollen ankle
by: Debs

I broke my ankle on 1st May and had to have an operation to put a plate and screws in. I had a cast on for 7 weeks, 5 of which were non weight bearing and 2 slight weight bearing. I have now had the cast off for nearly a week and I find it very painful to walk on and very swollen. Is this normal or should I go back to the doctors?

Jun 21, 2010
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start a blog, it helped me with my break
by: Russ

I broke my ankle in two places on the fibula and the base of the medial maleolus on mothers day 2010. this tuesday, in 2 days, i go to the doctor for xrays to see if i can start putting weight on it. i started a blog while still at the hospital. it helped me immmensely even though my mom was the only one i knew was reading it. it's at tibfibbreak.blogspot.com
if you have pain, start a blog. write about what's going on for you. it will help you to look back and see your progress.

Jun 06, 2010
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Should I be worried if my ankle swells and i still limp
by: Anonymous

I fractured my ankle in 3 places 12/30/09....thought it was a sprain until i woke up after icing it all night...i didn't need surgery wore a removable boot for 8 weeks...only took it off to shower the first 5 and didn't leave the house using crutches was awful...got the boot off went back to work the next day...i'm a bartender so on my feet a lot...when i have a few days off i'm fine but after working some days i feel like i can barely walk...the ortho didn't recommend PT, i just ordered the dyna disk to use to try to work on it...the doctor said 6-9 months before it's near normal...i'm wondering if i should go back it's been 3 months or just wait it out??? any suggestions are greatly appreciated...thanks

May 22, 2010
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Don't give up
by: Anonymous

12/28/09 slipped on ice, broke my inner ankle bone, outer ankle bone, fibula head, tibia head and a comminuted spiral fracture of the tibia. 4 screws and one metal rod later, 5/17/10, cast was removed permanently post full weight bearing. While I have been more than fortunate in that I have had little pain, yes I had the black & blue foot for 2 months of that time; yes, there is always discomfort, usually from something like sheets on a bed or sock on the foot, something that touches the area. Since the cast came off, my outer ankle, in particular going around the back to the other ankle, has swollen up. While I do ice for 10-20 minutes at a time and elevate the ankle several times a day and restarted use of an embolism sock, the swelling hasn't completely gone away. Actually, I don't expect it to. After all, I haven't used the ankle at all in almost 4-5 months. Such non-use borders (dare I say it) on atrophy. The human body wants to be used. Far as I'm concerned, my orthopedic is a saint. I see him every 5-6 weeks. You should too. Tell your doctor everything. Keep doing your exercises. I have full mobility in the ankle and knee, I just have swelling. I was told it takes a year to regain the kind of function I had before I broke it. Be Patient With Your Body and it will reward you.

May 12, 2010
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Swelling
by: Anonymous

I broke and dislocated my ankle while hiking in early April and had surgery a few days later. I now have a plate, seven screws and wires. I had a splint for a week, and a cast since then. The swelling wasn't too bad at first, but it's gotten worse over the past few days. It now swells at night so that I can hardly sleep. Is this normal? My doctor said it shouldn't swell anymore when I saw him a couple of weeks ago.

May 12, 2010
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May 06, 2010
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Plate and Pins and Screws
by: Anonymous

I broke my ankle in two places on 9/11/09. After surgery (Pin, plates, screws), a cast, ankle boot and rehab, my ankle still swells and causes discomfort. Uneven surfaces are difficult. When I change shoes (hiking boots to flip-flops), I experience swelling also.

Apr 11, 2010
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swelling after cast comes off
by: Anonymous

hi how long does it take for the swelling to go away after the cast has been removed after a fractured ankle can some one let me know thank you

Mar 20, 2010
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ankle tib and fib
by: Anonymous

hi, i broke my ankle on 11th Jan 2010 and had to have plates and screws etc to fix it. The physio as just got me walking with two crutches with bad foot flat on floor taking some weight and he wants me to increase it as the week goes on. This is going ok, but if i do too much walking around, it becomes too painful to continue and i have to go back to walking with the bad foot just toe touching. I think the problem is swelling. It seems that the swelling hasnt reduced much from when i had a the cast taken off, perhaps it has and im just being inpatient. Does anyone know when the swelling really starts to subside?

Mar 19, 2010
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Nobody tells you about the pain
by: Ow Ow OW

I never realised the pain involved with a fracture l always thought they put a cast on and the pain was gone, how wrong was l.
I broke my leg and shattered my ankle 11th January 2010 and now 3 plates and 14 screws later l am in just as much pain. I still can't move the ankle, physio has now been stopped until the large screw is removed which is another three weeks yet. All casts were removed three weeks ago and the swelling is still severe and from my foot to half up my calf goes black when l get up, l can toe touch but not full weight yet. Even though l am still on morphine, tramadol, paracetamol, ibuprofen and aspirin the pain still brings me to tears. Will this ever end?

