4616__384x512.jpg detail / Broken Ankle / photos / bohnsack.com

i have also a broken ankle just like yours,so far i have had 5 ops and waiting for a sixth and this within 12 months and still no light at the end of the tunnel.after each op all is well, but when i start putting pressure on after the 6 weeks the bone stops growing,and no doctor can tell me why. but one good thing have alot of screws left over each op,thinking of building a shed(when ican walk again that is)

Wed Oct 15th 2003 05:30:10 PM CST	by Matt Bohnsack
Wow. That sucks. I'm 5 months after the injury/op and am walking fairly well. My ankle is still stiff and the metal bothers me, but other than that it sounds like I've been lucky. Good luck to you.

Sat Dec 13th 2003 03:25:31 PM CST	by Ingrid
Hi Matt, my sister broke her ankle exactly the way you did and now the doctors in Europe where she lives, telling her that after a year they will have to take out all the screws and plate. it scares me because I think it healed up very well without any problems. Do you have any insight or experience with this. Do you have to have a surgery after a year? Appreciate your response and good luck!!!!

Mon Dec 15th 2003 11:30:15 AM CST	by Matt Bohnsack
I'm about 8 months after the surgery now. I still have the metal in my ankle and the doctor says it never has to come out. However, I think I would like to have the metal removed, as it still bothers me somewhat. Other than that, I'm doing great. Most times, I don't even think about the ankle.

Thu Dec 25th 2003 04:28:58 AM CST

by Shan

I broke my ankle on 5th of december and completed 3 weeks today on christmas. Cant walk yet and wont be able to for maybe another 4-5 weeks. I have to get one screw removed after 5 weeks and only then I can start puting weight on my leg. I hope it all works out and I hope the metal does not bother me once I start walking. Right now honestly I just cant wait for these 4-5 weeks to pass by so I can walk.

Sun Dec 28th 2003 11:28:11 PM CST

by Natasha

I broke my ankle November 10,2003. It was a compound fracture I have 2 plates and 16 screws.I was first in a splint for about 3 weeks after surgery. Now I'm in a hard cast this would have been for about 3 weeks. Monday Dec. 29 I will be going into a walking boot I can put presure on my leg but later it hurts. I hope I'm not rushing it but I want to drive and get back to life. My doctor said that it was my choice if I wanted to have the metal removed but why? If it wont effect me in a negative way? As far as I'm concern it will stay with me forever. After you got your boot how do you keep the swelling down???? And do you sleep without the boot or the leg harness?

Thu Sep 30th 2004 02:23:26 AM CST	by Phil
I broke mine the same way, I am only in my third week and will have my cast removed in two weeks. looks like I have a lot of physical therapy ahead of me.

Sun Nov 14th 2004 08:13:55 PM CST

by MERRILYN VAN DOELAND

I broke my ankle very similar to above, its been 4 weeks since surgery and i have 8 pins and a plate, 2 on inside and 6 and plate along the fib, however i have a long screw going through both tib and fib, so i cant put weight on leg until thats removed. Its still so painfull, 2 weeks until cast comes off they reckon. Has anyone got sinilar story to share..would love to know what im in for later on down the track.

Fri Nov 19th 2004 09:22:38 AM CST	by James
i broke my ankle around a mnth ago, plyin fr my local football team. i hd fractured my ankle and three places and hd gt a spiral fracture, i hv hd 5 pins inserted in my ankle which i cn feel! it is now a month on and gt my cast off two days ago. i am findin it vry hrd to wlk and i find it hurts wen i put pressure on it. i cannot start sport til nxt may june any else lik me let me knw

Fri Nov 19th 2004 09:22:48 AM CST	by James
i broke my ankle around a mnth ago, plyin fr my local football team. i hd fractured my ankle and three places and hd gt a spiral fracture, i hv hd 5 pins inserted in my ankle which i cn feel! it is now a month on and gt my cast off two days ago. i am findin it vry hrd to wlk and i find it hurts wen i put pressure on it. i cannot start sport til nxt may june any else lik me let me knw

Tue Dec 14th 2004 01:43:19 PM CST	by Byron Benning
I broke my ankle and have 10 screws and 2 plates put in one big srew in the ankle tell me should i bare weight after the screw is removed or can i walk on it know i got two different opions from two DR

Fri Jan 28th 2005 01:38:28 PM CST

by Shannon

Well its nice to see that there our others out there. I broke mine in Mexico, while renting a quad. look before you go over a 4' sanddune it might have a 12' drop on the back side. I have 7 srews 1 plate, just got the exturnal fixator(looks like a T.V. rabbit ears screwed in to my leg) off. But ankle still real stiff after 4mo. Hope to get full movement back. PS I traveling out of country buy travel insurance. Cost me $55.00 total for all ancle work as of today $24,000.00. Great price.

Sun Feb 6th 2005 01:40:56 PM CST

by Anna

I broke my ankle about five years ago and have a plate and a bunch of screws. The doctors I have talked to about it are pretty noncommittal about whether or not I should get that stuff out. Until recently, I have had no problems with it. For about the last week where the plate is, it has been very swollen. Kind of like someone took an egg and cut down the middle from top to bottom and placed one side of it on my ankle. It doesn't hurt any more than it always has, but it seems strange that it has swollen so much. Have any of you experienced anything like this? Most of what I have read here have been fairly recent breaks, but I thought it couldn't hurt to ask.

Mon Apr 11th 2005 08:36:31 PM CST

by Garrett

I broke my ankle (plafon fracture) after bailing off a motorcycle that was about 15 feet in the air. Actually I broke my left ankle and my right knee. Anyway's I have been out of my external fixature know for about 8 weeks and have been fighting a staph infection from a pin tract. I only have one screw in my tibia. I just started to have bone growth 4 months after the accident. Sure wish I could get this to heal quicker. I have lost a job and a car over this.

Wed Apr 13th 2005 10:41:50 AM CST

by eddie

My ankle got broken after a forty-foot house footing colasped on me. I was buried alive for a 1hr 1/2 in a 9ft ditch. Alone with fractured ribs,fractured pelvis,fractured spinal cord,and lumbar fractured it has been 10 month sense I had surgery done on my ankle it still hurts alot I can't stand on it for only a short period at atime but I thank God for blessing me to be able to walk because it could've been alot worser. May God bless you all. by Eddie

Wed Apr 27th 2005 08:47:23 PM CST

by Laurel

Hey everyone. I'm glad to find other stories to at least get an idea of what to expect. My break just happened on April 2nd. I was snowmobiling, hit a rock under the snow and ended up under a tree with my ankle broken in 3 places(trimalleolar fracture). The fun part was having to drive my machine back to civilization with my ankle flopping all over the place (thought I was going to faint a couple of times). Anyway, like the rest of you I have plates, pins and screws, and I go back to the hospital on May 12th to have x-rays and maybe have the large screw taken out. The doctor was kinda vague - I really have no idea when I will be allowed to walk on it -- doctors really give you very little information on what to expect. From your stories it looks like it may be awhile. Good luck to everyone!

Sun Jun 12th 2005 05:32:35 AM CST

by rhonda

I broke my ankle in november2004 i got a plate and 7 screws in it, i wasnt allowed to weight bear until the long screw came out on jan2005, i am still having physio,my wound took 2 months to heal, when it did heal my ankle felt ok but the swelling never went down. 2 weeks ago my wound started going red and green pus came out of it, i went back to see my consultant and he has told me there is an infection on the bone under the plate, so i have to go in at the end of june to get all the metal work removed and my bone scraped of the infection. I am continually off work and my life has not been the same since this happened, i work in the hospital too and believe it or not thats were i fell, leaving work to go to the shop. has anyone else had an infection similar to what i have? i'd really appreciate some information about how they got on after the removal of metalwork. God bless you all!

Tue Jun 21st 2005 02:12:52 PM CST	by Cheryl
My son suffered a severely broken ankle after being hit by a car while on his motorcycle last October. Still has metal in. He can walk pretty well but cannot run as still has lot of pain. Anyone know if the metal that's in there could be causing this pain and not allowing him the movement to run? Have any of you been able to regain the movement to run again? Any info would be appreciated.

Wed Jun 22nd 2005 04:12:14 PM CST

by rhonda

hi cheryl, sorry to here about your son,im rhonda i posted a comment above you. i read on the internet that the metal plate can cause stiffness, i have a plate in my ankle,i cannot run or walk very fast since i got it in but you can request for the metal to come out after 18mths if is is causing pain etc. after 18mths the bone will have healed properly, thats what my consultant told me. i am getting my 6 screws and plate out on tuesday as it is causing an infection in my bone. i hope this info will help u and your son a bit.

Thu Jun 23rd 2005 04:48:17 AM CST

by sylvia

I suffered a trimalleolar left ankle break August 1,2000. This injury required open reduction surgery. As a result, I have a plate,rod and,thirteen screws.Five years later, I still have pain and difficulty applying pressure on the left ankle. When the weather changes ie..rain or cold, I really feel stiffness and pain. I've tried pain medications only to learn all it does is make me sleep, so I do not take prescribed pain meds. I've also tried therapy to no avail. I am truly considering the removal of all this metal in my ankle. When I go to the ER, doctors are woed at the amount of metal in there. I've had one doctor state "with all that metal, no wonder you're in pain!" This physician strongly suggested the metal be removed. My orthopedic surgeon described my break as a "career ending" break. Yes, I am greatful I can walk but, even this is limited. I definately can not jog as I did prior to this break. I can not even walk the distances I used to without experiencing some degree of pain, discomfort and, swelling. Heels, I can no longer wear. This injury has drastically changed my life and I would love to hear from others experiencing the same.

Thu Jun 23rd 2005 04:48:46 AM CST

by sylvia

Tue Jul 19th 2005 03:29:39 AM CST

by rhonda

got my plate ankle plate and six screws out on 28th june 2005, still recovering at home, my wound wont heal, there was an infection but antibiotics have cleared it up. the hospital has swabbed me for MRSA, fingers crossed it comes back clear. my wound is turning into a very deep hole in the middle of the wound, i was wondering if anyone else has had any problems similar to this with their wound?? how long did it take to heal?? did the hole heal over? or is there still a hole? please post your reply so i can get a little more information about this. thanks

Mon Jul 25th 2005 10:09:46 PM CST	by jesse
i broke my ankle last week biking i still have a cast on and have one screw in it. i still have pain in it and it's still swollen like crazy.hopefully will be puttin pressue on it in a month or so.

Thu Jul 28th 2005 12:26:04 PM CST

by Eric Fingal

I fractured both bones in my ankle on December 9,1968 at age 16 and had a pin installed in my tibia. I healed up quickly (I'd hate to think what it would take now at this age!)and went on to have a very active young adulthood, even running as much as 50 miles a week at one point. I still run (only about 10 miles a week now) but sometimes have aching pains in that ankle -more now at age 52 than when I was younger. I wonder how big a hassle it would be to have the pin removed, and if I had it removed, how much my quality of life would improve. Does anyone have any experience with this?

Mon Aug 1st 2005 04:48:37 AM CST

by rhonda

for ERIC FINGAL : I recently got a plate and six screws removed from my ankle because of an infection, 2 months on and the wound is still trying to heal, now that my metal work has been removed i feel my leg more flexible to move and i dont have much of a limp,the swelling is not as bad either. maybe you should enquire about getting the pin removed, you could see an improvement like i did. after all the metal is a foreign body and your body might reject it someday, like mine did, u might end up with a nasty infection too. i'd reccomend you go to your doctor and ask about it,and see what they say, if its causing you pain they probably will take it out,thats what my own consultant told me, otherwise if there are no problems with the meatal they will leave it in for life. hope this helps you eric.

Mon Aug 1st 2005 12:22:51 PM CST

by Eric Fingal

Thank you Rhonda for your reply. Your infection is a result of the metal in your ankle, not the surgery? I saw your original post above and thought that you had gotten the infection from the operation, in which case, if there was that risk from the surgery, I would just leave it alone(It's been in there for 37 years!). I had never heard there was a risk of infection leaving the pin in so your post is informative. I will consider talking to an orthapedist about it. Eric

Mon Aug 1st 2005 09:48:16 PM CST

by Therease

On July 3rd I fell down five stairs which resulted in a compound fracture. Both the tibia and fibula were broken. Since I was out of town and went to the nearby ER. The doctor who saw me immediately said the injury would require surgery as soon as possible. I opted to return home to see an orthopedic surgeon. The ER doc put my ankle in a splint cast and prescribe antibiotics and pain medication. I saw the ortho suregeon two days later, and was scheduled for surgery two days after this visit. The surgeon was very clear about the diffficulty of realigning the bones, loss of motion, and arthritis due to the severity of the injury. He was able to align the ankle with a plate with eight screws, and two screws, each on both sides of the ankle. It has ben 4 weeks now and I fianally in a lightweight fiberglass cast. I cannot bear any weight on the foot, and am beginning to move my toes abit. I am wondering if others have had an acident such as this, and what about the recovery time. Also, have you had to have PT after the cst came off? Thanks.

Thu Aug 18th 2005 07:23:07 PM CST

by Jim

Therease, i was playing keep-away with my daughter when i broke my ankle in three places, 8 screws and one plate. that happened on july 24th, and currently, august 18th, i'm wearing a ankle brace. no cast of any kind, on the sixth week after surgery, my DR. told me i could start applying light pressure and begin to walk on it with out my crutches as much as i could. right now i'm not wearing it for i am sitting still at the computer. aside from the swelling and STILL feeling like i've twisted the hell out of it again, light pressure be damned, i can stand on it, and do slow raises onto my tiptoes(sp). i am supposed to have PT, but that's surely not going to happen. i've exhausted my last week of savings and must go back to work regardless of how i feel. don't know if you were able to cover any of your bill with insurance, but i just got my bill and itemized statement and at 11,000bux, I HAVE TO GO BACK TO WORK... anyways, my email address is pumpmechanic@juno.com if anyone wants to relate their itemized statements to mine. i'd sure like the hospital to knock some of it away!

Fri Aug 19th 2005 12:46:58 PM CST

by Dirk

Hello All. I find this to be a very informative website (even though it was more than 20 pages deep in my google search). I had the exact same break and surgery about ten years ago. After some PT and a few years of mild pain (time makes one forget) I moved on and didn't notice it much other than than the reduced range of motion and an occasional ache after running too far or bad weather. Recently, I have (ff the hardware improves range inally!) noticed that the reduced range of motion affects my gait and probably explains why I have chronic shin splints and hip pain. I have heard that removal hardware improves the range of motion, but it has been so many years that I am not too optimistic about this possibility. Anyway, just wanted to see if anyone has any thoughts and to let everyone know that our bodies are pretty amazing. Given time to heal and the occasional ibuprofin, we can return to most activities.

Sat Aug 20th 2005 06:48:18 PM CST

by Joanna

I slipped on the ice in January and had a trimalleolar fracture dislocation of my right ankle. The orthopedic surgeon put in a plate with several screws on the fibula and two screws were put in on the other side. I was lucky, Jim, to have Medicare and some supplementary insurance. I dedicated myself to doing all I could for the ankle.....was very concientious about keeping it elevated, icing as instructed, never putting any weight on until six weeks passed. I was rewarded with a good recovery in six weeks and then was able to begin physical therapy, which was immensely helpful. Now, I can run, but not very fast, jump waves with my grandchildren, contradance and have taken an 8 mile hike up and down a mountain. I do have some swelling and some soreness, but not so much that I need to take any medication. I think it's a miracle I can do these activities at all. I am 67, and am wondering if I should have the plate and screws taken out, and if so, when. I have been told that having holes in my bone weakens it, and also, that the metal will be a constant irritation (the ankle is always swollen some). I wonder what this will mean as I grow older. When doing a squat, I cannot bend that leg nearly as far as the other. However, considering the mess the ankle was when I injured it, I think the healing has been fantastic and so am wondering if it's worth the risk of infection to have a second operation. I'd appreciate hearing about any more experiences relative to having screws and plates taken out.

Thu Aug 25th 2005 01:27:50 AM CST	by kitty
it's 18 months since i broke my ankle in 2 places (bimalleolar #). the surgeon wants to take the pins and plate out. has anyone had this done and can tell me what the down time is after surgery?

Thu Aug 25th 2005 03:52:48 AM CST

by rhonda

KITTY, i got a plate and screws removed from my ankle on 28th june 2005, it is now 24th august 2005 and im still at home recovering. I have better movement in my leg since the metal was removed,but my wound wont heal, there is a deep hole in the middle of the wound, i recently took a second infection in the wound too. my consultant has said that it takes six months for the holes in the bone were the screws had been to close over and heal, and that i need to be careful as the bone is alot weaker until it fully heals. my physio has seen a great improvement in my walking since the metal came out, as before this i had a severe limp. i hope everything goes well for you kitty, i would recomend to anyone that it is beneficial to get the metal removed as the swelling is much less, theres no pain or stiffness and theres better movement too. if i get this wound healed hopefully i'll be back to full health and fitness again.

Sun Aug 28th 2005 01:53:42 PM CST

by Tracey

I fell down the stairs and broke my tibia and fibula (thanks, Thearese, it's nice to know that I'm not the only one. It happened on July 3rd and I had a plate and screws put in on the 4th. I spent 2 weeks in a splint, then 4 weeks in a plaster cast. When they set my foot after the surgery, they had my toes pointed down. I'm in my second week of PT and I still can't put my left foot flat on the ground. I'm allowed to put up to 100 pounds on the ankle but can only make about 30 pounds. After a couple of frustrating weeks, I finally managed to take my first (crutch-assisted) steps yesterday. I know it sounds strange but I feel like I forgot to walk. It's taken a lot of concentration just to keep my left foot on the ground and not jerk it up and hop. Did anyone else encounter that mental block? Plus, it really hurts to walk, eh? Hurts almost as much as the physio bill.

Mon Sep 12th 2005 04:18:15 PM CST

by Nancy

Glad I found this site.....at least it makes me think I am not a whiney person. I broke my fibula on July 28th, with surgery and a steel plate with 5 screws the same day. It was bandaged for 5 days then, with no cast, I started PT. I do have full range of motion back and just started putting weight on it as of Sept 9th. Healing has been fine with a lot of discoloration but foot looks much better now that I can put weight on it. Funny thing is the ankle does not hurt but across the instep of the foot is where most of my pain is. I DESPISE the ortho boot and would rather just put on 10 inch work boot!! No arch support and the darned rocking motion instead of flexing mid foot. It is taking much restraint to continue with this boot. For one thing, a large was the only size that fit when I was swollen from surgery but now it is too big. I start back work next monday. Hope not to develop problems with the metal - my mother has a plate in for over 20 years in the same area and has had no problems.........

Mon Sep 12th 2005 07:34:01 PM CST

by Linda

I broke my right ankle (trimalleolar fracture) and fibula with dislocation on 5/27. Had open reduction surgery on 5/29. 2 plates, 11 screws later, I have been gradually allowed to place weight on my injured ankle - 25%, 50%, 75% now 100% as of Labor Day. I have not yet started outpatient physical therapy. I have been wearing a cam boot since 2 weeks post op. Must keep leg elevated most of the day - can't drive for at least 5 more weeks. Just started navigating the stairs - one at a time with a cane and the railing. I have been advised that open reduction surgery can lead to arthritis - has anyone else been told this? I have not been told that the hardware needs to be removed - have a card to show the security folks at the airport when I travel. Walking is an issue - can't walk for more than 50 yards without walker/cane assistance. Can't walk without the cam boot. Haven't worn a full pair of shoes since my fall.

Mon Sep 12th 2005 07:36:30 PM CST

by Linda

Tue Sep 13th 2005 10:10:15 PM CST

by Pam

Hi I had my surgery on August 18th I had 1 plate and 6 screws put into my ankle I've been using the huge boot to walk around in (I mean hobble on) I never realized the problems that could occur from this surgery My doc hasn't mentioned anything I go back to him on Monday for 3 week xrays hopefully all is well and I can continue to wear the boot that I can remove for baths and bed. My foot is still swollen and the top of my foot has strange wrinkles from where the skin was much more swollen I apply neosporin to the incision every day hoping it will eliminate any chance of infection. Hope you all recover with sucess I will be back to check on everyone.

Fri Sep 16th 2005 10:09:55 AM CST

by Katie

I broke my right ankle (trimalleolar fracture) on 10th November 2004 - I had a plate and 7 screws and a pin in the other side. I'm pretty much back to normal now and able to do most of the activities I did previously but some of the screw heads poke up through the skin giving a funny appearance and sometimes pain. The specialist has booked me in to have the metalwork removed (only the plate and screws) on 27th October. He said I will be able to return to normal straight away, but the wound will be a bit sore. I have been a bit put off by some of the horror stories about 'holes' in the wound and long healing periods on this web site. Is this common? I was led to believe I would be back to normal pretty quickly after the metalwork was removed?

Fri Sep 16th 2005 08:07:14 PM CST

by jon in florida

Hey all - I broke my right ankle 2 1/2 years ago - bimalleolar - plates, screws, etc. Slow to heal (I was 43), lots of pain and swelling on TOP of my foot for many months. Anyway, one of my nerves was severed during surgery (not unusual I've been told) but I've got this Guitar string" runnig down the outside of my right leg, stats mid way between knee and ankle, runs down and over the screws and ends at second to last toe, which has remained umb. Still swells nd reduced range of motion, odd sensation @ bottom of heel. Should I have the hardware removed ? I'm always concsious (sp?) of the ankle, I can run, but gait has changed. Second opinion had no answers (more physical therapy, shoulder shrus). I'd gladly take srgery again to et'er done. Whadya think?

Sun Sep 18th 2005 04:43:18 PM CST

by Tracey

I posted in August about how I was staggering around on crutches and felt like I forgot to walk. Thought I'd update my progress. I moved onto full weight-bearing and was told to get down to 1 crutch sometime in the next couple of weeks. I managed to walk with 1 crutch on thursday and by friday I could walk for 1/2 hour periods without any crutches at all. Actually, walk is a bit of an exaggeration. It looks more like a zombie shuffle; I feel like an extra in a horror film. I'm currently flipping between 1 crutch and no crutches. I even managed to walk up the stairs without crutches last night. If you're trying to make the transition between crutches and walking, don't give up. It's hard and it's painful but once you get in that first step, no one will be able to convince you to sit down again.

Fri Sep 23rd 2005 01:39:51 PM CST

by Pam

Hello again I went to the Dr. on Monday he said I could gradually loose the crutches over the next 2 weeks but I decided to loose them now I too have the zombie strut but at least I only have 2 legs now instead of 4 people are telling me it's too soon to walk but I have way too many things to get done my foot does bother me some but I just take a couple of tylenol and it's better anybody have any stories about walking too soon?

Fri Sep 23rd 2005 09:31:26 PM CST

by Nathan

I broke my ankle about 6 weeks ago now, and had a steel plate and 5 screws put into it, on the outside of the ankle. I have to wear the air boot cast thing for 3 more weeks before I get it checked up on again. I attempted to walk a few days ago and just putting full pressure it felt like something was trying to poke through the flesh on the instep of my ankle. Anyways, just wondering if anyone knows how long it usually takes before you can get back to full speed running along with lateral movement, because I don't think the doctors tell the truth about that stuff.

Fri Sep 23rd 2005 09:44:58 PM CST

by erin

hi. i too had ankle surgery in the begining of june. since i had such a great ortho, i'm not real sure what exactly was broken (i know the tib and fib were but i think that other little one was too), and i'm not sure of the name of the surgery, but i know there was a plate and screws put in one side and 2 screws in the other side. it's now the end of sept. and i still have swelling and lumps at both incision sites. anyone know if this is normal, or should i see a different doctor. my current doc said that "everything was fine" at my last appt last month and that there was no need for me to return to him. any help would be appreciated. eapgirl1978@aol.com

Sat Sep 24th 2005 12:56:48 PM CST

by pat

I had the ankle surgery and pins and plate in July. I've had many of the similar stories here--told to move to crutches, to one crutch, to walking. Have done my best. I still limp and felt like I, too, was learning to walk all over. The doctor doesn't seem to think physical therapy is necessary, but I wonder if it would help? It's certainly nice, in a way, to hear all these stories varifying mine--the stiffness, the lack of flexibility. Sigh...I wish I could go back and _not_ fall down those stairs!

Thu Sep 29th 2005 03:23:45 PM CST

by Pam

Nathan;;;; I just read your note and I can't believe you have to wear the boot for another 3 weeks.I wore the boot for 4 weeks then switched to an ankle brace for 5 days after that I have been walking on my own yes with a slight limp but hopefully that will fade soon it does hurt at first when you try to walk on it just try walking with the crutches and slowly put weight on the bad foot my surgery was on 8-19 and I also had 1 plate and 5 screws it does take a long time but if I were you I would try walking on it you will feel better just getting rid of the crutches good luck to ya!!

Fri Oct 7th 2005 08:07:50 AM CST

by Phil

Hey Folks. Fell 40 feet in March 2005. Broke left ankle and knee. Shattered right ankle and broke leg. I just started stubbling around w/o crutches in aug. Constantly bitching about ankle pain. ROM in right ankle sucks. Was at Doctor on the Oct. 6 he started talking about fusion of ankle or maybe symes amputation of foot. Yeah right!! I am married with 5 children no lost job and left to pray. I am very encouraged by this page and hope to continue to share with all of you. Have knee reconstruct on Monday Oct. 10th. Talk to you all afterwards. I'll Be praying for all of you, as I hope you could remember me in your prayers.LUCKY TO BE ALIVE!!!

Fri Oct 7th 2005 10:01:44 PM CST	by Pam
Hey Phil What a terrible thing to have happen my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family I don't know if this will help or not but I am going to go for massage therapy soon this guy says he can have my rom back in two weeks. It may be worth a try good luck to you(:

Sun Oct 9th 2005 11:29:37 AM CST	by Tracey
Pam, keep us posted and let us know if the massage therapy does work miracles. I had massage therapy and they just improved the circulation.

Mon Oct 17th 2005 09:29:16 PM CST	by Pam
Tracey... I'm not quite sure yet if the massage therapy is working it does feel like he worked out some of the kinks but it still is stiff and achy although I did manage to go to the gym tonight and used the bike and the ellipitacal

Sat Oct 22nd 2005 11:02:34 PM CST

by Nathan

I've been off crutches for just over a week now, and the doctor told me to get a balancing board. Apparently it strengthens and stabilizes all of the ankle muscles, ligaments, and tendons. He recommended this over any type of physiotherapy. I am still limping, but not quite as bad as I was a week ago. In 5 weeks I need to have 2 of 5 screws removed, and I was wondeirng if my limp will continue until they do get removed?

Mon Oct 24th 2005 09:37:36 AM CST

by Pam

Hey I really do think the massage therapy works although he told me that not all massage therapy is the same you have to have someone who also works with the resistance on your ankle where he has you push against his hand I am walking almost normal now except when I wore my clogs with an elevated heel still need to wear the sneakers ot a flat comfortable shoe it has been 10 weeks and it has been a long healing process but I'm alot better than I thought I would be!!!!

Wed Oct 26th 2005 08:23:11 PM CST

by Tracy Ruth

My dad broke his ankle last night. He fell off a later and dislocated his right ankle, fractured the fibula and also the bottom of the tibia. They put a plate along the fibula and about 5 screws. There is also a pin in the tibia and a big screw through the ankle joint. He has a soft cast on for now so they swelling and such can ajust. Any tips for a better recovery would be most helpful. I will keep you all posted.

Thu Oct 27th 2005 09:44:58 PM CST

by anonymous

I broke my ankle in 2003 just like yours. I had a screw through my ankle and a plate in the same spot. The screw was removed several weeks after the initial op. As of today i still have the plate on my bone. Until recently when i have noticed a screw poking out or the plate is bent. i am considering going back to my doctor and having the plate removed. I would advise removing the plate when the screw it removed.

Sun Nov 6th 2005 01:06:04 PM CST

by Alec

This website is really helpful, but kinda scary. I broke the fibula and sprained my ankle on Oct. 14th 2005, and had a plate in screws put in. I'm in a hard cast now, but will hopefully get it off in December. By the sounds of it the risk of infection and long term effects are pretty common. I'm 21 so I hope I'm young enough to make a full recovery. My doc said I'm getting the hardware out in 6 months, but according to everyone elses posts it seems like it should take longer to heal than that, but I'm not the doctor. Thanks for all the info.

Mon Nov 14th 2005 01:45:02 PM CST

by Tracey

Alec, one of those dull journals of medicine recently published that it takes about 9 months for a broken ankle to fully heal (they called it pregnancy in an ankle). Most of the healing (about 90%) is done in the first 3 months, the rest is a slow process. I can now walk about 1/2 a kilometer without much pain (but lots of exhaustion). I broke it in july and finally got the okay to go back to my desk job. My problem is that I'm not rolling through when I walk on my bad leg. I just can't convince that foot that it needs to do more than land flat and stay flat. Did anyone else have roll-through problems? How'd you get through it?

Tue Nov 15th 2005 06:48:42 AM CST

by Joe

Hi everyone! I broke my right ankle playing football on a muddy field with skateboard shoes on. Not the smartest move, and I definitely don't recommend it, haha. I broke it on the 4th of October, went through the surgery. Had 8 screws, two smooth pins, and a plate put in. I've been on edge since day one since I have to rely on people to serve me and I can't work. It's very nerve-wrecking. Anyway, I broke both my tibia and fibula. The tibia has a small fracture in it, hence the pins as opposed to the full screw. I've read through this entire page in agony at some of the stories and thoughts of not being able to fully walk for more than I had anticipated. It's truly a shame for a lot of you considering you have families and such. Alec, it's surprising to hear your Dr. tell you when you'll be having the hardware taken out. Perhaps your case is different and the fracture wasn't that bad. Tracey, I'm glad to hear you're making progress as I, among everyone else here, know the pain both mentally and physically. Being young myself, I'm doing what I can to not go insane and heal as quickly as possible. Though the initial break I could still fully function my toes and about 70% of my ankle had movement. Even after about a month and two weeks or so in my fiberglass cast I feel no pain whatsoever, and can move my ankle from side to side and up and down (very minimally obviously). As anyone here I am just scared of what I haven't been told. Any advice guys? Much love to you all.

Wed Nov 16th 2005 06:59:40 PM CST

by Brit

On my 36th birthday (09/28/05), I had my first ever break of any kind (after 22 years of skateboarding, snowboarding, and mountain biking) while coming off a frontside wallride at the Cove skatepark in Santa Monica, CA. Dangit! Bimalleolar fracture of the right ankle (no driving!). Surgery on 10/01/05. Fibula plate with 7 screws; the doc opted to not screw the Tibia facture into the Tibia as it was too small and might shatter and that Mother Nature would do the work. :) Ate pills for exactly one week. I was out of work for two weeks and lucky that I do computer network support and can do it from home. Splint came off on 10/13/05, my leg looked like it had entered a hot dog eating contest and gotten beat up after winning. Then came the black fiberglass cast (Halloween and black matches everything). Took "the leg" to a manicure/pedicure shop and grossed out the ladies with my foot that I insisited on having the nails painted black. I did the other foot too. If you're gonna rock your toenails for that long, why not do them up? That was fun. Crutches, crawling, hopping are my world. Carrying a cup of coffee on crutches is a new sport for me. I did manage do do one-legged vaccuuming and bowling! I bathe by drawing a bath and keeping the right leg on the bathtub edge. Pain was totally gone by 10/28/05. The swelling reduced gradually and noticably during the time the cast has been on. It was tight at first but now is loose enough to move my foot around a bit in all directions. I still don't put any pressure on it, though, and try to keep it straight and neutral during desk time and while sleeping. Tomorrow (11/16/05) the cast comes off and the doc will determine the next step. I have spoken to two different mid-30's x-games type people who have had the same surgery and had their hardware removed. They say that if I were done with fun, I could leave it in, but if I want to ride again that it is better to take it out for range of mobility and that if I break it again, it will be cleaner break (ugh that's nasty). At least it was a solid opinion, my doc is as wishy-washy as the others I read about here in reference to hardware removal. My world consists of my desk and about a 20' radius from it. Fun! I can't wait to cut a rug with the "zombie shuffle" or its street variant, the "zombie strut" (thanks to previous posters for those gems). I am most freaked out about re-injuring it and losing basic stuff like walking and running for good. I am planning on wearing serious ankle support for all sports activities after this to minimize the risk. The balance board suggestion for PT sounds great, thanks for that! Please let me know if anybody has suggestions regarding hardware in/out with respect to sports. Hang in there everybody!

Sun Nov 20th 2005 01:50:50 PM CST	by Nathan
I've been out of my cast for about 5 and a half weeks now, and things are slowly getting back to normal. I get 2 screws out this coming Thursday, and supposedly after that I'll be on the final road to recovery. The doctor told me that in order to play sports, I'd need 2 of the screws removed, but if I was older or inactive, he would have recommended keeping them in.

Thu Nov 24th 2005 05:09:22 PM CST	by Nathan
So I went for surgery today, but after my x-rays the doctor told me that I should probably just get all of the hardware taken out (plate, 5 screws). So I agreed and I'm awaiting a date for the operation. I thought I would have to wait 18 months until everything comes out? It's only been about 3 and a half months since the break.

Sat Nov 26th 2005 12:33:15 PM CST

by Mike in Cocoa Beach

I broke my lower fibula, above the ankle on July 20, 2005. I had surgery to put a steel plate and screws on the break and 2 other longer screws to keep my ankle aligned. After three months, the 2 long screws were removed. Its been almost 4 weeks since then and I still cannot bare much weight on that foot. While the long screws were in my leg I was not to put any weight on it, so now I have tremendous soreness in my foot predominantly when I try to walk. I use crutches, but want to start walking normally again. How long should it be before I can walk without the aide of anything?

Mon Nov 28th 2005 12:06:24 AM CST

by Jeff in Visalia, Ca

I was at a Halloween Party Oct 29, 2005 and just took a step forward on an outside patio and my left ankle apparently shifted and I heard a snap and went down like a sack of potatoes. Found out the next day that somebody apparently had left a bag of ice on the patio and water had drained into the area where I had fallen. I fractured my fibula bone and my ankle joint was dislocated. The pain was immense and even after receiving a morphine shot at the emergency room, it didn't do a thing. Had surgery five days later and a metal plate and five screws put in. Was given a prescription of Norco pain killers which helped a little. My ankle was so swollen from time of fracture to approximately two weeks after surgery. Now in the fourth week and wearing a walking boot and using crutches. Ankle is still sore, especially in the mornings when I first put it down to the floor. I keep it elevated as much as possible, this helps reduce the swelling. Sleeping in a recliner instead of my bed seems to be the best, though I still wake up several times at night trying to find the best position to keep it from hurting. My doctor said I should be able to go back to work on light duty after week six if swelling and pain has subsided. I was mad at first when first injured and think an ankle fracture is probably one of worst fractures a person can have. I hate being immobilized and using crutches. After recovery, I am seriously considering volunteering at a Orthopaedic Clinic to assist patients with similar injuries. Even if it is just having someone to talk with. Being bored out of my mind and having to hobble just to get a glass of water is worst than the pain.

Mon Nov 28th 2005 09:02:12 PM CST

by Mike in Cocoa Beach

I am going to my first physical therapy session tomorrow, to have them evaluate my progress. After having two ankle aligning screws removed from my lower left tib/fib 4 weeks ago, and being unable to walk on it for four months, I think I am doing well. I can use a cane in the house and crutches out and about, wearing sneakers. Of course I want to be walking normal again yesterday. So I figured PT might help. I spend all day rehabbing my foot and leg at home, but maybe they can get me walking quicker. I'll cross my fingers....

Wed Nov 30th 2005 08:00:49 AM CST

by sherry

wow, this is very informative - but I have a question - my son (32) broke his ankle Thanksgiving day - ER splinted it and sent him home saying surgery would be needed - call them Monday. Monday they didn't have time to see him. He went to another ER with his x-rays and they re-aligned the foot saying first ER did lousy job and yes he would need surgery but would have to wait 5-7 days for swelling to go down. That's going to make it like 2 weeks after the injury - is this usual?

Wed Nov 30th 2005 09:19:57 AM CST

by Mike in Cocoa Beach

Went to PT for the first time yesterday and it seemed informative. The biggest message I got from it was work on my ankles range of motion using long rubber bands and get to the gym to use the leg machines and treadmills. I scheduled to go in for PT 1 session a week for four weeks, I can do most of it myself. I even built a balance board like they had, out of some scrap wood. My ankle got a tremendous workout from all the different stretches I learned and using the balance board. Progress on the HORIZON..... Oh, and Sherry, waiting a few weeks after the accident to do surgery will do no harm. I waited 3 weeks and I am coming along fine in the aftermath. Good Luck to all!!!

Wed Nov 30th 2005 09:48:17 PM CST

by Pam

Hey Everyone.... I am now at 3 1/2 months post op and doing fine I never did the PT but did the massage therapist with some resistance work for 2 weeks the incision is still kind of numb feeling really noticeable when I am shaving my legs but overall really doing well talked to a girl who had the same surgery in 1998 her doc told her not to remove the screws until they started to come through because they are making a hole in the bone and until the bone heals enough to push them out you are more susceptible to another break my doc just said he would like to wait a year then take them out I guess we are all told different things! Hang in there Mike it really does get better with time.

Thu Dec 1st 2005 07:18:54 AM CST	by sherry
Pam,thanks so much for your response - that relieves my mind so much - I was really concerned about the delay before surgery. I'm going to tell my son about this site - I think it will help a lot. Good luck to you.

Thu Dec 1st 2005 07:24:17 AM CST	by sherry
Mike - I'm so sorry - I read the screen wrong - thank you for the response! I see you are in Coaco Beach - My son is in Tampa. I hope everything goes well for you.

Sat Dec 3rd 2005 10:49:50 AM CST

by lulu

Hi there everyone. It really is interesting to read everyone's experience and know that we are not alone and there is a light at the end of the tunnel! I too have a broken ankle and have 8 screws. I had a set back and have an open wound and have to use a vac and have hyberbaric treatments. I am hoping to start pt soon and could just imagaine doing the zombie shuffle since I have not been able to weight bear for the last 3 months. I'm wondering if any of the women out there who have had this experience could wear heels again. This may sound vain, but I would really miss my shoes if I had to wear ortho shoes! would love to hear from the women about this.

Sun Dec 4th 2005 11:04:19 AM CST

by Mike in Cocoa Beach

I am not a woman, but can tell you from my experience of being non-weight bearing for 15 weeks that it is very important that you do leg exercises now. Not weight bearing exercises, but anything from a seated or laying position that will exercise your hip and upper leg muscles. I did not realize this while I was sitting around for all that time, but now that I am trying to walk again, it is very difficult. My entire leg lost all ability and is very WEAK. I am using the lightest weights possible on the leg machines at the gym and my leg still feels like it is too much for it and I use to be a body builder and personal trainer. Good Luck!!!

Tue Dec 6th 2005 11:32:38 AM CST	by Tracey
Hi Lulu, I'm 5 1/2 months post-op and can't get into anything but a flat. I tried a 1/2 inch heel for a job interview and switched back to my sneakers. I think it'll depend on your ankle strength so follow Mike's advice and keep exercising. If you're still in a cast, try leg lifts with the cast leg. Good luck.

Thu Dec 8th 2005 02:09:34 AM CST

by TAMARA WARREN

I was hit by a car while trying to cross the street. The driver did not see me as I was crossing and I was knocked onto the ground and the car's back tires ran over my left ankle and both tires ran over my right ankle and I sustained a dislocation and bi-medialateral something or another fracture. I have seven screws and a plate on one side and a screw and a pin on the other side of the right ankle. The left ankle only sustained an avulsion a deep wound and I think I have some tendon problems. I'm getting an MRI today. I am attending physiotherapy, but some days are better than others. One day I'm improving and others I'm not. After four months I still do not have the range of motion totally back and I still get swelling. What can I do. I was in a wheelchair, used a walker, two crutches, one crutch, and now a hobble no assistance. Not to mention I'm from New Orleans and had to evacuate with a walker and a bright pink cast on my leg. What an adventure. Thank for reading! Tamara

Mon Dec 12th 2005 01:51:11 PM CST	by Tracey
I found this website with ankle exercises that some of you may find useful. I can't manage more than 6 seconds doing the first balance exercise so I can see what I'll be doing over the holidays. In case I don't post again before the 25th, have a merry Christmas! Here's the site: http://www.mckinley.uiuc.edu/Handouts/anklesprain/anklesprain.html

Tue Dec 13th 2005 09:12:18 AM CST

by Mike in Cocoa Beach

Hey Tracey, great website with nice illustrations. Those movements are exactly what they tell you to do in physical therapy. Nice find! I am finally at the point where I am walking with a cane and can balance alone on my recovering leg. Learning to walk with a normal stride has been a challenge, but along with strength, that will come with time. My recovery is coming along just fine and I even mowed the lawn the other day with my walk-behind mower. I go to the gym 4 - 5 times a week and use the treadmill for at least 40 minutes and then work out the rest of my body and especially my leg. Persistence is the key to recovery, oh yeah, and lots of ice on the heel. Good Luck to all and Happy Holidays...

Tue Dec 13th 2005 06:12:21 PM CST

by Mike in Cocoa Beach

Hard to believe, but I did not use my cane at all today. I even tried to take a couple steps towards a run, it was a bit overzellous. I am walking at about half-normal speed, but with no assistance. What a relief! It only took 6 weeks after the aligning pins were removed to start bearing weight unassisted on my left leg. After 15 weeks of being non-weight bearing, thats pretty good, if I do say so myself. That gives hope to the rest of you. The next time I log on, it will be after I catch my first wave in over 5 months. Cya

Sun Dec 18th 2005 07:21:10 PM CST

by Graham

This was a nice web site to find even though I must say I am a little more scared than anything. I think I realize that I am a bit luckier than some here. I broke both the tibia (2 breaks at the joint) and the fibia (a little higher up) on Nov 27 playing football with some friends. I went also dislocated the foot and I must say the reduction (done twice in the ER with morphine) was the worst. I would hate to know what that is like without morphine. Anyhow I had surgery the next morning and they put 6 screws in (2 for each break in the tibia and 2 that screw the tib to the fib that will come out in 4 months). I am curious of what exactly is holding the fibula break in place to heal as the ortho wasn't worried about that on but wanted to screw the two bones together to let the ligaments repair. I am really interested to see all of you that were in casts for so long. I had a cast on for 10 days and then they took it off and sent me home in a tensure bandage only. It is now 3 weeks after surgery and I still have some swelling but the incisions (2) are healing well. I was given some physio excercises - much like on the website above that Tracey mentions - in order to stretch my muscles so that my foot will sit flat when I can start to put weight on in it in another 3 weeks (hopefully). One of my big problems right now is that I am getting really tight muscles in the calf and shin area about 1/2 way up the leg. Its the biggest cause on pain for me right now. I also have a lot of bruising still on the top of my foot but it is starting to lessen each day now. Otherwise I am trying to keep it elevated and keep the swelling down. I am getting to the point where I can have it non elevated for an hour or two without a lot of discomfort. I've even tried a bit of weight (10-15% maybe) but I can see the problem of the stretching as that is what gives me the pain before anything else. I'll take the advice on the leg excercise while I cannot walk as I would really like to speed the recovery along as my wife is pregnant and I need to help as she moves along! But I've still got a few months to get up to speed for that. I keep everyone updated as to how it goes along.

Mon Dec 19th 2005 10:49:12 PM CST

by Gloria

Thanks everyone for sharing, reading this gives me piece of mind and kinda leaves me somewhat prepared for what may come. I'm 40 yrs old and I am now a proud owner of two broken ankles. The right one was done when I was 5 and 35 yrs later the left one caught up. Dec 7th 2005, I was playing ice hockey and either caught an edge or was interfered with and went feet first, HARD into the boards. After seeing white light when I tired to get up, I knew all too well something was wrong. The x-rays confirmed that although it looked like a bad sprain I was gonna need surgery to repair the damage. Bless the body that goes into shock quickly as I could not feel my legs and only asked my team-mates to tell me if my knee and toes were all pointing the same way. I waited 26 hrs for surgery to add a plate and screws, my left fibula and ankle were the ones requiring hardware. Post surgery the pain was intense as I twitch prior to falling asleep and the twitch would send the leg into spasms. I get the staples removed and get re x-rayed to see how thing are healing on Dec 22. I am armed with questions for the doctor re keeping the hardware or not. I will try to update as my new challenges arise. My goal is to play again next season and get mobile sooner then later. Happy Holiday to one and all, and play hard or stay home!

