Broken Ankle

[tatiny]

I've had my left ankle broken on sept 29, it was a fibula frature with a tibia dislocation, was on splint for a week, had surgery on oct 7th,plate + screws + a very long screw to place my tibia on the right place, splint for another week, then my orthopedist put me on aircast Air Stirrup Universe since then. He told me to start physical therapy a week after surgery, but I waited until 2 weeks. Now my foot hurts on an area that has nothing to do with the fracture. is on the oposite side where I had the fracture, I think on my ligaments. Is there a possibility my doctor had missed it? what should I do? when can I start bearing weight? If I buy an aircast walker boot will I be able to walk?



This discussion is related to unhealing broken ankle.

[Blain_HeiHei]

9 yrs im still suffering same pain as if I broke ankle yesterday grrr, swelling to the point its twice the size of other ankle and spasms galour help ..

[Tishyri]

You might want to check with your surgeon and if you are still doing Physio you could also ask them about the pain.  When I broke my tib and fib the Physio always asked if the pain was worse or better etc and if I was taking medication, how often I was still wearing the boot etc.  

As for weight bearing what I did was slowly put some weight on that leg/foot while still using my crutches and the boot for support and to make sure my full weight wasn't on that foot yet.  At first I could only do a few steps but I slowly progressed to the point of being able to walk with the crutches so then I went to a cane.  And next I went without the boot some. I kept using the cane till I felt confident without it but like I said your break is different and some people heal faster.  I didn't have an air boot, just a walker one.  There are lots of different boots/braces so you probably need to ask your surgeon what he/she thinks you should buy.  My insurance paid for mine and said I could use it for upto about 3 months after the surgery.

Good Luck

[Dr Vinod]

Hello,

After proper surgical repair you can start movements and physiotherapy after your surgeon gives instructions.

As you are allowed to do physiotherapy you can start as you already delayed and the pain is due to stiffness due to inactivity.

Do not try complete weight bearing and you can do it slowly with decreasing pain and symptoms over a period of time with proper healing.

Consult your surgeon for any complications.

Take care!