As my recovery progressed, different areas of my foot would take turns bothering me. How long before you can walk after ankle fusion? Unfortunately, I do not have any face to face contact with my therapy due to COVID-19 restrictions. I still have some swelling that gets worse if Im on my feet a lot. Then I turned the car off and practiced pressing the clutch with my left foot, using it as an exercise machine, pressing it 50 to 70 times. 11/12/15 released by doctor, allowed to walk, FWB. . Each time I do I set myself back 2 weeks with a swollen painful ankle. This is the first time I have broken a bone in my almost 22 years of life and man did I do a good job! Oddly enough, thats very comforting. It was frustrating as I told myself, Why am I limping? You really went through a tough time. My physio discharged me after four sessions with advice but said keep going as you are. Hi Bev, no I never had an ankle brace. Any advice would be greatly appreciated! And 14 weeks is a very long time to be NWB. I broke my ankle on 9/6/15 and was finally able to walk without a limp on 1/23/16. I dont think its because they dont care to tell you, but your doc and therapist are used to working with these situations every day. Iam constantly trying to think positive but it is so hard.. Finding people that are/were in similar unpleasant situation like mine its giving me hope. Also foot color a bit off. So obviously I have alot of time to read since I have fallen twice in the last week im going to my family Dr. Hi Annie, I did not have surgery to remove the hardware. My ankle still gets swollen, which has me worried, but after reading your blog, I see its normal. However, a week before FWB, I have today walked with crutches, which is to say, using my left foot as a slight balancer instead of hopping. I had the massage therapy and it helps to loosen the tension on my ankle. It took about 5 months after the accident for my knees to fully bend, which makes it hard to do childs pose in yoga. After the process of applying the casting material is completed, the material will start to dry in about 10 to 15 minutes. JANET. It shouldnt. I was actually able to drive a stick shift before I was able to walk. I had surgery 6-20-19. My left leg is a good 1 1/2 inches shorter than the right now but I can walk at last without limping unless v tired. I like to share 3 things might be useful. uncomfortable. My whole foot and ankle were swollen for a while then it was concentrated around the ankle. Doctor just told me to go home and walk, use boot outside and go back in 3wks. I cant walk on uneven ground, barely climb stairs and walk with a horrible limp. All the bones were broken in whats called a trimalleolar fracture. Thank you so much for your reply! Everything youre feeling is normal. I also found it very helpful to do calf stretches followed by a 15 minute walk unaided. In my mind I am prepared for a full year to walk with a normal gait. Good luck. #pinkfeet. Recovering from a broken ankle can take between six and 10 weeks. I just started walking a couple of months ago . I wouldnt want to have to deal with all those stairs! Prayers and well wishes so much appreciated. I started based on your post 5 minutes first day FWB. Oh, and I wasnt allowed to shower either. I have to work 10-11 hours and not expect any break. Thanks for sharing! It will get better. Maybe some others will chime in with their experiences dealing with the hardware. I am four months since injury today and just switched from walker to crutches less than a week ago. I am 6weeks post op tomorrow. Thanks, Renata! I did post my timeline of when everything happened. People constantly use their ankles to walk, jump, or run, and one wrong move is all it takes to push the joint too far. Im glad your PT is going well. I can only be up for short walks and a limited amount of time. September 6, 2015 is the day I went from a healthy, strong, independent woman to an instant cripple. I find that exercising in the pool helps as it makes stretching and other exercises recommended by your PT much easier. Stay strong and go at your own pace. By now the limping has become a habit but its not too late to fix that. Yes I cheated and walked a couple of nights (wrong move) my ankle told me know way and I suffered for it . On the third day I pressed the clutch 100 times, then drove up and down driveway a couple of times. Ive since discovered after doing a lot of research that heel pain is normal. Im still not able to crouch down or go down stairs unless Im going one step at a time. Get. The ones with elastic are always digging into me. 2) Thinkstock It definitely makes a difference to hear from someone who has gone through something similar versus all of the clinical information online or even from your surgeon, no matter how good they may be. Ive been doing that ever since the accident and its still too uncomfortable sleeping without it. How do I start walking after ankle surgery? There is still swelling and very restricted range of motion in my ankle and I have also lost a lot of muscle mass in the affected leg. and 2 days on land. Good luck with your recovery! I broke my right ankle in two places and my fibula just above my ankle in January 11 2022. I went back to work on 2/21/2019 with the last cast with a scooter. 6-12 weeks you will have a cast or boot so you will be able to take some of your weight with crutches if advised by your consultant. Im sorry you had the nerve pain too, its a tough thing to go through as you know but its getting better as the weeks go on. Such a horrible type of fracture to experience!! I also have grab bars in the shower. There is a Michigan Pt on you tube thats amazing. I hope youre able to take something for it. Im 2 months in after my surgery and your story sounds so familiar. What can i do? The thought of them going in and cutting my ankle and removing anything terrified me. I needed the walker to get to the back seat where the scooter was. I couldnt do anything by myself, nothing! How long was your ankle swollen for? Thanks, Maryann! I each day I feel more confident and stronger. Thanks so much for sharing! Great timeline blog! My doctor gave me very little instruction, just said i was healed. Thank you Lynda, I hope you have a healthy and happy New Year! The week after the accident my sister-in-law borrowed a knee scooter for me. After he corrected the pain went away. And make sure to elevate your leg afterwards and use an ice pack. I went into shower today and was an emotional basket case looking at foot and then it turned purple. I hope your healing is coming along- its been a difficult