Wed Dec 21st 2005 09:55:23 PM CST	by christine
i have tried to enter a log 3x now., this is my last attempt

Fri Dec 23rd 2005 08:41:55 PM CST

by Peter

It's been three and a half weeks now since I fractured my fibula and badly dislocated my left ankle. Slipped on some ice and fell down a hill while walking my dog. I am wearing a boot and use a walker to hop around the house. I really miss going for my daily walks...and it is one big drag being soooo inactive. My sister...who is a retired RN... gave me a bottle of a popular calcium supplement..Citracal Plus/magnesium. I guess that could help speed bone healing....but...I wonder if there are other nutrional supplements that one could take to rev up ligament repair ??? I heard it can take six months to a year for ligamnents to "mature" once they've been badly torn. I still take one Oxycodone HCL pain pill each morning...and one dose of regular Tylenol each night. I guess I'll try to go cold turkey after the holidays ...if only to clear out my system. As always...nice to hear from all you folks. Merry Christmas AND a speedy recovery !

Sun Dec 25th 2005 01:32:38 PM CST

by Deu B. Gurung

Hi Guys, i have read all your stories and now time to read mine.I have my Ancle,Tib/Fib fractured in right leg and fixed two plates and some screws.I discharged from Hospital on 19th Oct 2005 and on physio therapy exercise now.I am using crutches and Doc advised to put light weight and try to walk.I was little bit scared at first then tried to walk slowly with the crutces.I have experienced that it reduced swelling and balanced the size of both legs.I feel very comfortable until now and i believe that we must follow the doctor's instruction with out any hesitation and should have self confidence than it realy works.Good luck every one. By Deu

Tue Dec 27th 2005 02:49:55 PM CST	by Tracey
Peter, I've been taking B12 for the last couple of months. It helps repair nerve damage. I've also been guzzling milk since the break in July.

Mon Jan 2nd 2006 05:52:20 PM CST

by Elisa

Dic 4th, Broke my 2 ankles in car accident. Surgery on the left, one screw to hold the bones together, Righ ankle was put back into place (by hand). Wearing Moon boots, as I like to call them. No weight on the left when i walk (with walker) some weight bearing on right. It hurts a bit but it gets better everyday. Stiff both more the right... Doing PT for 3 weeks now and i do some of my own here @home. Patience, that's al since I broke both, I just want this to move fast so at least I can use one foot!!!! Happy new Year everyone, may this 2006 be the best year ever!!!!! Cheers

Fri Jan 6th 2006 02:44:33 PM CST

by Peter

Getting my ankle screws removed a week from today...just about six weeks after surgery. Doc says I can't put any body weight on the bad ankle until he pulls the screws. Anyone ever get that done without being put under ? Doc says the first turn of the screw hurts the most...but I would rather be awake for what seems like a fairly qick removal procedure. Oh...got my first ankle injury related bills. So far ...close to $16,000 for the surgery and two overnights in the hospital. Is this insane or what ??? Tracey...thanks for the B12 advice. Bye for now...and hope ya all feel better soon ! Peter

Sun Jan 8th 2006 09:03:24 PM CST

by amy

I got a trimalleor fracture on the Rialto Bridge in Venice while distracted by this guy I had a crush on (who felt so guilty later, he wayyyyy made up for it, but that's another story!) Those Italian marble steps shattered my ankle in three places. I had to go to the hospital in a water ambulance, across the churning waters of the Venetian lagoon, in a storm! I was had screws (8, I think) and a plate put in, and stayed in the hospital for 3 days. My US ortho says the plate won't come out for at least a year, if ever. What I find surprising after reading everyone's posts is how much faster my recovery process seems to be. I had no pain at all. Even when it happened, I thought it was dislocated because it didn't hurt. I was in a soft cast for two weeks, a hard cast for four, where I was able to be mobile with crutches. Now, in my sixth week, I have no cast at all but have to wear the hideous Black Boot (I feel like an S&M dominatrix in that thing!)when I'm out. Around the house, my doc said I don't need anything. can walk normally.I use a cane while out, but around the house, I don't need one. The whole ordeal has taken about six weeks, and as of four, I was mobile, using just a cane, and could drive. Don't get me wrong- my ankle is nowhere near normal--the bones are still too wide and it definitely looks more swollen than my other ankle, but I can rotate it, and again, there's no pain. I guess everybody heals differently, or maybe my fracture wasn't that bad (in three places? Doesn't sound good!) but reading everyone's posts I realize how fortunate I have been. Of course, it may be a case of hurry up and wait--I may heal faster in the early stage, but it may take months to get back to normal. And I thoroughly expect to have chronic trouble with this ankle, because I always have. Anyway, I do feel fortunate. Buon fortuna everyone. It WILL get better! Amy

Tue Jan 10th 2006 10:43:29 AM CST

by Mike Murphy

I broke my tib and fib on Dec 12, 2005. I am 57 and have been active in Mtn. Biking, running and skiing for about 20 years. I have 2 screws and a plate. I kept it elevated and iced the first 2 weeks and went from a splint to Aircast after 2.5 weeks. Swelling has come down drastically amd I am full weight bearing walking around the house without crutches although I did have to buy some clogs to elevate the right foot to compensate for the Aircast on the left. I have been going to therapy excerising the left leg although I cannot start full range of motion for another 2.5 weeks when the cast comes off. I still use the Cryo- ice water boot to ice it 4 or 5 times a day. I anticipate back to running and biking by summer. Mike

Tue Jan 10th 2006 11:05:02 AM CST

by Mike Murphy

Sorry, just a note on supplements. I take the Cal-Mag citrate ( 2 tablets at bedtime) Boneup ( 2 in morning), 1 Boron tablet (in morning) Tissue Rejuvenator ( 4 capsules in morning) and Bio-syl a liquid ( 6 drops in a glass of juice in the morning as it tastes awful). I live in a ski resort so you can imagine the amount of injuries. We have some pretty good orthpod's and therapists. Hope this helps. Mike

Tue Jan 10th 2006 01:57:33 PM CST

by melinda

I broke my right ankle on Thanksgiving morning, thought I sprained it and waited an extra day before going to see my doctor. The pain was intense. Turns out it was broken, and needed the surgery the following day. I got 6 screws on the other ankle along with the plate and then two addtl screws in the inner facing downward. Recvd the cast right after surgery, I swear I never felt that kind of pain before and I 've had 2 babies both natural!!. I got the cast while in surgery and got to stay in the hospital for an extra day. Got the cast during sugery, Was able to start to walk without the crutches on 12/20 then got it off on 12/28. I was fine with doing the "zombie" walk and the swelling had gone down some, but here I am and as of yesterday, I have a buring sensation on one side of my foot and a pain that travels up my bone to my knee when I walk. The swelling came back and when I step down, I feel like I'm stepping on something (inner ankle). I left a message for my doctor, so still waiting to hear from him. Has anyone experenced this?? I didn't do anything to reinjury it, I have been following instructions about resting when I get home from work and soaking it. anyone? ps I really love this site. You all are just amazing

Tue Jan 10th 2006 03:13:41 PM CST

by Mike Murphy

Hi Melinda, Sorry to hear about your accident. The basic rule of thumb I have learned is that if there is pain, stop what you are doing. I wlak around the house and gym without the crutches but use them everywhere else. The Cryo-ice water boot really helps the soreness and swelling. It looks like a large thermos bottle with a hose that connects to a rubber velcro boot and you let the ice cold water run into the boot where it compresses like a soft cast and ice for 30 minutes. Are you seeing a therapist?? They can direct you on what and what not to do also, mine loaned me the Cryo boot. Good Luck!!Mike

Tue Jan 10th 2006 04:37:39 PM CST

by Mike Murphy

Sat Jan 14th 2006 12:54:46 PM CST

by Alec

Hey everyone I posted on Novemeber 6th, 2005 and things so far are going better than I had planned. I got the cast off Dec 12th and started right into PT. I would advise everyone that had this type of injury to attend at least a couple PT sessions because they really helped. After 4 sessions I am walking with no limp, and plan on playing basketball by next month. Excersise the ankle as much as possible while just sitting at a desk or whatever because it really helps. I was really down after reading all of these posts about people's bad experiences, but things do get better with some effort. Good Luck to everyone

Sat Jan 14th 2006 05:55:38 PM CST	by Peter
Thanks to Alec for the info on PT. Just got my ankle screws removed and PT is the next step. It sounds like PT gets you back to normal faster...and that's what I want. Thanks again...Peter

Sun Jan 15th 2006 11:54:50 AM CST	by Anne
I broke my ankle two weeks ago while ice skating with my children. I've been put in a cast and given six weeks off work. Is it likely that I'll be signed off work for longer ? I've been told i won't be able to drive for 4 weeks after the cast comes off and I'll have to have physiotherapy to learn how to walk again.

Sun Jan 15th 2006 12:19:11 PM CST

by Tracey

Alec, congrats on getting back on your feet so quickly. I agree that PT is important and can make the difference. Everyone should make sure that the PT is showing results though, and if not, see someone else. I had a follow-up with my surgeon on friday and it looks like I've got too much scar tissue to be able to walk without a limp. I've got to go back and get the plate taken out. My surgeon will then manually scrape away the scar tissue so I can try again. He normally doesn't take out the plate and screws but, since we agree the PT screwed up my recovery, he's going to do it in my case. I didn't even get a resistance band until 3 months into the PT, spent 3 months just doing the alphabet. So, if you're paying for PT, look for quicker results and push yourself. After a couple of months, the "die is cast", as my surgeon told me. I'll be in for surgery in the summer of 2007 (ack!). Anne, sorry to hear about the break. Trust me, we all feel for you. Everyone heals at a different pace. At 6 weeks, I was finally out of my last cast. I broke my ankle on July 3rd and wasn't approved to go back to work until the end of October. My job required very little aside from typing on a computer. My advice is concentrate on healing. Be patient and give yourself time. Use Alec's post as an inspiration and ignore the rest of us as we gripe.

Sun Jan 15th 2006 10:19:48 PM CST

by jeff

Last sunday afternoon, I fractured my ankle while roller skating with my daughter. Thursday afternoon I had surgery. The doctor put a plate and screws in and told my family it was a little worse than he thought. It was broken in 3 places. The tibia, fibula, and I don't know where the third is. I came out of surgery in a hard cast. I've got a high tolerance for pain, but I am taking Oxycodone every 4-5 hours. I really enjoy roller skating with my daughter. Its fun, and great exercise. I'm 40 years old and I can definitely say this is the scariest situation I've ever been in. I just constantly wonder how long until I can drive, walk, skate. Or if I ever will be able to again. Its an awful injury.

Mon Jan 16th 2006 10:53:20 AM CST

by Mike Murphy

Hi Jeff, Sorry about your accident. I have been posting above. I did my tib and fib and something else in back 5 weeks ago. When I found this page it really scared me after reading some of the stories. My break was almost identical to the pictures at the top of this site. You didn't mention if it was your right or left. If it was your left (like mine) driving is not an issue. Read my posts above about icing and supplements. It is important to go to physical therapy and work the injured leg, not the ankle but the leg with side movements etc. You should also be able to ride a stationary bike with your doc's ok. One of the things I really miss is not running, but getting on a stationary bike for 30 min to an hour gives a great cardio workout. I have talked to many people where I live who have had fractured ankles (I live is a ski resort), also a ski boot or roller skate boot should provide you with pretty good support wrapping tight around the ankle just be careful not to roll it outward, and they all say it comes back. If you have any questions please ask. Regards, Mike

Mon Jan 16th 2006 02:23:05 PM CST

by Gloria

Hey everyone, keep in mine that people always talk about the worst, just like when you get bad service you tell people but rarely do we tell others when service is good. I am in week 5 since breaking my left ankle. Although at first everyone thought it was a bad sprain x-rays told a different story. A plate 7 screws and 1 very long one holding the fib and tib in place. I will not lie and say it did not hurt, the first 2 weeks were the worst, but now I am counting the days to begin the road to recovery. 10 days and counting. I can wiggle my toes and have some up and down movement in my cast. Stay positive, take the supplements. In time I have developed upper body strength and my right leg can now balance me like never before. Crutching up stairs is now easy. Also keep a small back pack handy as there is nothing worse then trying to hold things as you motor around. It is a state of mind and I have had some very dark days but have had good support at home, and quickly get past those type of days. Take Care G

Fri Jan 20th 2006 09:56:33 AM CST

by Mike Murphy

Well heres a progress report. As I have mentioned in posts above, I am 57 and had a tri -malleor fracture to the left ankle almost identical to the pictures at the top of this page 40 days ago. 4 days ago I started pointing my foot forward while seated along with my right foot and then pulling back towards the leg (with the aircast off) and holding each position for about 20 seconds. This really loosned up the ankle and this morning I walked around the bathroom on both feet with really not much of a limp. The aircast comes off next Thursday and I begin full range of motion therapy. The left calf has atrophied but I know will come back to normal. Hope this helps anybody in a similar situation. Good luck!

Sat Jan 21st 2006 08:04:41 PM CST	by Sandy Weber
I suffered a tri-malleor fracture to the right ankle on December 29th. I am three weeks out of surgery and the doc said I can walk on my air cast with no crutches now. hmmmm, does that sound right? I have 10 screws and a plate. A couple questions. Do screws ever back out on their own and need to be fixed? Is it normal for parts of your foot to feel like it is numb?

Sun Jan 22nd 2006 07:35:05 AM CST

by Andy Wain

I suffered a broken ankle after foolishly giving my friend a piggy back when i was drunk. Don't do it!! It's not fun!! Its not clever!! I broke tib and fib on 12th december and have four screws, two pins, tension wires and a long screw through both tib and fib. long fixing screw comes out 1st feb under general anesthetic. currently taking dihydocodine pain killers (which i forgot to take one moring and it felt like someone was sawing my leg off). i think the exercise web link was great, but had been doing the heel and calf exercises already with a blanket. i can't believe how much my leg has wasted, so started upper leg and hip exercises early... even with pot on. sorry to hear you have such high bills to pay... i'm so appreciative of the UK NHS system, i'm hoping to start driving by mid feb... is this too ambitious? i too have half of my big toe feeling quite numb... is this normal? Anyway. good luck to you all and have a good recovery!

Sun Jan 22nd 2006 10:13:38 AM CST

by Mike Murphy

For Sandy: Absolutely OK to walk in the aircast. Go find a comfortable pair of shoes (even though you are only going to use one now) like clogs that will raise your good leg up to the heighth of your bad leg so you are walking level. Very important to do this other wise you might mess your hips up walking off level. Screws don't back out to often so you don't have to worry about that. For Andy: Normal to have some numbness, its only been 3 weeks and a lot has to do with swelling. I am 42 days today and still have some swelling and a little numbness. Driving depends on which ankle you broke and if stick or automatic. If your right leg is ok and you drive an automatic no problem. If it is your right ankle broken better hold off. I had some wine last night with some friends of mine,28 Orhtopaedic Surgeons from all over america who come here to Sun Valley Idaho to ski in the winter. I have known many of them for over 10 years (I am an entertainer here) and got a lot of questions answered. If you have any ques. please don't hesitate to ask. I start walking without the aircast on Thursday. Good Luck. Mike

Sun Jan 22nd 2006 10:31:41 AM CST

by anne

Why is it that there are different treatments for ankle fractures? I too was very active before breaking my ankle (ice skating) on Dec 30 . I used to swim four miles a week to 2-3 hours of advanced step aerobics and mountain bike and play tennis whenever I could. My break luckily didn't require surgery but I'm in a cast and have been told that I'm not allowed to weight bear for six weeks (21 days to go and counting). I was also told not to do any exercise - not even light weights for the upper body. All this inactivity is driving me mad - and having read about all the exercises you can do on this site I'm also confused. Obviously I don't want to compromise the healing process but sitting still (and gaining weight) isn't making me too happy either. Has anyone got any suggestions?

Sun Jan 22nd 2006 01:18:12 PM CST

by Mike Murphy

Hi Anne, When I first stumbled across this page it scared the hell out of me after reading some of the post's and then I started my physical therapy and learning the real facts. You can read above about my particular fracture. I have been going to the gym for 3 weeks and working upper body with weight machines so I am sitting most of the time. I have been riding various excerise bikes for 2 weeks (in my aircast) with complete consent from my PT and Doc, Do you have a PT? A good sports PT will be familiar with what you can and cannot do and will be aware that physically active people heal faster than people who have been non active. I was encouraged to do all the above including swimming although my main activities have been running and mountain biking. If you get to go to a removable aircast, you could probably swim but after 6 weeks. Hope this helps. Mike

Sun Jan 22nd 2006 04:45:01 PM CST

by Mike in Cocoa Beach

Said the next time I would log back on would be after I caught my first wave since the accident, today was the DAY! Surfed all afternoon and caught every wave I attempted. Carving them front and backside, like my left fibula had never been broken six months ago in a motorcycle accident. I only started walking unassisted within the last month and a half, and I am happy to say I now have my life back. Surfing is my passion and without it, I would not be the same person. I am extremly humbled and have learned alot about myself from this experience(sold the motorcycle). Good luck to all of you and be resilient!

Mon Jan 23rd 2006 08:38:06 AM CST	by Tracey
Way to go, Mike in Cocoa Beach!

Fri Jan 27th 2006 05:51:38 PM CST

by Hop- a-long Lisa

Hello Everyone, Well here is MY story. I model, and my new manager was having a Pats Party on the 9th of January, 2006. After the games..his Step sons came home. I am a petite girl mind you, just under 5'2". The step sons got into a fight..and I stepped in and got elbowed in the eye and someone fell into me causing me to lose my footage. The pain in my left ankle was awful. I took my sock off at the ER. It was blown up greatly. The x-ray showed a triple break, yes folks, the worst break possible. It was 3 am and I was in a bed at 5am due for OP at noon. Hello morphin button...felt like the President Bush ! every six minutes or as needed. Then it was Dr Vikadin...so tired of it. Today, at almost 2 weeks the stitches were removed. I have been living with my best freind for I can not do too much like we all use to. He put on a new caste and I chose surfer pink...and looked at my x-rays. I have 2 long screws on my inside, and a plate with 6 screws on my outie. He told me see you in 4 weeks and maybe after we take that caste off if the x rays look like it is healing right..and I can wear a brace. I f not I wear the caste for another 2 weeks. He told me today to "reach to the ceiling" with my toes and to try to use my BOO BOO foot for balance from time to time. I have a long road ahead of me. My best friend told me not to wear high heels for a year. Ladies...I have cried. I have two scars now..and another woman said to keep the scar tissue out of the sun or it will show big time...WOW! I have 3 young children, we play lots of sports. Even just fishing..can I even do that? I pray for Strength from God. And thankful for my friends and all who love me. How do I get use to this? I use to be so spry and ready to do push ups at any given moment. I will make this work...I know God has a plan..Maybe he wanted to slow me down this year. Well, no one said anything about my screws coming out someday...time to tell on that one. God Bless all of you and don't forget to pray for yourselves.

Fri Jan 27th 2006 07:17:52 PM CST

by Mike Murphy

Hi Lisa, I had the same break you did, same as the top of this page. 2 screws in the big one and a 2" plate with 5 screws in the little one and messed up the back. Please read my above posts. My walking cast came off this past Monday after exactly 6 weeks from the break and I am walking ok and the swelling has gone down dramatically. I live in a ski resort so I am extra careful because there is ice everywhere.I am 57. Try the supplements and find a good sports PT immediately. You would not believe the different opinions between Surgeons and Physical Therapists. Go with the PT, they will get you back to 100%. I thought the same thing as you, maybe god wanted to slow me down a little. Not the case. What he does want you to do is develop a positive attitude and blast thru this. I have a saying on my wall that says "Faith can move mountains....but still..better bring a shovel". Good luck!!

Sun Jan 29th 2006 08:15:58 PM CST

by Gloria

I got my cast off on Thursday Jan 25, 7 weeks after getting surgery to add a plate with 7 screws and a large screw holding my displaced fib and tib together. I was re x-rayed and sent home with instructions to not place more then 20 % weight on my now freed left leg, I am still on crutches. Was told to start physio and work on range of motion (ROM) I begin my physio on Tuesday. I have experience swelling towards the end of day but no pain. I go in on Feb 23 to have the screw removed with a local anaesthetic. Had a bit of a slide on my crutches forcing me to bear more weight then I was instructed to. Had a bit of a panic attack but the pain did not last although it's still swollen. Wish I had gone right away to physio as unclear how much to push as far as what I can and can not do on my newly uncasted leg. I have continued to ice my leg when I can, and will check in after my physio appointment. Take care all.

Mon Jan 30th 2006 12:46:40 PM CST

by anne

Just wanted to say thanks to Mike Murphy for advice on doing some exercise. I got some light handweights and have been doing some upper body work over the last week plus some sits ups and it's like a cloud has lifted - physically I feel much better and mentally I'm more optimistic. It's two weeks to go until the cast comes off and it feels like there's light at the end of the tunnel. Lisa it sounds like you're devastated by the injury and it is ghastly but Imaybe like me you will discover a real silver lining. I cannot believe the number of people who have rallied around and offered help some of whom I barely knew before. Stay strong.

Tue Jan 31st 2006 07:23:56 AM CST

by Andy Wheeler

Hi, I broke my ankle playing football three weeks ago (or to be more precise somebody broke it for me...thanks guy!). The doctor in casualty reduced the dislocation of my foot before I was moved to another hospital for surgery. Had a plate screwed to my fibula with 6 short screws and one screw holding my tib & fib together (which is due to be removed in 5-6 weeks time). I've got a pot on it for another 3-4 weeks which is obviously common-practice over here in the UK...sounds like you have different parctices in the States like pnuematic casts etc. I'm keen to do exersises now so that rehab of both the ankle jont and thigh/calf muscles is underway before I'm out of a cast. I read somewhere that with screws in the ankle, rehab can be started earlier with little risk of slowing the healing process of the bones. I obviously have limited movement within the cast, but can move my ankle joint a little bit. Can anyone tell me if it is OK to continue doing this whilst still in my cast? It's surprisingly pain-free....I don't know if this is a good or bad thing. Judging by other peoples' stories it sounds like a good think...guess I should be grateful for the UK National Health Service! Keep your chins up! (and your legs)

Tue Jan 31st 2006 11:16:49 AM CST

by Diane

Nice to find this site after searching a long time for info. I broke my ankle in 2 places 6 weeks ago and also have extensive ligament damage which my os says will take a long time to recover from. I go back for xrays tomorrow and am hoping to get an air cast. I understand they cost about $250 Cdn. Is that about right? I'm hoping my health insurance will cover at least half of that. Can someone give me more info about the boot. Is it heavy and do you take it off to sleep. I am having trouble sleeping and can't find a comfortable position. Any suggestions. My cast doesn't allow me much movement for bending and I can't wait to get it off. I sure hope they don't say I have to have another cast on as I have had enough. I was hoping to be able to go back to work at 8 weeks but have a full flight of stairs to climb to my office and I can't manage going up on crutches, just down. So far I go up on my butt. Also confused about weight bearing with large screw in place. Some say not until it comes out and others seem to walk with in. What is the consensus?

Tue Jan 31st 2006 03:28:53 PM CST

by Mike Murphy

For Andy & Diane, Andy, your ankle is stronger with the crews and plates than a fracture which is just allowed to heal. You didn't mention if you did a tri-malleolor which is the tibia the fibula AND the post mallelous (sp?) which is a bone behind the tibia above the heel. If this was messed up to, they won't want you to do any ankle movement for 6 to 7 weeks. Once again, it is very important to work with a good sports physical therapist. I have been out of the aircast now for about 1 week and stretching and bending and walking just fine although it will swell up by the end of the day. In the morning it looks great. You will be 100%!! Diane, If you go to google and type in aircast it will take you to their site. I believe my Orthopedic Surgeon charged me $200 US and I believe they were $138 thru Aircast. You will probably have to wear the Aircast 24/7 and it is lighter than a regular cast and should be easier to sleep in. Damaged ligaments will definately take more time. As I have mentioned above, if and when you are allowed to put weight on it and you will eventually, you will need you buy some clogs or whatever to raise your good leg up to the heighth of your injured as the Aircast is about 1.5 to 2 inches higher. When you get it this will be apparent. This will keep you walking level so you don't mess your hips up. Once again a good sports PT can work miracles and insurance does cover it if your Surgeon recomend's it. Don't be afraid of stairs. Going up with training becomes easier, just practice on two stairs with some one behind you until you are comfortable. Good luck!

Tue Jan 31st 2006 04:04:34 PM CST

by Peter

Hi to all...you gang of fellow ankle smashers ! It is 9 weeks to the day that I broke my left ankle and fib (stepped into hole while running with my dog) Today was my third PT session and I graduated to walking with a cane ! ( Never thought that I would think walking with a cane is so wonderful...but it sure beats the walker and crutches !!!) Next week I can totally dump the darth boot as well. Although my ankle screws were removed just over two weeks ago...I will still have the six screws and the plate in my fib . I gather you get to keep them if they don't bother you. The PT has really been helpful...and so far...I think my El Cheapo insurance company will cover after a $25 co-pay per visit. You folks in the U-K have it pretty good when it comes to health care. Sadly...my country is screwed up on that score. Bye for now and continued healing to all !!! Peter

Wed Feb 1st 2006 05:29:56 AM CST	by jodi
Hey guys --- if anyone has some answers/comments, please advise. My brother is in the ICU after a serious car accident... One of his many injuries is a severly broken ankle (and fib/tib??)..THe ortho said it has 30 breaks in it... They can't operate until at least next Monday. From past experiences, can anyone give me questions I should ask, what to expect, any help? Thank you -

Wed Feb 1st 2006 09:43:39 AM CST

by Andy Wheeler

Thanks Mike. Having done a bit of anatomical revision (was so keen to get out of hospital I didn’t question the surgeon in detail about my injury) it seems that I fractured my fibular (lateral) malleolus, which is now plated and temporarily pinned to the tibia whilst it heals. From what I remember of my X ray, my medial malleolus did not fracture, ie. there is no damage to the tibia, so I think I have what is called a ‘type A malleolar fracture.’ Anyhow, thanks very much for the encouragement. Having looked at your postings it sounds as if you did a lot more damage than I did, and also that your positive attitude and single-mindedness is working wonders. It sounds as if there is no reason why I should not get fully active again. I will keep you posted. Cheers

Wed Feb 1st 2006 03:02:24 PM CST

by Mike Murphy

Hi Jodi, I have (nor neither my Orthopedic Surgeon or PT) never heard of a physician counting the amount of breaks, it is almost impossible. What they say is it is a comutted fracture. They are probably trying to reduce the swelling before surgery which explains putting it off until Monday. It sounds like a tough fracture. but every thing heals if cared for properly. Ask the Doctor how extensive the ligament and tendon damage is. Ligaments and tendons take much longer than fractures. Find a good sports PT, i always recomend sports PT's as they have usually seen every type of injury and fracture and know how to heal them. The ask the Doc to send xrays before and after to whoever the PT is. You will then have a good picture on healing and recovery time. Hope this helps and wish your brother good luck. He will be fine. Mike

Wed Feb 1st 2006 11:52:28 PM CST

by Graham

Well time for another update - this one not very positive! I have now had two follow up visits with the Orthopedic surgeon and still cannot put weight on the leg (broke it Nov 25th)! So my fast thought of 6 weeks to shuffling is now 9 weeks and 4 more before I get another chance. I was agressively streching but I am worried now that it was part of the problem and I am backing off. It seems, per the surgeon, that streching down the foot down is bad (though the hospital physio gave me excercises that had rotational streching that included down). Still have one big (well it looked big on the blown up xray) gap to close. I am losing my mind not being able to drive! I will definately go the physio route but is there any point before I can put weight on it? If I am not mended by the next visit they may need to operate again. I really wonder why I was only in a cast for 10 days. I'd appreciate any thoughts that might help (already taking lots of calcium and vit. c/d) - Graham

Fri Feb 3rd 2006 04:17:35 PM CST

by Tracey W

This site is so great and it makes me feel better to know that I'm not alone! Well, I did the do falling on the edge of a step on Christmas day, and no I hadn't been drinking! I didn't even get my Christmas dinner. Oh my god the pain, thank god my husband put my ankle back (it was the opposite way to my leg...urghhh). Anyway, I had the plate & the screws put in and here I am approaching week 6 with my cast to be taken off next Tuesday (touch wood!). What I want to know is how long it will be before I can walk on it (zombie shuffle if need be). The doctor said that I could start to put it down, which I have but not to stand on (Im petrified!). I can't even get upstairs (could do so on my backside at a push but I don't trust myself not to fall again). My biggest loss is not having independence, getting sick of it now. Please can someone tell me - how much longer will it be???

Fri Feb 3rd 2006 05:38:13 PM CST

by Mike Murphy

Hi Tracey, you didn't mention what you broke. Mine is identical to the xrays at the top of this page and is called a trimallleolar fracture tib/fib etc. If you tore ligaments it will take longer. I was in a walking (Aircast) 3 weeks after surgery and allowed to put full weight. The cast came off last week after 6 weeks and I am walking. Once again, find a good sports PT and put him/her in touch with your surgeon. The PT will know exactly how to rehab you and will give you timelines. The the right rehab you will be 100%. Good luck!!

Sat Feb 4th 2006 07:28:38 AM CST

by Tracey W

Thanks Mike, it was a displaced break of my fibula, but that was after I'd dislocated it first. I didn't tear any ligaments (well they never mentioned it). Sounds like your was alot worse than mine. I didn't break my tibia, mine was plated and screwed along the fibula, so was all done on that side. I wasn't even offered an aircast. I can't wait to start feeling my foot on the floor again and to drive again! - I don't think you appreciate the qualities in life until you experience such. Thanks so much for giving me advice about the PT - I'll take that on board and thanks for giving me hope! Good Luck to you - keep in touch!

Sat Feb 4th 2006 09:30:32 PM CST

by Steve G

It's amazing how this page seems to be the best resource on the net for broken ankle discussion! Of course, I found it while searching for info on my broken ankle (done 1/27/06). I had my surgery 2 days ago on 2/2/06. A plate and 7 screws. I was going to lurk and just absorb the information contained on this page but I couldn't help but become part of it since I have "earned" the privilege of being able to post on here :) I think having a positive outlook is the key to recovery. I was a little bummed out and sure I still am but the bottom line is you have to face it and deal with the problem.

Sat Feb 4th 2006 10:48 PM CST

by Mike Murphy

Abolutely Steve! As you have read above, I did mine 12/12/05 and have probably put more posts up than anyone on this board and for a reason. I wanted to know everything about this because it really does knock you down both physically and mentally....at first. When I started reading all the posts, I began to get depressed with the way people were dealing with their various injuries and therapies. As I began to deal with mine and talked with friends (ski resort, lot of these kinds if fractures)I began to get a different picture and realized a positive attitude, doing everything the right way i.e keep you leg elevated for two weeks minimum, you ice and/or Cryoboot (a rubber bladder that connects to a large thermos you fill with ice and water, elevate the thermos and its drains into the Cryoboot which wraps and velcros around your ankle and becomes snug like a soft cast when inflated with the ice cold water. Do this for 20min 4 or 5 times a day or use a bag of frozeb peas. I did not wash or get the sutured area wet for 6 weeks!! I have read about people getting infections because they they washed to early. Why take the chance? Who's gonna want to smell your ankle anyway?? Just wait. Take supplements, specifically Boron, Cam/mag citrate, Bone up, Tissue rejuvenator and Bio-syl (silicon that helps bone healing 6 drops in juice, smells like crap so you don't want to put it in water). You can Google them and last, and I've posted it 10 times above, Sports Physical Therapist working with your Ortho. I am 57, the cast came off a 6 weeks and I was walking, I can snow shoe next week (8 weeks) and will be able to run in 8 more weeks and mtn. bike this summer, I'm close to 95% range already and was at the gym today doing calf presses. Go for it!! You will be blown away at how fast you come back!! Murf

Sun Feb 5th 2006 11:29:49 AM CST

by Janice

Hi guys Matthew seems to have 2 sites up and running and I've been posting on the other one so I'm glad to have found some other fellow sufferers!Broke my ankle on Dec 27th, surgery Jan 15th, staples out and hopefully getting out of plaster in 2weeks and into the famous boot.As you have all said mental attitude is as important as anything else so I'm glad everyone is so positive. For those of you who have been praising our British Health Service, don't get too excited. My husband and I have worked all our life and paid our contributions for over 40 years. When I had my accident the only hospital which could do the op had a waiting list. My name on the waiting list went down instead of up as patients were brought in fom other hospitals. The only reason I eventually got a bed was because I went to the media-sad but true. I know of people who have worked all their life waiting for 4 years to get a hip replacement. The NHS is in serious difficulties.But lets be positive and we can all help each other. Happy healing to you all

Sun Feb 5th 2006 01:24:43 PM CST

by Gloria

checking in, have had two PT appointments now and I have to say I am at about 80% already. I have been working on getting back my range of motion (ROM) wobble boards and stationary bike are my new best friends. I am not to do any strengthening yet but can start working on balance such as standing on one leg. I am amazed at the no pain, and it feels so good to be a biped again!!! I can begin walking short distances at home or work with no crutches but any long distances are to be with crutches to avoid any strain on my still weak ankle. My PT keeps teasing me that although I'm doing well I'm still not ready to join my ice hockey team. It's great to have a PT with a sense of humor. If you are just starting out, stay positive there is an end to it. I feel with the support of family and friends who drove me to appointments, took me out and were there for me when needed, I would have been a mess. Don't hesitate to ask for help or a favour, take the time to rest and recover, it's key to getting back quickly and pain free. I am still counting down the days for May when I should be back , closer to what I was before the injury. Mike Murphy, THANK YOU, you're full of great information and support, thanks for taking the time. And Matt, your website has been a huge help, thanks for keeping it active.

Tue Feb 7th 2006 10:42:51 PM CST

by Kristine

I have to say that I can't even begin to know what you all are going through. My husband on the otherhand can, he was in a car accident when he was about 18 and in the hospital for 8 months. He was a very lucky man and has lived a very active life. Be positive. This web site has given me more of an understanding of what he went threw. Good luck to all. One question, does anyone know of a web site for long term (i.e.20 year)issues? Thank you.

Wed Feb 8th 2006 04:21:47 PM CST

by Diane

Update: I had my cast removed on Feb 1st, 6 weeks from surgery and thought I would probably go in to an air cast and begin weight bearing (as my friend did) but was surprised that my os said I no longer needed the support. He said the most important thing at this stage was to begin moving my foot and ankle as I had a lot of work to do to repair damaged ligaments. I started pt the next day and my foot felt like a cement mold. When asked to stretch toes and move foot, nothing happened - very frustrating. The pt said the brain forgets how to communicate with the foot and would have to relearn. After 5 days I had made a lot of progress moving my foot and attempting rom exercises. My problem is that my toes were also pointing down when the cast was put on (os was annoyed at cast technician for this)and the ankle ligaments became overstretched and now don't want to move. I can't put my heel down when I try to walk so it is very difficult to try taking a step with crutches. I can manage slightly by putting foot flat out front, but knee then won't bend and leg is then way too straight. Has anyone else experienced this and any advice on what will help? I feel like just forcing it but my ot warned me not to over do it. I am also doing pt on knee as it is very sore from keeping my leg up so much. At this stage it is hard to believe I will ever walk, but am certainly enjoying the freedom from the cast and having a bath!

Wed Feb 8th 2006 10:45:15 PM CST

by Mike Murphy

Hi Diane, It sounds that because of the ligament damage the cast went up past your ankle (past the knee??). It will just take a little more time. The fact that the cast is off after 6 weeks is incredible! The hardware makes the ankle actually stronger than if were a break that was simply allowed to heal at which case you would not be out of the cast this quick. I am in my 2nd week without the cast and going to PT every other day. I am using the blue wide rubber band which I attatch around my foot stretch my leg out straight on a footstool pull back the band and then push my foot forward and then back for 4 minutes 3 three times a day, also calf stretches. You may have different excerises because of the ligaments. Your PT will know. Once he says get aggressive, go for it.There will be a point in time when it will be very difficult to hurt (outside of doing something like you did before) the injured area. At this point, you will be doing excerises to break down the scar tissue, get rid of the edema (on a swollen area push your finger down but don't cause pain and hold it for 15 seconds then release and there should be a big dent....edema!)this is the dead tissue and blood that have accumulated because of the injury and inactivity, this goes away the more you work your ankle thru the exercises and will disappear completely. Get ready for your ankle to swell up during the day when you start walking on it(normal) and then look much better every morning when you wake up. I wear a compression sock (very tight fitting)24/7. It keeps the swelling down. You PT should have these. Just remember (like you said) not to over do it! If something hurts..STOP! If anybody at my PT says "ouch" PT's come running. You are doing great. Congratulations!!Mike PS it will be very gradual at first and then came very fast!

Thu Feb 9th 2006 11:23:35 AM CST

by Steve G

It's been exactly a week today since my surgery. I stopped taking percoset 4 days after the surgery because I was too wacked out and felt like a zombie. I only have throbbing when I am up on the crutches. It feels like the staples in my skin want to pop right out from all the pressure. I know everyone is different but when does the throbbing stop? The buising in my toes looks like its clearing a little which I hope indicates that I am on my way! Next week the staples come out!

Thu Feb 9th 2006 01:37:14 PM CST	by Mike Murphy
Steve, What was your injury in detail? Mike

Thu Feb 9th 2006 03:24:59 PM CST

by Steve G

Mike, it was a bimalleolar fracture. Plate and 7 screws in the fib (none was needed on the tib side). I was told there was ligament damage as well but that would heal on its own. I am 27yrs old and live a very active lifestyle... Gym 3x's a week including jogging or elliptical machine, skiing, inline skating, fishing, kayaking, hiking, softball... I would also be interested in taking the supplements you have been taking. I feel like I am whithering away here!

Thu Feb 9th 2006 05:43:59 PM CST

by Mike Murphy

Hi Steve, The 1st week is the toughest especially if you have been active. Everything is swollen, black and blue and painful. It gradually gets better. Keeping it elevated and iced is important. Ask your PT (if you don't have one line up a good sports PT) if he has a cryo-boot (see above posts). After I got out of my funk (about 9 days) I started talking to people about rehab and supplements. I have never been a hololistic person but hey if theres a chance it will help, sign me up. I still am taking after 8.5 weeks, Biosil made by Jarrow with silicon an essential partner of calcium and glucosamine. I take Tissue Rejuvenator made by E-CAPS out of Whitefish Mt. and Boron capsules. You are young and should heal just fine. 3 weeks after my surgery I was given permission to ride a spin bike with low resistance and am now riding intervals for an hour with increased resistance but not allowed to stand and pedal. Keep a positive attitude an you won't believe how fast you turn the corner. I can't stress enough the importance of a good sports PT, they deal with everything! I live in a ski resort and ankles, legs, knees, wrists, and hips are so common but they all come back. Good luck! Mike

Thu Feb 9th 2006 05:44 PM CST

by Mike Murphy

Thu Feb 9th 2006 06:32:14 PM CST

by Steve G

Thanks for the clarification on the suppliments Mike. About the boron caps, I've found some supps that include boron (3mg) but are you taking a boron only capsule exclusively? I've found all the other supps from a company that I have been buying other supps from for years and I cannot find just boron caps. Next week when I get the staples taken out I plan to get some info on a good sports PT. My ortho surg. is a sports medicine specialist who's mentor was the Dr. who operated on Terrell Owens. I know they have a PT group in my Dr's building as well... I will have to look into it. Thanks again!

Thu Feb 9th 2006 07:04:46 PM CST

by Peter

Hi folks... It has been just over 1o weeks since I broke my ankle and fib ...and I'm pleased to say that I've been walking quite a bit without my cane as of late. Just finished my 6th PT session and all I can say is ...PT is a great confidence builder and well worth one hour every Tuesday & Thursday. This really is the best website for broken ankle info...with wonderful info and encouragement from so many fellow sufferers. After having been laid up for so long...I have an even greater appreciation for my loving wife, sisters and friends. I also have a new admiration for disabled people who do not see the strength coming back to their limbs as as we do. Hey....maybe God gives you a wack every once and a while so you take a good long look at your life. Bye for now...and good healing to all ! Peter

Fri Feb 10th 2006 09:52:50 AM CST	by Mike Murphy
Steve, I take 5mg Boron and Tissue rejuvenator from a co. in Whitefish Mt. called Hammer Strength. Web site is www.e-caps.com. If you have ques. call and talk to a rep they are great and work with atheletes. Mike Peter: Congratulations!! Who ever said "No pain no gain" was right.

Sat Feb 11th 2006 04:12:18 AM CST

by Tina

Update on my ankle-broken on 28 Dec 2005. Trimalleolar fracture/dislocation; open reduction w/2 tib screws and a fibula plate/screws. Was pretty immobile for a couple weeks, after 2 weeks had the plaster taken off and the fiberglass cast put on. Was due to have that taken off after 4 weeks...but 3 weeks in developed a DVT (i'm 25, in good shape and otherwise health, so very unlucky) and the cast came off 5 days early so they could examine my leg properly. I'm now on heparin injections for 2 weeks and warfarin for the next 6 months. But, the good news is I got the clear yesterday to weight bear as much as I can tolertate. At the moment, that is almost nothing...any weight on the foot is paiful so I'm just touch weight-bearing. Have my first physio appt next week--hope it helps a lot; the ankle is so stiff and painful and SWOLLEN! I have massive pitting edema of the entire ankle and foot. How soon after you guys started physio could you walk; I'm basically still on crutches, which sucks, and as a med student who spends 7-7 at the hospital on her feet, I am really looking to get off the crutches! Good luck to all of you w/recent breaks, it gets better; still difficult, but in a different way. Take Care

Sat Feb 11th 2006 01:08:42 PM CST	by Mike Murphy
Hi Tina, When you say "fiberglass cast" are you talking about the Aircast, which if hard plastic and velcro's on and is removable? The edema goes away, mine has been reduced greatly after 8 weeks and once you start to get some movement going and walking more it will go away quicker. Mike

Sun Feb 12th 2006 04:04:20 PM CST

by Karen

I fell down a flight of stairs feb. 2005. I had a plate and 6 screws on one side and 2 screws on the other. I was experiencing a great amount of pain and swelling and decided to have my hardware removed. I just had this done on Friday 2/10. Now I'm wondering how much recovery time will be involved. At first my surgeon told me 3-6 weeks, then he said a few days. The way I feel right now a month should do it! Anyone else who has had their hardware removed?? How long was recovery?? I'm going to Disney on 3/20 and I'm hoping I'll be recovered by then.

Sun Feb 12th 2006 06:43:31 PM CST	by Mike Murphy
Karen, I was told to wait 1 year to have the hardware removed (I had same as you,2 screws on the big one and plate and 5 screws on the little one Dec 12, 2005) and then, only if it started bothering me. I was told I would have to be very careful for 3 to 6 weeks while the holes fill in and heal. I should think you would be fine by 3/20. Just be careful. Mike

Sun Feb 12th 2006 08:10:46 PM CST

by Lois Marie

It's almost 3 years since i fell l step outside my house onto brick sidewalk with "snow"boots (not fashionable ones-ladies you know what I mean) and broke & dislocated ankle, also bone went thru nerve. Had big screw out 4 months after original surgery. Doctor says tingling in my foot (only when touched luckily!!) may not go away. Have occasional pain where screws are....Having plate out is a possibility....i still get mild pain when I lift up my left from a coffee table or when I am sitting in bed.....Swelling on side opposite the incision is still there - 3 years later-- doctor says it is scar tissue but shoes are now tight....and heels? LOL....rarely and only when necessary...but should I have the plate and little screws out? The removal of the big screw wasn't too bad - a few days (only 2 stitches) but the lst surgery was worse than anything - including a C-Section!!.....I'm not sure removing the plate will stop the pain when raising the foot.... Thanks for any ideas, comments...wish I would have found this site 3 years ago!!!

Mon Feb 13th 2006 12:07:08 AM CST

by Diane

Tina: I'm about 10 days earlier than you and have found this site helpful. Sorry to hear about your bad luck with dvt. My fall was Dec 17th with 2 weeks in a splint and 4 weeks in a full cast. Cast was removed Feb 1st(at 6 weeks)and also told okay to weight bear when ready. I went to pt the next day to start working my ankle and the pt said to bring a shoe the next session. I put the shoe on - comfortable walking sneaker with good support and left laces undone to accommodate swelling. I took my first step with crutches and minimal weight on injured foot with the pt assisting and offering instructions,which I highly recommend. She was able to make suggestions and let me know what I was doing wrong. For example, me knee tended to turn in and my foot out when I tried weight bearing and she was quick to correct that. Said it was very important not to get into bad habits when relearning to walk as they can be hard to correct later. At first it was very difficult and only managed about 6 steps each time and felt very off balance, but practiced every day - at first with someone standing by until I felt comfortable about not falling. Around the 5th day I was feeling confident and today have managed putting more weight on and walking for longer periods. It's just a matter of practice. I'm not sure when I will be full weight bearing and ready for 1 crutch but will take my direction from my pt. I have a question for anyone out there. How long before I can expect improved rom with my foot and ankle? My foot was pointing down when the cast was put on and I still can't bring my foot to a right angle position because of this. Has anyone else experienced this? My pt doesn't seem too concerned (except to say that it was bad luck to have a cast technician that was so careless), but I am getting worried about it. My worst fear is that I will not regain that flexibility and always walk stiffly. Also, I can barely move my foot in the side to side rom. Is that unusual or does it take a while even after managing to weight bear and take steps? Mike Murphy: You have been such help to all of us. I managed to go up a full flight of stairs on my crutches yesterday and felt quite proud. Thanks for the encouragement.