Mar 17, 2010
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twisted ankle
by: Anonymous

I broke my ankle October 22nd 2009 went straight to the ER had to have emergency surgrey off work until Jan 2010. It was a horrible experience. I have a plate and 9 screws on the outside and a screw and pin on the inside and the Dr. had to wrap metal wire around my ankle because I crushed that too... My life came to a complete stop. I was in a temp cast for 3 weeks then a boot that I hated for about 5 weeks with no pressure then I was able to walk on it. I am healed the Dr. said but I still have some pain and my ankle still swells. I am guessing it will take about a year to get back to my normal walking I still find myself limping.

Mar 17, 2010
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Mar 13, 2010
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Slipped on the ice 01/15/2010
by: Kellie

It sucks to break your ankle. It happened to me earlier this year. Now I have a lovely metal plate and 9 screws. I had a surgical cast for 2 weeks and then my doc put me in a walking boot, but I wasn't aloud to walk for 3 weeks after that. The whole time I wasn't walking my ankle and foot was super swollen. My doctor said it was normal and to keep is elevated as much as a could. It helped a lot to put ice on it. Once I started to walk again the swelling went down. I'm still in the boot. I don't think my ankle will ever look the same though. I measured it and it is an inch and a half bigger than my other one. Good luck! This is the type of thing you just have to stick out.

Oh and P.S. "Slipped on the ice 01/14/2010" by JJ, that really is something that we slipped on the ice on days back to back and ended up with probably pretty close to the same injury, and the same amount of screws and a metal plate.

Mar 08, 2010
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Learn!
by: Anonymous

Hello.....I broke my right ankle, in 2004....Now my foot and ankle puffs and turns red...I admit i cut my cast off....was hobbled for 4 months....walked great until now.....Keep the casts on!!!!..........I have to see my doctor...might need surgery!!!....Good luck to all

Mar 03, 2010
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Slipped on ice on 1/14/10
by: JJ

Almost 7 weeks since breaking tibia & fibula and small bone on inside of ankle broke off. Also disclocated ankle. Plate & 9 screws. FRUSTRATION is the theme. PT 3 times a week. Still lots of pain, swelling and numbness. Being 55 doesn't help. I keep excercising and keep elevated and iced as much as possible. I try to focus on "This too shall pass" but this REALLY SUCKS!!! Sure wish my employer had cleared walkways from snow a week before! I've heard it will be about a year until full recovery.

Feb 25, 2010
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ankle
by: Anonymous

On ankle the swelling will take longer than normal, becuase its more complex then any over joint

Feb 20, 2010
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Reply to rob
by: Anonymous

Where is the pain rob? Is it at the break area?

Feb 19, 2010
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pain
by: rob

i just got my cast off today i fractered the growth plate in my ankle and it is extremly painfull to walk on is it supposed to hurt or should i call my docter

Feb 14, 2010
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Swelling after fracture
by: Col81

I had an avulsion fracture in my foot a month ago, had walking cast on for 4 and a half weeks. Cast came off 3 days ago and I still have bad swelling, bruising and great weakness in my ankle and foot. Was advised that the swelling can take up to a year to go down completely!!! I can't walk on it very well as it is painful and I have no calf muscle strength which makes it difficult too! First physio session this Wednesday, dreading them moving my ankle around because it's so so tender. Need to be back at work after this week though and am dreading that because I'm on my feet all day moving around :(

Feb 11, 2010
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fractured ankle
by: Anonymous

i fractured my ankle on the 26th of january 2010 went to the docters and had a cast on it went back 2weeks later and had my cast taken of the docter said that it was healing so i wont need another cast. but i was just wondering, my ankle is still swolen and would like to know how long it would take for the swelling to go down after having the cast removed

Jan 11, 2010
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Healed in 2 weeks
by: Anonymous

NO, it feels much better with the cast on and there is not way it is healed properly in 2 weeks

Jan 10, 2010
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Spiral Fracture Lft Ankle
by: Jim-NY

I fractured my ankle 2 weeks ago slippng on some ice spiral fracture on tibia, they put the cast on 2 weeks ago i feel no more pain and can walk on the leg do you think I healed that fast?