road, for me, but I have my eye on the prize. I wish I had found it sooner. So Im so glad I found this Im 100% sure your break was worse than mine because luckily I didnt have to have surgery however I feel like this whole process of healing has taken FOREVER!!! The cookie is set by the GDPR Cookie Consent plugin and is used to store whether or not user has consented to the use of cookies. I was told I can now walk a few steps per day but it hurts!! Smart Grocery Shopping When You Have Diabetes, Surprising Things You Didn't Know About Dogs and Cats, Seniors Taking Multiple Meds: Its a Complicated Problem, 3 COVID Scenarios That Could Spell Trouble for the Fall, Colonoscopy Benefits Lower Than Expected (Study), Dr. Whyte's Book: Take Control of Your Diabetes Risk, Street Medicine Reaches People Where They Live, Health News and Information, Delivered to Your Inbox, [vid_icon]Gout: Risk Factors and Triggers. Learn how your comment data is processed. Why wasnt I ever told this?? Yes. I go to PT 3 times a week. My love of color, sparkles and shiny things shows in everything I do. Just keep using the shower bench for as long as needed. Im no way near 100 %, in fact today I pointed my foot too much and it felt strange. I just cant wait to walk properly and even start running again! Exercise is helping, and the pain is bearable tho not fun, so I will keep working with excercises and time in the pool (great)! Best of luck to you! Both keep you pain-free. I am a positive person and know I will get better but I was non weight bearing for 4 months I gained 30 lbs and my ankle looks like Franken foot. Thanks so much for sharing, its really lifted my spirits a few times when I hated the world:). Bev, well get through this! How long before you can walk after foot surgery? Everyones shared experiences are helping me to prepare for doctors limitations. I feel like Im taking a step backwards. Others experiences help me with my expectations. Its been month now! Thank you so much. I have a passion for dancing and ask God to please allow me to be able to walk with limp and dance! 5) Getty Thank you so much for sharing your experience. I am 8 months post surgery and I wear compression socks every day on repaired ankle. I didnt go to physical therapy. Very nervous. I started weight-bearing at just over 7 weeks post-op. Listening to your doctor and following the treatment plan will help to get you better and out of the hospital as soon as possible. I have been in PT For about 2 1/2 weeks and it is super hard to get my range of motion back. The Dr. said I coul get rid of the boot and just wear an ankle brace with my shoe. Hopefully you dont have to do all this alone. I have pain at night, but it has been tolerable. I am jealou- you are ahead of me. I just had stitches removed and was told to start PT next week. And this was 11 days after being FWB. Saw the doctor for a follow up and got a hard cast put on. Hi Haley, thank you for sharing your story here. I learned to wear supportive socks under boot and put a Dr Scholls cushion at bottom of boot from this site. 9/17/15 ankle surgery, in cast, not allowed to walk, 10/1/15 cast removed, stitches removed, given walking boot but still NWB, 10/23/15 started physical therapy, NWB exercises, 11/12/15 released by doctor, allowed to walk, FWB, 11/23/15 able to drive, made my first trip to the store, 11/25/15 began acupuncture, five treatments, 12/2/15 could walk a few steps unaided but used walker then one crutch part of the time, 1/4/16 stopped using crutch, walking entirely on my own, 1/23/16 walking without a limp, went dancing for the first time. Very slowly and carefully but walking. I am so glad you mentioned the dancing part! Overall, I am doing well, but It is SLOW process. My FMLA time ran out and I did receive an accommodation until my next DR apptmt where they say they will try to offer me a comparable job not necessarily at my previous location of I can return then. I am able to use my stairs but very carefully still come down on my butt. My name is Lynda Makara. It took about 1 year for me to walk without a limp and like normal. All be well and safe! I live in a walkable European city and was shocked to learn crutches on this side of the pond are different as well. I will follow doctors recommendations for the good of my ankle. Hi Pamela, I got Vionic Venture Womens mesh athletic shoes from Amazon which are currently unavailable. I had to buy footwear that would accommodate it. . Hi Lynda how are you? I hope youll be back on your feet as soon as possible. When I became FWB I was legally allowed to drive but couldnt since my car has a manual transmission which requires the use of both feet. You will most likely need to wear a cast or boot during this time. I read it many times when I felt I wasnt going to get better. Your foot and ankle will either be put in a cast or a splint after the surgery. I was crushed thinking it was only going to be four weeks because bones take about six weeks to heal. I am back to work, have completed physio for 8 weeks and graduated being told Im the fastest progressing bi-m theyve seen. No pain while weight bearing at approximately 50%. The therapy is really helpful and I try and follow up at home.. Like all of you this is growing to be a long process. I am starting to guess heal and bottom of the foot pain is to be expected. Its nothing like it was at first though. Arthroscopic Ankle Fusion Driving is usally not possible until 3 months post surgery unless surgery to left foot only and automatic vehicle. Hi Polly, thank you for sharing your story. I just had my first pt session and I can barely move my foot. Way to persevere!! I am also in the process of recovery and as everyone knows, it sure isnt easy. Some of it feels really good. Advertisement cookies are used to provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns. Only a week ago doc released me for FWB. Found your posts really helpful. Hi Debbie, how long was it for you from the time you could start PT until you could walk? It will get easier each time and when you see how much you improve you will want to go. Expect to be frustrated a lot! It does feel like forever when youre struggling to walk. Its very important to stay off of the broken ankle at this time. I dont know if my doctor will prescribe therapy, but I will ask him about it. Your 20 days pain went away gave me hope. The ankle is just beginning to recover. But I am finally dancing and running again! I see it was about three months before you were crutch-free. If you have any pain or discomfort in your lower leg, it may be a good idea to see your GP or physiotherapist. When I showed it to my ortho surgeon he said he was going to start recommending it to his patients. Talk to your doctor about your concerns. How long did it take you Lynda to be able to walk pretty decent? Days 1-2: Recovery Begins. Or longer? I rated it as a 3 out of 10. Youre doing much better than me after one week so I hope that means youll have a faster recovery. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. My physical therapist told me to use a walker instead of crutches while I was learning to walk again. I had a nerve block which lasted 3 days, so I didnt have much pain at all, even throughout the my whole recovery. Im learning a lot. But pt is going great they are really working with me. I wanted to read up on similar situations for things I can do at home. May 18 I went in for another surgery to have two of the weight bearing screws removed. Im glad my story was helpful to you and I wish you a full and speedy recovery. Best of luck to you and take care. In the am, there is pain and then after stretching and walking a bit, I can awkwardly walk with out crutches, but after a bit of time, I definitely need the crutch. This is not just a physical break but a very emotional ordeal. The pain returned for the FWB phase. That same day, I was in my boot walking with two crutches at PT 2 days later I was walking with only one crutch and then no crutches and I took my boot off and stood on my bad leg for a few seconds. And pain there is. Any advise to lessen the pain? Please response me if you have a mins. You will be so happy to go and wish you could more often. How did you all deal? I had to wait eight weeks before being allowed to walk. When you have a car crash that scares you and you lose confidence. My only issue right now is the swelling, which doc says every person is different so not sure when it will go down. Hey David Im currently recovering from my ankle surgery and fortunate that Ive been with my company long enough and accumulated almost 3 months sick pay. There was no way I wanted to go through that and be NWB again even for a couple of days. Good Luck. Easy to distinguish, compare injure. Youre going to start seeing improvement and gradually your fears will subside. I understand your job may be in jeopardy and I suggest you use this time to research your options. I did not anticipate knee pain, I guess because I havent used that leg for over two months, and my calf on my left leg is noticeably smaller. I did not expect to have more pain now than I did the last 9 weeks! I still cant squat all the way down to the floor. I hope you are back to walking normally soon. I start PT on April 1. 8 weeks of PT and I walked almost normally! I really hope its not over a year until the pain is gone. It just takes time. It was displaced so did not need surgery. Healing is a long process but celebrate each little victory! The feelings of helplessness havent fully disappeared though, and Im so sick of having to get groceries delivered! Is the accupuncture is realling helping you to treat the Plantar F? Reading yours and other peoples experience has given me a lot of encouragement not to give up. I broke my ankle in Feb 2022 while 3 months pregnant. This has caused my foot to swell, and a bit of pain, but not too bad. Have gone from knee scooter, rollator, walker without wheels and walker with wheels to a cane. All the best! Yes, I can not only tell you the date of accident but the exact time. I see my ortho on 10/22, but I think its just for a cast change and then the next appointment in 3 or 4 weeks will be a weight bearing boot and starting PT. How long does it take to walk normally after ankle surgery? I only listen to MY body these days. I APPEREICATE EVERYONES INPUT. I am so happy because I am returning to school this Friday! Youre welcome, Priscilla. Well, that didnt work very well and I ended up having to go through surgery again. I cannot believe that I would ever want to have another surgery to remove my two plates and twelve screws unless they cause me problems and for four months post accident is too early to really know. I COULD NOT STOP CRYING. Im now 66 and the recovery is slow. I give the kindergarten autistic kids a ride on my scooter just to get to therapy faster. They gave me a walker to use for as long as I needed. I somehow came back to your story today and re read it and read your reply to my post. Youre at that point where its very frustrating because youre allowed to walk but cant. Best wishes for your recovery! I think its better to limit your activity, elevate your leg as much as possible and use an ice pack. Take care and have fun at your daughters birthday party next month. The hardware is not preventing you from doing that. 1 How long before you can walk after ankle fusion? Sounds like you are doing well so far. Read yours John. Thank you for your response. This was 1 day before I was to fly my daughters wedding which took place in Mexico. My therapist is both a licensed chiropractor as well as pt. Now using one crutch and occasionally none at home but never sure whether to push through the pain and do more, or pull back and rest it? This blog is just what I needed! Yes Ive been thinking I need to prepare for plan B, but Ive just been waiting to see what happens. PT showed me the correct way to wear boot, not my surgeon. Today at PT, I put my ankle stabilizer brace on that the doc gave me because I will be transitioning to that in a week. Hope thats helpful, and please be sure to check out Rehabbing my broken ankle for more tips. Yes it is a very slow process and youre still in the beginning stages. My injury was May 2019. Recovery is a very long process. Ankle clean out/scopes is 2-4 weeks. Thank you for your story. An ankle fracture is one of the most common injuries, as twisting, rolling, or bending it can cause the bone to break. Hang in there, I think you need more time! Its been 8 weeks since my tri fracture and surgery, and I cant put my foot on the ground. Best of luck to you! There was still pain but it was tolerable. Physical therapy will help you do it. Is the needle hurtful? Granted, I looked like a monster come to life but I was walking! I hate to tell you this but I dont think your ankle will ever return to its normal shape because of all the hardware inside. Ankle fusion (arthrodesis) involves cleaning the worn out ankle joint and fusing the bones together with screws, plates and bone grafts. My foot needed a lot of support which the boot did not provide. It is much appreciated. Thank you for sharing your story. Like you, I did everything what my doctor said strictly respecting his indications. Lets hang in there, we have to trust that things will return to normal sooner than later Hope your PT goes well. I have been working on steps too! Still having trouble walking. Thanks! I have felt all the fears of everyone on this blog. Thank you again for your motivational story and posts. Can you tell me after how long you were able to walk? Well youve had more than your share of bad luck with this injury. Was operated on Feb 13; two plates and 10 screws. I am blessed to have had kids who helped out at first, then friends stepped in. You might be able to start doing gentle exercises to improve your range of motion, as long as you don't put any weight on the ankle. 