Mon Feb 13th 2006 09:12:08 AM CST

by Irene Mc

Hi everyone, This site is fantastic I have learnt so much it has given me such an uplift I only wish it had been easier to find. More than the Dr or physio's give you. I had my accident on the 11/11/05(rememerance day I'll always remember it!). I had a trimallor #. I think one of the worst things about the whole episode was the Consultant and others telling me how bad my injury was constantly. Apparently only 10% of ankle # are trimaellor in the u.k.and my injury falls into the worst 1%. I have plates pins and screws in the tibia, fibia and the back of the tibia was crushed. Oh and broke some minor bones in the other foot! This cheered me up no end, as before the accident I was very active running every other day and cycling to work. Whilst my foot was in the cast I had real problems with "chaffing" and had to keep my foot elevated as much as possible. Since the cast has been taken off 17/01/06 I have only seen the physio's twice and I am becoming extremely frustrated with them. As I have over 20 years running experience I have begun to use my own 'stretching' exercises and my husband has been massaging the foot. My biggest problem is that I am not able to stand up straight if I want my foot to be completly on the floor my leg is on a slant. If I stand up straight my heel is about 1-2 inches off the floor. I have found a slipper big enough (top of foot still swollen) and have put some sponge in the heel to help. Trouble is I don't know if I am doing the right thing as the leg and around the ankle bones hurt when I try to 'walk'. I am waiting to get my through screw out will it be easier once this is removed? Also after reading all the hits no one seems to have a real answer about having the plates/pins removed I have been told that they have to be in at least 18 months, but can anyone tell me if after having them out do the aches and pains reduce and is there more mobility. Also I have a pretty physical job in which I can be physically hurt (kicked in ankle and leg not uncommon) does anyone know wether this kind of abuse have any detrimental affect on the leg? I would love some feed back oh and when can I expect to go back to work

Mon Feb 13th 2006 12:29:31 PM CST

by Mike Murphy

Hi Irene, One of the things that keeps me contributing to this site was people getting that kind of feedback from their Doctors that "It is bad". I had the same as you tri-mallealor with back of tib crushed, 2 screws and 1 plate 5 screws. I am 57 and have been running for over 20 years. You need a good sports PT who works with runners. Please don't attempt your own excerises without consulting a good PT. They will tell you what you can and cannot do. If anything "hurts" stop! Pins and plates will probably stay in for at least a year and then only removed if they still bother you. If they are bothering you now consult your Doc. I'm not sure what you meant about leg on a slant.Do you mean you have to bend your good leg down to get your bad leg straight on the floor?? One of the things about open reduction surgery is that once healed your repaired leg will usually be stronger than your other leg, but still be careful. You can probably go back to work after you have resolved the pain issue. I was told from my Doc that I wouldn't be able to run for 1 year. My PT said 5 months!!!! Trust your PT when it comes to rehab they know much more than the Orthopods. Mike PS: I would encourage anyone else reading or contributing to this site to post your progress as to help others even after you are healed.Thanks

Mon Feb 13th 2006 01:26:32 PM CST

by Diane

Irene & Mike: I know exactly what you mean about the leg slant as mine is the same. It is because my foot points down so when I put it flat, the heel is up and I can't get it to go down yet. In order to bear weight, I have to put my foot forward which creates the leg slant. I can still walk this way with crutches but very stiffly. I thought I would have to wait to try walking until this was corrected but I think putting the weight on helps a lot. I am also working with my pt on knee bending therapy as I cannot bend my knee back very far and when I can it will help with the heel down movement - muscles are all connected and work together. Irene, are you able to bend you knee all the way back and kneel on that leg? I haven't heard much about this problem and would be interested in recovery time for this.

Mon Feb 13th 2006 06:15 PM CST

by Mike Murphy

Hi Diane & Irene, What you are both experiencing is called Equinus. This is what happens (according to my PT) when the foot/ankle is not set at a 45 degree angle and you are walking around on crutches with the toes pointed, down leg pulled back. This also shortens the achilles tendon. It is going to take more work to get it back to that 45 degree angle and also to stretch out your achilles back to the normal position so both your feet are flat on the floor and you are not having to bend your knees to accomplish this. Your PT is probably aware of all this as mine new exactly what the problem was when I mentioned it to him. Mike

Tue Feb 14th 2006 02:07:32 PM CST

by anne

Finally after six weeks which seemed like an eternity I had my cast taken off yesterday and today with the help of a splint and crutches walked about 800 metres along the seafront - and although it was Felixstowe, it felt brilliant to be outdoors rather than imprisoned in the house. I'm writing though to warn UK readers about a problem I have encountered (presumably because my local hospital and local health trust has run out of cash). While I was in a cast every time I saw the consultant, which was every 10 days, he told me I'd get physio but would need my crutches for 6 weeks. Yesterday ( along with a number of people who I met at clinic some with worse fractures than myself ) I was discharged by a house doctor who informed me that I could start playing tennis and doing aerobic step classes within 2 weeks. She even suggested that I shouldn't take the crutches home, which is a joke as my leg and foot is totally emaciated and full weight bearing right now is not an option. Luckily I have private health insurance which will pay for the physio I need, but if you haven't you may need to put up a fight. I intend to write a letter of complaint to the hospital because they did not fulfill what they promised and will report back when I get a reply.

Tue Feb 14th 2006 05:14:26 PM CST

by Janelle

Hey there! My daughter, Cierra, is on her high school's cheerleading competition squad. She fell during one of her routines and broken both bones in her ankle. She ended up having screws & plates put in her ankle and has to wear an airboot with crutches. This happened about 2 weeks ago. She is stressing terribly!! Cheerleading tryouts are in April and she is afraid she will not be able to perform. Any advise? She cannot put any weight on her foot for at least 2 more weeks!

Tue Feb 14th 2006 07:57:48 PM CST

by Mike Murphy

Hi Janelle, Sorry to hear about your daughter. Sounds like most of the breaks on this website mine included, a tri-mallealor pictured at the very top of this page. Good news is that she can go weight bearing in just 2 more weeks. That is great. If she has the Aircast, when she starts to put weight on it, it will be gradual and then she will be allowed to go full weight bearing. Read above posts regarding a compensating shoe or clog to elevate the good leg to the heighth of the Aircast (about 1.5 to 2 inches. This will keep her walking even otherwise she will be stepping down and this will eventually mess up the hips. She is young and should heal just fine. I'm not so sure about the cheerleading tryouts if they involve jumping as this would cause compression and I don't think it would be healed enough but check with your PT. I am not allowed to run for 5 months because of the same and that would be relatively less impact than jumping. Read above posts regarding supplements. Calcium/mag citrate, boron and Bio-syl by Jarrow will help especially since she is young. Most important once again a good sports Physical Therapist!!!!!! Cannot stress this enough. Line one up and have some meetings and have the Orthopod contact him/her so they know exactly what the break was. Good luck! She will be fine!!Mike PS please post her progress on this site to help others.

Wed Feb 15th 2006 09:24:59 AM CST

by anna

hiya, im 16 yrs old and about 3 days after christmas i went sledging with my boyfriend, i mskashed into a big ball of snow and dislocated my ankle, i then fount out that my whole joint had came out its place and my tibula had snapped in half, i then spent a week in hospital with a footpump under my foot and a temporary cast to take the swelling down, after my operation i had 8 screws and a plate, 2 scrws in my joint and 6 in the plate on my tib, then a main screw though my main bone, its bin 3 days since my cast has came off and my foot isnt straight, the large bone going thu my main bone will SNAP when i start walking, removal is not nessesary, i still have to wait for physiotherapoy but im luky it wasnt anything worse

Wed Feb 15th 2006 04:26:09 PM CST

by Jan

I broke my ankle on Sept. 16, 2005, 2 1/2 weeks before a girlfriend and I were leaving for Hawaii. The break is almost identical to x-ray shown, only mine has a longer plate with more screws plus a few more long screws on the other side. The Dr. also said I had torn all my ligaments and I suffered a huge fracture blister on the inside of my ankle. I had intense pain along with mega-swelling. I was in the hospital for 3 days and I had surgery 2 days later after that hospital stay, plus they kept me in hospital after surgery for two days. I was on morphine and then switched to dilaudid and continued to be on that for 2 months, then put on hydrocodone as needed. I was put in a walking(why they call it this when you can't walk is beyond me) cast for 8 weeks, then in a 3-d boot for another 8 weeks, having it on constantly, even while sleeping. I still have pain & swelling, am not able to walk for more than 25-30 minutes at a time, cannot wear shoes for any length of time due to swelling, and after being on it for awhile, it feels like a knife is in the site of my fracture blister, which by the way is a very ugly shape and very dark brown. The top of my foot continues to be numb from my toes to ankle. I had no leg muscles left, they are just now starting to develop. I walk with a limp and cannot flex up on my toes with that foot when walking or going up/down stairs, so I just kinda swing my leg out and around. On my last visit with the ortho he mentioned taking the hardware out in April. He stated it would be up to me to decide, as it will be a site for infections, arthritis and people can feel the screws inside at times, which may or may not continue to cause intermittant pain. He stated that it would take about 3 months for the bone to regrow in the holes. My regular physician recommended I have them taken out based on infections in the future. I would never have imagined that an ankle break could be so "involved". But, then I stop and think about my chronic back pain which I have suffered with for years, having to quit work because of it and realize that nothing compares to that. I haved learned to live with the back pain and I will also learn to live with my ankle. Things happen for a reason ????

Thu Feb 16th 2006 04:09:06 AM CST

by Sue

Hi, I live in the UK and fractured my ankle on 28 December (I am 56)and had metalwork installed. I was in a hard cast for 3 weeks, walking cast for three weeks and I am now weight bearing. I was disappointed that I couldn't walk too far and thought my recovery was slow until I read this website! I have minimal discomfort, certainly not unbearable and hope to be back at work as a medical secretary soon, maybe after some physio. Dare I say it - are you Americans wimps?

Thu Feb 16th 2006 12:15:22 PM CST

by Mary

On Oct. 9, I fell down my home stairs carrying laundry. Don't remember the fall at all, only waking up at the bottom of the stairs and seeing my right foot hanging off the bottom of my leg. As a RN, I knew I had to realign it ASAP before it swoll up. I ripped up a towel from the laundry, dragged myself to the kitchen, passing out once, and got the duct tape, taped it up, called EMS then passed out again. In short, I broke it in 3 places, both the tibia and fibula. Had emergency surgery that night, in hospital for 5 days. I have a plate and 5 screws. Wore a black knee-high velcro boot for 3 months, then I got an Aircast, which was so painful to wear at times, that I went without it sometimes. I have constant pain on the inner aspect of the ankle, over the surgery site, and burning numbness/pain across the top fo my foot, that interferes with any good flexion. My MD says don't worry too much, as breaks this bad really need over 6 mths. to heal, maybe longer. I am wearing regular shoes, if they don't cross over the top of my foot. Nothing helps the pain, and as I was a runner before, this inactivity is killing me! I really can't even walk good enough or fast enough to take my puppy out for a walk! Very frustrating. Anyone near South Carolina?

Thu Feb 16th 2006 03:41:34 PM CST

by Graham

Hi all, no real news on my injury but I did update my mobility with an I-Walk Free one leg crutch replacement. I bought it on e-bay but they only show up once in a while (I think). It straps to your leg and then your knee and lower leg sits on a platform. If you are just visiting this site for the first time and may have a long recover time it is worth looking at. It is not really a replacement for crutches as your knee does get sore but it allows you to cook and carry things which crutches do not. Right now I am just using my crutches at night and for short trips where spending 30seconds to put this on is too long. I was able to measure out some things for my job which would be next to impossible on crutches. I should have bought these at the start but the $380USD retail I saw made think again. Now that I have had it for a few days I think it is worth it if you need to move on your job. It may not allow you to walk all day but it helps and most importantly feels a bit more normal (I bought it because I was going nuts on crutches for 10 weeks). I can't walk my dog yet but I am hoping in a few more days the discomfort on the knee may lessen and then I will be able to go a bit further. As the guy I bought it from said its not a miracle but its better than crutches.

Fri Feb 17th 2006 12:12:52 PM CST

by Diane

Does anyone know if it is normal to start feeling the pins through your ankle? I couldn't feel them before but since I have been weight bearing, there is a lot more pressure and discomfort where the plate is and yesterday it felt like one of the pins had pushed up slightly. This morning I can definitely feel the outline of the inside pin too. I don't know whether to be concerned about this or not. I am scheduled for xrays and follow up with my os Monday morning, but not sure whether I should let up on the weight bearing in case the pins are starting to push through from the weight. Today is exactly 2 months since my fall.

Fri Feb 17th 2006 03:45:39 PM CST

by Mike Murphy

Good question for your os when you see, have him show you where the pins and plates are located. Every break isdifferent.Mine is similar to the top of the page. The plate and 5 pins are located back and behind and the 2 screws are angled up. I have not felt them yet and the swelling has continued to decline. I would say if they bother you when you are weight bearing, don't put weight on them till you see your Doc. The old rule of thumb, if what you are doing causes pain, stop. Good Luck

Sat Feb 18th 2006 04:44:45 AM CST

by anne

i just wanted to say thanks to Mike Murphy for his advice about getting a good sports physio. I've found someone who treats professional footballers and i've got a programme to do every two hours and what a difference it's made. I'm off crutches and can even get up and down stairs without too many problems. It may also be helpful to ask if you can go swimming. Two days after my cast came off I got in the pool and did 500 metres (mixed strokes) and although my leg kick was weak the next day i could really feel the difference. There is light at the end of the tunnel.

Sat Feb 18th 2006 03:58:35 PM CST

by janet

i broke my right ankle from a fall in april 2004. it was alot like yours. i have 6 screws and i metal plate. after surgery everything went well, but my as for most people, my life was never the same. i couldn't run or wear certain shoes like i use to. and the metal bothers me very much. i'm gettin my metals out in a month or maybe even in a couple weeks. im am so freaked out that they're gonna have to cut into my already healed scar and take out the metals for good! i don't know wat to expect after the surgery at all. how long does it take to completely heal again? should i be aware of any infections?

Sun Feb 19th 2006 05:02:13 PM CST

by irene

DIANE Thanks for info it's just as you have explained. In fact physio has given me exercises for my knee and hip and has referred me to her senior for a further assessment.I am putting an awful lot of faith in this meeting. MIKE Thanks for your advice and I agree that it's good to hear from people who are post injury e.g. 12-24 months on. MARY the swelling you are expierencing over the top of your foot maybe helped by using massage if you can't reach yourself get someone else to do it if nothing else it is very relaxing. I have found it to have really worked. I have found a web site that really explains the benefit of massage http://www.strive4impact.com/massage_files/Articles/massage_scar_tissue.html I have a very physical job and spend most of my shifts on my feet as well as this I am exposed to being physically assaulted. My concern is if I am assaulted e.g. kicked on the 'metal' will it cause damage (to me). SUE I am from UK and I must be the worst wimp in the world I wouldn't wish this kind of injury on anyone however serious or minor. It's not only the physical pain the mental strength you need to get you through is far greater. As this site has shown people from all walks of life and nationality have really the same fears and questions that's why it works so well so please don't mimiliase someone's need to contact the site

Mon Feb 20th 2006 05:17:52 AM CST

by Tina

Hey all, No, Mike, the fiberglass cast is the kind of cast most people get; rock hard, lightweight (pretty colors...). My physio reckons my foot was not set in neutral position as I am now very very stiff and have almost now movement in my subtalar joint. I have been working hard on my exercises (I'm 25 and otherwise fit), but progress is not great and I'm almost 8 weeks post-op and still not walking w/out crutches. Granted, I developed a DVT at week 5 which hampered my recovery (swelling is finally starting to go down), and I'm on my feet all day (med student), but I think b/c I'm so young I expected a quicker recovery...at least be able to walk w/out crutches! Very frustrating. I have a lot of pain most of the time, especially when I do my exercises or try to put weight on it when walking w/crutches, but I try to ignore the pain and keep going b/c my ankle is so tight, if I stop my exercises I will never recover! Good luck to all of you. Believe me, I'll post when I walk b/c it will be a huge day for me. Tina

Mon Feb 20th 2006 04:53:31 PM CST

by Diane

I thought I had skipped the air cast period when I had my cast removed almost 3 weeks ago, but went for follow-up and x-rays this morning and I have to go into an air cast to the knees tomorrow - AFTER surgery to remove one of the through screws (I didn't even know I had a through screw on the plate side, just the large screw on the inside.) OS said I cannot begin bearing full weight until it is removed or it will break. I have had almost 3 weeks without any cast and don't want this at all. I don't know how it will go on as I had a fitting today and the boot won't go on because my foot still will not go completely flat. I can wear a shoe and walk a bit but only by moving my leg forward at a slant, which I cannot do in the air cast. I have to wear it between 4-8 weeks. The reason they let me have no cast for a while was because I have extensive ligament damage from my fall and needed to get moving on foot and ankle flexibility, as well as knee, hip, calf and thigh strengthening, which I have been working on every day. OS also said I will notice improved ankle rom when the screw comes out. I hope it doesn't hurt too much - just having a local so will be awake. And I was hoping to go back to work tomorrow, but now have surgery and have to get used to moving about in the air cast and weight bearing and climbing stairs in it, etc. It seems like it will be really heavy and awkward after having a free leg and ankle. What an ongoing saga.

Tue Feb 21st 2006 07:20:13 AM CST

by Andy Wheeler

Hi all. I am now 6 weeks post-op from a lower fibular fracture (just above lateral malleolus, see earlier posts). I have a plate with 6 small screws and one 'diaststasis' screw which goes through the lateral malleolus and into the tib. This screw is due to be removed 8-12 weeks post-op. I had the cast removed yesterday, and was told to work on range of movement and to start putting weight on my injured leg. I have not yet been given my first appointment for physio, but should do shortly. I guess I have about 50% rotational movement in my ankle but can't stand with my sole flat on the floor yet. There is little swelling, but quite a bit of scar tissue all around the ankle. Can anyone give me advice on how careful I must be when putting weight on my leg as I obviously don't want to break the diastasis screw? Should I hold-back until this is removed?

Tue Feb 21st 2006 09:42:35 AM CST

by Mike Murphy

Hi Andy, 50% rotational is not bad. I would ask your OS and PT regardinf weight on the diastasis screw as I am not familiar with it. What I did for range of movement per my PT was sit on a chair with my leg straight out and my foot on the sofa and while holding my leg fairly steady, began writing the alphabet with my foot a,b,c, etc. Be sure to check with your PT first. He also had me using the large rubber band and still while sitting back with the band around my foot and then pushing forward (resistance) for 4 minutes 3 times a day. It is a little intimidating standing at first but eventually you will be able to use a little weight and then more. Your PT will steer you in the right direction. I was very aggressive but did not do anything outside of what the PT told me. I am 10 weeks yesterday from surgery, have full range of motion, almost 0 discomfort walking and swelling is down about 80% and I am hiking snow trails again. I am using the calf press at the gym and have regained 1.3 inches back from the atrophying. Expect swelling after doing anything and be sure to wear a compression sock especially when sleeping as it greratly reduces the swelling. Good luck! Mike

Wed Feb 22nd 2006 09:58:27 AM CST

by Andy Wheeler

Thanks Mike. Having revised again I think the correct term for the main movement of the ankle joint is dorsiflection (raising and pointing of the toes) and I have been told that as well as the shortening of the achilles and other tendons during casting, the diastasis screw may be adding to the limited range of dorsiflection at the moment. I just have to work at it, but the problem is I'm notoriously impatient !! Thanks for the advice. Are you still putting ice on your ankle?

Thu Feb 23rd 2006 12:41:54 PM CST

by Diane

Andy: I had a large screw removed 2 days ago (at 9 weeks) but not sure if it was called a 'diastasis' as no one has given it a name. I thought I could have a local but when I arrived at hospital they said no I had to have a general. Was extremely sore next day and couldn't move ankle at all without a lot of pain so just rested and elevated ankle the whole day. I have to wear an air cast now to begin half to full weight bearing, but still too sore to get into it as it requires extensive flexing of ankle to get it to fit(my foot still points down and won't go flat). I was told to resume pt when I felt comfortable but not sure how long that will be. (???) This seems like a set back as I was cast free for 3 weeks and partial weight bearing with crutches and wearing regular sneaker. When I had my cast removed at 6 weeks (the same as you) I was told to get moving with pt to work on ankle flexibility and trying to get foot to go flat as well as knee and leg strengthening. I was also told to begin taking steps with 'partial' weight bearing, which I did under pt guidance. I was also confused at how much weight was too much but I actually couldn't do more that 25-30% anyway. I spoke to pt yesterday and she said she was monitoring weight bearing carefully but didn't want to scare me into not trying by telling me that screw could break if I did too much. I thought I would just continue putting more and more weight on and didn't realize I would have to have the large screw removed and go into an air cast to do that. Os said I would notice increased flexibility with the screw out and should progress at a faster rate now (I hope!) Still hurts a lot from surgery now though - I can't take pain killers as they bother my stomach too much, so only taking extra strength tylenol which doesn't help very much.

Thu Feb 23rd 2006 12:42:06 PM CST

by Diane

Thu Feb 23rd 2006 05:39:12 PM CST

by Kathy

Wow,I'm glad I found this website!! I broke my left ankle Jan.7th. I slipped and fell and got a trimalleolar fracture and dislocation.The doc did surgery next day and now have pins and a plate. Next week, March 1st, I get the hard cast off. My problem is this...I'm supposed to be putting about 50% weight on the left leg now, and am having alot of difficulty doing that. I am using a walker and try to stand with both feet equal pressure, but the broken ankle foot isn't flat to the floor because of the cast. I also still have alot of swelling in my toes. I keep it up, but if I put it down for more than 30 minutes, the toes are all swollen again. Is this normal? Also, my doc said that I will have PT after the cast comes off.

Fri Feb 24th 2006 06:59:58 AM CST

by Andy Wheeler

Diane. I', sure that your screw is the same as mine...over here in the UK they call it a diastasis screw, but in the US I think it's called a syndesmosis or syndesmotic screw. Anyhow, as far as I can glean, its purpose is to close the gap between the lateral malleolus (fibula) and the tibia so that the tibio-fibular ligaments and what is called the 'tibio-fibular syndesmosis' can heal sufficiently. (I think that the term 'diastasis' refers to the gap between the malleolus and the tibia, and the term 'syndesmosis' refers to the tissue that forms the union between the two. Crikey, I've swallowed a medical dictionary!). Surgeons put this long screw in when the fibular fracture is just above the lateral malleolus (a 'distal tibial' fracture) and ligament and 'syndesmotic' damage has occurred as the anke rotates during the injury. In a healthy ankle there is supposed to be slight movement between the fibula and tibia at the lower end of the Fibula. I assume, therefore, that a screw between the two will inhibit this movement. It certainly feels like that because I have pretty good movement up to a point where everything gets tight...it's as if there is a door-stop in my ankle...I can't get my foot flat either Diane, and the problem is that I'm too damned impatient by nature! I've pretty much convinced myself that I'm not going to get any more movement until the screw is removed....can anyone tell me otherwise?

Fri Feb 24th 2006 09:37:25 AM CST	by Mike Murphy
Kathy, You will need to wear a clog or shoe with a thick (1" to 1.5") sole to elevate and compensate the good leg to the heighth of the leg with the cast so you are walking evenly. Otherwise you will be putting extra weight on the bad leg and the unevenness over a period of time will mess up your hips. Always ice after you notice swelling. Usually 20 minutes. Good luck! Mike

Fri Feb 24th 2006 03:58:08 PM CST	by Kathy
Thanks Mike...I'll try that. Don't need the ole hips messed up anymore than they are (arthritis!) Right now I'm about to put 75% on the bad leg. It's hard to know how much that is, and the doctor isn't much help at all. Great surgeon,but not a talker. Do you think I should try to walk? I've just been putting weight on in a standing position.

Fri Feb 24th 2006 06:54:29 PM CST	by Mike Murphy
Kathy, Rule of thumb, if something hurts stop. With the compensating shoe you should be walking fairly even, which means 50% on the healed ankle. Don't try to do more. Just take it very slow. It will come back. Start on carpeted floors very slowly. It will be ackward at first but gradually it will start to feel more normal.Mike

Sat Feb 25th 2006 02:36:33 PM CST

by irene

Hi everyone, I am glad your all talking about this 'through' screw 'cause I am having mine out on Monday the 27/2/6. I have to go to my hosptal at present to have fragmin injections as I have had DVT and a pulmonary embolisis. I am very impressed Andy with your technical terms fully understand now how the to bones sit together. I agree with Andy I get that tight band over my ankle which just won't budge. My physio has been unhappy with my range of movement I have been achieving.REven though I work extemely hard at stretching and rotating. She has explained that it is now 6 weeks since my Plaster was removed and I should be fully weight bearing. But because of the 'tight band' to flex my foot is agony. I have also had quite a bit of pain up the side of my leg were the plates are. My scars have become hypersensitive and even with all the massaging it is still a problem. I agree with all of you who knows what 20%-50% weight bearing is. I tend to agree with Mike if it doesn't hurt have a go if it hurts stop and speak to your physio. My physio has decided that I need aggresive physio so from next week three visits a week plus hydro pool. I can't wait I really want things to move getting very down with being so inactive and dependant on others. Kathy I had swelling in my toes whilst in the cast it eased if I wiggled them and kept my leg elevated for periods of time. Remeber all the tendons/ligaments have been disturbed as well as being in active for a while. In fact my foot still swells up and I can only were slippers my trainers and shoes still won't fit. Anyone got any news on my work predicament? Wish me luck for Monday I will let you know how I get on.

Sat Feb 25th 2006 04:07:11 PM CST

by Diane

Thanks, Andy for the excellent info on the stabilizing screw as I feel a lot more informed about why some have this screw and can't weight bear much until it is removed. I recognize the term 'syndesmotic' from seeing it on my admitting documents at hospital on Tuesday, but didn't know what it referred to. I wish my os had explained about ligaments healing etc., but he is always rushing off. There must me a lot of broken leg bones with hardware going in around here as he was in surgery all day the day I had my screw removed. However, they don't seem to realize how important it is to know everything about what is going on and I am going to suggest to him in future that he prepare a written handout about what to expect about the various types of fractures. I wonder if he will be receptive to this. I know they don't like to tell someone precisely how long they will be at each healing stage as everyone is different and circumstances of injury are also different, but 'duh' that is obvious and the reason for getting x-rays at the various stages. I wasn't prepared for it to take 4 days for the pain to subside enough for me to fit back into my air cast, but just got into it this morning and have been weight bearing at the same degree as before, and it is much easier now. I can see that I will be able to do more with the air cast on but will wait til my pt appt on Monday to try more weight on foot. Being a female with a large shoe inventory in my closet,(unlikely to ever wear some of the impractical ones again) I was able to find a comfortable shoe with a raised platform sole with good tread to help balance the height of aircast, as per Mike's suggestion to everyone. Hopefully I am well on my way to walking now and this week's temporary setback will have been worth it.

Sun Feb 26th 2006 08:40:28 AM CST

by Cheryl

I am eight months post ankle break with 7 screws and a plate. I spent six weeks in three different casts and another two months in that awful boot. Have tried to maintain a sense of humor and optimism, but a broken ankle is a miserable experience. After reading all the posts, it reenforces my theory that doctors do not take take to talk to a broken ankle patient and prepare them for what they will be facing. "Six weeks with no weight on the ankle and after that you can put weight on it begin PT," the doctor said. What she did NOT say was that when the cast came off, my foot would be totally immobilized and that it would be still another two months before I could begin a semblance of walking alone." The PT people were GREAT and were the ones who really gave encouragement and advice that helped me survive the ordeal.

Mon Feb 27th 2006 08:00:57 AM CST

by Gramma Joanne

I feel like the oldest one here that broke my ankle 12/9/05 and sat 26 hours (snowbound) with the pain until ER visit. I had practically no pain when I arrived, figured my ankle died overnight. Dislocated foot and broke 3 bones, surgeon put in 7 pins and a plate. It is now 11 wks after surgery and I walked all over the house this past Saturday w/o any assistance, just my big black boot. Cast came off almost 5 weeks ago and started painful exercises (ROM and 50% wt on bad ankle). I paid for my glee of being able to "walk" (non-zombie style) and could NOT put any wt on my ankle yesterday at all. I will be more careful. They told me to make sure I had painkillers around after cast was removed. I didn't want to become addicted so I took OTC ones like tylenol and advil. Stomach got so irritated and the gnawing was worse than my ankle discomfort. Be careful! Now I plan to only take meds (endocet) after exercising if it hurts too much and at night so I can sleep. I used to play golf and don't know if I ever will again...no one has mentioned removing the plate from my left ankle? I just want to walk again. BTW, I will be 65 in May and am hanging in there with the rest of you kids! LOL Happy healing to all! BE PATIENT!!

Mon Feb 27th 2006 09:55:39 AM CST

by Mike Murphy

My surgery was on Dec 12, 2005. Tri-malleolar 1 plate 7 screws. Splint for 3 weeks, and then full weight bearing on Aircast for 3 weeks and then that came off. Almost no contact with OS but PT every other day and always with a ton of questions doing everything he told me to do but not going over the line. Plenty of stretchs i.e stand against wall with back and heels against wall and then bend knees as far down as you can go (this killed me) calf stretches (constantly) calf raises at gym and riding spin bike. Began hihking snow trails again 2 weeks ago with ski poles. This was tough but gradually I am able to go for an hour now with dogs.This morning I got up and was walking around and realized I felt nothing from my fractured ankle, no pain, soreness zero. All of the rehab will pay off. Good luck to all! PS: I am 57

Tue Feb 28th 2006 12:31:34 AM CST

by Louise

I had surgery the 23 of 2005. I am ready to have the pins and screws (11) and one plate (2 inches out. My bones would not heal so I had to be on a bone stimulator for my foot.. In August it finally healed. Noe the screws are coming out as I am thin and they are in deep deep pain... What is it TRULY like to have that much work done on a trilateral break....He is calling for outpatient. I am thinking WOW.. too much.. I at least need one night. Advise ASAP as surgery is Monday

Tue Feb 28th 2006 04:04:21 PM CST

by irene

Hi everyone, back home after my screw coming out. No real pain other than where the stitches are. Physio had me (walking) shuffiling with one crutch in less than 1 hour after surgery!!! I asked my consultant about the debate on weight bearing before screw removed,he does not advise full weight bearing as it can cause the screw to 'snap' then it can be a very difficult op to remove the broken screw. Been back to my own physio today spent time on the bike.I can do 20min on rowing machine. Can't say I can feel any difference as yet but physio says I will have more flexibility. Finding it very difficult to get my brain to allow me to put one foot in front of the other. Physio suggested I try putting left foot with right crutch right leg with left crutch so I can begin to walk in a normal rythmn. I look like a cross between the hunch back of notre dam (bum sticks out) and a robot so rigid. I am so envious of Mike who seems to be way ahead. Mike don't stop putting info really enjoy your info and enthusiasm.

Tue Feb 28th 2006 08:22:22 PM CST

by Diane

Can someone tell me how much air I should be pumping into my aircast? Should it be as much as will go, which feels very tight or should it just be comfortable? I'm afraid of not putting enough in and not having enough support for bearing full weight. I have had a big adjustment fitting it on as foot still won't go flat and after forcing it twice, I had major pain and swelling for quite awhile. I asked pt for help in putting in on yesterday and she had me take some time with gradual stretching and when it still wouldn't go on, she made me a heel pad, so feels more comfortable now. However she didn't know how much air was needed either and I didn't get any instructions about it.

Tue Feb 28th 2006 09:26:46 PM CST

by Mike Murphy

Hi Diane, It should be snug but comfortable. My left ankle was fractured so when I inflated the 4 cells I would start with the left outer, the right forward, then the rear then the right rear. Don't inflate the rear to much as it pushes your foot forward and your toe will stick out past end of boot.Are you wearing a compression sock? It is a very shear but tight fitting sock that reduces the swelling. I lived in mine it really works.Mike

Wed Mar 1st 2006 04:52:51 AM CST

by Andy Wheeler

The more I research and the more I hear the more I'm convinced that the diastasis (syndesmosis) screw is restricting my ankle movement, so I'm going to take things easy until they whip it out. I'm 9 days out of cast now (7 weeks post-op) and still using crutches 'cos I can't put my sole flat so that I can attempt to shuffle. I did e-mail my consultant OS for advice, but he's obviously a busy man as he hasn't replied yet. First proper physio next week, so I can get some more advice then. Went swimming at the weekend and I can feel the improvement already. To those with experience of a syndesmosis screw....your experiences are very informative....please keep posting. There is still a lot of scar tissue around my ankle, can anyone tell me whether ice is still beneficial at this stage of the healing process?

Wed Mar 1st 2006 11:21:39 PM CST

by Mike Murphy

Andy, I asked my Sports PT this afternoon. According to him the Diastasis screw runs from fib THRU tib. This is done for a purpose, ask your OS. This will restrict any flexability until removed, also explains why you can't put sole flat. There will be scar tissue for a while. Ask your PT. In my humble opinion, Sports Physical Therapists are the best as they are used to dealing with every type of injury. Good luck!

Thu Mar 2nd 2006 03:36:36 AM CST

by Andy Wheeler

Thanks for the info Mike, you're a mine of information! My diastasis screw (I say 'my' instead of 'the' because I feel it's part of me now, if only temporarily) doesn't come out until 4th April, I had an appointment in the post yesterday. That's 12 weeks + post-op, which is just outside the 8-12 week range I have read about. I'm a bit disappointed because it obviously means that I won't be able to get much more movement for over a month, but it's obviously being left in for a reason. Anyhow, apart from that the rest of my ankle movement is improving fast and is pain-free which must bode well for my recovery. I'll just have to concentrate on calf muscle building and excercise in the meantime. Cheers all!

Thu Mar 2nd 2006 01:52:58 PM CST

by Debbie/aka Louise

had surgery the 23 of 2005. I am ready to have the pins and screws (11) and one plate (2 inches out. My bones would not heal so I had to be on a bone stimulator for my foot.. In August it finally healed. Noe the screws are coming out as I am thin and they are in deep deep pain... What is it TRULY like to have that much work done on a trilateral break....He is calling for outpatient. I am thinking WOW.. too much.. I at least need one night. Advise ASAP as surgery is Monday

Fri Mar 3rd 2006 12:25:24 PM CST

by Donna Smith

This site is incredible! You are all so inspiring and brave. My injuries occured on Dec. 30, 2005 and I had surgery on Dec 31st. There are almost the same as the picture above right tib broken ( 2 screws) and right fib broken in two places (plate with 5 screws). The only difference is I had a severe compound fracture of the tib right at the ankle bone. If you look at the scar it is like an upside down L shape outlining the ankle. Of course most of you know what the outside scar looks like :). The other difference is I also broke my collarbone, on the right side, during my accident. As far as a cast goes, I was sent home with the black, velcro, "walking boot". I am in a wheelchair now because I cannot use crutches or a walker etc due the broken collarbone. As of this week, per OS, I can start to put weight on the ankle but I am scared to death. I think part of the fear is if I was to fall and injury the shoulder again. I have had to have two surgeries on the collarbone because the first plate and six screws the used did not work and literally "worked" it's way back out. The second surgery on collarbone was three weeks ago. I have not had any PT for yet except what I received in the hospital nor has my OS mentioned PT. However I have pretty good ROM from the exercises I have done on my own. I cannot flex the ankle very far in an upward motion toward my knee. Is this common? Should I or could I already be in PT? Is this something my OS has to order? I do not have any health insurance and all bills are self pay could this be an issue as far OS not ordering PT? I can sorta stand but should I always wear the boot when I start putting some weight on the ankle? Any help on how to start "zombie" walk or advise you could give would be great. Thank you to everyone for sharing your stories. I do not feel quite as alone or isolated in this ordeal now. Good luck to all of you. May you each continue to find the courage and strength to journey forward. Donna

Fri Mar 3rd 2006 05:42:29 PM CST

by Val

As I read the comments from fellow misfortunates, I am amazed at the variety of problems and the courage shown in responses to the breaks. I thought many times that I might never walk again, at least not normally. But each small improvement lifts my spirits. I dislocated and broke my ankle in three places on December 1, 2005, have a plate, 8 screws in the tibia and a long rod holding a bone in the foot in place. I am now 14 weeks post-op, just starting to walk in shoes and with a cane. Today was pretty good, although it took 2 tylenol to make me say that. As for the moon boot, I found that the boot did not fit at all when I first put it on, but the heel began to go down into the heel socket after a week or two. Extra padding here and there under the rubber sole gave me some comfort after a week or two. I felt almost the same oddness when I put on a familiar shoe today, but it feels quite normal several hours later. My OS made no predictions for my progress, just said that everything looks perfect on the xray, and some pain is normal for up to a year. You athletes are way ahead of me in your progress, but at 83, and a former athlete, I think I am doing OK. I hope the PT I will see in a couple of weeks will to be able to help me walk without a limp. I am vain enough to work hard to appear normal, if any of us is sure what that is.

Sat Mar 4th 2006 04:09:31 PM CST

by Dalila H

To Andy Wheeler. I have a trimallleolar fracture tib/fib. The surgery was on December 2, 2005. The figerglass cast was replaced by a walking boot 8 weeks post-op although I was not allowed to put any weight bearing until I had the syndesmosis screw removed (10 weeks post-op). My OS said that in many cases the screw breaks when full and/or partial weight bearing occurs. In the meantime, my OS had me start exercising my ankle by “drawing the letters of the alphabet” and using a towel around my foot to push it forward and then backward. I could not move my ankle at all. Only my toes were moving. When I reported it to my OS, he was disappointed because everything else looked great. Needless to say that I had lost the confidence to walk in the near future. However, on March 2, 2006, I had the syndesmosis screw removed and was asked to put full weight bearing on the boot with crutches the same day. I was amazed that after 10 weeks, I was able to do so! Since the screw has been removed, I cannot believe how much flexibility I have regained. My confidence is all back! I am scheduled to start PT in 10 days.

Sat Mar 4th 2006 04:12:28 PM CST	by Dalila H
Typographical error. My date of 1st surgery was December 22, 2005.

Sat Mar 4th 2006 07:04:28 PM CST

by Steve G

Another ZOMBIE joins the crew :) I think I have joined the elite crew of zombie shufflers abroad. If been PWB for a little over 2 weeks. I was using the crutches more or less as a security blanket and putting minimal weight on my hands. Last night decided to try and get around without them. While I wouldnt say I am walking the same way I can when I have the crutches, I have come up with this way to get around without crutches and put weight on the bad ankle. I am now 4wks post-op and 5wks post fracture. I've been taking the suppliments Mike Murphy mentioned and returned to work 2 weeks ago (desk job minimal crutching).

Mon Mar 6th 2006 06:26:44 AM CST

by Andy Wheeler

Thanks Dalila, just the information I need, and it sound as if the movement that I do have means that I must be doing OK, although my injury doesn't sound as bad as yours. I'm now 8 weeks post op, and the cast has been off for two weeks. I'm scheduled to have the syndesmosis screw out on 30th March, that will be nearly 12 weeks post op, but they say 8-12 weeks is the window. I'll just have to concentrate on exercise until then, been swimming a couple of times and have first physion tomorrow. Good luck and keep me posted on your progress.

Mon Mar 6th 2006 09:37:03 AM CST

by Melinda

broke mine in the backyard Ouch Have 9 pins and a Plate Had surgery on the 15th 3 days after swelling went down enough. Broke in 3 places I have to stand at work on cement floors for 8 to 10 hours a day Im very active the Doctor says Lay down for another 2 weeks on March 1 I have accidently Stepped on it and had a Like Shock pain Sensation Really painfull The boredom is very depressing IM ALSO WORRIED ABOUT WIEGHT GAIN Anyone ahve a suggetion of a exercise to keep form effecting the injury Yhanks for any advise given also anyone had to do factory work or Standing on feet for long periods of time without irratation Thank again for any advice Plese eamil Melinda

Mon Mar 6th 2006 09:44:27 AM CST	by Melinda
I Looked at your incisons I had to ahve Surgery on both sides of my ankle because of severity of break also They had to use stitches not staples I had them out after 3 weeks Now I have the Buttefly bandages like shown in your pictures How much physical thearpy is needed for how long? Thanks again Melinda

Mon Mar 6th 2006 07:07:33 PM CST

by Dalila H

Keep going Andy! It sounds like you already have more motion that I even had prior to the removal of the syndesmosis screw. It's now been 4 days after my syndesmosis screw was removed and for the very first time today, I have been able to put my sole flat in the boot with full weight bearing. I am so excited!! I still use my crutches. I keep doing my exercises as before although I still cannot rotate my ankle without help. I am confident that it is just a matter of time until I start PT.

Mon Mar 6th 2006 09:45:43 PM CST

by Mike Murphy

Hi Everybody, Looks like a lot more positive feedback on this site. Melinda, I had tri-mal incisions on bothsides like you (and a lot of others on this page it seems) I have been told by PT thatI can't ski (I live in a ski resort) or run just yet. Drives me crazy as I have always been active. I started riding the stationary bike at the gym with my Aircast (as long as PT says its OK) and now riding spin bike for 30 min to 1 hr. doing intervals ( 2min w/ heartrate at 125 and crank up the tension and then 2 min with heartrate at 155+) I am exhausted but it feels great and anyone who was active should try this in lieu of running etc.My ankle still swells up at end of day but then I am on it all day going for hikes in afternoon. I put compression sock on at nite and in morning swelling is back down. I'm told it will be like this for awhile but I can live with it. Good luck to all!

Tue Mar 7th 2006 08:28:55 PM CST

by Donna Smith

Hi guys, I did it. I walked for the first time on Friday, March 3rd. I used a walker and just my left arm for support, (because of the broken collarbone on the rightside). It was so awesome! I have now walked on four occasions. This evening I have used only the walker and NO wheelchair, yet. I go back to the OS on Monday, the 13th, I hope he mentions PT. Please keep your fingers crossed for me on the collarbone too. But, no matter what I am determined to not give up and to find the positive in this situation. Thank you all for the inspiring stories and for giving me the courage to go for it. You are all incredible. I wish the best of health and luck to each of you! (and thank you for overlooking the typo's in my first posting... LOL). Donna P.S. Do not ever stop believing in yourselves and keep up the good work.

Wed Mar 8th 2006 01:13 PM CST

by Melinda

Hello All Thanks Mike and Donna I know i had just gottten a tread mill for Christmas was up to running 3 miles on it Everything I Have read says running will be out On the Psycho side I dont know if I would trust myself to run I can not believe the fear I feel about walking I want to the thougt of the pain OUCH Mike what is a compression Sock? I workin A Correctional Facilty Im really fearful that I wont be able to run after this Its a Job requirement I have 14 years in I finally made it to Management Who had the other Quest5ion abotu being kicked in the Leg? My Cocker Spaniel does not dare cme near my Foot Bohnsack Thanks somuch for all the Input in this site It helps me to know there is light at the end of this Tunnel Love an Peace to All Melinda

Wed Mar 8th 2006 06:38:42 PM CST	by Mike Murphy
HiMelinda, compression sock is a very sheer but tight fitting sock that runs up to knee. Not uncomfortable but helps reduce swelling especially at nite. I was a runner to and started riding spin bike w/ heartrate monitor. Wish I would have started doing this years ago. Great workout and easy on legs. Your Ortho or Pharmacy should have sock. Good Luck!

Mon Mar 13th 2006 01:28:53 PM CST

by Steve G

Here's my 6wk post-op (7wk post fracture) update. If you look above you can find out all the details. Just got back from the OS. Walking cast removed and sent home with NO CAST! It feels a little funny but is was nice, I was thinking an aircast or something but I'll settle for nothing. What a nice feeling to soak the foot in warm water and epson salt and rub away 2months of dead skin :) I start PT in 2 wks and cant wait. It hurts a little more to walk on it compared to when I was in the cast. The past 2 wks I've been walking on it without crutches no problem but now it's a little tougher. The heel feels a little tender but I'm suer I will work that out in the coming days. To all you newcomers and people just starting the journey, it does go by fast. Believe me, I was/am an extremely active person and this definately put the brakes on my life. But it did pass quickly now that I look back. I know I still have a ways to go before I am 100% but this is a milestone in itself. Stay positive no matter what. The first couple days, maybe a week or 2 you might feel lousy but you'll notice the progress every day. Keep the faith and good luck to all!

Mon Mar 13th 2006 04:32:59 PM CST	by Mike Murphy
Steve, I had same problem with heel. Once you start PT you'll be amazed. I am 13 weeks today and can hardly tell there was a fractured ankle. Good luck!