Jan 06, 2010
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Jones and ankle break
by: Anonymous

I had broken my ankle in 2 places and also had a "Jones Break". I wore a plaster cast for 5-1/2 weeks and then wore an air cast for 2 weeks. The Dr. seemed to zero in on the jones break and totally ignored the ankle breaks, unless I brought it to his attention. I have been told I can go without the cast and only put it on when my foot hurts. This is the 2nd day without the cast and the ankle is really swollen today. Should I be worried? The side of the foot hurts too but is not unbearable.

Oct 25, 2009
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ankle fracture
by: anto

i fractured my ankle playing soccer on 8th of september had my cast off 5 weeks later told to wear a air boot for couple of weeks ankle still swells up and can be quite sore can feel it tingling when i walk and i have a limp told i cant have physio for another couple of weeks p.....d off.

Oct 21, 2009
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swelling after cast removal
by: Anonymous

Hi there,

Just wanted to comment that I broke my ankle back in July (an avulsion fracture of the fibula, no surgery required said I was lucky), and after my aircast was removed and I was allowed to walk on it, it was quite swollen. I believe it's quite normal, the swelling for me has went down in a month and a half, so just know that it will get smaller but could take awhile, but if there's anything that doesn't feel right then I would worry, but if it's just really swollen, I would say it's safe to assume that it's pretty normal :)

Oct 21, 2009
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Swelling after broken ankle
by: Anonymous

I, too, had a broken ankle the end of July, 2009.
It was the talus medial side and bad sprains on the lateral side which also involved the top of my foot and the tibia. I had a cast on for 2 weeks; then they determined that the ankle joint was stable so they put a boot on. I had that sucker on for another month and a half. Had to use crutches non-weight-bearing for one month and then weight bearing with one crutch for another 3 weeks. There was a huge range of motion loss, weakness and lots of swelling. It really helped when I could walk without the crutch and started stationary recumbent biking and water exercises (everyone should try this -- it's so freeing -- I taught water aerobics for 15 years -- it will help improve the mobility much faster.) Physical therapy exercises are a must -- don't stop doing them. I continue to ice and elevate whenever it gets sore and I've been on it too long. I do believe that it will take a year before it feels completely normal.

Oct 10, 2009
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ankle crack
by: Anonymous

i fell of my bike and fractured my ankle. The next day i got my temporay cast off and then got a propper 1 on 4 weeks later i get my cast taken off its healed but i cant walk my ankle tingles and my ankle is weak can people help me??

Oct 01, 2009
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Swelling after cast is removed.
by: Hilda

I broke my angle 5 weeks ago. I slip off a tiny step,and heard my ankle pop. My injury was so bad my doctor said if I would have broken just by 1 centimeter higger I would have needed surgery. Well my cast just came off about 5 days ago. But, I have a question. Is it normal for my ankle to be swollen? Even though i can walk on it.

Sep 21, 2009
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broken talus
by: Anonymous

I broke my talus bone on July 23, 2009. I was in a hard cast for 6 weeks and then I was put into a walking cast. I only wore the walking cast for about a week when I should have continued to wear it for at least two months. However, I can walk on it quite easily with minimal pain. My foot all the way to my shin is very swollen (especially the ankle) Can I expect this to last a while longer? None of my shoes fit my big fat foot....

Sep 03, 2009
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6 weeks and finally out of my aircast
by: Anonymous

I had an avulsion fracture of my right fibula back on July.23rd ( sliding into 3rd base playing softball ) This is my 2nd day out of my aircast and I have swelling or I guess more like water retention in the ankle area, I'm assuming this is normal, as there's no pain present, although my foot is a bit stiff from my baby toe to the heal, and a bit of pain present when I walk but only along that side, which i assume again is normal after being in the aircast for 6 weeks, I have a call into my doctor to see if this is normal, just wondering if anyone else has experienced this? and is it normal?

Aug 31, 2009
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How did you fracture?
by: Anonymous

Did you fracture your ankle while wearing those shoes?

Aug 15, 2009
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ankle fracture
by: Anonymous

I fractured my ankle about 9 weeks ago and had my cast removed 2 days ago. My ankle is swollen and I can't fit in my shoes. when will I be able to wear my normal shoes again? Also I am female and I like to wear heels.

Nov 20, 2008
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swelling after fracture
by: Bart - SII

It is very normal to have swelling after a fracture like this, especially if there was an associated sprain as well. After being in the cast for 4 weeks, the body has absorbed much of the fluid part of the swelling and now what remains is the solid parts - blood cells, scar tissue, etc.

It will likely start to go away over the next few weeks as you begin to use your ankle normally, walking and doing exercises - however, it is very common to have some swelling remain for months or even years after a bad sprain or fracture.

Massage over the swollen areas may help to reduce it. Also, exercises that strengthen the ankle and work on range of motion may help.

Bart

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