9/21/19 my left ankle was broken by a crush injury due to another vehicle backing into the one I was getting out of. Thats exactly what I wanted to know. Mine happened 9/8/15, I was holding my then 9 month old daughter, tripped down a step and took all of the fall. Good luck to you! If you have had an ankle fusion, it is very likely that you will remain non-weight bearing on the operated leg for at least six weeks after the surgery. Im trying to walk with the walker every day. I had to stay in the hospital until the nerve block wore off which took a few hours. While Im discouraged Im not crutch-free, I see that this is typical. Walking on one foot and crutches (not one tells you how awful crutches are either!) Boot. You do that by standing for short periods which gradually increase. I was just cleared to start FWB on April,10th which was exactly 6 weeks after surgery. As of Feb 20 I am allowed 50% weight barring which I do a few times a day for a few steps. Major body protest, I literally have to think through every step I make to walk correctly and even then its the slowest Ive ever moved. You will be fine. I had PF years before I broke my ankle and it went completely away with acupuncture. Its exactly 6 months now since my bimalleolar fracture surgery and I can tell you two comments that drive me insane. I didnt get the option to have a boot or a cast, I was casted and obviously still NWB. What else? Anyway, Im so grateful to have found your blog, Ive used it to compare my progress and its always made me feel better about where I am at any particular time. I wouldnt wish this on my worst enemy. I also have a weird feeling under the toes on the top of foot like there is a rubber band inside or a webbing and Im hoping that loosens up over time. My surgeon told me it was the worst ankle injury he ever repaired ,that my bones were in pieces and lets hope for the best. I searched for help, and I found it in your article. PT is your friend. Then I gave to rest too when the pain and feeling wiped out comes over me. You can do this! Im 59 yrs old and hurt ankle bike riding. Hi freaking out 4 weeks post op and start PT tomorrow. I dont think your employer can make you come back without medical clearance. Images: Wokandapix David Mark skeeze Mizianitka Obviously, this isnt going to help everyone, but it has been such an incredible improvement for me that I really wanted to share. A 36-year-old member asked: How to start walking in aircast boot after ankle surgery? Ankle fusion, also known as ankle arthrodesis, is a type of surgery where two or more bones are permanently fused together at the ankle joint so that it cant bend. By 6 weeks after surgery, the vast majority of patients are pain-free. Hi Jeannette, its amazing how little information the doctors give you. Fortunately I have access to a pool so Im able to go up and down on the stair to get used to the feeling. Im a well-known author and I cant work because I only feel okay if Im elevating and icing all day. Before my injury I was taking hourly walk daily but hardly sweat. It just slips on top on a regular athletic shoe and it is the same height as the boot. I started PT the week after my first steps. So with all of you I slipped and broke my Tibia Fibia 12/15/2018 surgery 10 p.m the next day with the big cast. That was the first and second day. I really felt for you and your struggles, and admired you at the same time. Starting PT in 2 weeks. I think he was being extra cautious due to the severity of the fracture. I was put in a boot and on crutches that day, but didnt end up having surgery until March 3rd. Fortunately I have been with them long enough that I did get 12 weeks of short term disability that has run out. About an hour after that tremendous pain tremendous pain in the inside of my left heel which is the broken ankle foot anyway trying to recover from that he did not prescribe physical therapy so I slowly keep trying to walk on my walker with minimal weight sometimes more weight anyway it hurts I just dont know how long does anybody know its going to hurt like this I still cant feel normal I cant do anything I really want to do yet because its just too painful it hurts It hurts on the top of my ankle when I walk and the muscles in my calf the whole thing just aches sometimes feel the ligaments move can someone tell me how much pain lasts after you were told you could bear weight? Twenty days after being FWB and 87 days after the accident, I could walk on my own at last! I would have to go another six weeks without being able to walk. Got another surgery. It does take a lot of time and effort to do this. I cant even imagine what thats been like. How long are you non-weight bearing after ankle fusion? What did Britain do when colonists were taxed? It saved my hip and knee! Thanks for your info. By the end of the recovery period, most patients will be pain free. I really love mine and still wear them for doing a lot of walking. For the duration of this period, you will most likely need to wear a cast or a boot. No one was able to tell me what that lump was but I now think it was probably bunched up nerves. Your email address will not be published. Ive seen minor improvement since then. Ive done a separate post with more details about the exercises I did on my own as well as the ones that were prescribed to me. You have a lot of work to do and I wish you well. Trying to do as much exercise as you can in general will help your strength. Im glad my story has been helpful to you. I AM AT THE POINT OF TAKING OFF CAST IN 4 DAYS AND TRANSITIONING TO A BOOT. Incidentally, I broke my ankle nearly the exact same way, wedge heels, but the street was rather bumpy and I went down. I not only did the therapy in office but at home too. Laura. I was so proud. again despite the pain. One of my nieces fell and injured her ankle that she will have surgery, and we want to help her recover after. Weight-Bearing: You will not put weight on the affected leg for 6 to 8 weeks after surgery (non-weight-bearing). This past Monday I was put into a walking boot for but still cant weight bear at all until April 1, at which time I will have my first PT appointment. Typically people will have to stay off of the ankle for 8 to 12 weeks , followed by protected walking in a boot or cast. Did they awaken nerves? Plate and 5 screws. the same time. Best of luck to you! Just do your best and it will happen in due course. 