Tue Mar 14th 2006 11:23:39 AM CST

by MELINDA

Hi Mike I havent ever had a cast and Havent been allowed to walk on it at all Break on 2/13/06 This is 3/14/06 I go to Doc on Friday Ive had a Air Shoe and Wheel Chair to keep me company> Help I've fallen and I really can't get up! Ha Ha I hope I get a Walking Cast Or something Its very Depressing for me. As im sure that it has been for all. What do the doctors say about Running is Running ok? It worries me its a requirment of my Postion at work?Later Melinda

Tue Mar 14th 2006 11:34:52 AM CST

by pam

It's been almost 2 years since I had the same fracture as nearly everyone else who's written in. I found this site looking for info on hardware removal. So, I'm partly speaking from experience and partly still looking for info. First, I think living a healthy lifestyle and staying active are extremetly important to proper healing - no smoking, excessive drinking, junkfood, etc. I also took a lot of calcium supplements to hopefully aide bone healing. I also am very active and was going nuts not being able to do my usual activities. I did do upper body weights and also started spinning with my bike on a trainer. I did one-legged workouts with my broken ankle still in a cast. I propped up the bad leg and spun with the good one. They were extremely difficult workouts, but I kept my sanity and my fitness level! I healed OK, but lost a lot of range of motion, which was helped by months of PT. I highly recommend insisting on PT once you get out of the cast or boot. A friend of mine and I got 3rd overall in a women's adventure race less than 6 months after my accident, so my recovery went OK. I've been cycling, skiing, everything I did before, although hiking or running up steep hills is a bit difficult due to inadequate range of motion. I decided to get my hardware removed because the screw heads were protruding through the skin and aggravating me when I had boots on. The surgery was 3 weeks ago and I'm doing really well. The incisions are nearly healed and my ankle feels great - I highly recommend getting hardware removed. The only problem I've had is getting conflicting info on how much my ankle is temporarily weakened and how much I need to restrict my activities. My doc, who's very conservative, says 4 weeks in a walker boot and 3 months of no running. I talked to another doc who only keeps her patients in a boot for a week and insists that the bones aren't really weaker because the holes were already there. So, I don't know what to believe and was wondering if anyone had any more info about this. In the meantime, I'm not really wearing the boot at all and am just being careful in my activities and not running. I'm not exactly listening to my doc, but I'm trying not to do anything stupid. Any insight anyone has on this would be much appreciated. And good luck to all of you just starting through this process. It is frustrating, but it doesn't last forever. Pam

Tue Mar 14th 2006 04:20:27 PM CST	by Mike Murphy
Pam, My PT said 4 - 5 weeks taking it very easy. Never mentioned boot. Bones are already healed now just waiting for holes to fill. I think you are doing the right thing but double check with PT. My OS said no running for 1 year and my PT said 4 - 5 months. I'm going with PT. Good luck!

Wed Mar 15th 2006 05:13:43 AM CST

by Amanda

Hi All, hope you are all healing well and fast. I am amazed how positive all your posts are, I don't know how you keep your spirits up. I broke my ankle 7 weeks ago learning to snowboard. It was only my second lesson and I just overbalanced and fell gently forward, not sure if I felt the 'pop' then or when I tried to turn over onto my backside. I broke a bone (can't remember what they called it) and shifted another bone. So had hardware installed. I got the cast off yesterday and going for PT today. My foot is so stiff and I still can't put pressure on it, I also now feel a popping in my foot. I know I'm whining, but, after 7 weeks of being in a cast and not being able to do things like work or usual housework and worried sick about what my employers really think of me being off work for so long (they have been really good about it)I'm starting to believe that the whole thing serves me right for trying to learn this sport at my age (42). I would love to go back to snowboarding next season but perhaps I should take up extreme knitting instead. Thank you for letting me have my whine. Exit self-pity mode. Best wishes and good luck to you all!

Thu Mar 16th 2006 11:27:01 AM CST

by Pam

Thanks for the info, Mike. Wow, your info is even more conservative on running! Amanda, don't stop trying new sports! I'm 46 and not ready to park myself on a couch and wait to die of a heart attack! I've heard of people breaking their ankles all kinds of crazy ways, including falling off curbs, slipping on wet walkways, etc. There's risk involved in anything we do. I think we should do what makes us happy and keeps us healthy and understand there's a chance we could have unexpected down time, or worse. Life's full of risks!

Thu Mar 16th 2006 05:27:43 PM CST

by irene

Hi everyone I have been 2 weeks since my screw was taken out. My mobility is improving but my consultant has just told me that he does not expect me to get my foot to right angles for another four months!! He was frustrated with me for not understanding that this was a serious accident. They are the most irritating words. Have been told that I will never get the full range back due to the severity of the injury bit of a blow but I am 51 and have always been active I am not able to get into the physio gym yet as physio feels my ankle is still to stiff. I am not able to throw my crutches away yet as my foot won't bend enough for me to walk properly unaided for long periods can hobble for a couple of steps. Physio has told me I have lost my perception of centre I tend to lean over to the left (injured my right leg). However, I am now doing 30 min on rowing machine heart rate 130. This has given me so much of a buzz. I am able to walk for upto three hours none stop (still on crutches. Same as Mike my foot swells but soon reduces when elevated. Before accident use to run every other day and cycle to work. No one is still able to answer my worrying question about working in a physical job where there's a chance of being assaulted. Dr just told me he's not happy for me to return to role, however, this is my job and at 51 it would be very hard to find another role. I think any medical would probably knock me back for a job. also has anyone had any problems getting travel insurance???

Fri Mar 17th 2006 07:11:23 AM CST

by Amanda

Hi Pam, a big 'Thank You' for your words of encouragement, it really does help. I am very inspired by the range of sporting activities that you are involved in. I am now considering taking up cycling (quite fancy a mountain bike) when I get the go ahead from the doctor. It might be a good way to build some muscle and flexibility up over the summer for the next attempt at snowboarding. Good luck with your ankle and I hope you get back to your running soon. By the way, what does 'spinning your bike on a trainer' mean?

Fri Mar 17th 2006 08:26:41 AM CST

by Pam

Amanda, I take my road bike and put it on a cycling trainer that has a fly wheel up against the back tire for resistance. Most bike shops sell them. It's a good way to get bike workouts in when the weather's crappy (or when your ankle is broken!). I love cycling - road, mountain, it's all good and it's been great for my physical and emotional health (except I did break my ankle riding my mountain bike!). I ride with pedals that I clip into using cleats attached to my shoes, which allows the rider to pull up as well as push down - much more efficient. These pedals allowed me to do the 1-legged workouts, but also contributed to the original fracture when my toe caught under a branch as the bike lost traction and slipped out from under me on the same branch! Irene, I never got my full range of motion back, but it hasn't stopped me from doing anything. It's just a little aggravating when trying to walk up steep hills. I didn't have the type of screw you had, but it took a long time for me to get balance back. It all takes time - the PT will help. My doc didn't think I needed PT when I first came out of the boot. I didn't start it for about 3 weeks and I think that really hurt the range of motion.

Fri Mar 17th 2006 02:42:12 PM CST

by Kathy

Hi everyone... Well, I'm now 2 weeks out of my cast and on my 2nd week of PT. I have just now been able to get my foot flat on the floor and hold weight on it for 30 seconds. The therapists are great..they are really working on stretching the muscles and ligaments..it hurts, but I can see a big difference! I had a tri mal break and dislocation Jan. 7th. I'm 51 years old and run a floral shop in a grocery store. I have to be on my feet 8 hours a day, standing, walking, etc. I have to pull a pallet jack from receiving to my dept everyday loaded with boxes of flowers and plants plus unload and put out all these flowers. My doctor doesn't understand why I am not walking yet, and insists I can go back to work in a week. My therapists say no way. He won't extend my release till after therapy. My job won't let me come back till I can do my job fully. I am so frustrated. Why are these doctors so hardheaded???? He is an excellent surgeon, but a very poor people person!

Mon Mar 20th 2006 07:39:34 AM CST	by Carol
I broke my ankle in December and had some plates put in in January. The cast has now been off 4 weeks and I have had some physio and am religeously doing my excercises. But the joint is still very tight and my calf is also tight. Is this normal and how long can I expect it to take before it starts to fre of and get normal movement?

Mon Mar 20th 2006 08:11:55 AM CST

by bobbi

HI all!! Been here reading for about a month now and thought I'd share my story and ask some questions! I broke my ankle in 3 places on new years eve...(yes, I was drinking...lol, but I swear all I was doing was standing in my bestfriends kitchen with about 8 people when my BF came to give me a midnight hug and knocked me down...I was in platform heels that I never wear because I'm a jeans and sneaker kinda girl....talk about a party stopper! Anywho, I had surgery on the 11th of Jan. and spent 3 days in hosp. Got a plate & 4 screws on the outside and 2 screws on the inside. I am surprised at the people I have come in contact with(who've also had this same break) that say how well I'm walking as I feel I am still very stiff. I am able to walk for about 10 minutes before I have to sit down, but I am walking w/o crutches or walker and have been for about 2 weeks now!! I still experience VERY bad swelling everyday once I'm up & put pressure on it. I wear a compression stocking most days and take it off before bed (per OS). I'm not in PT (per OS) so I guess it's all up to me...I am trying to work out the achilles so I can walk with better stride (I walk with slight limp right now). AND WHAT KIND OF SHOES CAN YOU WEAR?? I've been wearing a simple basic bo-bo shoe (you know just the plain white shoes that ties up the front?) in a wide width and everyday I come home all my swelling is where the shoe pushes against..... Also, is anyone experiencing alot of hardness and tissue on the inside ankle that seems like it's not going away?? This is my biggest question, and the shoes?? How do you wear sneakers (which has been my life) when your ankle swells so large? EVERYBODY KEEP YOUR SPIRITS UP BECAUSE IT DOES GET BETTER!!!! I spent 5-6 weeks crying and feeling like I was in a downhill slide....By the way I'm 32 years old and still questioning why my OS thinks I don't need PT when it seems like everyone w/this break & surgery is getting it???THANKS EVERYONE FOR LISTENING!!

Mon Mar 20th 2006 11:47:35 AM CST

by Kathy

Well, Carol and Bobbi,my ankle and achilles are still very very tight too, although with the PT exercises my range of motion has increased. I think PT is very important..they know the correct way to work the ankle to stretch these muscles and ligaments. I"m just still having ALOT of pain on the outside of my foot (running all the way down from my little toe) and on the outside ankle bone, which prevents me from stretching too far! I haven't even attempted to put a shoe on yet. I had a tri mal on 1/7/06 with dislocation, surgery on 1/8 and cast came off 3/1. Just keep on trying to get your OS to prescribe PT, AND maybe get a second opinion if he/she won't.

Tue Mar 21st 2006 01:59:18 PM CST

by Carol/Ray

Bobbi and Kathy,I have been looking after Carol 24/7 for eight weeks (I'm her husband). Bobbi she has been very weepy as well. She has been working so hard at her exercises given to her by the PT. She has been so frustrated about the slow progress. Reading the coments by others with double fractures this appears to be normal. I think it must be one of the worst parts of the body to fracture. She has had three sessions with the PT and has improved every time. But over the weekend she was sobbing her heart out again. Today she read Kathy's note and seems to have taken in what you said. I agreee with you Kathy that Bobbi should try and at least get one session with a PT. Carol has been doing an exercise today which seems to be freeing the ankle off as the movement has increase. She has been sitting with her foot up and rotating her foot pushing the toes down and round in a circular motion. It has freed it off as well as improving the movement. She was very stiff when she got up this morning. I don't know how long you should do this excercise but she has been doing it for hours at a time. She hasn't cried today and seems to have bucked up after reading both your notes and realising others have the same problem. I will try and let you know what progress she makes and pass on any tips if we have any. About the shoes Bobbi, after the first shoe supplied by the PT department (just a flat pad with velcro straps) She managed to get my trainer on which was two sizes bigger than her normal size. This enable her to walk much better with her crutches. She then bought a pair of trainers one size too big and has managed to get them on with only laces on two holes then has gradually managed to get more of the lace threaded over the last week. She is now walking with just a stick. We hope you both progress well and are back walking normal as soon as possible. Keep working on it as hard as you can. Thank you for your comments Kathy and good luck to you both. Regards Ray & Carol (England)

Tue Mar 21st 2006 08:18:03 PM CST

by Mike Murphy

Hi Ray & Carol, My PT gave me a 5 inch wide by 6 foot long rubber band. These come in different thickness's. I would sit with my leg on an ottoman and with my leg straight out, rubber band stretched around the bottom of my foot and I hold the ends in my hands and write the alphabet with my foot keeping leg very still so just ankle is doing work. Now I did this for 4 minutes 4 times a day. I think Carol is over doing it. Rule of thumb, if it starts to hurt..stop. Tell her not to get frustrated. It takes time and a positive attitude. I am 14 weeks since surgery and it still swells up at the end of the day. This is perfectly normal and gradually the swelling goes down. She should be wearing a compression sock probably all the time but especially when sleeping. I don't know what your Pt has Carol doing but I would stand with my back and heals against the wall, feet shoulder length apart and then scoot my back down so my knees go out and hold for 60 seconds, it should be tight but not painful. This stretches out the tendons. Check with your PT first. Is your PT a sports PT?,as they seem to be more tuned to recuperative excerises. Good luck. Mike

Wed Mar 22nd 2006 06:38:19 AM CST

by David

Very interested webpage. I'm 59 and got knocked-down on February 4th 2006 in a road-rage incident (a UK term) and had a plate and pins similar to your picture to fix a double fracture of my ankle. The plaster-cast was removed on March 13th as they found I was 90% healed. Now have the aircast boot on until 27th when the doctor wants me to start using my normal shoes again. I do the foot exercises all day long and walk as much as I can wearing the airboot (with crutches) but after reading a number of these letters I wonder if doctor's being over optimistic.....

Wed Mar 22nd 2006 12:48:34 PM CST

by Carmen-Rosa

Hi guys, boy do I feel lucky! My husband and I came to Brazil for Carnival (Our first major vacation in twenty years). Four days into our vacation, I stepped into a broken area of a sidewalk and fell down breaking my left ankle. I said that I feel lucky, because after reading the postings in this site, I realize that it could have been a lot worse. I did not required surgery and my fracture was aligned. I did require a cast and depending on my husband for many things is driving us both a little bit nuts. I am going into the fourth week and the doctor changed my cast to a plastic cast that it is supposed to be weight bearing, at least to the degree to give me some independence. However, I tried to walk this morning assisted by crutches and it did not work at all. Do any of you have experience walking with crutches being able to bear weight in the broken leg? My foot in the cast is off 90 degrees, and because of this I can only placed in front of me flat on the floor. Does this mean that I will not be able to do any walking with this cast or I am using faulty technique? Thanks for any insight or like they say here in Brazil ( since I have not been able to leave) Obrigada!

Wed Mar 22nd 2006 12:58:26 PM CST

by Carmen-Rosa

Wed Mar 22nd 2006 01:01:10 PM CST

by irene

Hi Carroll//Bobi/Kathy I can fully sympathise with you regarding tearful days, you must remember that this injury has an effect on you both physically and mentally. From being an independant person you become totally dependent on others as well as having to come to terms with the pain and the fear of how your ankle is going to turn out. I have come to a situation where my ankle won't budge now. Even though I have worked exceedingly hard at my physio it just won't improve, the tightining across the ankle (like a bracelet) and up my leg is preventing me from flexing my ankle. My PT has referred me for hydro therapy and I start this in 3 weeks time. Kathy I agree with you I was left for 3 weeks before I started my physio after the cast came off and I honestly think this has slowed the process down. My ankle still swells it has decreased as the weeks have gone on. Unfortunately I have only just been able to put a pair of trainers on. I have had to wait since November to do this what I did find good are slippers with velcro straps as yu can adjust it throughout the day when your ankle swells. I have several pairs to match my outfits some of them actually look like soft shoes. I spoke to my consultant about not being able to flex my ankle. He was surprised that I thought I should be doing that yet, he explained he does not expect my ankle to reach 45 degrees for a further four months! that will be 8 1/2 months from the accident. Does anyone have a problem walking down a slope? I find it very hard to do even with both crutches. I attempted to walk without the crutches the other day I thought I was doing it quite well but PT said I was rocking and rolling and if I continued to do that I would have quite a severe limp. So I am back with crutches and am putting full weight on bad foot and raising my good foot so my toes our on the floor then lifting good foot past bad one. PT says I need to control this movement so the weight is then fully on bad ankle. This will help with my balance and prevent a 'gait'. Some good news for me my husband is a firefighter and they have a rehab resource centre funded by the firefighters. it was originally only for firefighters who had bad injury's but recently it has been openend to partners. It is run by PT's and I will have daily input that will include gym work, swimming, and some individual sessions. It also offers sessions on improving your general well being as well as some TLC. It is is a beautiful part of England (lake district) and I can't wait. Although my husband has been an absolute saint looking after me I think he will appreciate a 'break' from listening to me talking about my bloody ankle. You become obsessed with everything to do with it. Nearly finished the weather in England has been miserable, cold, wet, snow and a very cold wind chill. This doesn't help when you want to get out and about however, today the weather is warm, sunny and bright what a difference it makes I have been out on my own and 'walked' for about 1 1/2 hours didn't go far but I really enjoyed it. Chatted to neighbours, saw people I haven't seen since my accident and did it all on my own. (getting pretty fed up people asking me if I'd had to much to drink when I'd done it.) I will let you know how my rehab went but just being with a group of firefighters for a fortnight would be therapeutic in it's own right!!!!!

Wed Mar 22nd 2006 01:43:27 PM CST

by irene

Hi Kathy, Forgot to say I also have pain along side of foot I am so pleased someone else is expeirencing this as I think this is preventing me from taking the full weight through my ankle. I also get a pain under where the ankle bone on the outside of my ankle. The screws that I have on the inner malleaous have over shot the bone and is causing some irritation but the doc says he doesn't want to chance removing them as the bone is splintered to much. Hoping it will settle down. The flat of my heel hurts quite a bit if I walk for any length of time PT thinks this is because I shattered the heel bone and this has been pinned she thinks as the ligaments and muscles become stronger and more flexible the aches and pains will reduce. As someone says we forget what we have achieved and focus on what we can't do so with this in mind I have begun to reward myself if I have achieved a new goal. Today I was able to come down the stairs one foot in front of the other (using my crutches) so I have allowed myself a bar of choclate. mmhhh Think when I can walk pain free I will be treating myself to a week-end away with my truly patient husband. Has anyone else got any dreams of what they will be doing to treat themselves when they recover?

Wed Mar 22nd 2006 08:44:20 PM CST

by Melissa

Hello everyone. My name is Melissa and Im 22yrs old. I broke my ankle 6/2005 and recently was made aware of this wonderful website with lotts of feedback and information. I truely thought I was the only one that was going thru this also, and when I saw my X-rays it looked as if I had become some kind of strange Frankenstien project. I also broke my ankle in two spots and had a plate with 7 screws and a pin on the other side also. I did have physical Therapy for 6 wks. Its been about 8months now, I still have my hardware in and was considering the long term affects of leaving it in. When I decided to research I came across this site. Im able to walk fine just not long distances without it starting to swell and feeling a pinch. Im too scared to see if I can jog thats for sure! Some days when its raining I have stiffness and pain but nothing too unbearable like when I broke it! It does feel if I get my hardware removed I would have more flexibilty but Im scared of how long I will be recovering again. I think the hardest thing for me was that when this all happend I had to adapt...having a cast was horrible whiling trying to sleep, shower, drive etc. I truely never understood how quality of life can dramatically change all because of constant pain and depression that your not going about your normal activies. Im glad I have had the chance to see others stories.And being a young lady yes I can definitly relate to not being able to wear heels! I was able to recently wear them however finding a heel for the side of ankle that was broke is like finding a needle in a haystack because of swelling.Too Bad huh when you see a nice pair of heels and want to wear them but cant because one foot fits and the other doesnt! Awww. If anyone seems to have any feedback wether or not I should have the hardware removed please post your comments. Thanks for your time and this has definitly made me feel better sharing my story.

Wed Mar 22nd 2006 08:45:29 PM CST

by Melissa

Hello everyone. My name is Melissa and Im 22yrs old. I broke my ankle 6/2005 and recently was made aware of this wonderful website with lotts of feedback and information. I truely thought I was the only one that was going thru this also, and when I saw my X-rays it looked as if I had become some kind of strange Frankenstien project. I also broke my ankle in two spots and had a plate with 7 screws and a pin on the other side also. I did have physical Therapy for 6 wks. Its been about 8months now, I still have my hardware in and was considering the long term affects of leaving it in. When I decided to research I came across this site. Im able to walk fine just not long distances without it starting to swell and feeling a pinch. Im too scared to see if I can jog thats for sure! Some days when its raining I have stiffness and pain but nothing too unbearable like when I broke it! It does feel if I get my hardware removed I would have more flexibilty but Im scared of how long I will be recovering again. I think the hardest thing for me was that when this all happend I had to adapt...having a cast was horrible whiling trying to sleep, shower, drive etc. I truely never understood how quality of life can dramatically change all because of constant pain and depression that your not going about your normal activies. Im glad I have had the chance to see others stories.And being a young lady yes I can definitly relate to not being able to wear heels! I was able to recently wear them however finding a heel for the side of ankle that was broke is like finding a needle in a haystack because of swelling.Too Bad huh when you see a nice pair of heels and want to wear them but cant because one foot fits and the other doesnt! Awww and I forgot to mention my scar is really bad and ugly. If anyone seems to have any feedback wether or not I should have the hardware removed please post your comments. Thanks for your time and this has definitly made me feel better sharing my story.

Wed Mar 22nd 2006 08:46:20 PM CST

by Melissa

Hello everyone. My name is Melissa and Im 22yrs old. I broke my ankle 6/2005 and recently was made aware of this wonderful website with lotts of feedback and information. I truely thought I was the only one that was going thru this also, and when I saw my X-rays it looked as if I had become some kind of strange Frankenstien project. I also broke my ankle in two spots and had a plate with 7 screws and a pin on the other side also. I did have physical Therapy for 6 wks. Its been about 8months now, I still have my hardware in and was considering the long term affects of leaving it in. When I decided to research I came across this site. Im able to walk fine just not long distances without it starting to swell and feeling a pinch. Im too scared to see if I can jog thats for sure! Some days when its raining I have stiffness and pain but nothing too unbearable like when I broke it! It does feel if I get my hardware removed I would have more flexibilty but Im scared of how long I will be recovering again. I think the hardest thing for me was that when this all happend I had to adapt...having a cast was horrible whiling trying to sleep, shower, drive etc. I truely never understood how quality of life can dramatically change all because of constant pain and depression that your not going about your normal activies. Im glad I have had the chance to see others stories.And being a young lady yes I can definitly relate to not being able to wear heels! I was able to recently wear them however finding a heel for the side of ankle that was broke is like finding a needle in a haystack because of swelling.Too Bad huh when you see a nice pair of heels and want to wear them but cant because one foot fits and the other doesnt! Awww and I forgot to mention my scar is really bad and ugly. If anyone seems to have any feedback wether or not I should have the hardware removed please post your comments. Thanks for your time and this has definitly made me feel better sharing my story.

Sun Mar 26th 2006 10:52:29 AM CST

by Kathy

I know the depression that can hit us...sometimes it hits me out of the clear blue sky! It's okay to let it out and do a little crying. I think we all get frustrated going through all of this. Now it's spring and really beautiful weather here in Houston, Tx, and I should be out in the yard planting and doing all the things I love to do. I am also a florist, and would love to be out buying all the seasonal flowers and plants to sell. But, I can't right now. Still having so much pain in the left side of foot and under the ankle bone. Still having so much trouble getting my foot to bear weight. It's just going to take a little longer than I thought to recuperate. I have a second opinion set up with another OS just to make sure this pain is normal and everything is healing okay. My current OS made me very upset because he told me that I should be walking by now and he doesn't understand why I'm not! Only been out of my cast since 3/1...accident happened 1/7..trimal break with dislocation and had surgery. ANYWAY!!! Again I'll say that I'd be in alot worse shape if it werent for my PT. It IS helping! Some good exercises they have me doing at home are the stretch like what Mike talked about, except I use a towel. here's a few more: Slowly move your foot toe up, toe down. Back and forth ten times. Slowly move your foot side to side ten times. And then make a circle both directions ten times. Move your toes like you are trying to pick up something as many times as you can. Moving the foot up and down also helps relieve swelling! Just don't do anything that causes pain at home. Now at PT, THEY can cause some pain, that's alright because they know what they are doing! And WOW sometimes it really hurts! Let's keep our chins up. Watch a funny movie or two...laughter is known to help us heal better! Good luck everyone!

Mon Mar 27th 2006 01:32:15 AM CST

by Bootylicious

I broke my left ankle exactly 6 weeks ago this past saturday(Feb11th) I had my surgery the tuesday(feb 14) i got a plate and screws in it(not sure how many i didnt want to know what he was going to put in) im scared of these types of things. I broke it when i sliped on this little hill leading to the plaza by my house, and i landed on it tha whole way down bent under me, and then when i reached the bottom i bounced on it. It wasnt cold out there was a little bit of slush left over from the snow, but it were pure grass(muky and wet). anywayz after 5 casts, and staples being removed, i went back this past wednesday to have my cast removed, and they said my ankle had healed. I didnt believe it, by the looks of my ankle(very gross)) and swollen. it hurts i can't move it and i start therapy on it next week, but any idea how long it will take for the swellin to go down, and how i can or when i will be able to move it just a little bit?

Mon Mar 27th 2006 03:59:06 AM CST

by Ray

Hi Bootylicios. My wife Carol broke her ankle 30/12/05. She has now had 3 sessions with the Physio. The ankle is still swollen but she can now just get an old pair of her old shoes on. We have asked about the time it takes for the swelling to go down but it seems to vary so much from person to person. Carol works very hard on her excercises and now after four weeks she has a small amount of movement but it is very stiff still and she is frustrated at the slow progress. I believe she is doing extremly well. She still keeps her leg up when she is sitting down and puts an ice pack round it every evening. She vary rarely has her foot still as she keeps it moving making a circular movement with her toes. As I said it seems to be paying off as the movement has increased over the last two weeks. Shje also finds it is aching a lot especially at night. This is possibly because she over does the excercises. But what ever I say she is so keen to get back to work she will not slow down. She has been told by the physio that the ankle will swell for about a year. So all we can say is work as hard as you can to get the movement back. Make a note from week to week and monitor the increase in movement it will be very slow but it will come gradually. Carol had her plates put in the second week in January and the plaster off 20th February, stated physio on the 24th. So it has taken three weeks to get to using just a stick and now a week and a half to get to now. She stiil cries every so often with frustration as she feels so low. So all you can do is work on your excercises and hope you're a quick healer. Once you start physio Bootilicious the swelling will start to go down. So it' requires you to have patience. Good luck. I'll let you know how much progress Carol makes and how quickly she gets back to work. Her job requires her to be on her feet all day. If she had a sitting down job she probably could go back to work in a week aor so. Ill keep you posted. Good luck with your physio and hope you heal quickly.

Mon Mar 27th 2006 01:47:27 PM CST

by Bootylicious

Ook, coo thanxs alot for the tips, i heard that by apply heat, it loosens up the muscles,, but it doesnt help swelling. I put ice on it, but once i move around on my crutches it swells right back up. As of this morning i can feel the screw on the right side of the foot it is very gross and hurts. the cast did some brusing to the top of my ankle the "crease" where it bends up, so i cant move it at all, i cant even attempt to put pressure on it and walk because it hurts, how can i slowly start "working" it so that it went hurt as much when i starrt therapy? thanks again for the reply.

Tue Mar 28th 2006 01:19:39 AM CST

by Colette

I'm 25 years old and I broke my ankle in 3 places on 2/19 and had surgery on 2/20 (a plate with 6 screws and a pin on the other side). I have been in a cast for 5 weeks now. Tomorrow I go back to the surgeon to supposedly get it taken off. When I went back and had x-rays taken after 3 weeks he said it was healing well. He removed the first cast I had on (my foot was pointing down) and removed the staples from surgery and put on the cast I have on now (my foot is flexed as if I was standing on it). I honestly cannot believe how depressing a situation this can be. I now have to find a new job because I am a student and was serving tables which I obviously will not be able to do for a while and I basically havent left my house in 5 weeks because i broke my right ankle so I can't drive. On top of all this my cousin who is like my sister is getting married in 2 weeks and I am in the wedding. I don't know if I will still be on crutches. Does anyone think I might be able to walk down the aisle without them? Oh and 1 more question.. how are you all doin with stairs? See I have an issue... I am already afraid of heights so coming down the stairs on crutches is not my idea of a good time. And its hard. I hope everything goes well tomorrow. I hope I don't have another hard cast. =( I am so sad.

Tue Mar 28th 2006 02:42:38 AM CST

by Ray/Carol

Hi Bootylicious and Colette. I think you both need some physio to get some help. It has helped Carol to get going with her exercises. The way to get up stairs, assuming you have a rail one side, is to put your good foot up first supporting your bad one with the crotch (in the opposite hand to the bad side) and ease yourself up with support from the rail and crotch bringing it up to the good foot i,e one step at a time.(good foot up towards heaven. Coming down the bad foot and crutch goes down first so the crutch is supporting your bad foot and your spare hand on the rail then bring the good foot down beside it and repeat. Bad foot down towards hell. That is how Carol was shown to d it by her physio. Hope this of some help Colette. If you haven't got a hand rail I feel it would be a bit scary so I hope you have one. It was three weeks beore Carol change to walking with a stick only. She walked round town with her stick two weeks later,first time without being in the wheelchair this year, so I can't see you walking down the aisle without any support. I really feel for you colette and bootylicious, Carol has cried so much and I feel quite helpless sometimes just give her a cuddle and try and cheer her up. I hope you have support from your loved ones. Hope you enjoy the wedding Colette no matter what. Try to keep possitive. Love from Ray & Carol

Tue Mar 28th 2006 06:49:54 AM CST

by jay

Hi all, i had a bad car accident 12/01/06 and suffered a broken sternum and broke my ankle. Breaking the sternum made it impossible for me to use crutches and for the last 11 weeks i have been getting about on a zimmer frame. I had 2 screws drilled through the back of my ankle to connect the talus as this is where the break was. I am so happy that the cast has eventually come off. But my ankle is very stiff and there is very little mobility although i am trying to excerise each day, I have been non weight bearing for the last 11 weeks. I found the biggest shock was the loss of muscle in my calf and that my knee keeps locking as i had kept the leg in the cast very straight and the foot was at a 90% lateral angel so to try and get my foot straight in line with my knee is my next challenge. Every day i pray to god to thank him for my life and for giving me second chance and i just have to push those pain barriers each day. I am positive and remain so as i know how short life could of been. I wish you all a speedy recovery and good health. Jay.

Tue Mar 28th 2006 10:27:41 AM CST

by Mike Murphy

Hi Jay, Sorry to hear about your accident. Trying to figure out exactly when it occured. Did you mean 12/1/05? Everybody contributing here has a different situtation but the important thing is keeping a good positive attitude. Some of these breaks take more time than others, but you'll find they all come back. I too was shocked at the loss of calf muscle but once I was allowed to start excerising it I was amazed at how fast I got it back. I had lost 1.5 inches but it is all back. My accident was 12/12/05. 10 years ago I fell 11' off of a ladder and shattered every bone is my left wrist which was very difficult for me as I play guitar for a living. I had the metal fixaters in my wrist for 7 weeks and the day they came out (doctor had me unscrew them out of the bones so I could control pain) I started PT and 2 weeks later was back on stage. It was an incredible amount of hard work but I was determined to get back on stage ASAP. As you read above posts, the Physical Therapist is so important, and I believe a sports PT is best as they are used to dealing with very complicated injuries. Just keep working at it. You cannot ask enough questions, that is how I found this page on 1/11/06. Anyone I met who had a broken ankle I asked them a thousand questions, and my PT encouraged it. Keep posting on your progress and any tips you learn and good luck!! Mike

Tue Mar 28th 2006 05:31:52 PM CST

by MARK

HELLO ALL!I WISH ALL OF YOU THE BEST. JUST AS MOST EVERYONE ELSE MY BREAK IS ALMOST THE SAME AS ABOVE I HAVE A PLATE AND 6 SCEWS ON MY LOWER FIBULA AND 2 SCREWS GOING UP THREW THE BOTTOM OF MY TIBULA. ON FEB 28TH 2006 I WAS RUNNING DOWN THE STAIRS IN THE MIDDLE OF THE NIGHT TO GET A DRINK AND WENT JUMP OVER THE SLEEPING CAT ON THE 5TH STEP N THE CAT MOVED I STEPPED ON HIM N DID A CROUCHING TIGER FALL WITH MY LEFT FOOT ONTO THE HARDWOOD FOYER.ON MARCH 1ST I WENT INTO SURGERY SPENT ANOTHER DAY AND WAS RELEASED MARCH 2ND THEY SENT ME HOME WITH A CAST AND 2WEEKS LATER HAD THE STICHES REMOVED AND HE PUT ME INTO A BOOT AND SAID TO COME BACK IN ANOTHER 4 WEEKS N THEN I COULD SEE A PT. MY DOCTOR SAYS NOT PUT ANY WEIGHT ON IT TILL THEN.WHICH IS IN ABOUT 2 MORE WEEKS N I CNT WAIT TO GET BACK TO THE GYM BEFORE I SPENT 5 DAYS A WEEK THERE AND IT IS DRIVING ME NUTS SITTING AROUND DOING NOTING. BUT I WAS WONDERING IF ANYONE HAS HAD THE SAME TYPE OF BREAK AND IF THEY THINK ILL BE ABLE TO AT LEAST WALK BY MAY 18TH AND IF I WILL BE ABLE TO DO ARDIO EXCERCIZES AGAIN LIKE THE ELLIPTICAL OR SPINNIG(BIKING)AND IF I SOULD CONSIDER HAVING THE METAL REMOVED? I WAS ALSO INTRESTED IN THE SUPLEMENTS THAT MIKE MURPHY WAS TALKING ABOUT...MARK

Tue Mar 28th 2006 06:10:50 PM CST

by Mike Murphy

Hi Mark, Read all my posts above (may take awhile as I've posted alot) same break as yours same hardware. I was full weight bearing 3 weeks after surgery in an Aircast and aircast came off 3 weeks later. Started riding spin bike with Aircast and now 14 weeks later have all of atrophied calf muscle back and can hardly tell I ever broke it. You can work upper body at gym no problem. Bench press, seated bicep curls anything as long as your not standing or putting pressure on bad ankle. Talk to your PT. Doc's are good at surgery but I have found they are a little uninformed when it comes to rehab. Gppd sports PT will get you in shape fast!! Good luck. Mike

Wed Mar 29th 2006 11:08:18 PM CST

by Colette

Hello everyone. It's Colette again. I got my cast taken off yesterday and he didnt give me anything to put on it. Just put an ace bandage on it. I started physical therapy today. It was all right but I realized even though I can move my foot and stand on it, I have a tough road ahead. He has me walking still with the crutches but with both feet. I can't put my whole foot on the floor yet. My heel won't hit the floor cause it very sore. Did anyone feel pinching in the bottom of their foot when they first started walking on it? I feel a little bit better but its frustrating. It's almost a little more frustrating that I don't have the cast on cause I feel like i just want to get up and do something and well I still cant obviously. I'm doing the exercises at home that the pt gave me. Did anyone have this happen to their right foot? If so how long before you drove again?

Wed Mar 29th 2006 11:29:35 PM CST

by Linda

My ankle now looks exactly like the picture above. I decided to go to the mailbox one Sunday afternoon on 1/8/06 and turned the corner slipped on wet leaves that were covering a tree root. Well, broke the ankle, obviously. Luckily I had my cell phone with me and was talking to my mother at the time I fell. I told her what happened, made a call to my son to come downstairs to get me because I had just broken my ankle. He tried to pick me up so I could get inside. I put pressure on it and, yep, broke the other side. I've read the stories above and mine is exactly the same. Tomorrow (3/30) is my 10th PT visit. I'm still not full weight bearing. I'm afraid it's going to break again although my wonderful Duke surgeon has assured me that will not happen unless I fall off a roof or something. It's painful when putting weight on it and PT seems to be going very slowly and I'm here to remind you that I'm at DUMC - in my opinion the best there is in medicine. It swells at the end of PT. They tell me it's in my mind because I am scared of it - yet, if I don't get it moving, I'll walk with a limp. I'm in an aircast now and yes, still crutches. When will the madness end!!!? I'm doing everything they tell me to do including massaging and stretching and icing and weight shifting and now can ride the stationary bike. I know everyone heals differently but any words of encouragement right about now would be GREATLY appreciated! God bless everyone who has had this trimalleolar injury. What He gives us that doesn't kill us, makes us stronger and I must say in this situation, I really believe it. I'm 40 and this has been a very tough event but I am a true believer that this will make me stronger.

Thu Mar 30th 2006 01:11:09 AM CST	by MARK
THANK YOU FOR YOUR TIME. IT IS NICE TO HEAR FOR SOMEONE THAT HAS A CLUE AS TO WHAT HAS HAPPENED TO ME BESIDES THE PEOPLE THAT JUST GO OUCH!!! AND DONT REALLY UNDERSTAND WHAT YOU R GOING THROUGH.THANKS AGAIN.....MARK

Thu Mar 30th 2006 09:47:47 AM CST

by Mike Murphy

Colette & Linda, Linda 1st. Your 12 (81 days) weeks, you should be healed. Now its time to get a little more aggressive. You've turned the corner. Your not going to break it again unless you jump off a big ladder, just be a little more careful but don't be afraid to push a little more. From every OS I've talked to, your injured (now healed) ankle will be stronger than your good ankle. I had same fracture as you and in picture, don't quite understand why your not full weight bearing yet as I was full WB after 3 weeks (I have plate 6 screws and 2 screws) 12 weeks should be healed. I will be 16 weeks this Mon (4/3) and walking without any apin , BUT at end of day it swells up and will continue to swell up for up to a year.This is normal. As you continue to improve (and you will!!!) don't forget to post any tips and/or encouragement to others. Remember compensating shoe with Aircast (read above).Good luck! Colette, I had pain on bottom of my heal for quite a while ( could be achilles or Plantars?). The toughest thing is when the cast is first removed, you kind of have to learn to walk all over again, and it will be painful and dificult for a few weeks especially when you start stretching muscles, tendons etc. Just don't over do it. If something hurts...stop!! A lot of calf stretching should ease pain in foot. Good luck!

Thu Mar 30th 2006 10:06:25 AM CST

by Kathy

Hi Linda...your case is a duplicate of mine! I broke my ankle on 01/07/06..trimal. Had surgery 01/08. Out of the case 3/01, started PT 03/06. DON'T GET DISCOURAGED!! You WILL walk again! I'm still not very weight bearing either..having alot of problems getting my foot flat on floor. My PT told me I'm about 1/3 to his goal of range of motion. I have improved, but am doing so very slowly. Some of us just take a little longer. It's very important to be positive, although it's hard to do so sometimes, right? The brain plays a part in all this too. Keep on keeping on, eventually we will be walking again.

Thu Mar 30th 2006 12:40:27 PM CST

by Pam

Hi all. I haven't posted for a couple weeks, but wanted to respond to a couple more recent postings. My trimal break was in May, 2004. The majority of my swelling was gone after about 3 months. I used support hose for awhile to help keep the swelling down. As far as shoes, I had some problems healing the incision on the inside and didn't get it fully healed until August. I either wore low shoes that ended below the ankle, or sandals. The area was sensitive for months, but by winter I was wearing ski boots with a little pain, but bearable. My repaired ankle is quite a bit larger than the other and apparently always will be, so I need to be very careful to select shoes that are comfortable. But, I'm now able to wear any type of shoe or boot that I want as long as there's enough room for my ankle. I know it's been said by many others, but PT is extremely important. Please don't let your OS talk you out of it. They seem only to be concerned with getting the bones healed, but there's so much more involved in returning to a normal lifestyle. To the person who's hoping to be weight bearing for a wedding - I was full weightbearing in a boot less than 6 weeks after the initial break (hopefully your gown will hide the boot!). For those who want to continue working out, upper body weight lifting worked fine for me. I also put my bike on a stationary trainer and did 1-legged spin workouts with my bad leg propped up - extremely difficult workouts but kept my sanity and fitness level! For those of you with major stiffness and not being able to run months after the break, I would be asking alot of questions of my PT and OS. I did an adventure race that included running, cycling, rappelling and kayaking 6 months after my surgery. I'm 46, so I didn't have youth on my side! For those of you thinking of having the hardware removed, go for it! It was very minor surgery. I had some pain and swelling and was on crutches for 2 days, then walking in a boot for a few days, then carefully walking normally (my OS wanted me in a boot for 4 weeks - I listened when I was doing outdoor activities but kept if off indoors and at work - I didn't want to lose any strength or range of motion). Now, 5 weeks later, my ankle feels fantastic! Little aches and pains I had with the hardware in are now gone! I still don't have full range of motion, but it seems a little improved and just seems to move more freely without the hardware in there. I worked outside yesterday and really worked the ankle on some very uneven ground and it did great! My OS has cleared me to do everything I normally do except run. He wants the holes to fill in a little better - about 6 more weeks before I can run. To those of you who are depressed and frustrated - I know what you're going through! Just keep in mind it's a temporary situation and will get better, although it will also take work and perseverence. Good luck to you all!!!

Thu Mar 30th 2006 09:27:39 PM CST

by Linda

Kathy - thanks for the words of encouragement. I had surgery on 1/23 - I was WAY TOO swollen to have it that early after the break (actually broke the ankle on 1/8) but I had another PT session today and it went really well. I'm only lacking 10% of my ROM. He said I'm doing really good, it's just a slow process. You're right, it just takes some of us longer. The PT has talked me into pool therapy. I can't swim, but I have decided to bite the bullet and do it. Wish me luck and good luck to you too!!! and to Mike Murphy - you go boy!!! you're doing GOOD!!!!

Thu Mar 30th 2006 10:27:45 PM CST

by Mike

Hi my name is Mike and my sister just broke her ankle and would like to know the basics on everything. she has 22 stitches under her cast and dosn't have it off for 10 more months. They r takin stitches out in 3 weeks and she does not know how to use crutches and needs info (right now she usin wheel chair.)she has 7 screws in ankle and a a plate disabelling her to move ankle at all. she broke her ankle falling downstairs and does not know what stitches r like and is scared to death even though she is 16. she is very clumsy and in her life she has broke her arm 4 times and 7 of her fingures. i hope you can help her . her name is Stephanie.

Fri Mar 31st 2006 10:42:19 AM CST

by Judy

Mike, tell Stephanie to wiggle her toes as much as possible. My nurse told me it helps with pain and swelling. I broke mine Feb 12, have 8 screws, a long pin, and a metal plate. They did surgery on both sides of my ankle. The stitches don't really hurt when they remove them. There is a lttle sting, but much less than getting a shot. Some of them I didn't feel at all. I use a walker, I think it's much more stable than crutches. I had to hop on one foot til yesterday, my surgeon says I can start limited weight now. Sitting around is bad, makes it swell and hurt. Keep it propped up as much as possible. I've gotten really good at "pillow placement" on the sofa while watching TV. Best advise I have is "hang in there!". This is a slow injury to heal, pushing it doesn't help, but it WILL heal. We have lots of company! Judy

Sat Apr 1st 2006 04:20:26 AM CST

by Andy Wheeler

I haven't posted for nearly a month 'cos I've been waiting for the diastasis screw to be taken out. Got it taken out last Thursday and I can certainly feel the difference...all the tension has gone out of my ankle and although the movement is still quite restricted I can feel that when I put weight on my ankle there is give in it again. I'm certainly a lot more upbeat about it all. Last week I was considering taking legal action against the geezer who kicked me, but now I think I'll let him go!!! Can anyone who has had a diastasis screw removed advise me how long I should wait for the operation wound to heal before I start pushing the physio? Yours optimistically.

Sat Apr 1st 2006 01:31:07 PM CST

by Amanda

Hi all, well its now just over 2 weeks since I got my cast off, its also been 2 weeks that I have been back at work. I can now walk/hobble with just one stick (even though I use both at work) and on a brave evening I can even lurch without a stick. My son says its like watching a zombie out of Resident Evil!!! I have kept up the excercises every 2 hours and my foot is definatley more flexible even though the bottom on my heel hurts and the top and side of my foot is sore to the touch, its also still swollen. I think what has helped most is having to walk 15 minutes to work and 15 minutes back after getting off the bus. The only fly in the ointment is the physio's have not been back in touch for my physiotherapy, I am now getting worried that if they leave it too long my ankle might never heal. Will this swelling ever totally go and am I going to be left with a limp? What sort of excercises do the physiotherapists tell you to do? the only ones I've been given to do are flexing the ankle, windmilling my foot, bending my knees with my foot flat on the floor and a couple of others.

