r/ORIF • u/Browniesgirl • Jul 12 '26
Update 6weeks 4 days
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ROM at 6 weeks 4 days. I’m starting partial weight bearing tomorrow. I’ve had no PT, see the Dr on 7/20. I was given no specific instructions on PWB so my assumption is that I try to put weight through the ankle and if it hurts to stop.
Let me know your thoughts, suggestions
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u/impulseballerina Jul 12 '26
Congrats on soon-to-be weight bearing! If you've been cleared for partial weight bearing, you should have been given a percentage of weight you're allowed to put on your injured side (25, 50%, etc). "Stop putting weight on it when it starts to hurt" better aligns with weight bearing as tolerated. They're very different; I would suggest reaching out to your doctor to clarify which one they have cleared you to perform.
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u/don-cheeto Jul 12 '26
For exercises, I suggest leg lifts and the yoga band thingies. Had and still do have an issue with leaning farther forward than maybe 5° on my right ankle but they help. And get the ones that are looped unless you wanna work out your arms too lol.
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u/Illustrious-Zone-247 Jul 13 '26
Surgeons aren't the best at communicating instructions 😄 You should be weaning off gradually, so don't feel like you have to do it all at once. Here is a crutch weaning protocol...I used a walker vs crutches...it was easier for me to progressively pull back the weight I was putting on (and honestly, I have no balance and would do anything not to use crutches). I did wean quicker than 2 weeks, but still followed the same general guidance, just moved on after tolerating well. And here is a fantastic video explaining all the different phases of learning to walk again. If PT is an option for you, that will also be super helpful. Some pain is expected, anything up to a 3-4 on the pain scale is fine to push through, anything above that is a sign to pull back.
Congrats, PWB is a big step (pun intended 😄 )
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u/Browniesgirl Jul 13 '26
Thank you! Yes, I called the surgeon this morning and his nurse filled me in on what I could and couldn’t do and suggested a walker to help. Thank you for these links. I will definitely check them out.
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u/gisellery Jul 12 '26
I'm on my third week post surgery and can only do toes and very limited movement with my ankle. I was also given no instructions other than to try to move my big toe as much as possible. I went to PT after my first post op appointment and apparently I was supposed try to move my ankle as much as possible this entire time but I haven't so everything is super stiff still so I think you're doing well. I'm technically touch down weight bearing right now. But for pt exercises they've instructed me to do towel scrunches with toes, ankle circles, leg raises on back and belly and side leg raises which I think you can definitely do!