Calcaneas Fx after falling down stairs 3 wks ago

Hi I am 3 weeks postop ORIF for calcaneas fx. No joint involvement but 2 screws placed. Worst pain I have ever had. I stopped taking RX meds 2 days ago and started taking motrin, it's fine as long as I keep it elevated. My surgeon said he might take off my cast in 2 weeks and try a boot with WB, I'm still having moderate pain and I'm worried about trying to put weight on it. My question is: Is it too soon to put weight on it in 2 wks (my surgery was on 7/11/11) I still have moderate pain and it's severe when my foot isn't elevated? And how much pain should I expect with WB?

Thank for any advice.

[S. Kaul, MD]

Hi there!

4-6 weeks is the ideal time required for fracture healing and that’s the maximum time a cast would need to be put; following which movement around the joint and gradual weight bearing/ physiotherapy may need to be initiated. Longer period of immobility may lead to stiffness. The pain is likely to get better with time. Walking boots are designed to make it as comfortable as possible, though the level of discomfort may vary from person to person. A complete healing may be expected by 3-6 months.
Hope this helps.

Take care!