Sat Apr 1st 2006 02:50:45 PM CST

by Dalila H

Andy, it’s great to hear that you have gained more flexibility since the diastasis screw has been removed. I started PT 10 days after the operation. I was recommended 2 to 3 sessions/week. I only attended one session on 1st week (I could not get a ride) and then, 3 sessions/week. I have now completed my 6th session of PT and have highly increased the flexibility and can put more weight on the foot. I was told to no longer wear the boot when I started PT and had to wear training shoes for support. In addition to all the exercises I have to do 3 times a day, which include the elastic band, toes and heels up and down while sitting and standing, rotation of the ankle on a board up and down, stationary bike, stretching, stand-up exercises on phone book with toes on the book and heels on the floor, bending my knees while keeping my foot flat, or elevating my bad leg sideways, forward and backward, I receive 15 minutes of electric stimulation to help reduce the scar tissue, the pain, and swelling. It really makes a huge difference and would recommend it to anyone. The electric stimulation has also helped strenghten my ankle. My PT really wants me out of the crutches and recommends that I walk as much as I can and practice walking with only one crutch. I have been driving my car (it has a clutch) 5 minutes after PT on the parking lot for more stretching. The swelling is still here, but has considerably decreased since I started PT. My OS told me that it could take up to 9 months before the ankle gets back to its normal shape. In the meantime, I keep wearing the compression sock 24/7. PT is really hard work, but it is so rewarding! Amanda, the exercises you mentioned are great exercises. I would recommend that you contact your PT and check with him/her whether or not your ankle has strenghtened enough so that you can start new exercises. Good luck to all!

Sat Apr 1st 2006 04:38:19 PM CST

by Becki

Hi, i broke my left ankle in a car accident on 9th dec 05. was out of hospital just intime for a painful xmas. i have had to have a metal plate and screws down the outside and screws down inside. i never asked how many i don't liketo think about it as i am very squeemish! its now nearly 5months on and i still get a lot of pain and swelling if i do too much. i have been told i won't be getting the metal out but am sure i would prefer to. it was longer than normal that i had to wait to start physio as i had also fracture dislocated my hip and was told not to weight bare on that leg. I'd like to know how long it will be till i can do normal things and till the pain dissapears? Anybody no?

Sat Apr 1st 2006 04:38:39 PM CST

by Becki

Mon Apr 3rd 2006 05:58:46 AM CST

by Andy Wheeler

Thanks for the advice Dalila. I can now actually walk in shoes without crutches again, but I'm still rather ungainly. I still can't quite get the sole of my foot on the floor without shoes on but I can feel that there is more give in ankle as I put more weight on it, whereas before the screw was taken out my ankle would just stop moving at a certain point. I've got physio tomorrow so it's full steam ahead towards an active summer-time. Brilliant!!!!

Mon Apr 3rd 2006 03:25:03 PM CST

by Judy

Ray/Carol, I too have to be on my feet all day at work. I broke mine Feb 12, am putting partial weight (about 70 lbs) on aircast but can't get more yet due to heel pain and a feeling of rocks in the ball of my foot where the toes hook up. I'm really interested in your progress, Carol, since we're about the same in time and similar goal. Colette, stairs terrified me. Also I use a walker since it seems more stable to me than crutches. I sit on the top step,lower my bum to the next while supporting my weight with both hands and my good left foot. Go up by lifting your weight with your hands and good foot and move your bum up one step at a time. I haven't much flexibility yet, but am doing flexation and rotation exercises. I haven't been sent to a PT yet. My biggest complaint right now (besides not being able to walk) is exhaustion. Is anybody else having trouble with this?

Tue Apr 4th 2006 08:39:21 PM CST

by Bootylicious

Yea judy I feel u, I have never been so exhausted before. I broke my left ankle in 3 places on Feb, 11th. I had surgery feb 14 got plates and screws put in to fast forward. I got the cast off 2 weeks ago 2morro, and I haven't begun to walk on it yet. I have tried but I can't seem to bend my knee with my heel on the ground. The crutches are killing me I hate those things, I have learnt to get use to my stairs, been using my bum since day one to go up and down. I find that I am sooo tired though, even when I don't do much sometimes. The crutches takes alot out of me. I started my Pt today, didn't do much but assess me, they only thing I could do was bring the toes up slighty thats about it. Swelling is my biggest problem, I have school so it's hard for me to sit at home and not go, because my semester is over in 3 weeks. Hopefully I can get walking soon, well at least be able to move my toes, and wiggle my ankle around.

Wed Apr 5th 2006 05:58:39 AM CST

by Ke

Hi, it's so nice to read everyones postings. Such an encouragement. I wish I knew you guys were writing when I had my accident. I fractured my right ankle in December 2004. 2 plates (long one on outer ankle, short one on inner ankle) and 6 screws (4 outer ankle; 2 inner). I had a terrible bed wridden christmas. I eventually worked my way out of the stitches, boot and off the crutches by May 2005. I pushed myself very hard in PT though (which I highly recommend as others on the site have). I went back to work with a big limp in June 05. Ibuprofen was my best friend. I haven't been to PT since July 05 but by walking and doing regular daily activities I have gained some motion back in my ankle. Currently some days are better than others. It seems as if I get a good work out on the ankle then I sit down for a long period of time or I wake up the next morning and the ankle is very sore, sensitive, and stiff all over again (makes me want to scream!!). Does anyone have a suggestions to reduce soreness and stiffness? I want to wake up (or get up) and have my ankle feel good. I am able to wear little heels (for all of you hopefuls out there) and I can run a little (I'm scared to push it to the limit right now). I'm truly considering having my hardware removed. Reading that it was a minor surgery and that the recovery is not that bad is encouraging. Honestly I thought by now ( 1 year and 3 months later) I would have more ROM and less soreness and stiffness. Not complaining that much though, I'm glad to be walking normally when I can :-) I was checking out Mikes suggestion about the sock compression, I might try this. Anything else will be greatly appreciated. Thanx and good luck to all!!

Thu Apr 6th 2006 09:09:31 AM CST

by Jeanette Maher

on the 12/01/06 i was involved in a very serious car accident with a John Deer tractor head on collison. I suffered a broken sternum and a broken talus. 2 hours in surgery i had an epidural where they freeze you from the waist down which worked really well, down side is you can hear every thing that they do but i had no choice re the injury sustained to my chest. I have been casted for 10 weeks and not really been mobile until the cast came off, due to the injury to my chest which made very hard to breath so no crutches. I have the use of a zimmer frame. once the cast came off i was advised to only do partial weight bearing. I was not prepared to just waste away at home as physio was going to be at least 3 weeks before i started to have any. I telephoned my doctor who put me in touch with a physio who deals with this type of injury infact he deals with a lot of injuries that sporting personalaties aquire. This does not cost an arm and a leg forgive the joke. I have only gone to 3 treatments and they cost £35.00 English pounds per treatment for 1 hour sessions. Treatment and getting instant results as follows: 1st treatment, my muscles in my calf have wasted away and no movement in my ankle at all, similar to carrying a block of wood and swollen. The physio started to work my ankle my a range of massages and pressure to get some movement back into my ankle and then started on a type of deep massage into the back on my ankle that truly bought tears to my eyes it felt like he was ripping the tiny bit of muscle i had left, but infact what he was doing was waking the receptors in the muscles and encouraging them to start doing the job they used to do. The physio actually encouraged me to put some weight onto my injured foot (partial weight) and taught me how to use the frame correctly. I cannot get my foot down all the way onto the floor so it comes into line with my left foot. After 3 month of losing my confidence and being bed bound i now could actually see an improvement just after one treatment!!! Good tips on partial weight bearing, if the doctor tells you just put 50% down and your thinking how much is that and i do i know i am partial weight bearing the the right amount, just put your good foot on SCALES and apply pressure until it gives you the correct pressure you are looking for to apply to your injured foot. So for example if you weigh 12 stone then you are looking for 6 stone of pressure. after 3 treatments each treatment he performs becomes more vigerous, there are a rule of exercises i have to perform each day, 1,rotate the ankle first clockwise 10 times then 10 times anti clockwise. 2 flex the ankle up and dowm. 3. sitting on the bed, take a long towel and use it to pull my foot towards me and then apply pressure to push the towel back, this DOES get movement back into your ankle. 4. sit at a chair with a black shiny bin bag on the floor and your uninjured foot holds the back securly on the floor and with your injured foot wear a sock and also put a folded sock under the heal of your foot and slide the foot back wards as far as you can then front wards. This motion will help to soften the wooden feeling that you have and also help with swelling. after 3 treatments my nails on my foot are starting to grow and that obviously means that something is working. Top tip i have also started taking 2 calcium tablets with vitamin D crushed in breakfast and i am eating foods rich in calcium such as low fat yogourts and milk shake drinks.I urge anyone who can afford private physio to arrange it through their own (GP'S) i am having my 4th treatment this Friday and already tried the crutches but i dont feel safe on them. I am working to a goal to walk unaided to the best of my ability and i will try full weight bearing on the 17th of april 2006. There is light at the end of the tunnel. I too have gone through the nightmare and still have a long way to go, but i am staying motivated and positive as i am GLAD to be ALIVE and have the network and support of a fantastic family. By the way i am 48 year old female with 5 growen children and a grandchild on the way so life is rosy. will keep you all posted, great website its nice to know i dont have to go through this all on my own and that i can pass on some excellent tips. speak to you all soon. Jeanette.

Thu Apr 6th 2006 09:43:24 AM CST

by Jeanette Maher

Hi Its Jeanette again, sorry i forgot to mention that i live in England and that i too have screws in my ankle, the operation was performed from the back of the ankle and the screws inserted that way so the scar will not even be visable, the Doctor who performed the operation was Professor Harper and specialises in this orthopedics. AS you are aware in England we have the national health service which is free and pays for the operation ect. I am shocked by the cost of the operations ect in America. My only expense has been the private physio. I am so glad that i have not been a victim of wallett biopsy. My prayers and thoughts go with you all and wish you all a speedy recovery.Jeanette.

Thu Apr 6th 2006 11:15:58 AM CST

by Andy Wheeler

To save me from having to wade through all the previous postings can anyone who has been through the experience please give me some advice? I had my syndesmosis screw removed from a plated fibular fracture a week ago (12 week post-accident), and although I have more movement in my ankle as a result, it is still badly restricted by the shortening of my calf muscle & achilles tendon whilst in cast. My physio has told me to concentrate on stretching my calf muscle by standing with my sole flat on the floor and leaning against the wall whilst keeping my bad leg straight. He has suggested that I must get more movement in my ankle before I do any excercise to build-up my calf as this will only counteract my stretching exercises. I can feel that this is stretching my calf, but the increase in rotation that I am getting is still minimal. Am I just being impatient or is progress normally this slow?

Thu Apr 6th 2006 12:37:52 PM CST

by Pam

I thought of one thing I forgot to mention in earlier postings that may be of help to those of you just starting to become weight bearing. About a week after having my cast removed and getting a walker boot, I left for vacation. We went with a group of friend that included a PT, and stayed at a place with a pool. I was walking fine in the boot, but hadn't tried to move my ankle joint yet and was very stiff and afraid to put any weight on without the boot. I got the OK from my OS to receive some in-pool PT from my friend. It was very hard at first, I had to hold onto her, but gradually improved until I was walking back and forth on my own and starting to get some range of motion. I think it helped a lot with range of motion and also helped me get past the feeling of being scared to put weight on my foot. I recommend this type of therapy to anyone with a lot of stiffness and swelling, or with a fear of putting weight on the ankle.

Fri Apr 7th 2006 03:19:25 AM CST

by Susanne, Linkoping, Sweden

Hi there everyone! Grreetings from Sweden. I broke both the medial and the lateral malleolus on Febr 3, my right knee collapsed and i fell three times and the third times the facure happened. I have been in a cast for six weeks and I was not allowed any weight-bearing during these weeks. I am now in my third week trying to walk, indoors is Ok with crutches now but outdoors is a mess. How long did it take all of you to walk outside and how long until recovery.The doctors in Sweden say 3-6 months. Do you agree?? /Susanne

Fri Apr 7th 2006 09:46:47 AM CST

by Andy Wheeler

Susanne, I had a lateral malleolar fracture on Feb 7th, 3 months ago and was also in cast for 6 weeks with no weighbearing. All the Yanks (& Confederates) on this site (no offence intended!!) seem to have had 'Darth boots' and partial weight bearing at some point during the 7 week bone-healing process. On the face of it, this sounds better than being in cast for 6 weeks because I reckon that it makes rehabilitation quicker if you can get movement in your ankle and weightbearing as soon as possible. Anyhow, it seems that the European way is to lock us up in a cast for 6 weeks to make sure the bone is well & truly fused together, so it seems that you and I face the same problem at the moment. I've only had one week trying to walk because I had a large (sydesmosis/diastasis) screw removed last Thursday. I can walk short distances with shoes on, but with difficulty, the main problem being that the rotational (dorsiflection) movement in my ankle is limited because my calf muscle and achilles tendon were shortened whilst I was in cast. Therefore, I can only just stand with the sole of my foot on the floor, and walking heel-to-toe in the proper manner is difficult. It sounds like you are having the same problem, and I've been told by my physiotherapist to concentrate on strtching my calf. Anyhow, 3-6 months seems to be the time it takes, and if I'm walking normally in 6 months time I'll be over the moon!

Fri Apr 7th 2006 05:03:28 PM CST

by Jeanette

Hi Susanne in Sweden and Andy, sorry to hear of your injuries and hope you heal quickly. I have had my 4th Physio treatment today and have improved a lot. I was very concerned about using crutches but my physio made me put on my husbands size 9 trainer on my injured foot and my normal size 6 trainer on the other foot. This gave me stability when partial weight bearing as i too cannot obtain full 90% lateral position of the my ankle and i cannot put full weight until the 16th week post my injury which will be the 17th of April. I have been given another exercise to do, you stand by a dining chair with the good foot on the floor and raise the injured foot onto the chair with the foot flat on top of the chair and then press your leg into a forwards position if you are doing this correctly then you will feel the calfs flexing and the back of your ankle softening which will help to get your ankle moving and less wooden. The physio session was very full on today and my foot, ankle and calf are hurting but this is normal and settles down over night. You no the saying no gain without pain ( and trust me it sounded as if i was giving birth when the physio was working on restoring the calf muscles from which i can now lift my leg unaided and is helping with the movement of my ankle). First time i was able to wash my hair today and it felt great after 3 months due to the sternum injury. speak to you all soon.

Mon Apr 10th 2006 10:49:34 AM CST	by anonymous
this is arse

Mon Apr 10th 2006 01:27:30 PM CST

by irene

Hi everyone, I haven't been on the site for a couple of weeks 'cause I have been recuperating. I have been privliged to be able to go for 2 weeks to the firefighter service national benevolent fund rehab unit in Penrith Cumbria England (lake district) beautiful surroundings and a fantastic place. They take about 40 firefighters or their partners who have had physical injuries they also offer some physicoligal groups. Believe me after 4 and half months being stuck in the house mainly on my own these groups where benifical just like this site it gave you the opportunity to express your concerns and fears of how such an injury has a life changing effect on you. I was looked after by physio, sport physio, nurses general and mental health there was alternative therapies offered as well. I would recommend anyone to think of goin to the swimming pool to do some non weight bearing exercises. when your in the pool you can believe you have nothing wrong with your leg. I spent most of my time in the hydro pool and swimming pool. although I did do long walks, (upto 3 miles) with my crutches worked out in the fitness room under instructions from sport therapists, and personal work out in gym using tension bands, wobble boards, parrell bars and the big ball for flexibility. I have come back actually believing that I can get better although I have been told it has been a particulary bad break. and that I won't regain full flexibility. What I can say is that if everyone could get this intensive treatment regulary most of us would recover a lot quicker. I still walk with crutches this is on the advice of my physio's I am determined that I don't walk with a 'rolling gait' and I found without the crutches I roll and I get pain in the ligaments around my knee on the injured leg. I 'walk' around the house now without them and I am able to keep from rolling for those short periods. Now for the down side due to me trying so hard I have irritated my big toe Physio thinks it is due to over use injury and I have aggrevated the tendons. before the toe hurt I was walking much better as I could put my weight through the toe and I think this would have helped the ligaments around the ankle to stretch. I just hope it's a short time before it settles as I don't want to loose the flexibilty I have gained. Has anyone got any good advice for scar tissue, I have a big lump of it on the inside ankle joint and when I stretch I am getting a fair bit of pain from it. I am really lucky the FSNBF have invited me back in 6 weeks time for one week to give me that extra push. I would like to be off my crutches by then but it depends on the flexing of my ligaments up down movement is still pretty restricted. keep in touch

Mon Apr 10th 2006 08:17:29 PM CST

by Ginny

Hi everyone. What a great site. Broke my ankle timal) on 26 Dec 05. Had surg 28 Dec. Am walking with athletic shoes. Going to PT and using the pool for therapy. Have nerve pain and numb big toe since before surg. Walked a mile last night (but foot very painful that night). I had a cast, walking boot, then aircast. Now nothing. My biggest challenge was the emotional upset of not being able to bear weight on the right foot for 8 weeks, lots of stairs in my house, and sitting in a recliner from 6 am until 6pm when my family came home. At about 2 - 3 weeks I thought I would "loose it." Buttt - I have made it, never thought I would. Am am doing ok. This has got to be the worst thing ever! Good luck to everyone in the healing process.

Tue Apr 11th 2006 01:17:56 AM CST

by Colette

Hello Everyone! I havent been here in about a week. Thanks to everyone for all the advice on wedding. For all of you that have no idea what i am talking about my cast came off 13 days ago. My doctor didn't want me to wear anything. He just said I could start walking on it. Well my cousins wedding (that I was in) was this past saturday and everyone told me I wasnt going to be able to walk without anything and GUESS WHAT? I did. No boot, no crutches. I just wanted to tell everyone on here who is going through it now that I know its rough and it is depressing but if you believe in yourself and WORK HARD you can achieve anything you want. Don't get me wrong it did hurt a little the next day but I'm just taking all this step by step now. Sometimes it swells and sometimes it hurts but sometimes it feels pretty good. Just one quick question. It was my right foot. For anyone who broke their right ankle, how long after you got the cast off were u able to drive again?

Tue Apr 11th 2006 09:27:42 AM CST	by Ginny
COLETTE - I had a trimalar of right ankle. I was able to drive to PT by 12 weeks. Very slowly and carefully though. Now I am at 14 1/2 weeks and can drive - except I don't think I could drive long distance (1 hr or more) as my ankle gets achy. I have enough strength to brake.

Wed Apr 12th 2006 09:52:39 AM CST

by Jeanette

Hi all, Hello from England, my name is Jeanette, i have tried for a couple of days to post this message but there must of been a problem with the server. I too have to say what a great site this is to post your experiences/problems/advice. I had a serious car crash head on with farm machinery on the 120106 and basically i am luckly to be alive. As a consequence of the accident i suffered a broken sternum which is the breast plate which made it near on impossible to breath similiar i would imagine to having a 4o stone mother inlaw standing on your chest. I also suffered a broken talus and endured a 2 hour operation whilst awake as i could not have the risk of a general anesthetic due to my chest injury. I must say that the epidural worked fine and i had no pain and the 2 hours passed very quickly. Down side was as i knew what they were going to do so i knew that there would be drilling and chiselling and a lot of tugging so i pretended to be in the dentist and that go me through that. I had 2 long tintanium screws put in through the back of my ankle to hold the bones in place. When i came out of surgery other patients that had surgery still had their tubes ect in, but i was wide awake and the recovery after surgery was quicker with no complications. I have had several casts on as they found it hard to obtain 90% lateral for my ankle to be angled at due to the fact that the point of incision was made at the back of the ankle and it is very sore and tender in that region. I had the cast off after 10 weeks and was given a booklet with a range of exercises to action a pair of crutches and was basically left to get on with it until the first physio appointment came through. However, i was not getting anywhere with the exercises and i had total loss of confidence. I am generally a very happy and motivated person and i knew that i would need to get physio asap as my injured foot had dropped and the muscle in my leg had physically wasted away, my right leg looked just like a skelington. I have also experienced my knee clicking badly which causes me pain and thats due to having a cast on for such a long time and keeping my leg straight. Also at the top of my leg that seems to click out of place whenever i lay down on my side and i rest the injured leg on a cushion for elevation and support. My salvation- I took the bull by the horns and started private physio £35.00 a treatment. I have had 4 treatments and i am now able to partial weight bear 50%, i can now lift my leg unaided, calf muscles have started to return, clockwise anticlock wise rotation getting better however, my ankle is very stiff. RANGE OF TREATMENTS BEING EXPERIENCED WITH THE PHYSIO: 1. Massage from toes upwards to knee hurts on the calf as working very hard to awaken the muscle receptors. 2. Different ranges of flexing the ankle and foot with the physio applying pressure. 3. partial weight bearing and walking with a frame and crutches. EXERCISESE THAT I COMPLETE EACH DAY AT HOME IN BETWEEN VISITS: 1. Put a black shiny refuse bag on the floor secure it with the good foot, wear a sock on the injured foot and place a folded sock underneath the ball of the foot and then slide the injured foot backwards and forwards- THIS HELPS to get flexability in your ankle and rotation. 2. Stand next to a dining chair and put the injured foot on the chair and try and get your foot as near to you as possible and flex into the chair backwards and forwards this too will help with the wooden feeling. 3. Massage your entire foot and leg in an upward motion from toes to knee never the other way as this will close the valves. Olive oil good. 3. TAKE a towel and roll it so it resembles a belt and then place that on the ball of your foot and then pull the foot towards you and then push back and then release this will also help to soften your ankle and hlep with the flexibility in your ankle. 4 treatments and so much progression with the private physio, Hope this information gives you hope something to work towards and motivation to succeed in your recovery. My prayers and thoughts with you all. I WOULD LIKE TO PERSONALLY THANK MATTHEW BOHNSACK FOR THIS FANTASTIC SITE AND FOR GIVING EVERYONE A CHANCE TO AIR THEIR EXPERIENCES AND ADVICE MAY GOD BLESS HIM. Jeanette

Fri Apr 14th 2006 07:38:55 PM CST

by Diane

I haven't posted in a while either and next week will be 4 months since ankle break. I have been back at work for a month now and learning a new job in a new dept. I thought it was mainly a desk job but am having to move around a lot so have been really swollen and sore by the end of the day. I had a follow up appt with os yesterday after work and was more swollen and sore than normal due to busy day at work. OS was very disturbed at amount of swelling and said I had to get off my feet more or else stop working. He said I have overused my ankle and it has set me back. I thought the swelling at end of day from minimal walking (with cane) was normal. He wants me back in aircast while I am working for the extra support around ankle and to use crutches again to take some of the weight off ankle. I have to elevate and ice my ankle every lunch hour. I also have to increase physio to twice a week and start ultrasound treatment, as ankle flexibility is behind schedule. Swelling after long day at work has greatly impeded what I have been able to due at physio so far. Has anyone else had a problem with too much swelling from too much weight bearing? I am quite depressed at this set back as I thought I was doing well putting weight on ankle and walking short distances without crutches or cane. Now I have to back up to where I was 3 weeks ago.

Sun Apr 16th 2006 04:11:54 AM CST

by Amanda

Irene, about your scar tissue, the doctor told me to massage e45 cream into my scar. I added 2 to 3 drops of geranium essential oil into each teaspoon of cream as geranium oil is believed to help the skin renew itself faster. I have been doing this for 4 weeks now and the scar is barely visible and the sensitivity has almost gone. I can still feel a slight stretching of the scar tissue when I tighten my ankle but this is minimal. It would be as well to check with your doctor about the oil, as I know that some people can have allergic reactions to essential oils and using too much can be unsafe (don't use it neat). Of course, it may be that just the e45 cream and time have healed my scar but I believe that certain oils do work and I like using them and I also like the smell. Pam, I have now been given the go ahead by the doctor to try cycling (on my new bike) when I feel strong enough. Better take it easy tho, i haven't cycled since I was 18.

Sun Apr 16th 2006 04:12:50 AM CST

by Amanda

Sun Apr 16th 2006 10:16:37 AM CST

by Judy

Hi everyone! 9 weeks today since plate & 9 pins in ankle. I can walk fairly well with moon boot and cane but I don't like the stiffness of the boot, so I wear slippers (and compression sock) indoors and flex the ankle as much as possible. The top of my foot and toes are too swollen for any normal shoe. I have heal pain if I'm on my foot too much, it doesn't seem to be so bad when I wear the boot. Until about a week ago I was constantly exhausted. Now I feel like myself again, only I do tire easily. Yesterday I cleaned the leaves off much of my flowers by sitting in lawn chair, bending forward and scooping up leaves with both hands & then moving chair and bag to new spot. What a joy to see the little plants underneath, lillies, columbine, echinacia, daisies, hosta, sedum, and more. Couldn't clean the iris bed, waited too long & I was afraid I'd do more damage than good. I'm concerned about getting back to work, as I have to stand, walk, and carry the whole time. Boss said I can come back with reduced hours but must do everything while there. I couldn't even stand continually for an hour right now. But progress has been fast the last couple of weeks so I'm hoping to keep the momentum going. I'm going with kids and grandkids to Disneyworld the end of September, so I must be able to hike all day by then!

Mon Apr 17th 2006 12:37:18 PM CST

by Pam

Amanda, good to here you're trying cycling. Good luck! It's now been nearly 8 weeks since I had my hardware removed (fracture was almost 2 years ago). I very strongly recommend hardware removal for anyone considering it. My ankle feels "normal" for the first time in almost 2 years. My range of motion has improved a bit (still not 100% though) and I have none of the minor aches, pains and weird twinges in the ankle that I had before. I'm not "officially" released to run yet, but I did a quick jog across a parking lot last week and my gait seemed normal again, with no lingering stiffness as I had with the hardware. Maybe it's part psychological, but my ankle just feels like it moves more freely. The down time was minimal (a few days, then a couple weeks back in the boot) and the results are well worth it.

Mon Apr 17th 2006 02:01:44 PM CST	by Dalila H
Diane, it’s been 4 months since surgery (trimallleolar fracture tib/fib; syndesmosis screw removed 1 month ago). I too have experienced much swelling from weight bearing, but have made sure that I massage my foot and keep my leg elevated for at least 15/20 minutes EVERY evening and before PT session. I also keep wearing my compression sock 24/7. Hope this helps.

Tue Apr 18th 2006 08:19:44 AM CST

by Ginny

Diane. I too have alot of swelling. Dr. kept me on celebrex for awhile, but I had to go off of it. Cannot take it very long. When I went off it, big difference in swelling. And I have alot of nerve pain that is made worse by swelling. I cannot walk far because of it. (It is 4 months since my surg). All I can do is at night elevate it for a couple of hours and then when I go to bed I put a pillow under it. I have read on some of these posts about compression stockings and I think I will go try to find one today. I would think that would be a great help. I am going to pt 3 x week. Very time consuming, but I think well worth it. I think that the swelling (and for me, nerve pain) have been the biggest complications of my surgery.

Tue Apr 18th 2006 04:29:58 PM CST

by Jeanette

Hi All, been to physio today and he has worked on the scar tissue at the back of the ankle which has been stiff and has prevented me from reaching 90% degrees in flexibility. After 40 minutes of treatment i can now reach 90% flexibility and stand on the floor with my two feet together, this i could not do before. The physio has helped to soften the back of the ankle. This has been a major break through for me today and i am very pleased with the progress. I must stress that the private physio i attend is generally geared to sports injuries and the occasional trauma injury so their methods are very hard and my ankle and leg is always uncomfortable that evening but settles down by the next day. NO PAIN NO GAIN. it has been 3 1/2 months since my accident and i wont be going back to work for awhile yet. Need to be off the crutches and possibly walking with a walking stick then hopefully walk unaided. I am setting my self a goal for 3 months from today as i would like to go to spain for a holiday. I look like cocoa the clown at the moment as i wear size 6 trainer on my good foot and a size 9 trainer on the injured foot but at least i can go out and feel normal to a certain degree. Will keep you all posted, keep strong in mind and spirit and hopefully we will all recover quickly. Jeanette.

Thu Apr 20th 2006 01:18:03 PM CST

by irene

Hi everyone, Judy I still get swollen foot and especially on the top of foot. Massage, massage, massage is important. I can't get into any of my shoes except for trainers. I take a size 8 shoe normally, that's the biggest ladies shoe so I can't even trade up to a bigger ladies shoe. it is 51/2 months since my accident. 16 weeks since I had my plaster cast taken off and my knee, hip and back hurt when I try walking unaided, so I am still on my crutches. Jeanette can I ask what kind of job do you have? I feel that work don't fully understand the limitations this injury will cause me for some time yet. I think the same as you I would expect to be able to walk safely unaided by the end of June/July if my improvement carries on like it has been. It would be good if we could both achieve this at the same time. I am pleased for you that you have 90% range my improvement is not as rapid as yourself I will have to ask physio about my %range and I will let you know next week. Physio explained that the inside scar is 'stuck' and still needs a lot of massage but the scar on the plate side is moving quite well. I will have to ask if the scar being stuck is preventing me from gaining more range. Another question for the physio. Swelling apparently will continue for a long time upto 12 months I've been told.

Thu Apr 20th 2006 01:42:26 PM CST

by Jeanette

Hi Irene, i used to be a call centre manager which involved a lot of running up and down a call centre which is as long as a football pitch,then 6 weeks before my accident i changed my role within the company of 17 years and became a customer relations officer liasing with buyers/technicians/customers ect it involves a lot of sitting down at my P.C but also alot of chasing the photcopier and people around the building. I would not be allowed back into work because of health and safety as i would be considered a high risk and should i have a fall the company would be liable. Therefore i am off work until i can recover to such a stage that i can actually walk up the stairs with the minimum of a walking stick. Generally if you have worked for a company for a long time they will keep your job open as i did for a member of staff when i was in management. There was a member of staff that was off for over a year and when they came back a refreshers programme was put into place and the member of staff could work reduced hours until they felt fit to start working their normal contracted hours. The private physio which i attend is the East midlands physio clinic which is based in Loughborough. The first session is £40.00 and this is also a consultation involved. Subsequent visits are £35.00 for 40 minutes. It starts off with getting the muscle receptors to start working ,then a series of different massages for the entire leg, foot, ankle ect. A big range of exercises. All i know that once i have had these sessions i CAN SEE IMPROVEMENT in the range of flexibility in my ankle and foot. Most of all i am building on my confidence and this is gaining on every visit. I really wish that you could go to this physio Irene as i am sure he could do the same for you. On the last visit he massaged the scar tissue which was very raw and raised, however, the scar tissue is now hardly visable and i too have been massaging the way i have been taught on the scar area and it has stayed down. Swelling usually occurs when i have been walking ( or trying to) for a long time but i wear a restrictive stocking which helps to keep the swelling down to a minimum. Nice to Speak to you Irene, keep me posted on your progress. Jeanette

Thu Apr 20th 2006 07:54:55 PM CST	by Katie
I enjoy all the postings on your site. I fell on the ice 7 weeks ago and have a open fracture of the ankle. I had stitches on the outside and inside of the ankle, 2 plates and screws. I am fightening an infection on the side the bone came through. Has this happened to anyone else? I am in a boot with no weight bearing on the foot yet.

Thu Apr 20th 2006 11:16:13 PM CST

by Mike Murphy

Just a quick update. Its been 19 weeks (Dec 12) since surgery. Everything feels pretty much normal. A little stiff in the morning with some swelling at the end of the day, but I put on the compression sock the other night and the next morning ( before I got out of bed and started walking) the fractured left ankle looked exactly like the right one! So I am back to wearing the compression sock at night. Still doing a lot of calf raises at the gym and am now up to 45 lbs with both calves same size again. Don't any of you give up! It comes back. Mike

Tue Apr 25th 2006 06:45:43 PM CST

by Jan

Hi all, I had my hardware (plate-9 screws-three pins) removed on April 12, 2006. My ankle break was on September 16, 2005. I noticed a noticeably improved range of motion on the third day after hardware was removed. It just felt much much better. Along with the hardware removal Dr. did a scope. I had to have 4 small additional incisions made on top of ankle along with the reopening of the two sides due to all the scar tissue that accumulated. He said that was hindering my range and pain. Dr. also said it would take about 3 months for the holes to regrow and become stable as surrounding bone.I am now wearing the compression sock along with a very small ankle brace that is about 8-10 inches high on the sides and 2 inches wide with two velcro straps. I still have alot of swelling. Need to go back in a month for xray and then to PT, for how long I don't know yet. It feels great just to be able to be up and around without the walker, crutches or cane. I can't wait for the day that I don't even think about my ankle!!

Thu Apr 27th 2006 06:42:08 AM CST	by Jeanette
Hi Guys, please look on this page http://bohnsack.com/photos/broken_ankle/detail/4615/, as i am sure everyone would like to share their thoughts and progress with you. see you there, Jeanette.

Thu Apr 27th 2006 09:10:21 AM CST

by Christine

Hi Everyone I Too have broke my fib and tib. I know most of you have got your screws and plates inside and I too was supposed to have this done. But when woke out of surgery have screws sticking out of my leg, these are holding bones togethere as to enable them to fuse together. My front 2 are 4.5 inches long from the skin and the side 2 are are 4 inches long. It is now 4 months post surgery and next app is in 7 weeks. Has anybody had this or no of anyone and is this process usually this long? Have been told I have to go in a caste when screws are removed, is this always or can I assume I will heal sooner? Christine

Thu Apr 27th 2006 09:48:21 AM CST

by Jeanette

Hi Christine, thats some hardware you have installed,bones are a funny thing and although you must be in absolute pain the method your doctor has chosen seems to be the best one matched to your injury. You are on your way to recovery and soon you will be casted. Make the most of your time, read, catch up on T.V. I ordered some new makeup from Q.V.C. shopping channel and have had fun trying the different methods of application especially foundation and blusher. You can only be guided by your own doctor but once the cast comes off then you can see a physio and then start to work on walking again. You are in my prayers. Jeanette.

Fri Apr 28th 2006 01:38:46 PM CST

by Martin

Hi all, thought i would let you know what happened to me. I did a vertical fracture of the the tibia in my left ankle doing martial arts in August 2005. I didn't think much at the time but after a plate and 6 screws were installed and i spent 3 nights in hospital i realised it may be pretty serious. I followed all doctors recommendations and got off cruches and out of my boot in about 15 weeks. I had a mild infection on the side of my skin which i managed to get rid of with ARNICA. Arnica is a natural creme which really helped to get rid of the swelling. You can get it from health food stores. I also took a calcium supplement which helped with bone healing. After 4 months i was back doing sport in a low capacity but now i am back to almost 100%. My only problem is the hardware is always sore to touch on the side of my ankle. I have been told that i should leave it in by the surgeon however i told him i didn't want to and he said i could remove it in 2 years. I really want to remove it as i can play sport and do everything like i used to but it is so tender. I also did free squats which really helped get back my flexibility and strength. Keep positive friends. Martin

Fri Apr 28th 2006 05:11:38 PM CST

by Jeanette

Hi Martin,your injury sounds terrible and total respect to the way you have handled things. Please go on to the following page as most of us walking wounded converse on their http://bohnsack.com/photos/broken_ankle/detail/4615/ I am so happy that you have used the ARNICA GEL as i have ordered some as well. You are very much like myself, I too have taken calcium 800mg plus vitamin D daily this helps with calcification. Keep well and stay positive. Jeanette

Sun Apr 30th 2006 10:54:16 AM CST	by Margaret
Hi all, I had a surgery on Jan/01/2006. My left foot is swollen and itchy all the time. From time to time I get red rash around my scars. Could be allergy to the pins and plate ??? Any comments ??

Mon May 1st 2006 07:21:34 AM CST

by Jeanette

Hi Margaret, I had my surgery 12/01/06, are you having physio? Are you scars at the back of the ankle or at the side? I have been taught by physio to massage the scars deep in an upwards fashion towards the back of the knee (if the scar is on the back of the ankle). I have a broken talus and this is the worst bone you could ever pick to sustain a break as the blood flow is not that good. If your break is the same as mine then dont drink too much caffene as this restricts the blood flow and take calcium plus vitamin D if you can, i have them crushed with a wheatabix stired into a muller light yogourt. It sounds as if you need to desensitive the scar area, GOOD MASSAGE on the scar area is your best bet. Hope this helps. Margaret go onto the other page on this site and you can read more up to date information where the walking wounded converse.http://bohnsack.com/photos/broken_ankle/detail/4615/ Speak to you there. Jeanette.

Tue May 2nd 2006 06:09:56 PM CST

by Dana

I am really glad to have found this web site, all the information I have gotten from all of you has been really useful to me. I broke my left ankle (trimalleolar) on the 9th of April and already I am about to go crazy. The emergency room physician was pretty vague about the extent of my injury only telling me that it was bad enough when I asked how bad it was. Two hours later, I was back at home thinking that the next day, I would call the orthopedics office I was referred to and I would be on my way to recovery. Yeah Right! My husband and I had just recently moved to Nevada where he took on a new at the end of February, so needless to day that our insurance was not in effect at the time of my injury. I never knew it was legal for a Dr. and/or hospital to turn a patient away because they had no insurance or was unable to come up with the twenty to thirty thousand dollars it would cost before they could have surgery. After six days of painful grinding and crunching, I finally could take it no more, somebody had told me that there was a University Hospital that was obligated to treat me if I was to come through their doors with this injury, so of course I went. The ER physician took one look at my x-rays and instantly became infuriated. According to her, I should have never been released from the first hospital one week prior without having the surgery. My ankle was very unstable and dislocated, when I lifted my leg i felt my foot give. The chief of staff came in ainformed that due to the liability of his injury being six days out that they could not take the risk involved in treating me and that he would take whatever steps needed to arrange for my admittance back to the original hospital I had been taken to the day of my injury. True to his word, after threatening to report the hospital for failing to provide stabilizing treatment, he informed me that they would be waiting for my arrival. On Easter Sunday I underwent three hours of surgery resulting in eight screws and a plate. I woke up in excruciating pain that subsided within a few hours and all seemed to be going pretty good, last week I went to my trauma surgeons office where my splint was removed and it became obvious what the pain after surgery was caused from Nearly all of my stitches over the ankle bones both on both sides had tore through the skin Thank God it was closing on its own though. Anyway all that I have read on this site has put me at ease, after having gone through what I did, I was beginning to think that my present problems were due to the lack of care that first week. I have learned a few things throughout this experince so far. Number 1 is don't ever take things for granted, Number 2 is a broken arm and broken leg are in no way comparable to one another, and best of all Number 3 is that my husband really does know how to do the dishes and laundry!!! Thanks Everybody!

Tue May 2nd 2006 06:36:46 PM CST	by Jeanette
Hi Dana, sorry to hear of your injuries, please go onto the other page where the postings are actioned regularly and you will be able to converse with us all. http://bohnsack.com/photos/broken_ankle/detail/4615 I will post you tomorrow, as one of my sons needs to use the computer. Jeanette

Thu May 4th 2006 09:40:57 AM CST

by Chris

Mike Murphy you've turned this website around from doom and gloom to don't worry it's all going to be fine. On May 7th my husband (56) fell off a roof, had surgery on the 19th. His OS said he should be able to start putting pressure on it in a couple of weeks. I got upset after reading some of these horror stories, but now I'm sure all is good. He's physically active in great shape and a very determined (notice I'm not using the stubborn word) guy. Thanks to all and all the best!!!!!!!!!!

Thu May 4th 2006 04:39:55 PM CST

by Mike Murphy

Thanks Chris, I will be 58 in July. If your husband is physically active he will blast through this. When I 1st stumbled across this page some months ago, a lot of the stories were scary. I noticed my healing was happening very fast and I attribute this to a good PT (most important) and positive attitude. I was riding stationary bike with Aircast on 4 weeks after surgery. This really helps the mind!!I was aggressive as the PT allowed me with leg exercises (with cast on). Am going on 1st Mtn. Bike ride of season in 1 hour, very exciting. Good luck to you and your husband and don't forget to line a up a good sports PT. Mike

Tue May 9th 2006 12:17:57 AM CST

by Diane

I've been making good progress at physio and my foot and ankle are getting stronger each day. I can take small "proper" steps without crutches now (Heel down first then up on balls of feet and pushing off with toes, just like my normal foot. I can't quite manage normal size steps though, but should come soon. I've been told to continue using crutches until I can manage a normal gait. However, after last physio, where I was really pleased with how much weight I could now push down with my toes and ankle, I discovered that the pin on the inside of my ankle was protruding and quite sore. The plate on the outside is very sore as well. I can no longer get into my aircast boot (screw rubs against it and very painful), which I've been wearing whenever my ankle gets very tired and swollen at work. I had x-rays and os phoned me to say that he is going to schedule me for surgery and take out all the metal work asap. I've heard that this can happen from weight bearing, but does anyone know any more about this? OS was very vague and in a hurry so I didn't get to ask questions. I don't know what to expect from surgery except that it will set me back re walking. On May 17th, it will be 5 months since surgery. I'm quite nervous about getting my hardware out as I'm wondering what will happen without the extra support. Don't I still need it?

Tue May 9th 2006 12:21:29 PM CST

by Pam

Diane and Martin, I first talked to my OS about hardware removal approx. 1 yr. after the initial fracture. He said I could have it done anytime. I wasn't having any major problems, so I left it go until nearly 2 years had passed from the time of fracture. It's now been almost 3 months since removal and the ankle feels fantastic! I highly recommend getting hardware removed if it's causing any problems at all. Mine was starting to protrude through my skin, although it wasn't causing pain. My ankle moves more freely now and I don't have the little aches and pains I had before. It finally feels normal again! Diane, I don't think the removal will set you back much. You'll likely have to go back in the walker boot for several weeks, but that should be it. At least, that's what I had to do. Good luck with it!

Tue May 9th 2006 01:23:13 PM CST

by Kristen

I could really use some advice. I broke my ankle in May of 1995 and as a result had to have surgery, where they inserted a metal plate and pins. It's been so long I can't recall the exact details of the fracture, or exactly how many pins and screws were used. My OS said I didn't have to have the hardware removed, so I didn't. It's 11 years later and this past week I've been experiencing pain on the back part of my left knee. I also have very uncomfortable swelling from my left foot, to my knee, that at times makes my foot numb. Has anyone else experienced anything like this, or maybe know someone who has? ~Kristen

Tue May 9th 2006 07:11:59 PM CST

by Kathy

Hi! My husband broke and dislocated himself last November, and has a similar metal situation. The doctor removed his single long screw just a couple of weeks ago, he went back to work this week. He seems more miserable now than before! I'm just poking around trying to find out how much of his discomfort is caused by the remaining plate and screws - it looks like removal is an individual thing though. The doctor has been efficient, so it's seemed, but officially cut him loose until November. (1 year post-break) How much of this is expected/normal - how much is the wrong kind of pain, I guess I'm wondering. And is it really effective to remove the metal from such a thin bone and maintain/regain some strength? I'll keep reading!

Wed May 10th 2006 11:55:59 PM CST

by Mike

Kathy, Did the Doctor remove the "symdesmosis screw"??? If he did, it is going to take a lot of rehab to get the flexability back as this screw really limits movement but for a purpose. Is your husband working with a Physical Therapist? If not, have him find one, preferably a sports PT. Tell him not to worry about the other hardware unless he can feel the screws protruding, then its time to remove them. Good luck! Mike

Thu May 11th 2006 12:44:52 PM CST

by julian

hey, i broke my right ankle 11 days ago now. spiral fracture to the fibula. on the day they told me was bnot bad, cum bac in 4 days and we will reavaluate it. so 4 days later after xrays the dr tells me its worse than it was first thought, you foot is well out of line because you have ligament damage. i had 2 choices of forcefully manipulatng it bac into place or plates and srews. i thought a bit of pain is all good really, plus operations arnt my favourite past times so they went with the first option. a week later ive gone in and all is well, no metal work need, cum bac nxt week and we will just double chec it hasnt moved if not 6 to seven weeks then cast will come off. what im interested to no from any one is how long after the cast is off does it roughly take to be upwardly mobile again? its may now, will i be back to strenuous activity as normal say by september? any bodies input wud be highly appreciated thanks

Fri May 12th 2006 10:47:53 AM CST

by lesley

Hi, Had tri malleollar fracture in Novemeber made a pretty good job of it. Have a 12 screw plate on tib and screws & pins on fibular. symdesmosis screw was removed in February. Have bee working really hard on physio, and I mean very hard however, physio concerned as I have not been able to get full range of movement. I am able to drive but my up & down movement is not as good as it should be preventing me from walking properly. My side to side movement is rigid. The consultant and physio have told me that due to the extensive breaks that they are not sure how much more movement I am going to get. I am very depressed over this as I was a fit and active person before running, cycling and swimming. Mike I know you mean wel and I have read all your hits, they are very positive and I wonder if you or anyone else can tell me what happens if like my joint it won't move further. My consultant won't commit neither will physio? I try not to get depressed but I work extremely hard at the physio and I don't see any further improvement anyone else been in this situation

Fri May 12th 2006 04:07:54 PM CST	by Jeanette
Hi Lesley, read my post on the other page, from today goooooooooooooood news, Jeanette http://bohnsack.com/photos/broken_ankle/detail/4615 then click on to home top right page then scroll down you will find a lot of information from other people going through what you are going through.

