bimalleor tib/fib fracture recovery process

[earlymusic9]

I fractured two bones in my right ankle on April 25, and surgery was advised. After a day wait, surgery was done, and I now have a titanium plate/screws in the fib, and two screws holding the tib. Had a fiberglass cast after surgical splint May 13, on June 10 the cast came off, and I have an airboot XP that inflates. Doc said I need to sleep in it for a week., but to wear it daily until nex appt; July 1. I am 50% WB but have extremely limited ROM. I have been doing the PT excercises every day (up-down-circles-side-to-side), but I notice very little change in what I am able to do. There's not too much swelling. The incisions healed over. Doc said the bone is almost completely healed except the outer edge of tib. There's a burning sensation of pain and an overall bruised feeling from the ankle down. The front of my fourth toe and the skin below it is numb.

It's now almost two months, and I'm wondering if this numbness, painful feeling of bruise and burn will subside, and I get back on my feet. How long after such injuries does the pain go away and be able to drive again?

[PedroH]

You are still in the early stages of recovery so don't get too worried yet.Where is your numbness? on the top of your foot? This will probably come and go but will get better. Keep working on that ROM w/ rubber bands and a wobble board when you are total weight bearing.I had pretty much same injury 18 months ago and while I still have issues and am waiting for all the hardware to be removed( I have an IM nail in my tibia as well as plate,scrws etc..) I am able to get around and drive just fine.I know it is so frustrating but just give yourself a little time.I would say a full 5 or 6 months to have things "normal" and you may even have to visit hardware removal in a year or so yourself.Just take it easy & do as much PT as you can as ROM is a key player in this. Good luck to you!

[aldunn72023]

My brother had this happen when he fell 15 feet off of a telephone pole and crushed his foot.  They pinned his foot and ankle and 10+ years later, he still does not have full movement of his foot/ankle.  I believe this may be normal when you have pins because they are not flexible.  My brother's foot is 1 size larger than his other foot and he still has complete bruising of the foot and where the incision was.  You will probably never regain 100% movement.  However, if you are concerned you should talk to your doctor or phyiscal therapist.  The pain and numbness is normal because they had to cut through nerves.  The numbness/burning is the nerves more than likely trying to repair themself.  The pain is just because you had a major surgery.  I hope this helps.  Best wishes for a full recovery.And yes you should be able to drive again.