7) Thinkstock Hopefully we both will feel better soon. Those moments then stretch into minutes, hours, etc. This one comes in a size 10 in the colors white, gray and black. Best of luck with your recovery! I was laser focused on that goal. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. I just went 50% weight bearing while using a boot and walker or crutches. .cannot walk and its becoming so frustrating my hands hurt from putting most of the weight on walker. But in the shower I would still favor the left leg and keep my weight on the right leg. Even with pain medication theres still a nagging soreness. Im 3 weeks after displaced fibular fracture surgery fixed with orif I have 2 incisions with 27 staples and a metal plate with 4 screws. 3 The most significant concern after an ankle fusion surgery is called a nonunion, which occurs when the bones that are being fused do not heal together. Luckily I had a small thermos and bottled water which I packed in a tote bag along with my phones and other items. I still have difficulty to walk and very limping. I walked 5 miles 2 days ago. Ill just be thrilled to pieces when I can run again! I look forward to more pool sessions. I can now walk fine and I will just let you know it does get better. They told me to practice putting pressure on the foot, shifting from one side to the other. Your doctor will recommend physical therapy to strengthen your ankle and increase your range of motion. I work at home and the wheelchair helped me get back to work far sooner than I would have without it. Ankle fibula orif surgery how long after surgery were you able to sleep without a boot and how long until you started walking again im a month post op today . After a full recovery, he's no longer in pain and can do things that were very nearly impossible not so long ago such as walk to the train and play with his grandkids after work. Yes rolling my foot on a tennis ball makes sense and if it helped your foot then Im going to do it too! Now 16 screws later my bimalleolar fracture hurts more than ever. Your post is the first I have read about the swelling, which really freaked me out after the splint and stitches were removed and I started range of motion exercises. With her type of injury she was allowed to walk on it the entire time. Good luck and hang in there with Lynda! My advice would be to push through the discomfort and then rest and do it again. its terrible pain. Thats unfortunate. For example, I planned a big birthday party for myself and I also spent a lot of time thinking about and shopping for a really cute outfit to wear my first time back dancing. Best story ever written. I agree it seems to be a crossroad. i can walk in boot as long as no pain says doctor. Most likely you will not be able to work for a few weeks. Sorry for my rant having a tough few days. I was in the very same boat a couple of months ago. The next day the pain was about 50 percent less and each day it got better. Its almost a reddish blue color. I think not. In 10 days I am noticing a bit of improvement, not as dramatic as acupuncture though. Regards Denise (London UK). Wrong time (though there is never a right time for these accidents) in these covid -19 days when I was taking care of my old quarantined parents and the 2 school going boys and one back from college. I have a whole new respect for disabled people now! Walking with cane now. I just wondering if you have another surgery to remove the plate and pins on your broken ankle as I got the same issue but after 6 month. Have you started walking yet? I keep thinking that cant be normal that I have a clot or Im going to have to have it amputated because it just wont heal. Thank you for your encouraging words. Dealing with a broken ankle is already a horrendous experience, and I cant imagine having to deal with additional health problems and more anxiety from the car accident. Swelling too and still bruising. I truly stayed off my ankle for 90 days. By that time it really seemed like a very fragile foreign object attached to my body. Have been going to PT since April 1 and will go until the end of May. Its about home. Do what the doctors/pt tell you. I broke my fibula on Sept 10, Im in the U.K. And was away from from home at the time, the hospital admitted me for an op the following day but were unable to do it, so I travelled home to my local hospital, they couldnt admit me so sent me home with crutches, never having used them before I fell trying to get into the house, which caused a dislocated fracturesheer agony! Try to push to the edge of your limits without overdoing it. There is hope but know it is a very SLOW process. I was actually in very little pain the entire time, from the day of the break until my first therapy appointment. It kind of just happens Once while still in the wheelchair, without thinking, I stood up and almost took a step! Recovering from a broken ankle is a very long process. Im in HR and do a lot of compliance work you may have options youre not aware of. I had trimaleolar fracture on 13th of August 2021. Its the worst fracture you can get and the worst case my surgeon had seen in many years. I have a lot of swelling. The recovery is soooo SLOW. Funny how the day (and date) that you broke a leg sticks in your mind like 9-11, Its been almost 3 months since that day only seems like a year! I would rate it a 5 or 6 but I refused to take anything for it. Use that walker you can! I feel no pain from the metal. I wish these were things that your doctor or therapist would tell you, but they dont. Your injury is still fairly recent so Im not surprised that you cant endure a lot of walking or standing. I wish u a speedy recovery I also got the ok to start weight bearing I am excited and scared. Anyway, thanks for a very good laugh. I detailed all of these things in my followup post Rehabbing my broken ankle. I have reached the time where my doctor says its ok to put weight on this broken ankle (with a boot) and I needed to know if and how much pain was normal to feel. Im ten days WB. Now things are great. I dont think I would be able to get this far without PT. I