Sat May 13th 2006 08:02:43 AM CST

by Martin

Thanks Pam, Thanks so much for letting me know how you are going. My plate and screws stick out in my skin as well. It doesn't hurt to use the ankle at all but lying on the bed with my plate facing the matress is uncomfortable on the plate. Around the plate is still tender to touch as well. It will be a year in August since I fractured my ankle and i have heard that vertical fractures are one of the worst to heal. I have done some more research and have heard that the screws can become loose and infections can occur in some people that havn't had their plate removed. I will probably have a talk to my surgeon after 1 year to hopfully get it removed. Thanks again Pam, really good to hear your improvement especially how my mobility isn't as good as it was before the brake. Gives me hope to hear your improvement. Good luck all and remember - first be a believer to be an acheiver.

Mon May 15th 2006 05:21:39 AM CST

by Andy Wheeler

Leslie. I brke my fibula in January, and had it plated 7 had a sydesmosis screw for 12 weeks. I too have had problems with range of movement (dorsiflection) but i have been told that this is entirely due to the calf muscle shortening whilst in cast. Improvement is very slow for me too but it is improving. I'm sure your physio has told you the importance of stretching your calf muscle so concentrate on the stretching. Improvement will be painfully slow but it will improve.

Wed May 17th 2006 05:30:37 PM CST

by lesley

thanks andy, have taken on board what you have said and yes when I try to stretch calves it is pretty tight can't stand on tip toe on bad foot yet. will increase calf stretches. Martin are you sure the sensitvity around plate is not caused by scar being sentisive. My scars were hyper sentisive and I had to de sentise them, this was done by putting different kinds of materials along the scar e.g. lint, bandage, scarf, feathers and then hand. It was very difficult at first and painful felt like electric shocks but after a while it does get easier. My tib scar still slightly sentisive but getting there. Still finding massage helps as all ligaments, tendons stiffen quickly even when i've worked them.

Wed May 17th 2006 06:36:58 PM CST

by lesley

Thanks for your advice Andy will try to do more calf exercises, achilles is fine and back of heal moving freely only the forward bend difficult. Still feels very tight and cant bend knee over front of foot extremely tight.But will continue to do this. How long does ligament take to heal and why? Still pretty sore when trying to heel toe, ball of my foot and spreading across the foot on base and upper part of foot does this pain ease as it seems to be taking forever. I am still positive about my recovery but there are times it is hard

Sun May 21st 2006 02:27:04 AM CST

by Glen

Hi there. Been reading all the comments here, and some make me feel better.. some scare me.. but I believe that I am tough, and I will get better. Here is my story. On April 29th 2006, I was warming up my CR250R Honda dirt bike, by riding it a little. I was at my uncles house, and decided to show off a little. Well, I didnt have my MX Boots on but I did have my helmet. I laid the bike down as to not run into a fence, and thought nothing of it, and figured as always I would get up and dust off and have a laugh. I didnt unfortunatly. I ended with a dilocated right ankle, and broken tib/fib. My whole family was there. Scared my mother to death, and my oldest 2 boys were crying like babies (11 and 12 years old). I am now 15 days out of surgery. Not alot of pain, but I am pretty tough. That night of the surgery I was in a great deal of pain. I was almost whimpering. I just got my staples out 3 days ago. I dont have alot of pain mostly irritation of the incisions. A great deal of tingling, and burning. The top of my foot is very tinglely, and the skin is still pretty tight. I do not have a cast at all, I have a removeable ortho-boot. I have already regained my up and down motion with some stiffness. I cant wait to walk again. I am determined to do it. This site has given me strength as well and got me prepared somewhat for the worst. I have 1 screw like the pics into the tibia, and a plate with 8 screws in the fibula. Getting better every day.. Glen

Mon May 22nd 2006 03:39:32 PM CST

by ceci

Hi, I had my accident on April 5th, I slipped a fell and broke my tibia & fibula & dislocated my anke. When I fell I only heard a brake and saw my foot facing right and my ankle moving out to the left. Luckley the ankle did'nt go through the skin but the swelling was very painful. In the emerancy room a doctor pushed my ankle in place only 90 % and placed a half leg cast which starts on the bottom of the foot and goes up to the calf, then he place a bandage around my leg) he said this was to releave the pressure of the swelling ( my foot was turning blue). The doctor who was to operate me said the cast was placed wrong, so he unbandaged it and pushed my anke again by pushing my toes up and ankle in. It really hurt, then he placed the half cast again. Three days later he operated on my leg, he placed a plate and 8 screws. After a month I started therapy, in another month I start to use a walker and the following month I'll see the doctor again. In all he said I would need 6 month for recovery (THERAPY). I'm in a wheel chair and I can move around in the house but have to keep my leg elevated. I have to sleep with two pillows under my leg and that goes to when I set on the sofa. But boy does it swells up once I put my leg down and turns red. It feels like something heavy is placed around my ankle. One piece of advice, once they took the bandage off my leg looked very dry and with the swelling my skin would crack up. Use a baby brush or facial brush and in a circle motion take off the died skin little by little then use a cream to smooth and cool you skin. (use a cream with vitamin E) If anybody has any advice for me I'll really appreciate it. Take care and God bless you all. Oh by the way I'm 58 years old, and celebrated my husband and I our 40th wedding anniversay

Wed May 24th 2006 01:09:14 PM CST

by Glen

HI there Ceci, I can tell you it does get better. As you can read above about my injury, mine happened near to the same time as yours. I have been moving mine around alot. I dont have a cast, I am in the boot that I can take off. My doc told me it was ok to move it around all I wanted too..or could stand. I can move it so much. More and more every day. I am excited to get back on my feet. I go for my follow-up appointment the 20th of june. Cant wait. Just remember, chin up, rough it, and it will get better. My swelling is ever so slowly going away. It still swells when I put my foot down, but each day it is less and less. Also, my doc told me that the best thing I can do for the swelling, and tingling is wiggle my toes. It pushes the fluids out of your feet some, and helps with the nerve sensations. I also put lotion on my foot too. Cant wait to walk again. I just bought a house as well. Actually I got it the weekend before I broke my ankle. I havent even been in my basement yet..LOL I cant wait to get out there and do the homeowner stuff on it..hehe Just hang in there Ceci, it gets better. I am taking a vitamin as well. C, D, and Calcium. ASk your doctor first though...Good luck, and Chin up!! Bleeds

Sun Jun 4th 2006 02:12:55 AM CST

by Kathy

I 'm 37 and broke my ankle while 7 months pregnant in February. I needed surgery for the dislocation but couln't have it since anesthesia would be too risky. A cast was put on for 8 weeks and the fracture healed. I'm able to walk with a limp but I need surgery. Has anyone else had to wait to get a procedure done? I'm wondering what the complications might be after weeks of tissue healing around the problem. BTW I had a beautiful baby boy after an emergency ceasarian with the cast on . Kathy

Thu Jun 8th 2006 12:18:10 AM CST

by Jill

Hi, I had a car accident two years ago and broke my tib/fib. It was a compound (open) fracture and required an external fixator the night of the accident. About three weeks later I had the ex-fix removed and was the happy owner of two plates and 14 screws. I was then placed in a splint for about seven weeks until I began physical therapy. This was very painful but does get better the move you move it. Once I was released from PT I was told to "Do it until it hurts" since I loved to ride horses, I started back and got thrown off landing on my right leg, the bad one! This made the long screw that is placed in the middle of the joint pop out. My physician decided to remove all the screws from my ankle at this time. They had only been in place about seven months. Following this procedure I had a short recovery time. Currently I work as an Emergency Medical Technician and am on my feet alot, everyday my ankle hurts. I have tried cortisone shots, mutiple times, I have tried another series of shots that is not yet approved for ankles, this is a series of three shots one a week. I think these shots are supposed to act as cartiledge in the ankle joint. This was also extremely painful as the needle has to go through all the scare tissue to a very small space which is then filled with fluid. I am not sure the specifics. Now my heel does not touch the ground when I walk or stand with my feet together. My ankle stays swollen and painful, in the line of work I do I can not take anything for pain other than ibuprofen. I have begged and pleaded with my doctor to cut it off and give me a prothesis or try an implant, since I am only 23 years old I am too young for an implant. Now I can't run, jump, ride horses, walk normal, go up or down stairs without feeling like I am going o fall, there are many shoes that I can not wear. I would love to know if anyone has ever had this happen to them and see if there is anything I can do to fix it. Good luck to everyone else and don't rush the healing process it takes awhile to heal such an important part of your body. I never realized how much I used it until mine no longer moved.

Sat Jun 10th 2006 02:30:07 AM CST

by Kim

Hi all! I sustained a trimalleolar fracture to my right ankle on May 17th when my foot slid on a strip of metal as I was preparing to board a plane out of Seattle. I was on my way to Washington DC on business and my husband was going to meet me 5 days later so we could embark on a 2-week trip to London and Scotland. We had tickets to see Eric Clapton at the Royal Albert Hall... A simple slip of the foot, my heel came forward, my ankle rolled in and then out. Snap! Snap! Bye bye London and Scotland. I'm 41 years old and this is my first broken bone. I was in a splint for the first 5 days, then had surgery (a plate and 8 screws along the fibula and 2 screws in the tibia) and wore a splint for another 2 weeks. I got my cast on earlier this week and am told I will be wearing it - non-weight-bearing - for a month. Then a walking boot for an additional 4 to 6 weeks. I am doing my best to keep the leg elevated - but I am going nuts having to be so sedentary. The first week or two were fine, but this week, week 3, has been tough. I really miss my independence. My husband and kids have been awesome, but I am really getting depressed over not being able to do much for myself. I had bought a brand new car one week before the accident and now I won't be able to drive it for months. After reading all of the other posts here, I am very concerned about long-term complications. I plan to take the advice of those people who say I should be trying to exercise my legs while I recover so I don't lose weakness. I find that just moving around with the crutches completely wears me out. But I'm going to cling to Glen's positive attitude and hope for the best. Best of luck to everyone - and happy healing!

Sun Jun 11th 2006 10:18:44 PM CST

by John Penc

Message for Jill, June 8th. Jill, I broke my ankle a couple of places playing hockey, fibula, got 7 pins and a plate. I have had flat feet and tons of foot issues, so I have done a lot of research on excerices and stretches. I know it is frustrating as mine still bothers me time to time, but what I do is stretching and strengthening like crazy, I mean every day, with range of motion in combination with ice. Ice like crazy to get the swelling down. I also use arnica gel from the health food store. There are other natural rubs as well. It sounds like your calve muscle is extremely tight, hence why your heal cannot touch the floor. Seated on floor, calve stretches pulling your toes toward your head, 3 sets of 10, holding for 2 -3 seconds. This comes from a kinesiologist, Aaron Mattes in Sarasota Florida area who works with pro athletes on strength, stretching and massage therapies. He has a clinic there where people can go as well. He is really outstanding. Here is his excercise for calves: Place a rope or strap around the ball of the foot. Keep the knee straight. Lift the foot and ankle backwards and assist with a rope. For greater specificity turn foot inward 20 degrees and lift the ankle back to stretch outer belly of calf. Next turn the foot outward 20 degrees and pull ankle back to stretch inner belly of calf. As the calf becomes more flexible, lean the upper body forward 15-20 degrees to provide greater stretch potential. I do foot circles for range of motion and tip toe lifts at the gym. Also there is what they call a theraband, a big rubberband that you tie to a table or something and use to strengthen the ankle by pronating, supinating and flexing while seated. Standing on one foot a time for 30 seconds help to strength and works on stablizer foot muscles. I wish I could offer more but it is hard, hard work, just to get the foot back in shape keep the pain managable. I also do some swimming and use the hot tub once in a while. Good luck and hang in there!!! John jppenc@gmail.com

Sun Jun 11th 2006 10:25:03 PM CST	by John Penc
I broke my ankle 2 1/2 yrs ago in a couple of places playing hockey, outside left fibula, got 7 pins and a plate. Pins sometimes give me a dull ache around the ankle and can get uncomfortable . Anyone else have their pins out? If so, what kind of recovery time and how are things going since the operation? Thanks a lot. John jppenc@gmail.com

Mon Jun 12th 2006 07:12:53 PM CST

by irene

Hi everyone, I had tri mall in Nov pretty bad deal had 12 screw plate 2screws and 2pins in serted into tib and fib, as well as fixator screw which was removed in Feb. Dr explained it was a really bad break and had to have several ops one was over 7 and half hours to put bits back together. Had plaster cast on until late Jan Began exercises everything seemed to be going well until 6-8 weeks ago. I was not improving the range of movement it seemed as if somethng was stopping me from being able bend my ankle fully. You know the exercise where you put bad foot against wall and push knee over foot well I couldn't get much range out of that. Physio was becoming concerned and I was killing myself to do the exercise which was causing a great deal of pain. consultant contacted and an x ray taken this has shown a bone has grown across my tib and fib they are now joined together by this bone. He says this is what's causing the lack of mobility, the bad news is he cannot operate for a further 10 months because if he does the bone wil just grow back it needs to mature before the op. So at present I can't walk properly and the balls of my feet and side of my foot are very painful. Because of this I am unable to go back to the work I was doing. Does anyone know about English employment law? need help and although the union are helpful they don't seem to be helping enough. If I have the injury longer than 12 months I can be deemed disabled and therefore come under the disability act, however, because I should be returning to normal once the operation is done next year I am seen as being unfit at present to do my role. This added stress is not helping the situation. Has anyone else out there heard of anyone growing a bone spur like this and if so what was the outcome,

Tue Jun 13th 2006 08:39:50 AM CST

by Christine Wright

Hi, I'm from Brisbane Australia, so happy that I found your site, have learnt so much reading your stories. I fell down some stairs at a restaurant (was not drinking) on April 25, 2006. At first I thought it was a sprained ankle but when I looked down, I couldnt believe how deformed my foot was and how quickly it had swelled, some 'know it all' first aider came to help me and asked if I could move my toes, when I could move all my toes he said nothing was broken so when my husband and another guy helped me to get up to take me to the car, I put my foot down and felt like it was moving away from my leg, I yelled out in pain, more people came round, someone got me a chair and then the first aider organized ice pack and bandaged it and said maybe its an airline fracture, I was then carried to the car, still very concerned and insisting that something is broken, my husband didnt want to take any chances so he drove me to the hospital where my ankle was xrayed and we were given the results which was, broken in 3 places and will need surgery and I was admitted straight away, they did the surgery at 7pm, I was back in the ward by 11.30 with a morphin drip which I pressed so much that I set the buzzer off and was told to slow down. I had the cast removed on 8 June and was sent home, told to come back in 6 wks and not to worry about physio, they will let me know in 6 wks whether I need it or not, I was just told to put weight on it now and then and move my foot around from side to side. I am very annoyed at the general info I was getting from the hospital so I have made enquiries of my own and I have my first physio appointment tomorrow as I want to be back at work by the end of July, I dont want to wait until I am walking lopsided and then go to physio to undo all the damage. I cant wait to start walking and get back to work, I dont think sitting at home for 6 weeks moving my foot around is going to get me walking by the end of July. I'm sure I'm doing the right thing going to physio, appreciate any comments. Thanks, Christine.

Wed Jun 14th 2006 02:02:31 AM CST

by O Aguilar

Seven weeks ago I was mountain biking alone in a rugged trail near my home when I fell and broke my ankle and fibula in about 4 places. I was wearing the type of cycling shoes that snap on to the pedals which is what caused the break to begin with...my bike rolled left I rolled right and the ankle snapped so loud I immediately knew I had broken something. The worst is that I had about another 4 miles to ride to get to my car. Well I somehow made it and even ran into some hikers but decided not to burden them with my problems and continued to my car and then drove myself to the hospital (fortunately it was the left leg) I ended up with four screws...two in the ankle and two holding the fib and tib together....I am now im my 7th week and I am still in a cast...I get to see the doctor next week for an update......

Thu Jun 15th 2006 12:48:07 PM CST

by Sarah

Kim- your process seems very similar to mine. I broke my ankle on April 30. I fell down stairs and broke both sides. I had surgery on May 4th and have 9 screws and a metal plate on the outside and 2 screws on the inside. I did not get a cast till a week after that. I had the cast for a month- no weight bearing. I just had that taken of last Fri (june 9th). I am now allowed to partial weight bear and move my ankle as much as i can. (not easy). I go back June 23rd to see how my movement is and if i need physical therapy. I want to be walking without crutches by then but i think i am dreaming!!! If anyone would like to discuss the walking proess with me or anything please e-mail me sdwinsor@yahoo.com Kim-i too have become depressed now that the whether is nice and i cant do the things i want to. By the way i am in a camo boot now until the 23rd. --i call it robo boot.

Thu Jun 15th 2006 01:04:58 PM CST

by irene

Hi Christine, I am sorr to hear of your injury I think if you have had a tri mall you maybe a little bit premature to think you can return to work in July. Only because it can take some time for the ligaments and tendons to become flexible again. I hope it does go that quick but be aware. Have you had the big screw I think it's called synosil screw or something like that out. This is the big screw they put across the two bones to re align the leg bones. (see some of the previous hits) If this is still in place then you can't wieght bear until it is removed. If you can I would suggest you try massaging your foot and ankle as often as you can as this help with circulation and getting oxygen into the ankle helping it's recovery. Be aware of swelling around ankle quite normal upto 18bmonths 2 years. Your foot may discolour when you lower it again this is due to poor circulation it does wear off as time goes by. Foot will take a long time to get back to normal size I have been since Nov and can still only wear trainers. I don't think cinderalla has any worries about me pinching her shoes!!!! I hope this has helped all you knew beginners, oh and beware of the dreaded black cloud that comes with the territory. I hope none of you are as unlucky as I have been. My consultant say it takes approx 6-8 months to get over injury and on the way to walking okay, but it takes around 18 months before everything back to normal. Hence the fact main pins & screws stay in for that minimum of time. Wish me luck for Tuesday with my job and speak to everyone soon. Irene

Fri Jun 16th 2006 10:26:30 PM CST

by Bruce

Just broke my left fibula this week chasing my son around the backyard. Fell in a hole and heard it snap. The best part was carrying my son 100 yards back to the house to see what happend and put some ice on it. Of course we were home alone and my son is only two. Called the doc for x rays an hour later when the swelling didn't subside. Six hours later all I got was a splint and a one of those foot braces. Oh, yeah it is broken so cleanly the ortho doc thinks it will be back to normal in a few weeks. I go back in two weeks to see how it is progressing and if a cast will be needed. I've noticed today three of my toes are black and blue. I don't think those are broken too. Didn't show up on the x ray. Maybe it was from falling down the stairs the first time I attempted to walk around the house in this splint. I can limp around just fine but that is probably because of the Vicodin. Sigh.

Sat Jun 17th 2006 04:05:16 PM CST	by Maureen Wahl
It has been 4 months since I broke by Tibia and Fibula, and I have the usual plate and pins. Does anyone have any knowledge with what happens with the size of the ankle? Does it ever return back to it's normal size? or does it always stay a little larger? Thank you, Maureen

Sat Jun 17th 2006 06:30:38 PM CST

by Christine Wright

Hello Irene, thank you so much for that advice, I needed to hear that as I think I have been a touch unrealistic. I had a plate and 3 screws placed in, which will stay in. I started physio last wed and since then I have been going up and down the stairs on crutches instead of my bottom and she also taught me how to walk properly with the crutches as I was I was stumbling a lot. I have felt a lot more confident getting about and I go back to the physio on Tues. There is still a lot of swelling and poor circulation happening, I was wondering how long that would take. I have been putting vitamin e cream on the scars every night(advice from the physio)as there are internal stitches which tighten the skin making it more difficult to move my ankle around. I have been doing foot strectching exercises and rocking back and forth from good foot to the bad foot but not lifting my feet off the ground. At this stage Im taking things one step at a time and hopefully all these gradual processes will lead up to me walking again. Good luck with your job on Tues. Let us know how you went. Christine

Tue Jun 20th 2006 03:27:03 PM CST

by Joseph

Thanks, Mr Bohnsack for the blog; it's helped with my own personal tragedy and gives me hope for a speedy recovery. Here's my story: I was going to work on 4/29/06 (a Friday with beautiful weather) and took a cab to the train station. A bit late, I hurried into the station and tried to catch the train that was pulling in. Now the rest is a bit blurry because I remember feeling like rushing for the train but didn't because my knees were a bit stiff from being cramped in back of the cab. Anyway, I start down the steps, stumble, and after some panicky arm waving in desperation to catch my balance, I catch a step at a funny angle and feel a tearing sensation accompanied by a loud, rubber band-like snap in my knee. While digesting this horror over milliseconds, I tumble down about a flight of concrete steps and land on my face. I roll over and after realizing that I didn't break my back or neck, I feel my kneecap on the side of my leg instead of where it should've been. Also, my foot is hanging down at a weird angle. I get to the ER and the docs tell me I completely tore my left quadriceps tendon and had a spiral break in my left fibula. I go through an 8 1/2 hour surgery to repair both injuries and spend the next 6 weeks in a non-weight bearing fiberglass cast. I just had the cast removed last Tuesday, 6/13/06 and, of course, I have a dry, weak, withered limb that I cannot lift or meaningfully coax into motion. My doc gave me an Aircast to wear for another 2 weeks and wants me to go to outpatient physical therapy (????) which is somewaht ridiculous considering I couldn't walk. I can't use the wheelchair because it is wide and cannot fit through smaller doorways while open requiring me to stand up (one legged) and have someone else close it and push it through. My lady did this for my appointments but she can't come with me while she's working. Anyway, I've been doing exercises at home and have been pushing myself. I took my first steps on saturday, 6/17 around my apt. It's now Tuesday, 6/20, a week since the cast's come off and I walked approximately 300 yards limping with a cane before my leg and back said stop. I rested a bit, checked my E-mail, and walked another 120 yards. I thought it would take much longer, but I'm going as far as I can doing what I think a PT would want me to do, especially considering I'm rehabbing a knee and an ankle. Question is, am I pushing too hard? How long does it typically take to walk after those injuries? How long will it take before I can walk long distances? Please help.

Thu Jun 22nd 2006 06:48:42 AM CST

by Christine

Hi Joseph, knee and ankle injury is pretty major, I'm recovering from an ankle injury and started physio about 2 wks ago, I dont know if this is of any help but my physio told me that after the leg has been in a cast and rested for a long period of time, when it comes time to using it, the brain is sending messages saying that there is something wrong with the leg so you tend to rely on the good leg. The strenuous exercises and the walking do hurt but thats because it takes a while to get used to using the muscles, if the xrays have given the all clear that its healing well then its ok to walk around on it and eventually the leg will adjust, it all takes time. I do physio exercises 4 times a day at home and see the phyio once a week, I'm finding that my leg is getting stronger every day but I still have a long way to go.

Fri Jun 23rd 2006 10:25:01 PM CST

by Marilynn

Am I ever grateful to find this webpage! The Sunday of Memorial Day weekend I stepped from a height of about 2 1/2 feet and lost my footing. I severely sprained my right ankle and dislocated the left ankle all together. Ended up that I broke the tibia and fibular at the very ends. I have one screw in the tibia and a plate and four screws in the fibular. It seems to be healing very nicely, but I am going quite bonkers just sitting around. Depression has set in and I am taking measures to treat that also. This page gave me the information I needed to set goals for the next couple of months. I wish you all good health!

Tue Jun 27th 2006 11:42:44 AM CST

by A Mom

Hi there. My daughter directed me to this page. She broke her tib and fib and dislocated her ankle May 22nd in a freak hugging accident. She has been doing a blog of her own and directed me to yours. As an outsider looking in, and a worried parent, it has been so helpful to read the comments and see that everyone else is going through the same things and it is all normal to the healing process. Also helps to see some of the different things that can happen in the recovery process. Keep up the good work.

Thu Jun 29th 2006 08:12:15 PM CST

by irene

hi everyone, I am over 8 months since my injury and I am going back to work this week. Yipee!! however, I am not out of the woods yet. Due to the serious of the injury (apparently I would have lost my foot 5 years ago) I am unable to get 45 degrees in the dorsflextion ( bringing my toes towards my knee)I am about 30 degrees. This prevents me from moving my foot in the normal gait. My physio has referred me to a podiadrist and my consultant thinks this restriction is due to a bone spur growing between the tib & fib. He believes I should get a further 10 degrees by next year. Why I am telling you all this is I found out about MBT shoes. I know they are expensive but they have really worked for me. They take some getting use to and you feel if if you are walking on a wobble board at the begining but once you've mastered them they work amazingly well. If you read the litrature about them and english university of sheffield has published a paper as well as americans and swiss they do help reduce the stress on the ankle, knee and hip joints. It also helps with the rolling motion of the ankle any way since I have been using them I am able to walk normally. No rolling gait or limp. Without them I find I have to angle my foot to compensate for the fact I cant flex it enough to walk with a normal motion. I find I have a lot of pain in the arch, across the ball of my foot and aroun the strap area of the ankle. so if any of you unlucky people become as unlucky as I have been in gaining a bit too much bone these shoes may help with your walking. Just remember they do take some getting use to. I still get swelling in the ankle area and have been told this will continue for a further 12 months. When it does swell it becomes uncomfortable and hard to move. I know some people have been given a support stocking but my physio thinks it won't help. I am still attending physio twice a week and attend a hydro therapy pool session. for all you new beginners is it takes time but as long as you do as physio's say and perserve with the exercise you will get better. If you need to use your crutches etc., when you feel tired do so. There is a saying "take it easy and put in the work but don't do too much that will cause further injury" I know I will never be able to go back to the life I had, I use to run every other day had done for over 20 years and all my social life was around sport orientated. I have taken up other sports and this week-end I intend to walk up a mountain it may take me alot longer than it did before but I am still able to do it. I am still to find a sport that I enjoy as much as running but like the doc said I'm lucky to have my foot. Oh went throught the airport and my metal ware did not set it off and I have a 12 screw plate on fib, 2 screws and 2 pins on tib. I was a bit disappointed I would have like showing off my scars, would have told them I'd done it fighting sharks rather than stepping out of a taxi!! speak to you soon

Thu Jul 6th 2006 01:42:28 AM CST

by DPT

Interesting blog--I was searching for something else and came across it. For the most part, good info being shared. I am a PT, and my 2-cents would be to pick a good PT, someone who is 'evidence-based' and is up on the most recent literature, regularly attends continuing education, and is an active member of a professional association. As a professional, I am leery of large corporation run PT outfits, as well as physician-owned clinics. Generally they are driven by money, not patients. Not the PTs fault, but the corporate structure does not lend itself to good care. In my opinion, someone who monitors strength, balance, coordination as well as ROM of the whole lower quarter to make sure you do not develop compensatory problems which can show up later in life. It is well accepted that ankle issues become fall-risk issues later in life. Well wishes to you all!

Sun Jul 9th 2006 01:22:18 PM CST

by Joann

I am grateful to see Marilynn's story. On Saturday of Memorial Day weekend, I stepped off of step about 5 inches and lost my balance. I severly sprained my right ankle and broke my left ankle in three places. I had surgery on the left to get two plates and six screws put in. For the first two weeks, I could not put weight on either leg. My Mom had to come sit with me while my husband worked. My wheelchair would not fit through neither one of our bathroom doors causing me to have to master using a bed pan. I fought depression and it helped when the doctor let me go back to my desk job on June 19th. By this time, I was walking on my sprained ankle with crutches which probably was too much on the sprain, but I had to do it. It was either that or turn into a crying mess since I hated my situation so badly. I have a 20 month old and 3 year old at home. Luckily, I also have a good husband who is doing everything for all three of us. This has really shot my summer. I hate that I can not run, swim, or even get down in the floor with my children. That hurts worse than the injuries themselves. Anyway, my cast was removed on July 6th and I am in an air cast that I can remove for bathing/sleeping. My sprained ankle causes me the most pain. I can not wait until I am allowed to put weight on the broke one in about 5 more days. Things seem much brighter now. I do not wish this on anyone. I think that my ankle surgery was far worse than both of my c-sections partly because I could get around on my own the day after my c-sections. I pray that we all have speedy recoveries and am joyful to have found this site with all of your ankle injury stories. Thanks for sharing.

Sun Jul 9th 2006 08:32:10 PM CST

by Lydia

Hi everyone. I broke my left ankle in March it was broken in two place's and also my heel was discolated. I had a operation for a plate and screws. I was put in a plaster pot for 10 days then had to go back for staples removed(agony). I was then put in a fibre glass pot for a further 4 weeks this was then removed. I was given crutches and exercises to do these at first were very hard but do get easier. I purchased a balance board these are very good i was of my crutches in 3 weeks and driving after a couple of days when the cast was removed. I couldn't walk far but this improved. I would recommend swimming also and alot of pataince. It has now been nearly 4 months since my accident and there is hope and things slowly do return to mormal ish. My doctor advised me if my metal does bother me in the future they will remove my plate and screws. Keep your chins high and do plenty of exercise's and follow your doctors advice. Good luck to you all.

Mon Jul 17th 2006 10:21:08 PM CST

by Donna

Hi everyone. I broke my left ankle and fib 1 month ago yesterday learning how to ride a motorcycle. I tore ligaments as well and the ortho I had said I needed surgery - screws, plate... when I got out of surgery I had a hard cast on but no screws -- the doc said my ligaments were torn but not completely. I was told to come back to the office in two weeks to put "the boot" on. OK so I go see his colleague because my doc was on vacation and this doctor tells me that if I was his patient I would have had screws and a steel plate and why my doctor didn't do it he didn't know. He said my ligaments were completely torn and he also said that I wasn't his patient and he put the boot on and sent me on my way -- I was completely shocked and confused and worried because I am still in alot of pain. Is this normal after a month?? I got a second opinion today and this ortho told me I could go both ways I could have surgery or I could just let it heal in the cast (boot). He said he wouldn't do the surgery now because scar tissue is setting in just to wait. He also told me that my bones are not healing and I might need a bone stimulator. Has anyone heard of this?? I felt so alone and feel so lucky to have found this sight -- you all have been through alot and feel your pain -- if anyone can help -- anything I could take vitamins, herbs etc that could help my bone heal it would be appreciated. You guys are awesome -- fast healing and thanks for listening.

Tue Jul 18th 2006 12:33:10 AM CST

by Darla

I recently broke my ankle on Memorial Day weekend and yes it was a stupid thing I did. I jumped of a rock ledge about 3ft. above the water and hit a flat rock flat footed. I didnt really feel pain at that time, but I noticed my ankle felt strange when I came up out of the water. We were on a canoe trip and up until then it was the best trip we had been on in years. When I came up out of the water, all I could say was "somethings not right guys". My husband and a very good friend of ours put me in a canoe and we ripped down the river 2 miles to get back to our campsite. If anyone has ever been on a canoe trip then you know there are lots of drunk people on the river, mostly kids. I had alot of patients I guess, cause I didnt hurt anyone on the way. I had to have a steel plate and 10 screws put in and the worst part of all was when the nurse had to turn my ankle for x-rays. I came unglued. I had a great surgen that knew what he was doing. I didnt have a cast but instead have a boot. Had 19 staples and had those removed 3 weeks ago. I dont know what to expect tomorrow. After reading your stories, I have to admit, I'm kind of scared. I too get depressed from time to time but I keep my chin up. Where I work at, it is really hot now so I can be happy I'm not there right now, but I cant wait to get back. I have done stretching exercises and I only have stiffness on the sides on my ankle. I have noticed there is more swelling here the last week and was wondering, is this normal? Wish me luck, for tomorrow I will know my fate.

Tue Jul 25th 2006 10:49:17 AM CST

by Roz

Hi all - I am one five days out from surgery to remove the plate put in to repair my left ankle fracture in 2001. The original surgery was horrible, as I was pregnant and therefore underwent an epidural, so remained fully awake for the sounds/smells etc. Over the years, the pressure of thunderstorms (I live in the south) ached, the kids and dog constantly ran into it, and I twisted my ankle a handful of times. I finally decided to have the plate removed. And so far, so good. Some expected pressure and pain of the incision, but I am very hopeful that I will soon have my ankle back. One very big downside? I have to stay off of it completely for four weeks! That is a lifetime in our house of three kids getting back to school soon. Anyway - just thought I would share my war story! Best to everyone.

Tue Jul 25th 2006 02:55:58 PM CST

by Dottie

I suffered a simple fracture of my tibia and fibula,had surgery to screw the lower portion of the lateral malleolus back together, no other hardware was necessary, after three months I was back on my feet. Three years have passed, over the past two years I have increasing pain where the screw is starting to protrude from my ankle. CT reveals enough bone growth so a new screw in unnessary. Ortho speciaiist has scheduled surgery to remove the offending screw. My problem is that I do not know what I am getting myself into and I can't find any information about the screw removal process. Doc will not give me recovery prognosis until after surgery. Any one have any ideas?

Fri Jul 28th 2006 11:46:01 PM CST	by Zlaty
Hello Everyone!I had triple fracture. after sergery plates and screw I wear an air cast now. My question is: What kind of socks you wear with it? I's so hot and I swich my socks so often because they get wet from sweating. Do any one wear compresion socks with the air boot? I realy apreciate any help! Thank you and GET BETTER!!!!

Fri Jul 28th 2006 11:47:01 PM CST	by Zlaty
Hello Everyone!I had triple fracture. after sergery plates and screw I wear an air cast now. My question is: What kind of socks you wear with it? I's so hot and I swich my socks so often because they get wet from sweating. Do any one wear compresion socks with the air boot? I realy apreciate any help! Thank you and GET BETTER!!!!

Tue Aug 1st 2006 06:55:18 AM CST

by Eric

This is a great site! I wish I had discovered it when I first broke my ankle on 6/27/06. I tripped while getting out of bed and ended up with a fractured tibia and fibula. (Now that's what you call, getting out of the wrong side of the bed!) They put in a plate and 7 screws on the fibula and a screw with some wire on the tibia. The first 2 weeks were extremely difficult - pain, fatigue, woe-is-me depression. I tried to pretend that everything was the same and went back to work - major mistake. During weeks 3 and 4, it became clear that my world had turned upside down and I began to get more depressed. I just completed week 5 and I'm finally beginning to see some light at the end of the tunnel. I saw my Orthopedic Surgeon yesterday and he said that I could get my cast off in a week and then wear nothing but a sneaker. I'm now putting about 25% - 50% weight on the leg and will start PT as soon as I get out of the cast. Thank you all for your postings. I was anxious to get out of the cast ASAP and even changed doctors because the first one told me I had to be in the cast for 6 weeks. However after reading your postings, when the second guy suggested 6 weeks as well, I didn't fight it. If you all can do it, I can too! Thanks for helping me realize that I'm not alone and that many others have hopped . . . crutched . . . shuffled . . . walked . . . and eventually run this path that I am now on.

Fri Aug 11th 2006 07:02:18 PM CST

by lisa

hi! i've just found this site after searching for pictures of broken legs! its so nice to see i'm not alone!x i broke both bones in my leg and my ankle at martial arts six weeks ago doing a flying side kick. i have two plates on each bone with 5 screws in each. i have my pot taken off this monday and hope things will get better as i grade for my black belt next march and can't bare not to be active. breaking my leg has really made me appreciate all the normal things i used to do, i only hope that we all over come our difficulties and become stronger people! i used to think i was so tuff too, wow was i wrong!x good luck to you all x

Sat Aug 12th 2006 04:04:23 PM CST

by Jackie

Just found this website last night since I was up due to swelling in my leg. What a great website. My trainwreck happened Apr 18 on two steps in the middle of the night by not turning on the light or putting on my glasses. Accidents ARE preventable. Yeah OK. After a aid car ride and surgery; my tri-mall was hideous per my doctor-consisting of one plate with 10 screws on one side, and a longer screw on the other. Doctor felt the surgery went well. Got one of those knee carts, and I wholly recommend it to people who still have to work and get around. Beats crutches. After 8 weeks, got the boot and an order for PT--was told OK to start walking on it. After three days of pain across top of foot went back to the doctor who said I needed a longer screw at the base of the plate to support the ankle and advised he would like to do surgery again and recast it for another two months for optimal recovery. A total redo. After tears and pleading as daughter was getting married in two weeks I agreed to come back to get the surgery and would stay off of it best I could. Two weeks later, like a good patient I was found me walking in my boot all over the place with minimal discomfort to get ready for the wedding. Back to the doctor to show him my fantastic results, but he still wanted me to have the surgery. I felt he had me walking too early and the extra two weeks helped the walking pain subside. Since I was doing so well I chose not to have surgery again as I am Type II diabetic and did not want to risk infection. Since the doctor said I could get arthritis with or without the extra surgery, I couldn't see taking more risks for a potential same output. Sometimes you've got to go with your gut. Doc is OK with that for now and we'll see if that was the wise choice. I'm doing well in PT- good ROM - zombie mornings, but better rest of day. Leg strength returning back. Walking on foot-no boot-hurray. Still experiencing swelling at night and stiffness-sounds normal like others have mentioned. Like the idea of the support socks Mike mentions (thanks I will try this). Thanks to all for sharing, it really helps to know you are not alone and IT IS a day to day process--no definate way of getting through this as everybody is built different. Thanks for letting us share these trials with each other.

Sat Aug 12th 2006 04:06:32 PM CST

by Ken

Hi all Found this site by plugging "keeping in shape with a broken ankle" into a search engine. Just broke my left fib on the 31st of July. It was a freak accident. I was helping a friend move and my foot got wedged between the ground and the ramp to the trailer. Broke my left and suffered a severe sprain on the right ankle (which has improved greatly in these 2 weeks, but still makes for very limited mobility!) Found out that I had to have a plate and pins the following Wednesday AM and had surgery that afernoon. I was OK mentally for about a week but now I'm suffering from cabin fever and depression. I'm used to being active (tennis) and working out at least 4x per week. Doc said my recovery should be 100% and I will be able to do what I was doing before Yayyy! My thoughts go out to all of you and reading these posts has at least shown me that this happens to a lot of active people. Like Lisa, this experience has sure made me appreciate simple things, even just getting up and getting a snack! Can't wait to get back on my feet and on the court. Another 4.5 weeks of allowing no pressure on the left and we'll continue from there. KEEP STRONG everybody!!!

Mon Aug 14th 2006 02:08:11 PM CST

by lisa

hi again! just got back from the hospital after 6 weeks thinking i would be pot free, i now have another pot on for 3 weeks. doc told me its one of the worst fractures he's ever seen and i'm lucky he could fix it. (i didn't realsie it was that bad) Broke my ankle and both bones in my leg but the big one shattered into 5 pieces and i'm lucky he could put them all back together again. That kinda scared me. Another doc told me i should try put a little weight on it in week 6, current doc told me i would be at risk of my bone crumbling into little pieces if i did this and im down as non weight bearing. all is healing well though my leg looked ok, but i will be non weight bearing for a fair, few, more months as it will need so much time to heal. I've shed more and more tears, its nice to be able to write my feelings down and come to this site to chat. i'm sure i must be annoying everyone else by now :) ken? i feel for you deeply, its awful not being able to do simple things let alone the things we love most.hope your back on the court in good time and if i'm fit by next march i'll be happy!x

Thu Aug 17th 2006 02:57:26 AM CST

by Helen

Hi fellow hopalongs. Yes, I'm another broken ankle sufferer. bimalleolar fracture of right ankle caused by getting ejected from a waverunner. Had surgery 6 days ago and am just starting to try flexing the ankle through a 'step' range of motion when using my crutches, but no weight on the leg. The real bummer about all of this is I'm getting married in 2 weeks. This has really put a downer on the whole thing for me - so much work and time and MONEY spent on trying to make the 'perfect day' and now I'm going to be having to crutch my way down the aisle and spend the rest of the day on my backside with my foot elevated. This sucks. One doctor told me there was NO WAY i'd be able to put any weight on it by my wedding, but another said I might be able to get a cast put on it just for the day and walk on it for not more than 80-90 feet... i'm sorely tempted. Anybody else heard anything like that? Am I just being completely crazy hoping that I might actually be able to go down the aisle actually holding my bridal bouquet, or should I get the florist to start working on how to make crutches slightly less awful to look at?? Good luck to everybody else out there - hope recoveries progress well.

Fri Aug 18th 2006 02:16:28 PM CST

by Martin

Hi all. I'm glad I've found this site as it's given me a lot of encouragement and has also shown (I think) that I'm a lot luckier than lots of other people. Last Sunday I broke my ankle whilst ice skating. I think having the skating boot on actually prevented a lot of potential damage. I've got (according to my doctor) a 'Level 3 High Impact' fracture to my fibula and a displaced ankle. I had an operation on Tuesday - metal plate down the fibula and a pin in the ankle but don't know all the details. As I'm off on holiday next week (Disneyland Paris for 4 days), they put me in an aircast, and I've been told on no account should I put any weight on my ankle until they've removed the pin, which they're planning to do (together with the plate) in 4 weeks time. Reading other people's experiences, having these removed so quickly seems uncommon, or is it just that my other 'internal' injuries are mild? As I said, I'm fairly certain that the solidity of the skating boot prevented my ankle from displacing too much which would have caused greater damage. Do others think I've been 'lucky' or is my surgeon being over optimistic? It seems funny that lots of people seem to keep their plates and pins in virtually permanently, whereas I've been told that putting weight on my foot whilst the pin is in place will cause further damage.

Fri Aug 18th 2006 06:48:47 PM CST

by Dalila H

Martin, I am a non-professional figure skater and had a trimallleolar fracture tib/fib while testing for competition 8 months ago. I agree that the skating boot helped prevent further injury such as an open fracture. I was not allowed to put any weight bearing until I had the syndesmosis screw removed (10 weeks post-op). My OS said that in many cases the screw breaks when full and/or partial weight bearing occurs and causes damages to the bone. So the pin you are mentioning may indeed be the syndesmosis screw. However,although we do not have similar fractures,I have to keep my plate for at least another 4 to 5 months before I consider having it removed, if appropriate. May be you want to confirm with your surgeon that the plate will also be removed in 4 week time. Hope this helps.

Sat Aug 19th 2006 02:45:38 AM CST

by stacey

Hi every1........I broke my left ankle on June 23 2006, it's now been 8 weeks since I fell OFF A CURB of all things, THis is my first time breaking a bone ever....I broke my ankle in 3 places had a plate and 7 screws put in , I was in a temp cast for the first two weeks then went into my walking boot on july 6th and started PT that same week. PT has helped me alot I can move my foot alot better now, but it is still somewhat stiff and sore and swollen, I'm still useing crutch's But they are going to try and go down to 1 crutch within a week, Im hoping I can manage it. I'm a bit nervous about it though I feel as if the crutch's are a part of me and that I won't know how to walk without them, Have any of you ever felt that way? or am I just scared lol. PLease let me know how it was when you got off your crutch's please so I know what to expect Srenaud@mnsi.net

Sat Aug 19th 2006 06:30:42 AM CST

by Helen

Stacey - I'm the Helen who broke her ankle recently and is marrying in 2 weeks (see above). I just wanted to reassure you about 'life after crutches'. I've spent periods of 8-10 weeks on crutches before, due to knee problems, and I had the same concerns as you when it was my first time to wean myself off them after a prolonged period. Don't worry - your body will tell you what's OK and what isn't, and you will certianly remember how to walk without them. You'll probably feel stiff and a little weak on the side you've been protecting for the last 8 weeks, and your leg will ache if you do too much, but nothing that will affect you permanently. ENJOY being able to CARRY STUFF again without having to plan ahead! Good luck.

Sat Aug 19th 2006 06:30:50 AM CST

by Helen

Sat Aug 19th 2006 07:34:07 AM CST

by Martin

Hi Dalila. Yes, this has helped. Now I've had a chance to look up about syndesmosis screws, I'm sure this must be the type that my OS has fitted. I've got to go back on the 4th September to have my staples removed, so I'll check with him then about whether or not I'm having both the screw and plate removed or just the screw. I must admit, they bombard you with so much information when you've had the op, I could quite easily have misheard what they said they were going to remove and when.

