broken ankle... is this normal?

[wendy1530]

Hello, I broke my ankle 8 days ago.  Actual injury was a spiral fracture of the fibula with a joint dislocation.  I had surgery that night with the ortho plating the bone and securing with 8 screws.  I had some swelling issues with the first cast and was unable to have my foot unelevated at all.  If I did, my toes turned blue and I felt an intense swelling in the area of my ankle.  I saw the ortho yesterday and had my cast replaced.  The surgeon did not spend much time with me and wouldn't let me ask any question.  I quizzed the techs that removed the staples in my incision and replaced my cast and they offered the following:  the top of my foot and 3 smallest toes have no feeling.  They said that was from the compression of the nerve that runs along the top of my foot and it should go away soon since having my cast replaced.  I have still not been able to have my foot lowered for much time with experiencing pain and swelling - is this normal?  The evening time is the worst, with my leg being swollen and uncomfortable.  Sleep is very difficult but when I wake in the morning my foot feels fine and comfortable.  I try very hard to limit my movement during the day and keep my foot up but still by about 7pm my discomfort is intense with a very tight cast, pain in the leg and numb toes.  Is what I am experiencing normal or should I be concerned?

[wendy1530]

Thank you!  I found your insight very helpful.

[PedroH]

Hi there! Yes,the pain when you put your foot down is normal for this & will disapate w/time. I found that strapping an ice pack to my cast in the hours that lead up to the bad hours (yours being 7pm-mine was 3am) really made the discomfort doable. The numbness is one of those things that make you go hmmm.If it is from too tight of a cast that is a cause for concern but there is also a certain amount of nerve disruption after these surgeries. Make sure your circulation is OK & insist on the surgeon giving you time.Sounds like a little much but,I have found that having questions written on paper & stating to the Dr. that you have a list of questions right @ the beginning of your appt.tends to slow them down.Yes,these surgeons are busy but you deserve your fair time. Good luck to you!