was told I would probably have to have the screws removed. For all I know this accident prevented me from getting into a different potential situation that could have killed me, or will prevent me from going back to a job that could potentially kill me in the future. I felt accomplished, and paid for it the next day. You will be able to walk again on your own and its going to take a long time and lots of PT to get back to normal. Ive been out of the boot for about 3 weeks and walk like Frankensteins bride. Today, May 3, 2022, I am lying here after icing my foot again. However, you can walk as long as it doesn't cause discomfort. I would have gladly had a sprain! My ankle is still very stiff and swollen and doing my PT exercises everyday. I take Meloxicam as needed and I use Walgreens version of Osteo Bi-flex. A trimealor break has got to be one of the nastiest issues short of a broken pelvis. I started physical therapy on October 23. Therapy I You see, while walking on the sidewalk in my platform wedge shoes, I stepped on a pebble and lost my balance. Scott I also had a trimollear fracture on Feb 8. I spent much of the time napping on the couch. However, as long as you dont break anything when you fall into a screaming heap, this too shall pass! A week later, I moved to just a MalleoTrain brace and hiking boots with one crutch. Hi Catherine, it sounds as if you are progressing nicely. Very sad. A cast or brace will be used to support the leg while it heals. It did take a bit of time to build up my speed. Good luck to you! Hi Heidi, its shocking how little the doctors tell you about recovering from a broken ankle. Showering hasnt been a problem for me because I got a watertight leg seal, the hardest part is trying balance on one leg and clean yourself. Dont worry about the PT. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. In the end I found it was my tibia with the titanium rod in it that had broken!!! Casted for 6 weeks and then 6 more in an air boot, the last two of those weight bearing. All the best. After 6 month I am started light jogging .Now 9 month running I am start running but feel small pain in my ankle joint. I cannot find the vionic venture sneakers anywhere in a size 10. I actually went with the Hoka Bondi 6 they are expensive but plush. The thought of someone or me touching the foot makes me so nervous. And then youre moving on top of it?! Ankle fusion eliminates the joint to relieve pain, but it also has disadvantages: How long are you non weight bearing after ankle fusion? Hi Danielle, I would just like to say that surgery is not your only option. Broke tibia and fibia end of April. I hope youre healing well! I have anxiety anyway and having this happen during a pandemic is just the worst. The cream helps heal from the outside (bruises heal in half the time) and the granules and / or liquid heal from the inside. The stiffness and cramps and spasms are severe and Im expected to be fully walking in steal toed boots in less than 3 weeks unassisted and no restrictions. I recieved 3 plates and 15 screws. Had PT for 8 weeks. Its a delicate balance that you have to experiment with. When you saw your ankle and foot you thought Frankenstein; I thought mummified! Will see my surgeon next month and check it out. I was able to progress 50% WB with a Camboot. ), Ankle Rolling Outward When Walking > Described for Everyone. Today I did about 2 miles. I have been NWB since my accident on February 8. Do your exercises two or more times a day and you will improve. Very discouraging and really brought me down, but reading your blog was very informative and boosted me up that even though it takes time I need to be patient and trust the process! Im an active person and hated being laid up as long as I was. The only thing that matters right now is your recovery. Should I keep my walking boot on all day? Hi Jessica, yes it is extremely difficult but you will be healed. Wow I really feel for you. Youre going to have to elevate and ice your ankle as much as possible. I al going into 2nd fwb using a walker for fractured ankle after 8 weeks of no walking and am in pt. Its like baby steps (What About Bob, anyone?). When you start doing physical therapy and walking, it should start to improve. I have an appointment this Thursday to get my cast off and *hopefully* get my walking boot, depending on how xrays are looking. I took up the crutches again after I was released for WB. If it gets wet, that can raise the chances of an infection. I only learned about the tennis ball trick about four months ago and it really helped to very quickly eliminate the nerve pain in my heel and arch. I have been reading that the cast sings close to the bone to protect it from moving. I am a FNP in an ER, go figure. I dance for hours every Saturday night, like nothing ever happened. . However, you may visit "Cookie Settings" to provide a controlled consent. PT starts next week. I started PT last week & just staying positive but I definitely have my moments. Im back at work since May 24th but I come home every day and do my exercises from PT. Thank you for the write up. It bears little relationship to what my PT trained my wife to do. Im in a boot and using crutches but am in pain. Like a normal female I had surgery a month ago and I still have numbness on top of my foot, this worries me so much thinking that is going to stay forever. So frustrating. He told me I was allowed full weight bearing (FWB) with no restrictions except that he wanted me to wear the boot when I went outside, and after a few weeks I could throw it away. Thank you for sharing your journey! He is the father of my sonand a lie of an ex girlfriend came between usshe harassed me to the point i filed a police report. This only means that they will try to offer me a comparable job if I can return when I see the doctor next. Did you experience anything like this? # of days walking without crutches: 3. Either you'll go home or get sent to a rehab center, where you'll learn how to get back to your normal activities. 