Sat Aug 19th 2006 04:58:04 PM CST

by stacey

Hi hellen, I'm sorry about your fall, And the fact that your wedding is so close.... I would suggest painting your crutches to a White color, and maybe decorate it acordingly, But that might be to much, But defientaly paint them white to match your dress so they don't stand out so much Good luck with your wedding and your healing prosses..... I managed to walk on one crutch today it was tough but I did it!!!!! yay me

Sun Aug 20th 2006 07:44:03 PM CST

by Diane

I haven't posted in quite a while, but thought I would share my metal removal information. My injury was 8 months ago and I have just had all my metal removed - fibula plate & 5 screws and tibia screws - 2 long ones (same as x-ray at beginning). My os believes in removing them as soon as you are walking normally. He would have removed them earlier but I wasn't walking properly yet at 6 months. I was experiencing a lot of swelling at the metal sites, but only mild pain and my gp suggested I should have the removal done. Anyway, it was done August 14th and I was told I could weight bear as tolerated with crutches, as soon as I was able to. I do have to use the crutches for minimum 2 weeks and have to be very careful not to have any slips or falls for approx 8 weeks as the bones are more fragile until the holes fill in. I was told by having the metal removed the bones would become stronger than when the metal is in as the bones are very dependant on the support from the metal while it is there, but when it is gone, they develop the strength on their own. I thought I might as well get it done sooner rather than later as I didn't want to have to have surgery and rehab at a later date and I was off work for the summer. Therefore I have 2 more weeks to recover before back to work. I thought I would have to wear my aircast for a while after the surgery but os said only if I wanted to so I haven't been wearing it (too hot). I only have a thick dressing at each site and a tensor around foot and ankle. This is to prevent any type of infection (horrible thought). After the day surgery I was in quite a lot of pain and couldn't move foot or leg. It was like deja vu back to the original break and surgery 8 months ago. I was given a general anaethesia for surgery and when I woke I was given morphine several times for the pain and told to take tylenol 3's until the pain left. The pain was quite severe along the incision sites, especially the plate side, as the incision was quite long and they used metal staples this time instead of stitches and the staples pushed against the incision whenever I moved my leg. Sleeping was the worst as when I put my leg down it created pressure at the incisions. I had to use multiple pillows and bend my leg & foot into different positions to alleviate the pressure so I could sleep. I don't tolerate pain killers very well due to nausea so stopped taking medication after 24 hours so experienced more pain than was necessary, but that passed after 4-5 nights and now pain is only slight. On day 4 I could ride my exercise bike by using only toes and could put toes down when using crutches. Today, day 6 I can put my foot flat on the floor and take a bit of weight while still using crutches. I am sure every day I will be able to do a bit more. When I first woke up after surgery I thought I must have been crazy to have this done, but now that the pain is subsiding I am so glad to me metal free. I won't know for quite a while what difference (if any) this will make re walking and rom and swelling but I will post again when I know more.

Wed Aug 23rd 2006 10:58:44 AM CST

by Francesca

hello everyone, i just stumbled across this site and it's proven quite interesting. i also have a broken ankle at the moment. i fell down the stairs at school on my last day of school. i'm not at all sure how i fell, i keep on going over the fall in my mind, but i can't quite understand when or where i broke it, wether it was when i hit the floor or during the fall. frankly it doesn't really matter broken is broken. like a number of you i underwent an operation the day i broke it, about 4 hours later. i was put to sleep and the doc put a metal plate on the bone and 6 srews were put in aswell, 5 to hold the plate in position and another on the other side. i stayed in hospital for about a week, but when i left i was told i wouldn't need a cast all the doctor gave me was a large plaster(bandaid) type thing and a normal bandage. a week later i went back to hospital for a check-up, the doc removed the bandage and the stiches. after that i nolonger needed the bandage and i was able to wear socks and shoes again, although these made my feet swell up real badly. after three days i was able to remove the large plaster and that was it. 2 weeks later i had another check up, this time i was told that i could start walking on my leg, applying just up to 20 kilos on it, but every hour i had to move my ankle up and down 20 times, inorder to de-stiffen it. i'm at that phase at the moment. tomorrow i will have another check-up, hopefully i will be able to ditch the crutches. the swelling is completely gone, my foot is the same size as my right one. but in six months so in january or february i will have to undergo a second operation, to have all the metal removed. the doc says it's because i'm still young and the chances of me breaking it again are to big. but he is positive that i will be able to start playing sports within a month, so i'm quite happy.

Sat Aug 26th 2006 11:09:44 AM CST

by Teresa

Warning for crutch users...wet bathroom floor hazard...I broke my right leg fibula and am in my 5th week in a leg cast and have a walking boot. I wanted to post a warning to anyone on crutches. Be careful of public restrooms where there might be water on the floor. I went to a concert last night and when I went over to the sink to wash my hands, I was trying to find soap by one of the sinks, and since the drying towels were not next to the sink, the floor had all small water droplets on it. My crutch hit a patch of water and flew out from my right side. Luckily I gracefully went to the ground and did not break anything else, needless to say after having fallen on a hill of wet grass while holding my 30 lb daughter that put me in the cast in the first place and was what I call a freak accident, I was shaken up to be on the ground again. Luckily, some nice girls offered me her hand sanitizer vs. trying to navigate the sinks and soap...and another walked me out of the bathroom to make sure I didn't slip. Once the bottom of the crutch gets wet, it doesn't work anymore on non carpeted floors. So, if you are going anywhere they had public restrooms, it might be a good idea to take hand sanitizer with you and stay away from the sink area where there might be water droplets on the floor.

Tue Aug 29th 2006 02:28 PM CST

by stacey

Hi every1 I have made alot of progress since my last post, I was scared to get off my crutchs But almost 2 weeks ago I said screw it and started walking with one crutch, I was a bit nervous But it was not as bad as I thought it would be, Now I can walk without any crutchs as long as I have my walking boot on. But When I use my walking boot I have pain in my leg for some reason Maybe because it's not as strong as my other leg. So after 9 weeks I'm finaly on my feet with one crutch and it feels great to have that freedom back, and to be able to hold stuff!!!!

Sat Sep 2nd 2006 10:28:15 PM CST

by Chris

Wish I had seen this website when I was recovering from my broken ankle. I broke all three bones and tore all the ligaments in my right ankle during a fall down the stairs. I had surgery and have a plate, seven spins on one side and a large screw on the other side. I was in a cast for eight weeks, a walking cast for the last three. I was unprepared for what came next. Everyone seemed to give me either vague answers to my questions on recovery or I would get different answers from different PT staff. The swelling is what bothered and worried me the most. I have been out of a cast for six weeks now and it seems like all of a sudden, I've turned a corner. The swelling is better, though still there, and I have more flexibility. My surgeon tells me the hardware must come out but I've heard (and read) different things about this too. If I get a second opinion and he says the hardware can or should stay in, who do you believe? Is there any real danger (besides the usual possible surgical problems) to having the metal removed? The stories on this website of the problems with the wound after surgery kind of scared me. I should mention that I'm 56 years old and had the surgery on May 10. Thank you for any help or advice and good luck to you all.

Thu Sep 7th 2006 05:59:54 PM CST

by Helen

Hello everybody - Helen again; now post-wedding. Went OK, but having to be on crutches was a bummer - even nicely decorated crutches! Quick word to Chris - everybody I've spoken to says to get the metalwork out as soon as sensibly possible. Foreign bodies in your body can provide a 'weak spot' for infection to take a hold in... a friend of a friend got a septic toe last year and it migrated to the site of his knee replacement pretty damn fast. Coincidence??? I'm assuming you're otherwise fit & healthy without contra-indications for the surgery necessary to get the stuff out again.... Now I have a question... does anybody know if the pressure exerted by water when you're swimming (and kicking fairly hard) would be enough to break a syndesmosis screw? I'm told I can't weight-bear for another 3 weeks, but I'm in a pool trying to minimise the muscle wasteage etc, and I'm a little concerned about really going 100% at the kicking..... would be stupid to avoid weight-bearing to protect this syndesmosis thing only to find I break it doing something else.... Thanks for any help, and good recoveries to everybody else suffering the trials of this type of injury! Oh yes, and "yaaay, Stacey!".

Thu Sep 7th 2006 10:11:31 PM CST

by Chris

Thank you Helen, for the reassurance about the removal of the hardware. What you said made sense and makes me feel better about the surgery early next year. About the swimming...I told the PT that I was swimming and they warned me about doing too much kicking in the water (though they didn't mention the possibility of breaking any metal). They said you sometimes don't realize how much you are straining because of the buoyancy. So I still swam but held back from going full tilt...which actually kind of hurt to do anyway. Again, thank you for the advice.

Fri Sep 8th 2006 02:10:29 PM CST

by Jennifer

WOW! Glad to find a site where others know what I'm going thru! I broke my right ankle and fibula while on vacation 7/19 in a 4 wheeler accident when my son & I flipped it (going really slow I might ad - those things are dangerous!). The first ER Dr. in small town in CO said hairline fracture, take it easy, go see your ortho when you get back home. So we waited 6 days... then went to the ortho and he looked at same xrays & said I need immediate surgery. Great! And since the swelling was so bad, will possibly have arthritis for waiting so long to do the surgery. Now I have 4 screws in my ankle. Pretty freaky to me since I've never broken a bone before. Today I'm 6 weeks post-op and SO ready for the cast to come off. I have a terrible case of claustrophobia, and that has been the most difficult thing about this for me... Haven't heard anyone else mention it - is it just me!? Oh, did I mention I am also 5 months pregnant? So pain meds have been really iffy through the whole thing. The doctor won't say it's completely okay, neither will the pharmacist or my OB. So I tried not to take any unless absolutely necessary... FUN! Am supposed to get a "boot" next week, but I have been told it's non-weight bearing still for several more weeks. When will this end!? From the sound of many of these posts, it's going to be a long rehab process. Anyone have trouble getting their foot to the 90 degree angle? Mine wasn't there 2 weeks after surgery, supposedly they couldn't get it angled right because of the swelling when the splinted it after surgery. So the first casting was miserable because my achilles had pretty much frozen so it took a while to get my foot in the right angle to cast. The 2nd cast I still wasn't there yet, now I'm at about 80-85 degrees... I have heard that it will be difficult to rehab if you're not at the 90 degrees when you get the cast off. My doc has said he will not take one of the screws out (he only mentions taking 1 of the 4 out) until I am back to walking again. Seems strange to me, but I guess that's normal? Thanks again for such an informative blog.

Sat Sep 9th 2006 01:28:36 AM CST

by Tracy C

On August 4, 2005, a car jumped a curb an hit me. My shoulder was broke, my pelvis, my jaw and my left ankle. My ankle looks similar to the pictures above. I remember the days when I couldn't bear weight and I really remember the day I was able to leave my wheelchair and use a crutch. Yes, I was in a wheelchair. Rehab/PT is so very important because you have to remind your body parts how to work again. I have screws on both sides and going across. I am curious about something has anyone had that many screws and had them removed? My ankle says swollen and from time to time it just plain hurts. I guess I am afraid if the screws/plats are removed will I make things worse because now I can walk and dance alittle. Let me know and yes this site makes me feel alot better, I am not alone. God bless all of us, I know in time we will all be better.

Sun Sep 10th 2006 09:12:39 PM CST

by Theresa

Hi all , On aug 7th I broke both my ankles, (left was just a hair line fracture) the right, broken in 3 places and dislocated, I had surgery on august 10th. Like Jennifer they are having problems getting my foot to the right position, two casts later I am now in the CAM boot. I have an appointment to begin physical therapy on tuesday and I had someone tell me that this is early due to the break and surgery being just about 4 weeks ago. Would be curious as to when the PT started for all of you and how bad was the pain of it all at first? The Dr said he wanted to start me right away because of the degree that my foot is at. Info please, appreciated much... best to you all :)

Mon Sep 11th 2006 12:33:52 AM CST

by Rosario

September 11, 2006 Although today is not the right day to think just about myself, reading all the comments on this site has helped me to cope with my injury. I am not quite sure how my injury came about. On Sept. 1, 2006 at 8:00 am I fell. I know that it involved the stairs at home but I thought I had missed a step. Doctor said it had to be more than that since I have pulverized my ankle. I underwent surgery 2 hours after my fall and there are pins, plates, and a cast to the knee. From everything I have read here and what the doctor said I have a long road ahead. I thank everyone for sharing their experiences so that when I return to the doctor in 10 days for my first post-op I can ask some intelligent questions and make some decisions. I am a teacher so being out at this time, all this time, is very difficult. From what I have read in this site it seems that this is just the beginning. If you don't mind I will continue to keep you posted in hopes that my experience will help someone just as you have helped me today

Mon Sep 11th 2006 12:50:58 AM CST

by Macaro

I was in the car accident in August 2005. Both of my feet were broken, suffered a calcaneus fractured in my left foot and had multiple breaks in the right. I could not walk for a couple of months, I was in a wheel chair during that time, but after getting off my casts and getting on boots, I was able to walk on a walker and started physical therapy. I had the best therapist, I did all the exercises she would tell me to do, leg raises front, back and sides, used a rubber exercise band to push my feet forward, side ways and around. Then I moved to 1-2 ankle weights. I did that often during the day, or when I was not using my boots. I also did calves raises, bicycle and elliptical (started with 2 mins) I started walking without my boots at the end of November and moved to crutches, by new year's eve I was down to a cane. The doctor says that my fractured have healed, I have close to normal motion and gait, but my joints are severely damaged. So, I am constantly having pain in both feet, specially when I walk in a store or any hard surfaces. I will need fusion surgery for both feet. My surgery was scheduled for the 20th of this month but I just canceled it bc I am scared of the outcome. I feel like I have gotten so far in the last 8 months and don't want to lose being able to walk with both feet even though I am in pain! I use orthodics and take celebrex for the pain, but only when I cant stand the pain. I have started doing water exercises and a little swimming, it has helped A LOT, my feet and my whole body feels better (I also had a fractured shoulder and left knee damage, I have had surgery on both with great results), but still need the fusion surgery for my feet. I just want to say that I know what a lot of you are going through right now. Please dont give up, exercise your legs if your are not currently walking by laying down on your bed and doing leg exercises with a band or weights, do the exercises your physical therapist tells you to do and you will be strong for your first walk and the rest of your recovery. God is good and he is with every one of us, every moment! I also want to share that I got balancing board (recommended by my PT and was only $60 ) in which I still do my exercises, I keep it under my desk at work and use it all day, anything to get better ! It has worked wonders. I see that a lot of people are having trouble with the swelling, please get a support knee high hose they work like magic, get it from a medical supply store, the ones at the regular pharmacies dont work as well. I used mine for about a month but noticed the inflamation go down in days. Good luck to everyone. If anyone has had subtalar fusion please let me how your recovery has been or is going. I will have you all in my prayers.

Wed Sep 13th 2006 03:13:33 PM CST

by Ken

Hi again everyone. I have a question for all of you. When being laid-up for all that time, did your orthopedist prescribe aspirin or warn of possible blood clotting? Mine did not, and I ended up with a blood clot of which some broke off and ended up in both of my lungs (bi-lateral pulmonary embolism). I was hospitalized for 3 days and finally back home but now I have this to deal with (blood thinners for at least 6mo.) At least I get to start walking again next week!

Fri Sep 15th 2006 02:02:24 PM CST

by macaro

Hi Ken, I was in this bad car accident last year as I mentioned above, my mother was also in the car with me. She had a blood clot from the accident and had to be in blood thinners for more than six months. First she took coumedin and then lovanex, but went back to coumedin because the lovanex had to be injected in the fat of the stomach and she did not like that! I didnt have a blood clot, but since I was either in the wheel chair or in bed, the hospital and then my doctor kept me with blood thinners: Lovanex (the injection) and children's aspirin until my casts came off and by then I was able to partially bare some weight on my feet. I think they should have you in blood thinners from the beginning. Sorry you are having to go through this.

Fri Sep 15th 2006 05:12:08 PM CST

by Chris

Rosario, what happened to you sounds just like what happened to me. I fell down the stairs and am not sure what happened but like you, I think I missed a step. And like you, pulverized my ankle. It is, in fact, a long haul. I was prepared for what was happening while the cast was on (pain, boredom, having to rely on others to do the simplest things for you), I knew that it was short term (nine weeks in a cast for me) and that helped. I also kept a journal and that really helped me out a lot. I wasn't prepared for what happened after the cast came off. I didn't think I would go dancing out of the doctor's office but I was unprepared for how long it would take to be able to walk again. I had the cast off on July 10th and today I'm doing much, much better. I still have some soreness due to all the hardware but the flexibility is so much better as is the aching. I do almost everything I did before the accident, just a little slower. For me, it took about six weeks or so of exercising and rehab for it not to be, pardon the pun, a pain. But every week you'll see an improvement, it just takes time. I feel blessed that I didn't have any post surgical complications and the staff at the surgeon's office gave good pep talks during my appointments. Also, don't be afraid to call and ask a question if you're worried about anything. I got very nervous about something once when the cast was still on and put off calling the doctor because I was afraid of being a nusaince. I was so relieved to find that what was going on was normal. I could have saved myself a couple of sleepless nights if I had called sooner. But good luck to you. This has been a real lesson in patience for me.

Sat Sep 16th 2006 09:58:18 AM CST

by Jeanie

Hi everyone I fell and broke my ankle ice skating on Aug. 13th. When the x-ray was taken at the ER the Dr. told me that if I had to break my ankle that was the best place to break it my right fibula (I am guessing from the picture above from seeing my x-ray) and sent me to the orthopedic Dr. in two days for a regular cast. I get there and the orthopedic Dr. tells me I need surgery - plates, and pins. I went home and kept my orginal spint on. I phoned back and opted not to have the surgery he told me the biggest problem in not having the surgery would be arthritis or the bone could shift before it started to heal. Has anyone else went this direction non-surgical treatment? When I got on here and read all of the posts and how it seems everyone had the surgery I am a bit afraid. It seems as tho my Dr. don't tell me too much I have no idea what is happening from appointment to appointment he put the cast on told me to come back in two weeks I did that, they x-rayed it and the Dr. didn't even come in and talk to me the nurse said it hasn't shifted and I need to come back in 4 more weeks I am hoping that is to get the cast off??? When the Dr. first told me of the surgery he said either way I wouldn't be able to bear weight on it for 6 weeks. I was like others thinking I would get my cast off (12 days to go) and be walking right out of there! I guess that isn't going to be the case, has anyone had a similar situation?

Thu Sep 21st 2006 09:56:58 PM CST

by Teresa

Jeanie, I broke my right fibula around the 2nd week of July. No surgery. My ortho put me in a toe to right below the knee cast...left the toes open for 6 weeks. I got the cast removed after 6 weeks and am in a walking air cast that fits inside a sneaker. I've been wearing that for 3 weeks now. My appt. to see what comes next is in a week. I bought 2 pairs of sneakers the same design/color so that I could fit the air cast into the 1/2 size larger sneaker. I'm able to walk the dog and starting to get flexibility in my ankle but still have a lot of stiffness. Right at the ankle at night swells when I've been working in the office all day. I was able to bear weight as much as tolerated during my crutch cast stage and now with the air cast. I don't have pain but the swelling is annoying...as well as everyone asking "what happened?" when they see me limping a bit. As far as surgery, my doctor said that his wife had almost the same exact right fibula break and she had him do the surgery of I think a plate and 3 screws. She was back on her feet with the surgery a lot faster than the cast route. I asked him if I chose surgery would I get any better results and he said "no better results, just a quicker recovery"...and since I work in an office and have time for the cast to work, it would do the same thing for my particular break. He did mention in each visit that if the ankle "moved" then we'd have to do surgery. So, basically as long as there was no movement, it was a time decision. p.s. the air cast is what my ortho uses instead of the boot. He said I'll be happier with that.

Fri Sep 22nd 2006 10:52:33 PM CST

by Amy

I'm a 29yro woman who fell 30ft in December 2005. I had bi-lateral calcaneous fractures (both my heels) plus a compound fracture in my right ankle; I also had a Lumbar burst fracture in my back. I'm so excited about this website. It's nice to hear about other people's experiences. Since December I've had 8 surgeries maybe more including my back. I was in the hospital for 3months. I had a metal plate put in my left heel which bothered me for the first few weeks but now I don't feel it at all. This is now my "good" foot/ankle. My right calf/ankle/foot was in an external fixator but after a few months the x-rays and CT showed that it didn't fuse on it's own, so, I had an ankle fusion. So, now I have one screw in my right anke (I'm not sure what it's holding together since I was told I don't have an Ankle Joint at all anymore). So, now I'm 8weeks post ankle fusion. My skin graph healed very nicely with no infections. But, after this fusion, my ankle feels hot and constricted and achey. I'm worried that it's infected but I have no real proof that it is. What does a ankle bone/screw infection feel like? Other then that, I'm up and walking with one crutch and sometimes no crutches. Still on pain meds and trying to come off. Thanks to everyone for posting! It's really nice to know that other people are out there with similar experiences.

Fri Sep 22nd 2006 10:52:55 PM CST

by Amy

Sat Sep 23rd 2006 03:11:40 PM CST	by Amy
Macaro, The ankle fusion I had was a subtalor ankle fusion. I'm still in the middle of my recovery but I'm walking just as well as I was before the fusion. I'm able to walk bare-foot around the house! although, I kinda look like a zoombie. It's been 9 months since my accident. If you have any questions about the subtalor fusion, I'll do my best to answer.

Sat Sep 30th 2006 12:04:48 PM CST

by Kathryn

Hi everyone...I haven't posted in about 4 or 5 months. I broke my ankle (trimal and dislocation) back in January. Surgery with screws and a plate. I am still not walking..about 50% weight bearing. I have been to three orthopaedists. Thi s last one finally ordered an MRI, but I don't have the results yet. The tendon on the inside of my ankle is very painful, so hopefully the MRI will tell us why and something can be done! One thing this doctor told me....he thinks I should have started physical therapy sooner. I began therapy six weeks after the accident.

Sat Sep 30th 2006 06:02:18 PM CST	by stacey
Well I haven't posted in a while BUt all is good, I have been walking without crutch's now for a month or so and it feels great! I still have some stiffness in my foot and going down a flight of stairs is a bit tough but Im getting better everyday ....Good luck to everyone!

Sun Oct 1st 2006 03:48:02 PM CST

by JoAnn

On December 20, 2005 I had a compound fracture of the right ankle(tibula/fibula). I had two initial surgeries immediately. This occurred from a severe car accident. I was in the hospital for about three weeks. I could not bare any weight for eight weeks, then went to partial weight barely, then a boot. I was in PT for about four months or so. Now nine months later I am going to have two of the screws removed. I am back at work and driving. I feel as if the biggest problem is the swelling and only being able to wear gym shoes. I do get pain after doing too much. Seeing that this all has been a bad experience, I am very nervous about having this done. The doctor acts as if this will not be much of anything, but I am a bit worried about what to expect now. After reading some of your post about it taking six months for the holes of the screws to repair. I cannot believe how I am reading many of you have these itchy rashes by your incisions too. I have had this too. My ortho thinks getting the screws removed will help with mobility, swelling, and that they are hitting the shin bone. After the last x-ray he now feels that down the road I am facing either a fusion surgery or complete ankle replacement. I am glad that I read all of these posts now because boy have I thought I was a big baby until now. Nobody can possibily understand how hard this all is unless you have been through it. I am also nervous because when I had the orginal surgeries I got C-Diff from the antibotics and I do not want that again. I am assuming I can be back at work (teacher) in a week. Any thoughts or input would be welcomed. JoAnn

Tue Oct 3rd 2006 10:08:04 AM CST	by Macaro
Thank you Amy for your sharing your foot surgery experience. I am so happy that you are feeling well and are already walking around! I have decided to go ahead and have mine done Oct 18th. Hope your recovery keeps getting better everyday.

Tue Oct 3rd 2006 10:08:45 AM CST	by Macaro
Thank you Amy for your sharing your foot surgery experience. I am so happy that you are feeling well and are already walking around! I have decided to go ahead and have mine done Oct 18th. Hope your recovery keeps getting better everyday.

Tue Oct 3rd 2006 10:11:17 AM CST	by Macaro
Thank you Amy for your sharing your foot surgery experience. I am so happy that you are feeling well and are already walking around! I have decided to go ahead and have mine done Oct 18th. Hope your recovery keeps getting better everyday.

Wed Oct 4th 2006 04:18:35 AM CST

by Rosario

Well, here I am again. Chris thank you for the pep talk and for sharing your experience. I went back to the doctor for the post-op and everything seems to be coming along as expected. I am concerned because the cast is coming of on October 11 and my daughter is getting married on the 21. As it would happen, I am giving her away so the walking down the aisle is something I am dreading. I am also having a terrible time with the itching. Does anyone have any ideas? It has been keeping me awake for the last few days. I am really sorry to read about all of the painful experiences that everyone has gone through. But it also seems that with time and patience most of these injuries seem to be surmountable. I will keep you posted after they take the cast off and how it feels. I know that I have about 5 weeks of therapy and rehab according to the surgeon. I wish everyone the best of luck with their recoveries.

Sat Oct 7th 2006 02:41 AM CST

by Lisa H

My injury wasn't self inflicted. If it was, the healing time, depression and frustrations would be a bit easier to handle. On August 23, a 15 year old checked me (a 39 year old) in an adult non-checking hockey league game and broke my right fibula into at least four chunks with a spiral thrown in for good measure. The other ankle was badly sprained. I was in a splint for six days until surgery. They put in eight screws and a plate. Then another splint for two weeks. I'm now finishing up four weeks in an aircast. I've been allowed to do ROM exercises, but no weightbearing yet. Monday, I get to move on to the next step. I think. I have seen a lot of your posts about removing the plate and screws. Both surgeons I have seen said that mine are here to stay with me unless they cause discomfort. Is this because of my age? or possibly because I plan to return to ice hockey? I do have a great device that helps with the non-weightbearing part. It's called a webb's leg sling. It holds up the leg for me and helps with balance. If you google it, you should find it. Have a good day.

Wed Oct 11th 2006 05:11:57 PM CST

by annie

I broke my ankle in Norway on 28th August. It was quite scarey as we were not within mobile reception and had seen noone all day. Was rescued initially by hefty German who offered to carry me and then by helicopter and taken to cottage hospital where I was treated for 5 days. I have 6 little screws a, a metal plate which sets Heathrow afire and a longer screw from my tibia to fibula. I had the op under epidural so saw the op on a computer screen.Tomorrow I am having longer screw removed. When am I likely to be able to walk again? Will I have to continue to have a non weight bearing cast? When can I drive?

Thu Oct 12th 2006 10:03:37 AM CST

by Kathy

Hi everyone! Well, since I had the trimal fracture in January, I still have very limited dorsi-flexion. I have been to three doctors, have undergone months of physical therapy. Some improvement, but still cannot get that heel down to walk! I have hardware in my ankle. Finally my doc ordered a MRI. Waste of time and money since the image was fragmented due to the hardware. Now we are going to try surgery...this time tendo-Achilles lengthening. The doctor said it should improve my dorsiflexion by 5 degrees. I am also going to have my hardware removed at the same time since it does cause some pain. Has anyone here had the tendo-achilles lengthening? I pray this works! Right now I can only walk wearing "wedge" heeled shoes, and I still have to use my walker.

Thu Oct 12th 2006 11:28:19 PM CST

by Jean

Hello everyone. I broke my ankle in march of 1992 like most of you plate and pins three surgeries later. I was walking. Now I have to have the hardware removed due to one nasty pin deciding to come to the surface. It has even almost broke through the skin. Just wondering if any of you have had the hardware removed and how long did it take to recoup. Did you have to stay off of it with crutches or could you walk on it right away.. I appreciate any comments and good luck to all of you. Looks like there are many of us in the same boat.

Sat Oct 14th 2006 12:15:39 AM CST

by Rosario

Cast finally came off on the 11th. What a relief to be able to bathe that leg and make it look almost human. I am still having problems with the swelling and the pain when there are atmospheric changes. I had my first physical therapy session for two hours today. I am not sure that I accomplished a lot but the therapist said there is a lot of damage and it will take time. I am hoping that I do not encounter some of the problems that some of you have had with the plate and screws. I wish you luck with the surgeries and the outcomes. I guess I will not be doing any dancing at my daughters' wedding but I feel more comfortable about walking her down the aisle. Good luck to everyone.

Tue Oct 17th 2006 01:38:29 PM CST

by Jill

I broke my ankle Aug. 10. I fell down 4 steps (slipper came loose) and rammed foot into a steel door. The steel door wasn't going anywhere! I broke the ankle in three places and shattered it in two places. A week after the swelling went down, I had surgery and got a plate and several screws. Two weeks later, after the stitches were removed, I got a cast and had it on for 6 weeks. Now I have the boot on and have an appointment to hopefully get out of it Nov. 7. I have started therapy already. I can put some weight on my foot but not full weight. I'm getting down with having to depend on others for so much. I know I need to be patient.

Sun Oct 22nd 2006 06:22:23 PM CST

by Steph Anderson

Broke my ankle on 25th Sept in 3 places which required a metal plate to secure the leg bone to the ankle. Fell off a push bike going at 0.1mph!!! Never been good on bikes, not been on one for years and won't be again, crashed straight into a bollard (on pavement)! Had the operation to insert the plate on the 28th Sept. Stitches were taken out on the 9th Oct then got a new cast on. Still got it on now... Appointment to get it off on 6th Nov, can put some weight on it but not completely yet! No pain at the moment but was in a lot of pain just a week ago, CAN'T wait to get back to normal! After reading some of the stories, looks as if a few weeks (at least)of Physio will be needed Docs told me that the metalwork will stay in there unless I feel discomfort later in life, I am only 23 at moment. STEPH

Wed Oct 25th 2006 05:36:37 PM CST	by annie
I had my cast off and the big screw off on Oct 13th. I was told that I do not need physio and could just get up and walk- so I now have no cast, no physio and considerable pain. Reading people's comments this appears common. Not happy! annie

Wed Oct 25th 2006 10:35:17 PM CST	by Val
Guys!I broke my anke 2 weeks ago ang got a surgery one week ago. I have only 2 screws in my ankle. My concern is whether or not I am able to get back to normal. I play sports. I practice Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. If anyone had a similar problem please tell If I am able to practice BJJ again. My email is ANGRYVAL@yahoo.com. Any info is appreceated. THANK YOU VERY MUCH.

Thu Oct 26th 2006 10:05:26 AM CST

by Chris

Val, I think a lot depends on your age and if you listen to everything the doctors and PT tell you to do. I'm an older gal, 56, and I had a plate with seven screws on one side of my ankle and a large pin on the other side. This was almost six months ago and I'm much, much better. I can do everything as before only sometimes a little slower (I'll have the hardware removed when the doctor gives me the okay and that should help with the flexibility). Two pins doesn't sound too bad and I bet you'll do just fine. I guess I would just tell you not to be too anxious and do more than you should too early on. Being patient during this ordeal is key. I did a lot of physical work outside and fitness training before my accident which I think was a big plus. Sounds like you are active too and that's a very good thing. Good luck to you, I'm sure you'll be back to all your activities in short order.

Thu Oct 26th 2006 07:02:10 PM CST

by crissy

Hi everyone, well i also broke my ankle in 3 places (right Trimalleolar fracture) I have 2 plates and 14 screws,happened sept.24 2006, I am still in a cast hope to have removed on next appointment nov. 9 I have a fair amount of pain, and feel very discouraged about my recovery. in all honesty I am frightened of the unknown, If anyone out there can offer me some info on what to expect i would very much appreciate it.Not sure if age has much to do with the level of recovery, but just in case i am in my mid 40's . Thanks to you all and Thanks for this web page.

Fri Oct 27th 2006 11:32:22 AM CST	by Val
Thank you for your comment, Chris! I just turned 26. I hope everything is going to be fine. Thank you one more time.

Fri Oct 27th 2006 03:03:57 PM CST

by Carolyn

I broke my ankle on 9/8 in a car accident. the ER said its just a hairline fracture so I don't need a surgery. I had a cast on for the past six weeks and was so happy today becuase I thought I can finally get rid of my crutches. However the doctor said I can only put parial pressure on it and still need my crutches for another 4 weeks. Its not hurting at all when I walk with both legs, so do anyone know what will happen if I just walk without crutches?

Fri Oct 27th 2006 07:24 PM CST

by Chris

Note to Chrissy...I was really scared too. No one I knew had the kind of injury I did and I sure didn't know what to expect. You have so much time to lay around and think about what happened and what's going to happen. Keeping a journal helped me for some reason, I guess it was a good way to vent. I was unprepared for what happened after the cast came off and was surprised at how sore and stiff my foot was. The part that really used to worry me was the swelling. All of this is normal. But take heart, things WILL get better. It's a real lesson in patience. Keep looking in on this website, there's a lot here that helped me. Things I worried about but found out that it's just how the healing process for this injury goes. Good luck to you. SHORT NOTE TO CAROLYN...It's probably a good idea to do exactly what the doctor says even though you feel you can do more. Better to be safe than sorry. You wouldn't want to do damage that might make you have to use the crutches even longer. Good Luck.

Sat Oct 28th 2006 01:36:05 AM CST

by Cyndy Hayton

Hi all on Sept. 24, 2006 I was walking across my yard when I stepped in a hole with my left leg. Because I didn't want to fall on the nails and hammer laying on the ground I stepped to the right and heard my right leg crack like a board snapping. I got a nice ambulance ride to the hospital where I was informed that I had torn my foot off my leg, had a very bad dislocation, my big toe was where my third toe normally is. I also broke several bones in my foot and totally dissintgrated the last 2 inches of my tibia. The trama team came in after my exray and gave me milk of amnesia and relocated my foot. Then I had 4 hours of surgery on it. The surgery took place only 4 hours after the accident. The next morning a physo guy came in and told me to do leg lifts and wiggle my toes as much as possible. I have two plates about 4 inches long in my leg and about 22 screws. My surgeon said they will stay in as this is all that holds my foot to my leg. I had a partial cast on it for 10 days then got the staples out and got a plastic bootie on it. I might be able to put weight on it by the new year but they are not sure. I am in a wheel chair as they don't want me jaring it by hopping around on crutches. I can move my foot up and down and have been able to wiggle my toes since the op. Because I live in Canada pt is automatic whenever you get injured. By the sounds of it I might walk by summer as this is a nasty injury. Oh by the way I drive a tour bus for a living and my have to give that up, but thats ok as I was looking to move on anyway. I am in my 40's and my surgeon said if I hadn't been in the shape I was in he wouldn't have fixed this with plates and screws. So just hang in there everybody I have had broken bones before and hurt my ankle before its a long haul but it does get better.

Sat Oct 28th 2006 01:55:28 PM CST

by Kimberlee

Hey all - Boy you have no idea how great it was finding this site. I am a 50 year old grandmother (birthday 8/7/1956. On Aug 24th, I fell 3.5 feet through my son's porch frame and landed on a 4x4. I knew right off that I had broken my leg. My daughter-in-law and my niece placed themselves between me and my foot so I could not look at it. Anyway, my son wrapped my foot in a towel and he and his dad got me in the car for the 28 mile run to the hospital. By the time I got there, I was in so much pain that 20 units of morphine plus 5 units of demerol was not touching the pain. I had surgery later that night and got 2 plates, 20+ screws and pins. The next morning the doc told me that on a scale of 1 - 10 with 10 being the worst, I had a 9.5. He said that if this kind of accident had happened 20 years earlier, they would have had to amputate. I spent 4 days in the hospital with my leg elevated. Went home in a plaster cast- toes to below knee and on Lortab10 and Soma 350mg (for all the good they do), no weight bearing, do not dangle leg, etc and in a wheelchair. Went back 2 weeks later to have new fiberglass cast (bright Pink) put on. He ex-rayed and said that the hardware had stayed in place and that was good. Went back 2 weeks later for another (lime green)cast (swelling going down). He finally removed the fiberglass cast on the 28th of Sept and gave me a boot. I did not last long in this. I went back to him on 10/2 to get another fiberglass cast (glow in the dark). On October 19th he took the cast off and again put the boot on. He ex-rayed it again. This time he said there is no sign of healing. Has anyone else had this happen? If so. what was the outcome? When should I see some sign of healing? I can move my toes since the break. The other thing is - my good leg is now hurting. It feels like the bones behind the knee are grinding against each other when I try to stand up from my wheelchair or potty. I hate being so dependent on my poor husband who is not house trained - yet. I am bored out of my mind. I cannot drive unless I put my bad leg (right) up on the seat and use my left foot for brake and gas. I cannot go upstairs, so I stay in the basement all the time. All I have is my computer. I have been looking for work at home jobs but they all want money up front. I have no money, no insurance, and SSI is taking forever to come through. Thank you for letting me vent (whew that is a load off my chest) Please let me know any answers to my questions at bigsisteralways@yahoo.com

Sun Oct 29th 2006 02:36:38 AM CST

by Shari

Hi all - great site, I have been sitting in isolation for the past month and reading this site was wonderful. Thanks for sharing your stories. Being an active mother of 2 kids under 4, a dislocated ankle + fracture in my tibula/fibula was a hard experience. I fell on 3rd October and went to ER, they put me under and put the ankle back in place, then I waited an hour or two and had Surgery, 6 screws and a plate and also a large screw connecting both bones. I had the semi-cast, which is horrible and so heavy for 2 weeks. Worst thing was having to ask for every little thing, sitting so helpless...going to the bathroom was a family event!! I had a lot of sleepless nights as I could never get my leg in a comfortable position. Sometimes the stitches hurt, other times the swollen inner ankle. Anyway 2 weeks later I almost ran to go get my fibrecast...was so nice to see my leg while they gave it a wash...The inner ankle was a bit bruised and swollen, they said there was ligament damage which would heal on its own....The stitches came out then they casted me up.. (glow in the dark in time for halloween!!) I didn't pay anything for any of my services, benefit of being a Kiwi, we have he best health system in the world... Its now been 2 weeks in a cast, I can manage with crutches, its challenging but I manage. The pain is pretty much gone sometimes the ligaments tingle which I presume is a good sign that they are mending. 2 more weeks and then I have no idea what happens. Am pretty scared and nervous about putting my foot down for the first time.. Whats a big bonus is that I suspect that I may be pregnant. I haven't been able to get to a pharmacy and don't want to freak my husband out just yet, he has picked up all the slack since I fell. Anyway just want to know if there is anyone out there who fell pregnant shortly after this type of injury. I'm worried an increased weight gain will make the recovery harder and the choice of pain medication is very limited if anything. Thanks for listening. Shari x x x

Wed Nov 1st 2006 06:48:28 PM CST

by Jocelyn

Hello Everyone I broke my ankle on July 30th 2006. I have a trimalleolar fracture of the ankle. I could not have surgery right away because I developed fracture blisters all around my ankle. The surgery was done on August 28, 2006. I had a metal plaate and 10 screws put in my ankle I had a splint put on during surgery. The pain was so severe that I was put on morphine in the hospital. After about 2 weeks in the splint The doc put me in a fiberglass cast. The fiberglass cast came off on Friday October 27, 2006. I am scheduled for therepy in two weeks. He told me to put pressure on my foot along with using the crutches. I want to know when I will be able to drive since it is my right foot. Also I want to visit my daughter in Colorado for Christmas. How is it at the airport with all the metal. Do you have to show any special card to say that you have metal in your foot. Anyone that can help me please let me know? Also how soon did you start driving after the injury? Everyone get well soon!!!!

Fri Nov 3rd 2006 12:57:18 PM CST

by Angela

Hi Jocelyn I flew to Poland last week (from the UK) and there was no problem through security. I'm 11 weeks post op now and can do most things except walk more than a mile. There is another site with more postings. Use the link under the X-ray photos and then go to new empty post. It's not empty now. Can't help with the driving as I broke my left ankle and was driving after a couple weeks. Have a good Xmas.

Tue Nov 7th 2006 10:00:34 AM CST

by Dee

I was in MVA 12/02. Had immediate surgery for a closed reduction and trimalleor fx and also needed cadaver bone for tib/fib. I was left with a plate and nine screws. I had removal of hardware two days ago and so far I wouldn't recommend it to anyone. My ankle looks like it belongs to an elephant and they opened up the same incisions on both sides. When I woke up from surgery I did so screaming as they did not have my pain under control. It hurts like hell to just run to the toilet and yet my ortho doc said I should be up and walking/driving etc. Any one else out there have any similar events with the hardware removal? Dee

Tue Nov 7th 2006 04:59:52 PM CST

by Andrew

Bicycle accident/altercation May 26, 2006. Tib and fib busted, surgery the next day w. three medial screws, plate and four screws laterally. Put in Aircast two weeks after surgery, 6 more weeks non-weigh bearing. Now, 5 months after the fact my cycling fitness is 100 percent, and my running is at, I estimate, 70 percent. Last night I ran for 30+ minutes, finishing up at 6:40/mile pace on a soccer field. Metal still somewhat bothersome (I think I'll leave it in), but the key, IMHO, is to develop a sense of "good pain" and "bad pain" and work accordingly. I've had PT, but I do think that each is their own best doctor. Above all, don't give up, work hard at it (cycling was my rehab saviour), and one day, yes, believe it, you will forget it even happened!

Tue Nov 7th 2006 10:22:35 PM CST

by stacey

On june 23/06 I fell off a curb at a gas station Broke my left ankle in 3 place's Was brought to the Hospital in an ambulance My very first time! and hopfully my last. They put my foot back into place and then I had to stay in the hosptail for they were going to do the surgery the next day, However that didn't happen my OS had an emergency and it had to wait another day. So I ended up in the hospital for 4 day's I got a plate and 7 screws . I was sent home in a temp cast that I had on for 2 weeks, then went to get my stitches removed and x-rayed Then I used a walking boot for the remaining time and started PT that week! I think that really helped me recover faster I love canada none of this cost me anything! Anyhow it's now November 07 and I'm walking really good,But I am having trouble running? and I still have a slight limp and No feeling in my Big toe... does anyone know if this limp will go away and my feeling will come back?!!

Wed Nov 8th 2006 09:23:07 AM CST

by Andrew

To Stacey: This fellow Canadian had a month's headstart on you, but don't worry, be patient. I have some residual numbness running down my foot to the big toe, but it seems to be slowly fading. Just take the running easily as, due to your imbalance, a compensation injury will definitely result. My opposite-side groin has been bothering me since I started back running, so I'm running on alternate days and doing a lot of stretching of groin/hip/pelvis. I would use cycling or any other infernal indoor machine to "go hard" right now, and sneak up on the running. Keep the faith!

Sun Nov 12th 2006 09:27:28 AM CST

by Garry

I am male and 54 living in the UK. I got a Weber B fracture of the right ankle when out walking. As I had little option but to walk back to the car and drive to a hospital by the time it was sorted it was a mess. It was however lined up reasonably well so an op. was not needed. I argued with the doctors over the 7 and a half weeks they wanted to keep me in a cast so they took it off after 5 and a half. 7 weeks after the break the whole ankle is still sore but I can walk reasonbly well (actualy if I sit too long it stiffens up). However if I stand for any lenght of time (e.g. 30 mins)the ankle and lower leg swells up to such an extent that the skin hurts and shows stretch marks. As a teacher I spend a great deal of time on my feet so it is rather frustrating. I am informed that it is a case of just finding the correct balance between using it and sitting with it elevated. Who am I to argue?

Tue Nov 14th 2006 08:41:46 PM CST

by Melissa

Hi everyone. On Sept 15, 2006 I fell down 13 steps and spiral fractured my fibula and broke the corner of my tibia. It was 2 weeks before I had surgery and now my incisions are all infected. It is now about 6 weeks after surgery and my incision on one side is laid open to allow infection to drain. The other incision is healing pretty well and has a scab. I too wonder if I will be able to walk again. I have never been injured before and it's hard to rely and depend on everyone. I haven't asked my doctor about removing the plates and screws but after all this infection, I don't want to think about surgery again. BTW, I am 50 years old. I hope everyone has a speedy recovery. Thanks for this website, I will be back.

Sat Nov 18th 2006 01:43:21 PM CST

by consuelo

help!!!!!!!!am losing my mind!!!!!!!! to make long story short: i broke my ankle on june 26 & it took me a while to get a cast (long story) ...anyway i did and when it was removed on august 14 i was in terrible pain though the xrays showed---according to the md-----that the bone has "united".....i went back to work (long commute, standing up for long periods, walking a lot), all in terrible pain from ankle to lower back...then 2 weeks later, i went back to md and he took another xray and said i was fine, that there had been bone union.....finally , by oct. 2, i was convinced that i could no longer continue and i went to another doctor and the xray and mri showed that it was BROKEN (either it had rebroken or had never healed, who knows? right now it doesn't matter because the present is the problem!)so the new md told me to wear a removable boot that works like a cast (can be removed to shower and sleep), continue w/ physical therapy, walk a bit (how much? nobody knows)and use a bone stimulator device. the pain and swelling has stopped, i am on sick leave and i feel fine. this week, i went back to get another xray and the md says that there has been minimal progress and that i have to wear the boot another month...then get another xray and mri and we'll see...of course, he did mention that if this doesn't work, i will have to have surgery. which i dread!!!!!! the bone is just not uniting. any ideas? the md says he can't predict if the bone will unite or not....there's no way of knowing...ok, ok, i find it hard to walk so i don't walk a lot, i am depressed and i am trying to quit smoking (i know it slows bone growth)...i can't concentrate, my relationship is sufferring, i am too depressed to use this time off from work to do my own thing (i am a writer)...i watch too much tv...etc.....i just need some opinions re my condition or any links that might explain why there has been no bone union.......how long is recovery from surgery? maybe i should do it now and forget about another month in boot...am desperate for info / opinions.......hope to hear from someone thanks c.a.

