Surgery and chronic pain?

[Megan817]

Hello, when I was 14 I broke my ankle. I had to get plates and screws put in it. When I was 15 I had surgery to get the plates and screws removed. After learning how to walk I was still experiencing normal pain during the rehibilation stage. But now I'm 17, and still in alot of pain. When I wake up in the morning my ankle is so soar and I got sharp pains with each step for about an hour or two. It affected me being able to work because I would begin to limp and be in pain after an hour of working. I cannot go to theme parks, which is my favorite thing to do, because no matter where I am. If i'm on my feet for more than an hour I began to get unbearable sharp pains in my ankle. I've talked to my orthapedic doctor over 10 times about this. He told me to wear a brace as much as possible and to stretch my leg out. Also to wear my walking boot at night. I've done all this but nothing helps. I'm sick of having to limit everything and always being in pain when I go to sleep and wake up. Is there anything I can do?

[Tuckamore]

Hi Megan,

Welcome to the Pain Management Forum. I am glad that you found us but sorry about your chronic ankle pain.

Mollyrae has offered you some good suggestions. I agree with her. Our ankles are joints that has to be stable in order to withstand 1.5 times your body weight when you walk and up to eight times your body weight when you run. It's a complex structure made up of 3 bones and supporting ligaments and tendons. Once the integrity of the ankle is compromised such as through injury and/or surgery it often can never return to normal.

My best friend had an ankle injury requiring surgical repair with a metal plate insertion some years ago. She has experienced chronic pain with occasional swelling over the years and had it redone three years ago in an attempt to reduce the pain and allow her more mobility. It is somewhat better but the pain remains.She had to chose a career, hobbies and activities that do not require her to be on her feet for any extended period of time. Long shopping trips or walks on the beach are not past times in which she can participate.    

I do suggest you discuss your options with your parents. Possibly a second opinion may be beneficial. There are physicians that specialize in ankles. If you have not seen one I encourage you to consider one.

I wish you the best of luck and hope you will soon be having less pain. You are young and hopefully with the continued good medical care your pain and activity level will improve. Please let us know how you are doing.

Peace,
Tuck

[Mollyrae]

Hello Megan and welcome to the Pain Forum.

I'm really sorry to hear of the constant pain. I know just what you're going through. Most ppl here do too as they are Chronic Pain Sufferers as well.

You must keep in mind that you have had some real trauma to that ankle area and the Pins and Screws are not a normal part of the body. It may be that you will have Chronic Pain in the Ankle for the rest of your life. I'm wondering if you have had a recent assessment of the area. Have you had any recent CT Scans or MRI done lately? If not, then it may be in your best interest to have it done. There may be some additional things going on in the area. It's always possible. Also, you might want to get a second opinion on your re-assessment. It sounds as if the information you have gotten lately will be the only information you will get from him. Some Doctors are set with their diagnosis and will not look further for why you're having so much pain.

It sounds as if you are on your feet when at work. This might add extra stress on the ankle and causing you more pain then necessary. You might want to reconsider your employment options.

I wish I had better advise for you. It is Sunday and many members are not on the board. Be patient and give your post a few days, I'm sure that you will get more advise on your issue.

Please take care and I wish you well. I hope that between you and your Doctor, you can figure this out soon.
Regards,
Mollyrae