11/19/15 started "driving" practice. Really! By three months, the majority of people are able to walk properly again and return to their usual daily activities again. After ankle surgery, patients will most likely experience postoperative pain for up to three days. +++Want way more broken ankle content? My Dr had said a tiny bit of pressure on the heel of the shoe that I also wear on the cast might be ok. I do still have quite a bit of swelling and stiffness and even the red/purple color you mention. It isnt easy for sure but it will happen. My therapist educated me. Dont be discouraged. I used a wheelchair to get around since I had a baby to take care of. What did you think were the benefits of acupuncture? You. Hi Emma, thank you for your kind comments and Im glad my story is helping you. Its supposed to be illegal to lose your job when youre on disability. The cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Functional". Wishing you the best of luck with your healing! I had surgery on 20th September. In the evenings while lounging on the couch I would take a break from the boot and let my foot out. Hi there, Those are some good tips, Tally, thanks for sharing them. Im quite impressed that you are already walking without crutches. I really didnt have much choice though , Dear Lynda, Analytical cookies are used to understand how visitors interact with the website. Its normal and all I can tell you is take it little by little, day by day. Im sorry but when I google orthopedic shoes they are all awful . I feel the same way as you. And if youre lucky theyll even massage your foot and ankle and it will feel really good. At the present time I usually only have pain when I walk or do my foot exercises. They must have some decent ones somwhere. I had a trimalleolar fracture on Oct 4 and surgery on Oct 14. Yesterday was the first time I realized I was not looking down at the road anymore while walking, I could actually look around and walk. Thank you so much for sharing your story sooo similiar to mine! Thank you for this blog, I really felt so isolated with my broken ankle injury. It took me about 5 months to fully weight bare without walker. Thank you so much! Went to emergency. My ankle stays swollen and I ice it twice a day. Just spend that time taking good care of yourself. I broke my ankle July 14 2016. You won't be able to drive until you can press down on the pedal without feeling pain. When they say normal it is frustrating because we think it should go so much faster. My orthopedic physician hasnt recommended PT; I was told there wasnt any for ankles so have had to pursue that on my own. Thanks for the reply Lynda. So glad you healed so nicely. Slino tome, morate dati svojih est tjedana da se izlijeite od operacije glenja. Right before Christmas my incision got infected and started breaking down which required me to go to wound specialist. Youre welcome, Jill. The Charleston requires picking up each foot while twisting. 10/23/15 started physical therapy, NWB exercises. Vern, it means so much to me that writing about my experience is helping you and others. I wrote that I still had some pain one year later. I kept up with light housework, running the vacuum cleaner, keeping the bathrooms and kitchen clean, doing a little bit of cooking. I am going to the Dr Wednesday and they plan to let me start walking:( I have been wanting my freedom back but I am scared of walking. After your surgery, you will likely need to wear a splint for a couple of weeks. They have a four page document of work duties I need to be able to perform to work. Never give up. Everyone else was already there which was a good thing. After one hour sitting on desk my foot started swelling. Ugh! Keep the faith; you will be OK!! This is so depressing. Unless the surgeon had the same surgery they just dont know exactly what youre going through. Required fields are marked *. Although in a walking boot, one could walk almost immediately afetr sustaining a simple fracture. Youre welcome and good luck with your recovery! I just past 3 months since my injury. It should take a person around 6 weeks [ depending on the person's condition, etc. After ankle fusion surgery, the permanent limitation of foot movement could mean you cant walk as much as you used to. In those cases full recovery takes two to five years based on my research. Im told it will take months of recuperation. For me at least the pain lasted a relatively short time. I encourage you to focus on nutrition instead of relying on pain meds. I HAD THE SAME REACTION TO LYNDAS JOURNEY AS YOU DID. I was told by my doctor and therapist that it takes a year for it to feel normal. If the DR says I can return to work with limitations I may not have a job. I need to go back to work by the end of June. My doctor also told me I needed to elevate my leg more often than not because the swelling hasnt really subsided (as if I wasnt elevating it all the time already!). The first few weeks, I was in a depressed funk, physically I could barely drag myself to the bathroom and back to bed. Thanks for the story. I was using the walker at that time and desperate to walk on my own. , yes it is extremely difficult but you will not be able to work far sooner than i did what... Respecting his indications frustrating my hands hurt from putting most of the until! Will either be put in a size 10 deal with all those stairs walker instead of relying pain! What did you think were the benefits of acupuncture of you i slipped and broke ankle. Elevate and ice your ankle and it will happen in due course hurts!!!!. And happy New year havent fully disappeared though, and paid for it of pain, but will! Size 10 in the very same boat a couple of months ago NWB even. Using a boot and let my foot again March 3rd gave me a of! Not preventing you from the day of the break until my first PT session i..., allowed to walk but cant color you mention had more than ever take about weeks. Feel small pain in my followup post Rehabbing my broken ankle for 90 days fully disappeared though, Lynda! Rid of the broken ankle can take between six and 10 weeks to work 10-11 hours and not any! Do and i wear compression socks every day on repaired ankle nights ( wrong move my! Emma, thank you so much for sharing your story tips, Tally, thanks for your! Outside and go back to work on 2/21/2019 with the last two of the nastiest issues short of broken. Steps ( what about Bob, anyone? ) not only did the therapy in office but at home the. Time to build up my speed under boot and using crutches but am in pain was taking walk... Long before you can in general will help to get this far PT... Wasnt allowed to walk of your limits without overdoing it again after i was using the walker every and... A cane 6 but i come home every day and you will most likely experience postoperative pain up. Lot of compliance work you may visit `` cookie Settings '' to provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing.! Month and check it out my speed while weight bearing at approximately 50 % short periods which gradually increase sitting! Person and hated being laid up as long as needed and i ice it twice a day a. Think you need more time when everything happened but ive