Sun Nov 19th 2006 08:09:05 AM CST

by Jeanie

Consuelo go to www.bohnsack.com and to the ankle progress section and begin there. I also smoke and had to wear my cast 4 extra weeks. What I didn't know was not to drink Coke or Pepsi the phosphuric acid in them works agains your bone healing for almost the first whole six weeks that is what I drank. There are also people in the other place taking a variety of viatimins that may be helpful for you.

Sun Nov 19th 2006 08:09:40 AM CST

by Jeanie

Wed Nov 22nd 2006 12:12:12 PM CST

by consuelo

thanks jeannie! thanks for advice...fortunately i don´t have too much coke! right now i am taking wellbutrin for smoking and am down to like 1/2 to 1 cigarette a day.... also, anyone have any ideas about how much i should be walking¿? yesterday had a long day out and about due to good friend´s health problem...today am in pain so will rest....also, any info on bone stimulator? thanks all / have a good holiday c

Wed Nov 22nd 2006 12:20:51 PM CST

by consuelo

to gary the UK teacher from consuelo the NYC teacher URGENT! i had to stop working...i also had the swelling and the pain and my MD kept saying it´s normal, it´s SO NOT! i got a second opinion from an ankle specialist who did xrays and an mri....well it either refractured or never healed correctly....so, i would get a second opinion, from an ankle specialist, if possible, also mri is crucial.....now things are complicated because i was walking around like you were .... you can read my nov 18 post if you want gory details or just write and ask c

Sun Nov 26th 2006 06:27:06 PM CST

by Nattie

On Oct. 22/06 I fell down a 16 step circular staircast and broke my left ankle. I had surgery on Oct. 24/04 (two metal plates and numerous screws) and my fiberglass cast will be removed on Dec. 5/06. I am told that I will have 3-4 months of physio ahead of me. What I am concerned about is the swelling...will it go down after they remove the cast? Will they give me a removeable cast until I can actually put pressure on my ankle? How long until I can walk without the aid of crutches or a cane? Should I be taking any vitamins? Thanks.

Sun Nov 26th 2006 09:52:05 PM CST

by Chris

To Nattie...wow, that was quite a fall. The swelling used to worry me too. I broke my ankle at the end of April and had surgery ten days later. For me, the swelling was at it's worst when the cast came off. It took quite a while to go down. Even still, I have swelling at the end of the day, but nothing like it used to be. It used to scare the heck out of me but the PT staff kept telling it would go down and it finally did. I was able to put full pressure on my ankle when my walking cast was put on. After that came off, I still had to walk with the aid of two canes for about two weeks, then one cane, then finally none. All in all about four or five weeks before I walked everywhere without a cane. I was in therapy for eight weeks then quit and did the exercises at home...very important to do the exercises, it really helps with the flexibility and the swelling. I would ask the doctor about the vitamins, I didn't start mine up again until the cast came off but I don't know if that's the thing to do or not because I never asked. Good luck to you. Keep looking on this site. A lot of good information...plus it's nice to know you're not alone in all of this.

Tue Nov 28th 2006 05:24:52 PM CST	by snicol
I broke my ankle in 93, had a plate and 9 screws put in and never taken out, I have no physical limitaions whatsoever. I had an epiphany in an otherwise messed up life-JOIN THE ARMY- it said I went to enlist and was rejected due to the metal. My question I have had the metal in 15 years, has anyone had theirs removed after such a time frame??? thanks all dig the site.

Sun Dec 3rd 2006 03:06:36 AM CST

by John Cherek

On Sept. 26/06 I fell off a six foot ladder and broke my right ankle. My doctor did surgery on Oct. 6/06 and put 2 plates and 8 screws in my ankle. It has been 2 months now and I have just started PT and still can not place any weight on the ankle and have pain in my toes. My doctor told me that it would take 12 to 14 weeks before I would regain full mobility I don't think my doctor is telling me the truth. It has already been 8 weeks and I don't go back again to see the doctor for another 3 weeks. Does anybody know how long it will take before I can drive or walk again without any pain.

Tue Dec 5th 2006 11:51:56 PM CST

by Dalila H

To John Cherek: I had a trimallleolar fracture tib/fib and had surgery in December 2005. The figerglass cast was replaced by a walking boot 8 weeks post-op. I was not allowed to put any weight bearing until I had the syndesmosis screw removed (10 weeks post-op).I drove 4 months post-op (manual transmission), but could not walk without crutches. I started PT (3 times/ week) and then noticed rapid improvements. A month later, I was walking (with a slight limp). By July, I was able to resume all my activities with no pain. It is a long time from the day I had surgery, but it does get better. I truly believe that my dedication to PT helped me more than I thought. My surgeon is very conservative, but it has worked with me and from what I read and learnt from others who shared similar experiences, sometimes it is best to work with the time even though it feels like you will never see the end of it. You do see the end of it if you're patient and dedicated to PT as I was. I wish you the best of luck!

Wed Dec 6th 2006 11:51:58 PM CST	by John Cherek
Dalila, Thanks for the help I spoke my doctor today. He said that as long as my next set of xray's look good and have done good with PT. which I have already notice improvement just after one week of PT. My doctor said that I should be walking without crutches by mid January which is about (14 weeks post-op) as he had said.

Thu Dec 7th 2006 12:37:08 AM CST

by Yisel Estrada

Hi everyone, On october 28th I fell down an escalator and fractured my left ankle. I have a metal plate and 8 screws. Is comforting to know that there are others that have gone through the same experience and have recovered or are not giving up. I had my cast removed last week and the doctor told me to write the alphabet in the air to start regaining motion (It's dificult to see that with my left ankle I can only draw lines and circles while my right foot could paint a Picasso). In two more weeks he's going to let me put some weight on the foot and start PS. I guess you go through everything with this, I learned to walk with crutches to use a weelchair to scoop through the floor, to accept help to take a shower! It's hard to say this because it is a depressing situation but I have to say it to believe it What doesn't kill you makes you stronger!

Tue Dec 12th 2006 11:04:18 PM CST

by Kavita Singh

Glad I came across this website. Its comforting to know that there are so many people with similar stories and advice to share. My husband broke both his legs and ankle in a car accident almost 7 years ago while on holiday in Italy. The hospital gave him no records of the procedures or operations, only that he now has a pin / screw in his right ankle and half a plastic right knee cap. The thing is that he gets no pain when weight lifting etc. at the gym, but any prolonged standing or walking causes his ankle to swell up and pain. Anyone else with a similar experience to share?

Tue Dec 19th 2006 03:19:32 PM CST	by Kenneth pote
Hi there, on the 20th Nov I fell and broken my ankle (orif bimalleolar ankle fracture). I have been reading the site, and was wondering if anyone had a place i could read up more about this break and also what is my nest step to recovery. Regards

Sat Dec 23rd 2006 12:51:28 PM CST

by Nattie

To Chris: Thanks for reassurance on the swelling. My cast was taken off on Dec. 5th and I started PT two days later and am still going. The swelling went down considerably after 2 sessions of physio. the swelling is now only at the ankle area. It's difficult for me at this time to walk, I am experiencing pins/needles sensation in my great toe every time I put weight on it. My family physician and physiotherapist thought perhaps I had broken my great toe during the fall and with the pain mainly in the ankle, it was never detected until now. I had it x-rayed this past Thursday and it's not broken...I am thankful that is not the case but then again the pain in my great toe was not really diagnosed. I was told it could be nerve damage or simple an accumulation of callouses, which I was given a cream to massage into the area three times a day...I am wondering if anyone has had, or is having, similar sensation of pins/needles in their toes when putting weight onto it??? Thanks!

Sat Dec 23rd 2006 08:40:40 PM CST

by Chris

Hi Nattie, me again...I don't have the sensation of pins and needles in my big toe but I sure do have pain there. It's actually pretty much the only thing that keeps me from walking normal. When I roll my foot to take a step, it really hurts. The doctor told me it's probably arthritis but I didn't have any problem with it at all before my fall so I don't think it's that. The next time I go in, I'm going to push for him to take a closer look at that. Glad to hear you're doing better though and the swelling isn't a problem anymore. Good Luck and Happy Holidays.

Mon Dec 25th 2006 10:39:24 AM CST	by Nattie
Hi Chris...sorry to hear that you are also experiencing pain when walking. I wonder if nerves were damaged during the surgery? Not sure what can be done for that, if anything. Have them take a closer look at it for sure. Happy Holidays to you too and good luck as well. : )

Tue Dec 26th 2006 08:43:44 AM CST

by George

Hi all, I fractured my lower fibula and tore tendons and ligaments back in October 31st. I had one metal plate, eight screws and one pin. It was the result of mountainboarding (a dangerous sport similar to snowboarding)and a severe collision with another rider. I had my cast removed on the 11th December and I am still using my crutches to hobble around. It is slowly getting better, the more use I give it. scar tissue is the worst enemy, usually caused by not moving the joint so my advice is to try and move it (start little by little) with plantar flexions/extensions and inversion/eversion excersises. IT WILL GET BETTER.

Tue Dec 26th 2006 10:48 PM CST

by Michele Rogers

Hello all!. I literally broke my foot off my leg, broke by tib and fib in 04. I continue to go through period of pure hell. Continues to get worse. Now, i can no longer put any weight on my ankle and am on cruthes. X rays show I have healed, but swelling is 3x my other ankle, severe pain and discoloration, mostly purple/blue. Many would say, go to doc, and I have but my prob is that i got MRSA 5x after previos surgery. If xrays show healing, any ideas on what is wrong with me. I have long plate, and 10 screws. I look like Ky Derby Winner Barbaro ( I live less than three miles form where he was born:)

Sat Dec 30th 2006 04:59:38 AM CST	by Stephen Bruner
I am currently in a fixator for the right tibia and fibia,I am into my 4th week.Its the worst and best surgery I have ever had. The saving mental grace is that I am lucky to have only one and there are many others with much worse situations.

Sun Dec 31st 2006 01:30:52 AM CST

by Adam

while attempting to jump a gap using my skateboard that lets just say, no mother should ever see, I broke my Fibula bone and tore a tendon that caused the Tibia to shift and leave a large gap between the Tibia and the Talus bone. I had to get a plate with 8 screws placed on my Fibula. I am about 3 weeks after post op and seem to be coming along nicely. I am not allowed to put weight down on it yet but I feel like I am close. I think the bone itself will be okay. What concerns me most is the tear I took to the tendon. It took A LOT longer for the swelling to go down where the tendon is located then the rest of the leg. In fact it is still slightly swolen. I did not see much above talking about recovery time/results on any tears. If anyone has a story please share. You stay classy.

Wed Jan 3rd 2007 01:48:53 PM CST	by Amy
It has been almost 4 weeks since I suffered my tri malleolar fracture. I am going in for x rays and to see the surgeons tomorrow. the last few days I have been experiencing some odd pain around the incision sites, stinging and burning sensations, I am in a cast so I have no idea what it looks like. Does anyone know what they do when they remove your post-op cast?

Wed Jan 3rd 2007 03:27:35 PM CST

by Chris

Amy...I used to get some very intense pain around my incision too, it would come and go. I asked about it and was told that it was probably healing pain. The ligaments and bones are mending. In my case, that's what it was. I remember being worried about it though because it really used to hurt. I was in a cast for eight weeks and I can't remember for sure but this might be the time for you when they will pull the staples. Actually, it's a relief to have them out. It doesn't hurt, every once in a while there might be a pinch but it goes quickly. They know what they're doing. Only thing I would advise is don't be afraid to ask them anything that worries you. It's bad enough to have the physical pain without all the mental anguish. Good Luck to you and let us know how your doctor visit goes.

Thu Jan 4th 2007 11:35:21 AM CST	by John
Hi all...On Nov. 17th 06 I broke my tibia and fibula while jumping off a 6ft high ledge. Anyways, I have 8 screws and a plate now, this is going on my 8th week. I've been able to put weight on it for the last 6 days, with the help of crutches. The pain seems to go away a little more everyday but I seem to be limping and my foot still seems to be a bruised white color.

Fri Jan 5th 2007 11:47:21 AM CST

by Andy Wheeler

A word of encouragement to everybody. It is nearly a year since a broke my ankle (lower fibular fracture with diastasis/sydesmosis screw and plate with 7 screws, I'm 44). I still have the plate in and it is likely to stay there. My ankle still hurt like hell sometimes until about last September. Although it is still stiff, and I do not have normal dorsiflection I can now walk normally without pain, and I can jog...although it does feel stiff and a little sore when jogging. Thinking about taking-up tennis and maybe 5 a-side football. Those who are in the early stages, work hard at it and you will feel the benefits later I can assure you!!!

Sun Jan 7th 2007 05:29:20 PM CST	by S Sellars
I am schedule for surgery this Thursday to remove 2 plates and several screw from my lower left leg... (Skiing accident 2/2004) I was wondering if anyone has had this surgery and how was the recovery? I am getting very concerned about being under again... Advanced thanks for your input. Shelley

Mon Jan 8th 2007 04:37:18 PM CST	by Jane
Has anyone had their hardware removed and how are you doing? I think of it often as I do experience pain and limited mobility at times after 2.5 years. My injury is very similar to the pictures above. The longer screws in the middle of my ankle are what bothers me. Alot of numbness. Thanks

Mon Jan 15th 2007 03:03:58 AM CST

by Jackie T.

I had a terrible accident on Oct. 17, 2006. I hydroplaned off of the interstate (due to a car swerving into my lane) and hit a tree. I had a compound fracture and had surgery on the 18th of Oct. My fibia snapped, I fractured my right ankle, damaged my talus, and crushed the left side of the same ankle. My surgery took more hours than usual because my doctor said that my ankle was crumbled so badly that he had to try to put the pieces back together. He said it was like putting together a puzzle; and he still could not put all the pieces back together. I am so depressed and have gained a lot of weight. I was able to get a walking boot last week, after 2 1/2 months in a wheelchair. I still cannot walk in the walking boot without feeling severe pain. I am still experiencing a lot of swelling and wonder when it will stop swelling. The doctor stated that it can swell up to a year. How encouraging is that? I started therapy on last week and the therapist stated that I will never regain full flexibility in my foot. This is very depressing to me. My doctor stated that if you do not use your ankle for a certain period of time, you can develop some type of stiffness disease. Has anyone ever heard this before? I am a teacher and desperately want to go back to work, but I cannot drive until I can get some flexibility to my right foot. Is anyone else experiencing this type of problem? What am I going to do to get this weight off, if I cannot exercise properly? I can eat healthier and stop eating junk just because I am depressed, but I need to run! Did I mention that I have a 7 month old baby girl and it is not healthy for me to be in this state of depression. Help!

Tue Jan 16th 2007 03:22:04 AM CST

by Kathy

HEY!! Whoa I skimmed through these pages of stories, truly remarkable. My accident was Dec. 29th and i got the surgery done on Jan9th. It's about a week since my surgery and I'm starting to feel bored and anxious for it to be over with(wishful thinking i know!) And I had a question about SLEEPING positions- is it true that while sleeping your toes should be pointed up and you obviously always on your back? I was trying that earlier and i couldnt sleep!! i want to sleep from SIDE to SIDE (which i did lastt night by accident) but i need to know if thats OK and if it won't mess up the healing processs.. any advice for a beginner would be greatly needed and appreciated =) Thanks a bunch! <3

Wed Jan 17th 2007 10:02:32 AM CST

by Celia Wickham

What a great web site! I'm acutally not an ankle person but I fell down the stairs on 28 December and smashed my cuboid bone in my foot into 5 pieces. They can't operate at the moment as its such a mess but I may need to have corrective surgery once the inital healing has taken place. However, all you ankle people must have experience of the dreaded fibreglass cast? I've got 3 more weeks of this and its driving me nuts. My leg swells up at night and it feels like I'm having my blood pressure taken for hours at a time. I've tried ice and painkillers but nothing really works. In the mornings its not too bad as I have been horizontal for a few hours. Any ideas or similar nightmare cast stories to share? Thanks,

Wed Jan 17th 2007 10:04:25 AM CST

by Celia Wickham

Wed Jan 17th 2007 10:05:01 AM CST

by Pee Wee

Wed Jan 17th 2007 12:30:38 PM CST

by cookie

I have been keeping up with this message board for a while. I broke my right ankle in 2 places while on vacation. Fell down a spiral staircase. Had my first fiberglass cast put on 6/1/2006. Plate and 6 screws on outside of leg and 2 BIG screws on the inside. I know about the depression it set in real quick. I am a goer and a doer and I also drive a school bus for a living. Missed driving summer school and missed the first 10 wks of school. I had 5 different fiberglass casts and the darth vadar boot before it was all over with. I just could not or would not master the crutches so spent a lot of time in the wheel chair. Husband was wonderful. worked during day and came home to take care of me at nite, dinner, laundry. Did 6 wks of PT. This past Dec 27, 2006 had the 2 big screws removed. Hurting to bad so out they came, the other hardware remains. Now the ankle bone area is a little swollen and red and stiff. Is this normal? I still am limping a little but not as much before the screws came out.

Wed Jan 17th 2007 02:05:21 PM CST

by Amy

I fell skimboarding on vacation and had a bimalleolar communuted fracture of my right ankle. I had surgery - a plate and 7 screws on one side and 2 big screws on the other side. It has been 6 mos. and my ankle still hurts like hell. I've been through 25 sessions of physical therapy and I can walk but not well; touching the site hurts inside and I'm having a consult next week to have the metal removed. I am having serious anxiety about another operation, but I really want to feel normal again. When does this injury and subsequent healing stop being the center of your world?? I am so miserable and I cry a lot. I want one day to go by without me thinking about my ankle or walking or falling....no patience left!!

Wed Jan 17th 2007 07:24:50 PM CST

by Cookie

Amy: I know the feeling about wanting to cry and I did let myself cry-several times- my injury was in Mid May of 2006 and it is now Jan 2007 and I still have some discomfort, but not nearly as much as before. The big screws were giving me grief especial at night, and I was limping. I found that by shoving a small pillow up under the blankets all the way to the foot of the bed to make a "tent" really helped releive some of the pain the the weight of the blankets did on my right foot. I found on the internet special wraps, one that has a removable ice pack HELPS. I personal am glad that I had the screws removed. Having the surgery is a personal decision and only you can make it. Most have it done under a local, I am a BIG CHICKEN and was put under. I walked out of the out patient center. No wheel chair no crutches. It does get better a little at a time, a little each day.

Thu Jan 18th 2007 01:03:07 PM CST

by cookie

celia: look on internet auction sites(I bought mine on eBay) a cyro-therapy unit. This looks alot like a small cooler that you put ice in and has various type pads. The pad is attached to the cooler by way of tubing. The cooler is then plugged into the wall. The unit then will provide continous ice therapy. Look for DonJoy, EB Ice, or Breg Polar Care. All great products. I wouldn't use it all nite (overnite) but for several hours before bed. Keep leg up WAY UP use several pillow, get in the recliner if you have one use several pillows but get leg up also in bed at nite, get the leg up.

Thu Jan 18th 2007 11:05:45 PM CST

by Bryan

This is to sherry who asked if waiting 2 weeks after the initial injury for surgery was normal. I broke my ankle on Dec. 7th and slept on it and went to the hospital on the 8th where they reset it. I didnt have my surgery until Dec. 19th (almost 2 weeks later). I have a pin, a plate and 9 screws. About a week after the surgery I went in and they removed the splint and gave me a walking boot. I started PT a week or so after that. Ive only been doing my excercises about 3 days but already my pain is at a minimum and ive noticed a huge difference in flexibility. My ankle is still really stiff where the plate is obviously and probably always will be but im optimistic ill be on my feet in a couple weeks as im already bearing some weight on it without extreme pain. Good luck to your son, hope he also has a seemingly speedy recovery!

Fri Jan 19th 2007 04:52:25 PM CST

by Yisel

I need some help. I had surgery on november 8. I have a metal plate and 8 screws on my tibia. The last time I went to the doctor which was two weeks ago he let me put weight on the foot. I asked him if I needed PT. He said no because I'm young (30) and everythink looked just fine. Now I'm by myself and dont know what to do or if I'm doing the right things. He told me to stretch with a towel and do some other exercises. My foot hurts, it's still stiff, what can I do to streetch my achiles tendon? I've been walking without the boot, I just don't know how much should I do??

Sat Jan 20th 2007 03:33:30 AM CST

by Ron

This site is the greatest, I wish I had known about it earlier during my darkest hours following the bimalleolar fracture of my right ankle on Aug. 29. Fell down the stairs, which seems to be a very common story. I had surgery which resulted in a plate and seven screws, one that will be removed next week. I shutter as I now realize that I have been weight bearing since October 31 and actively participating in a vigorous PT program while there was a chance that this screw could break. Oh well, it just goes to show you that the recovery from a broken ankle may not be an exact science and it appears that many os may need more "bedside manner" skills. They need to realize that many of us just don't know what questions to ask and they need to help us out with more information. If I could change any one thing about how I handled the first month or so following surgery, I would not worry so much about doing something that would affect the healing and pay closer attention to what was causing pain. I believe that I did not move it enough so that when I finally was able to use a walking boot, I had very poor movement and have had to work really hard at PT. I hope removal of the screw between the fibula and tib will lead to better flexion. I am able to walk without a limp as long as I'm wearing shoes, but barefoot is another story. I Amy, I also found that this injury and healing has become a focal point in my life. There are times that I feel rather self-centered and selfish because I think about it so much. And now that I am back at work I continue to talk about it until peoples eyes glaze over. They make the mistake of asking how I'm doing and I tell them, and tell them......I'm convinced that it must be a form of Post Traumatic Stress. I really decided to post because I wanted to encourage Yisel to tell your doctor that you at least want a PT evaluation and their recommendation of what you need. Be firm and very clear that you need direction and don't give up until you get the referral. Good luck.

Sat Jan 20th 2007 01:09:39 PM CST	by Celia Wickham
Cookie: Thanks for the advice. It really helps to get feedback. I don't think I have been keeping the foot up enough. Its kind of inconvenient! Will try. Will also check out the cooler.

Sat Jan 20th 2007 07:59:49 PM CST

by Rory

I broke my leg in two places my tibia and my ankle, which was completely f****d up. And I got a plate and about seven or eight screws. That was 3 and a half years ago and I found out last week in the emergency room that one of the screws is loose! Does anyone have any advice or experience of such an occurence? Its incredibly difficult to walk and I haven't even been seen by an Orthopaedist yet and I dont know if or when I will. Thanks in advance, Rory from Ireland.

Wed Jan 24th 2007 12:10:24 AM CST

by sean

I had a tri-malleor fracture Dec. 2 and a plate and a number of screws inserted. The surgeon took the cast off after two weeks. It's now seven weeks and I'm working with a PT on ROM and will begin walking with a cane next session. Through everything pain has been minimal to non-existent, wounds have healed nicely and there don't seem to be any problems. So far I have kept it elevated most of the time and was driving (left foot on the brake) after one week. Doc says I can play hockey after six months; I'm aiming for three and a half. I'm treating the whole thing as a kind of interesting project and am stubbornly, giddily optimistic. Good luck all!

Wed Jan 24th 2007 12:17:06 AM CST

by Cookie

This has got to be the best spot on the web for info on broken ankles. Like I said earlier I broke my ankle in May of 2006 while on vacation. I too, didnt get to see the Othro surgeon until 5 or 6 days after the fall at which time he reset the ankle and sent me home with a fiberglass cast. This was to allow the swelling to do down so he could operate. A full 11 days after the fall I had surgery to set the leg with 2 big screws on the inside of my ankle and a plate and 6 screws on the outside of my ankle. I had a bad break, a spirial (twisted) break. After reading most of the posts here, I guess my surgeon was a cautious as I did not get the dreaded DARTH VADAR boot until early August but I did start P.T. in July. The one thing I can say and repeat what the OS's (othro surgeon)nurse said, If you are sitting down, get the leg up. Up higher than your heart. I used the 2 king size pillows off my bed. And ice it down. I bought a cryo-therapy unit off Ebay and wrapped my leg-cast and all in a towel and then used the therapy unit. Cant get the cast wet. Also, get a SEAL-TIGHT CAST PROTECTOR. This is much better than having to wrap your leg in handi-wrap each time you want to take a shower. A shower chair is a great asset. If anyone has any questions I will be more than happy to answer you-from my OWN experience. and this one to RORY in Irland-if you haven't gone to doctor yet-go-this is your "quality of life" that is at stake here, get on phone and make a fuss until they get you in to see the doctor just to keep you from calling them everyday. Loose screws is not good.

Wed Jan 24th 2007 05:24:43 PM CST

by Ashley

i broke my ankle about 3 weeks ago... 2 days before classes started back, and let me tell you college campuses are NOT crutches friendly. waaay too many steps (i.e. climbing 4 flights of stairs in a building with NO elevator SUCKS). but luckily i didn't need surgery so i assume i'll recover much faster. does anybody know about how long it'll be before i'll be able to wear heels again? i'm really missing all my cute shoes. and i'm a little upset b/c i don't have a cool story to tell... being dropped while getting a piggy back ride coming home from the bar is not interesting at all. ashley

Thu Jan 25th 2007 01:55:45 PM CST

by misty

Can anyone give me any advise please? I broke my ankle on Jan 6 requiring a plate and 10 screws and have been very depressed. I have a 2 year old son and have not been able to take care of him like I should. I saw the doctor yesterday and was told that I can not put any weight on the ankle until after Feb 22! That it still 4 weeks away. I have a walking boot on and can not ever get my heel to touch the bottom of the boot. Does anyone have any suggestions?

Fri Jan 26th 2007 09:54:51 AM CST

by Yvonne

Hi all... Misty, Hi...I recommend you take Kalms...they are working for me....am in a similar situation...I had a clean break on December 2nd of both tib and fib...I have a metal plate with 10 screws and a long screw....I had to stay in hospital a while before the op. because of swelling, and when i got home, my boyfriend left too!! I have a child to ook after aswell. The doctors removed the cast after 6 weeks and have told me nothing else...I can't walk at all...my leg swells really badly as though it's going to explode and turns a blue/purple colour, which is pretty but not on my ankle,but the pain has gone now...and I can stand... anyway...I became very depressed upon losing both my independence and boyfriend(not such a great loss)I was also having panic attacks...I couldn't stay at home, so my daughter and I moved in with my parents... I went to the doctor...she offered me Tamazipan(don't know if i've spelt that right)but I didn't want to go down that path...so she suggested kalms...trust me, they will help...and there is light at the end of the tunnel...if you think you'd prefer something stronger..I suggest St Johns Wart...they're non addictive, as are the Kalms...because they're herbal....Try to focus on something that you're going to do

Mon Jan 29th 2007 03:36:37 AM CST

by Kelly

Ashley - if you do have a class in a building with no elevator, you can sometimes petition to have the class moved to another room which is more accessible for you. Usually, in order to comply with ADA regulations, they'll have to comply. Of course, requesting this could be a lot of work, I'm not really sure... but I can see how difficult it would be and if it does really start to bother you, it's something to consider. Unfortunately, I can't offer any advice on the rest though. Get well soon!

Mon Jan 29th 2007 09:44:59 PM CST	by Lisa
I broke my ankle on June 30, 2006, had a split for two weeks, then surgry. I had a cast for 30 days. Then a walking boot. Now im walking but I have a limp. How long will this last?

Tue Jan 30th 2007 10:30:41 AM CST

by Chris K

Lisa...I had surgery on May 10 and was in a caast for eight weeks. On occasion, I still limp though it's usually when I've been on my feet all day. Exercising the ankle is very important. To anyone who had the hardware removed....I am doing battle with myself about having the hardware taken out. The doctor said it's completely up to me and I don't know what to do. I still get a little swelling at night and sometimes my ankle is stiff. I just don't want a problem sometime down the line. What are the pros and cons to this surgery? Thank you.

Wed Jan 31st 2007 06:13:03 PM CST

by Ron

Lisa-You didn't mention how many bones were involved in your ankle break and if you had alot of ligament damage. That will determine some of the timelines. My doctor said it takes about ayear to tell what full flexibility you'll have. I'm starting my sixth month after breaking both ankle bones. When wearing shoes, I still limp on occasion if I'm tired and definitely limp without them. I've been told that it's necessary to continue with your exercises every day because the muscles and ligaments can begin to tighten up again. If you haven't been getting PT, I suggest that you get an evaluation of where you are and what you need to do to get more flexible. Good luck.

Sun Feb 4th 2007 04:07:16 AM CST

by KPote

I slipped and fell and caused a bimalleolar ankle fracture. I had the operation that most of you have had too and the plate with 9 screws. My ankle is swellon almost double the side too. So I went recently to a Sports Theropist and he worked my ankle and foot for the swelling. He also advised me to buy a pro-sport ankle sock, an elastic one. I have put in on and unbelievabliy the swelling is honestly going down. I could not believe it i am so impressed. For the UK people you can buy them at Boots or Tesco...called Pro-sport. it's about £8.00 I can even feel that I am walking better. Good Luck all

Fri Feb 9th 2007 01:50:48 PM CST

by Deb

WOW-What a site(sight)!! I have read over many of the comments, and we all seem to be going through some similar stuff- my story: slipped on ice at a car dealership on jan 2,2007, sent to er by ambulance, surgery on jan 4,2007, in a fiberglass cast until yesterday, now in a boot, only one BIG problem with all this, I live by myself, and I am 5 ft two and 200 pds, I do NOT bend in the middle, so I can't put the boot on! called the Dr-not much help there- there is so much more to this story. I ended up calling the home care/hospice agency that took care of my mom(she lived with me the last two years of her life, and she passed away Dec 5,2006). The nurse I spoke with gave me hope that maybe the Dr will prescribe physical therapy for me, and they may be able to help me- my insurance may even cover it- I hope so- because today I AM DEPRESSED!

Tue Feb 13th 2007 11:31:26 PM CST

by Nicki

A little too much jagermister and a couple of steps=a metal plate and 6 screws in my left ankle. Im having a problem though.... I had this surgery in march of last year so 11 months ago, and now im pretty positive one of the screws is being regected, you can see a bump and everything. my problem is i still owe money for all the medical bills because i had really crappy insurance. has anyone had a screw do this, and how seriously should i take this. about how much time do you think i have before i should get it removed? if you have any info email me nickiyaknow@yahoo.com. i would greatly appreciate a response from someone who has had this happen!!!

Fri Feb 16th 2007 06:45:33 PM CST

by Peggy

I too broke my ankle. It looks like my xray you have showing. I missed steps on Oct. 8th. and had surgery on the 10th. I ended up with a flesh eating infection and was on antiobotics for two months. My incesion just finaly healed and stopped draining in Dec. The doctor said all is healed and I saw him the 31st. of Jan. and don't have to see him again. I have no health insurance and so I am not going to PT I am trying to get my foot working on my own. Just my hospital bill alone was over $17,000 and I have more bills from it yet too. The hospital got real hateful with me over only paying $100 a month. I told her it was that or nothing, the choice was theirs! I am walking with a cane now and still have swelling by evening. I have been using a step thing to pull the ankle muscle loose that the doctor said is froze now since I wasn't allowed to put any weight on it for 3 months. The first few days it hurt like mad after doing the step thing but it no longer hurts but I can't tell that it has helped the movement any either. I am concerened that I will never walk right again!I walk all over my house and I can get out now and use my cane at stores when I go in, but I am in pain all night when I do walk a long time. Any information on walking getting better I will appreciate. I am almost 58 and this is the first time I have ever broken anything! Just hope better days are still to come.

Fri Feb 16th 2007 08:47:53 PM CST

by Dew

Hi Peggy, The best advice I've gotten is to try not to limp. I had a weber b fracture to my left ankle, and have six screws and a plate. I'm healing well clinically, but it's slow going. I'm debating taking the hardware out, and haven't found a straight answer as to how long I can expect to be off work etc. I'm still on modified work after surgery in September, but I'm riding my bike some, and doing water running. Any healing times post-hardware removal helpful

Fri Feb 16th 2007 08:48:07 PM CST

by Dew

Sun Feb 18th 2007 12:26:53 PM CST

by BJ

I'm 59 and slipped on the ice on Jan 28 and broke the fibula down close to my ankle. Lucky me..no surgery required. Doc immediately put me in the dreaded heavy cast boot. Was told not to use that leg for 2 weeks and used a walker to hop around on the other leg. Impossible to go up and down stairs so I've been off work. Went back to orthopedic doc last Wed and he said break still is looking good with no surgery required. He now says I must wear the boot for 4 more weeks but can start putting pressure and walking with the boot and walker. He sent me on my way with no PT or assistance as to how to walk on this rocking boot! There is so much pain that I must take pain pill before I start walking. I'm afraid that after only 3 weeks of healing this pressure may damage or slow down the healing process. I need someone farther along in the recovery process to tell me if I should just go easy and not walk too much on that leg...or just try to ignore pain and use it as much as possible to heal faster. I am nearly out of paid sick days and need to return to work. I'm just not sure how I will endure the pain and work too. I am also currently using a wheelchair to get around the house in between my practice walking sessions. Should I request some PT? Is all this pain normal...my lower leg is black and blue and my foot still swells from the injury. I'll be so glad when spring arrives!

Sun Feb 18th 2007 02:19:26 PM CST

by Ron

Hi Peggy and BJ-I am 60 so feel a kinship with the two of you and want to assure you that you will get stronger. The early days are a roller coaster of depression, frustration and sometimes, isolation. Peggy--I agree that it seems that the healing takes longer than you ever imagined at the beginning of this journey. And a journey it is. Have you gone to the website HealBrokenBone? There is an exercise section there that has great descriptions of exercises you can do. The actual healing of the bones is the first step in the process--I'd say the biggest hurdle is getting the muscles, tendons, etc. back to where they were. I am going into my sixth month following my surgery and continue with an exercise routine (at home)twice a day followed by icing. My PT has said that increased pain is a sign to sit down and elevate and pushing through it is't the best thing. Also, make sure you are using the cane correctly. I was back to work at 3 mos but have realized that I still need to take the time to continue with exercising and sometimes I'm limping by the end of the day. My OS has told me it will take up to a year. I've heard others say that walking and exercising in a pool was helpful. Also, maybe you need to wear some kind of support on your ankle. Just keep your resolve,you will get through this. BJ--My advice on the boot is to be sure that you are wearing a shoe on the good foot that is on the same height as the boot. What you don't want to do is have an uneven gait or you can cause pressure on the knee and hip. How lucky for you that you didn't need surgery. However, my advice is to at least get a PT evaluation. They are a wealth of knowledge and can advise you how to progress with partial weightbearing without doing too much. You can also learn techniques to take those stairs and exercises to do at home (or work). It does feel great to be upright, doesn't it! You eventually will do this without alot of pain so keep positive and continue moving forward. It might seem like small steps to you, but try not to get discouraged. Take good care to you both.

Thu Feb 22nd 2007 09:22:07 PM CST

by John Gallo

I broke my ankle in two places over 20 years ago and have a 2" plate and 13 screws just above the joint. I started to have severe pain about 6 months ago and x rays show that the ankle joint has worn out and they advise me to either have it fused or replace with artifical ankle. This is very expensive I'm told and I have no insurance. I don't wanna loose all motion in my foot but the pain is getting unbearable. Any suggestions or advise?

Tue Feb 27th 2007 03:50:18 PM CST

by Marlena

What a great site to find and suddenly feel like part of a little community! All with the same probs... To start off with i'll say...i'm a 26yr old female from the UK. On Monday 8th January 2007 morning at 6:30am I left the house and was just about to go over the grass verge (just opposite the path by our terraced houses)... to get to the car and leave for work. Unfortunately I managed to slip in the mud and when my left ankle hit the pavement it fractured and dislocated. Sooner or lae a paramedic ambulance arrived, and seconds later another ambulance to take me to hospital in Cambridge - where i coincidently work!!!. After many x-rays in A&E I was told what a good job I had done with my ankle - in pieces. I had to have an operation that night, and they kept me for 4 days. My ankle is being held together by 1 metal plate, a bolt screw and 9 other screws. I had my fibreglass cast removed 2 weeks ago and luckily the scar on one side had healed nicely, on the other it's a little bit tender still. The heel really stung as the dry skin on there made it all cracked, but i must say the 'Flexitol Heel Balm' is brilliant if you too have that problem. As for the dry skin found under the cast...i'm sure you've been told to moisturise regularly day and night - i have been using 'Aqueous and Calamine Cream' for the rest of the foot and up the leg and that's starting to look good too. 2 weeks on now from the cast removal and i'm being admitted to just have the 1 bolt screw removed on Friday 2nd March 07, hopefully all will be okay to just have it under local)... but i am so nervous!! Now, wonder how long it will be before i can return to work again......

Wed Feb 28th 2007 02:15:22 PM CST

by Anna

Nice to see I'm not alone! Marlena - you sound similar to me, although I did mine on the 11.12.06. Dislocation and 2 fractures at ankle joint. 1plate with 9 screws, 3 bolts on other side, and a diastasis screw in joint too. In hospital almost 2 weeks, needed 2nd op to close wound. No plaster as ankle was too swollen. Been up and partial weight bearing from 6 weeks post op, but diastasis screw removal not till 14.3.07, am also concerned about how soon i'll be back on feet, as no one will tell me! - mine will be under general in day unit. more scared for this than the other 2 now! am also itching to get back to work too!

Wed Feb 28th 2007 10:05:13 PM CST

by Ron

Marlena and Anna---I've been back to work since 3 mos.following bimalleolar fracture with dislocation--had a plate on one side, a screw on the other; as well as a diastasis screw. Mine (diastasis) was removed 5 months post fracture on a Thursday in the outpatient surgery with a local and sedative and left the unit walking after about four hours. I was back to work on the following Monday. It was really quite easy and I only had one suture. My instructions were "activity as tolerated". I was pleasantly surprised how easy it was in relation to everything else we have to go through in the healing process. I have experienced some increased instability following the removal, but it is gradually strengthening to what it was before. I have better flexion now that it's been removed. You're lucky that you're scheduled this early in your recovery so that it won't hinder your regaining range of motion. By best of luck to you both.

Thu Mar 1st 2007 07:03:56 AM CST

by Marlena

Nice to get replies.. Anna - I myself have not yet been told i can weight bear. And although i cannot wait to get back to work, i'm dreading it due to a few things: ..Will not be able to drive in, have to get a lift ..Problems getting in and out of the house due to a high threshold to the house and big step out after that. .. The road outside our house where my lift would wait, would have to be gotten to over the grassy verge where i slipped. I won't be able to manage that, and will be too scared. .. I'm currently not on crutches, i have a zimmer frame as i feel more stable with it. So will probably only start learning to use the crutches more... Arrggghhhh Ron - Did you say you returned to work after 3 months off? i didn't quite understand that a bit (perhaps cos my blonde streaks haven't yet faded out completely). I'm stunned you walked out of surgery - wow! Surely that was painful? So i take it you went back to work on crutches? Bet that was hard.. and you probably couldn't do all things you usually do. I'm awaiting a call to say a bed is available for me today, and transport should be picking me up, so they can help me out the house etc. Anna & Ron - I take it you are both from the UK?

Thu Mar 1st 2007 11:37:02 PM CST

by Ron

Marlena--I live in Calif. My decision to return to work was based on my ability to drive, full weight bearing and off narcotic meds. I used a walker until 6 weeks post op, then 2 weeks in a walking boot (often using the walker). I was able to start going without the boot and walker at 8 weeks and it took another month before I could even think about returning to work. By then I could walk unassisted, but the gait was stiff and I often limped. Even then, I found that it was all I could do to not fall into bed directly after getting home. I wish I had waited longer because my walking was SO SLOW and stamina non existent. It was sometimes hard to concentrate. It was a real shock to me that it was taking so long to heal--silly me, I thought 2 or 3 months would do it! From what I gather, no two people are alike in their healing because there are so many variables, even with a similar injury. I kept wanting to be told when I could expect certain milestones, but no one would commit themselves. In the UK, it seems that the pratice is to avoid any weightbearing until the screw is out. Once out, it can be a few weeks before you're allowed to partial weight bear. But once that happens, progress will probably be more rapid than you imagine. Try to keep your spirits up, at about this time the frustation and sometimes depression really kicks in. I just hated hopping around on one leg and having it a major production just to get out of the house. Stairs were almost impossible and resorting to sliding up on the posterior was often the case. Of course, you have to do that when no one is looking because it is quite the sight. And then there's the fear that something will go wrong and it will happen again. Sound familiar? Anyway, I wanted to assure you that this too shall pass. I used to hate it when people said that to me, but as a fellow "ankler" I feel I can say that and you won't take offense. This is getting terribly long, so I'll stop. Because of the time difference, you probably are on your way to surgery about now. Hope all goes well as you can continue on this journey that we all share.

Fri Mar 2nd 2007 01:54:05 PM CST	by anonymous
I got surgery on my ankle three years ago and I got the pins removed last year. I still do not have full range of motion in my ankle and it is really inhibiting my workouts. Someone out there must have found a way to get the full range of motion back, so if anyone has any ideas, please let me know.

Sat Mar 3rd 2007 09:58:40 AM CST

by Anna

Sounds promising then! Marlena, hope the surgery went well, and yes i'm in the uk too. I've had differing opinions on the surgery, but mainly because of my situation. I live in the midlands, work with medics, and spent my time avoiding any med students i many have taught when I was in hospital! My consultant there said diastasis screw out in 6-8 weeks post op, then I could weight bear, and the remaining metal work out in next 2-5 years - before I'm 35. About 6 years ago I had a similar fall and broke tib and fib beneath knee cap on same leg, no surgery required, and realised then that victorian terrace's are no place to be hopping around, so have returned to my parents to be looked after, whilst working as much as possible from there. I too found a zimmer much safer for my drug induced instability - as well as crawling on ones hands and knees - I have no shame, its quicker! lol Since I'm here, and thanks to some local friends who are consultants at hospital, I've managed to seemlessly change health authorities, and my consultant here said nonsense to the d.s coming out so early, but said it was fine to weight bear at 5.5 weeks as I was all mended. I have a fairly decent range of movement atm, but am religously doing my exercises - also have rather bendy limbs - hence my life time of tumbles! Took me almost 2 years to get over my fear of slipping last time, and I suspect I'll be worse this time, already have bad panic attacks and flash backs thinking about getting back to the gym - I slipped in the pool area. Some what gutting seeing it's taken me a while to build up a fairly high level of fitness, and now its all gone! Did manage 3.5 hrs of shopping yesterday tho, although shattered today! As I don't know what's going to happen post surgery atm, I'm trying to get some fitness back now, and do as much as I can. Physio has said it will be a couple of steps backwards, but that I'll soon be taking giant steps forward, just hope he isn't trying to appease me! For basic movement, I've found pilates to be excellent, have been doing that since I came out of hospital - started with floor work, then 1 legged standing, and now back to 2 legs - although balancing on bad one is out of question atm. I've also found that swimming helps, even if it is traumatic getting as far as the water! Been practising the hopping, just in case I'm NWB post op. Sitting on the yellow pages and shuffling around is also much more fun!

Sun Mar 4th 2007 04:28:10 AM CST

by Marlena

Thanks for your posts Ron and Anna. Just to update you...transport came to get me just after 1pm on Thursday (as otherwise they would have had to pick me up on Friday to get me to hosp for 7am - impossible, considering they start work 8-9am). Anyway, my surgery was on the Friday, theatre staff came to get me at 3.30pm and after 4pm i was back on the ward. I had the screw taken out under local anaesthetic, and before leaving theatre my surgeon said i can go home, although i had to wait until the evening for my hubby to get back from work etc etc. Anyway i was at home at 8pm that Friday. Just like you Anna, all my work colleagues/friends are either doctors, nurses, therapists, surgeons or admin staff. I myself am a Medical Secretary & Information Officer on 7yrs... my surgeon is friends with the consultant i work for and i first met him when he first started work at the hosp a few years back, so i knew i was in safe hands, plus we had a good laugh in theatre...with him threatening to bop around to Abba! He's told me i'm allowed to start trying to weight bear!! So far i have only stood up whilst leaning against something, to check if it'll hurt. Well it doesn't hurt, and i guess that it's because the screw has been removed, but i'm still too worried about trying to put weight on it properly, hopefully will get daring during the next few days!! The rest of my screws and plate will be left in for life unless they cause me any problems, and therefore I shall now be called the 'bionic woman'. The aim of the game now is to be 'safe' before I can resume a nearly normal life again!.. I cannot drive until I'm confident enough with the foot...which I wouldn't dream of anyway for now... although oh how I want to!! From what the consultant i have worked for (for 7 years so far), specialises in, i can tell you all that an ankle injury like most of us has suffered will not REALLY return to normal on the inside for 12-18months. So with that thought in mind, let's all be careful in what we do and avoid comng back to square 1. Keep hopping and shuffling guys xxx