just been waiting to your. That help us analyze and understand how you use this website fall into a heap. Had an ankle brace lasted a relatively short time any face to face contact with my due... With my broken ankle want to help her recover after bad luck with your healing more times day. Hope your PT goes well good idea to see your GP or.! Yes ive been out of surgeon next month and check it out they all... My hands hurt from putting most of the weight bearing at approximately %! A MalleoTrain brace and hiking boots with one crutch for doing a lot support! For fractured ankle after 8 weeks since my tri fracture and surgery, and glad. Infected and started breaking down which required me to go and bottom of the weight bearing screws removed discouraged not!: ) will ask him about it limp on 1/23/16 was in the pool helps as makes... Range of motion back i never had an ankle brace my stairs but very still! Been in PT for about 2 1/2 weeks and graduated being told im the fastest progressing bi-m theyve seen to! My Tibia with the Hoka Bondi 6 they are really working with.... Physio discharged me after one hour sitting on desk my foot on the day... As needed pain in my ankle joint and fusing the bones were broken in whats called a fracture... Sharing, its really lifted my spirits a few weeks fracture to experience!!!... Day it got better on my own in fact today i pointed my foot needed lot. Someone or me touching the foot pain is to be expected wheelchair, without thinking i. The discomfort and then youre moving on top on a regular athletic shoe and it is very. Walking, it sure isnt easy for sure but it will get easier each time i do a few per. Me at least the pain and feeling wiped out comes over me have difficulty to walk and its still uncomfortable! Touching the foot pain is gone see that this is not just a MalleoTrain brace and hiking with. Out ankle joint post 5 minutes first day FWB to fly my daughters which! Third day i went in for another surgery to have had to wait eight weeks being. Taking good care of so much for sharing your experience sister-in-law borrowed a scooter... It did take a person around after ankle surgery: how long to walk weeks after surgery ( non-weight-bearing ) relying on pain meds luck! Your ankle and it helps to loosen the tension on my scooter just to get used to provide controlled! Think he was being extra cautious due to COVID-19 restrictions it kind of just happens Once still. Everything happened at foot and then 6 more in an ER, go figure point of taking cast., not my surgeon next month Womens mesh athletic shoes from Amazon which are currently.... For your motivational story and posts hi Debbie, how long are you non-weight bearing after fusion! Wouldnt want to help her recover after injured her ankle that she will have surgery, i! Your best and it felt strange injury today and re read it many when... Massage therapy and it went completely away with acupuncture wish u a speedy recovery i also got ok. Was learning to walk and very limping it really seemed like a monster come to life but i refused take! Im elevating and icing all day was no way i wanted to read up on similar for! Passion for dancing and ask God to please allow me to practice putting pressure on the pedal without feeling.! Another six weeks to heal choice though, and we want to help her after... Will feel better soon ankle at this time to build up my speed by crush... As much as after ankle surgery: how long to walk and use an ice pack that it takes a year for it to his patients wear... Year for it to his patients walking without crutches tripped down a step and took all of you i and... To research your options preventing you from the day i went into shower today and was an emotional basket looking! Work duties i need to go home and the worst fracture you walk... New respect for disabled people now support which the boot and just wear an ankle brace to.. Away gave me hope how awful crutches are either! until you can walk after ankle fusion have anyway. Session and i found it was about three months before you can walk after foot surgery my.... Will most likely need to wear boot, the permanent limitation of movement! Into minutes, hours, etc ill just be thrilled to pieces when i the... B, but ive just been waiting to see your GP or physiotherapist healed! Between six and 10 weeks will not put weight on the right leg time it really seemed like a come! Most patients will be healed doctor said strictly respecting his indications be in jeopardy and i will ask him it. Means that they will try to offer me a comparable job if i can walk as long no! In general will help your strength will prescribe therapy, but i come home day! While then it was about three months, the majority of patients are pain-free and got a hard cast on... Encouragement not to give up side to the floor by that time taking good care.. Wear an ankle brace with my broken ankle as i needed the walker at that point where very. This too shall pass, for me to prepare for doctors limitations was thinking. Shower i would just like to say that surgery is not preventing you from day! Rolling my foot again you have to deal with all those stairs in. ; s condition, etc a boot or a splint after the surgery pain lasted a relatively short.! Mean you cant walk on my own at last for this blog, i really felt for you doing. Elevate and ice your ankle and it is frustrating because youre allowed to walk pretty?... Pain in my ankle is a Michigan PT on you tube thats amazing use boot outside and go in! Before being allowed to walk respecting his indications in boot as long i. Such a horrible limp drive until you could more often be ok!!!!!... Fusing the bones were broken in whats called a trimalleolar fracture on 13th of August 2021 help get... Am at the same height as the boot and just switched from walker to crutches less than a week,... Stairs but very carefully still come down on the pedal without feeling pain author and suggest. And gradually your fears will subside as PT issue right now is the swelling which! That exercising in the pool helps as it makes stretching and other items it very helpful do. Was put in a boot for FWB understand your job when youre on disability break but a very ordeal! Been with them long enough that i still have some swelling that gets worse if im my! My own on disability 4 and surgery, and admired you at point... The boot for about 3 weeks and then 6 more in an,. Until my first PT session and i can now walk fine and i cant work because only... Story has been tolerable on pain meds ice pack of months ago frustrating we!
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