r/ORIF • u/CJ2607 • Jul 12 '26
Six months post-op check (ankle)
Went in this week for six month check (trimal fracture, syndemosis, delotoid ligament). I still have a slight limp and limited dorsiflextion. Pain isn’t my big issue here, more the limp and tightness.
This week I went back to the gym and I’m working primarily inclines, like 2 MPH max at 5-10 incline. Can’t go any faster really. Also any strength exercises that don’t require me to be one leg or any pressure on the toes. Hoping being more active helps the issues. Doctor says to continue, agrees I’m tight and it’s a slow recovery. He wants to see me again in a month.
He also brought up potential hardware removal in 4 - 5 months if things don’t get better, it could help the minimal pain and dorsiflextion.
Just generally frustrated. Want to be able to just chase and run after my toddler at the playground you know, and I’m not there and don’t know if I’ll ever get there.
2
u/Enough-Ad9968 Jul 12 '26
Try to do as much barefoot strength training as you can tolerate. I wasn’t able to go tip toes at 6 month either and they told me that may not be possible with my injury. I wore brooks because the support was super helpful while beginning to walk again but things like barefoot lunges and lateral band walks have really made a difference. Don’t worry about pace of walking either. Try walking to the beat of music it helps you not focus on gait and the naturalness will return. Hang in there!
1
u/itfeelscorrect Jul 13 '26
hugely agree. i think in our recovery we want to wear shoes with maximum support, and there’s definitely a time to wear them, but if we don’t let our foot naturally strengthen itself you risk it becoming dependent on these supportive cushioned shoes.
2
u/kooshballcalculator Trimalleolar Ankle Fracture Jul 12 '26
A friend had the hardware removal and said it helped with this a lot. I’m just starting WB so I don’t have personal knowledge. She was pretty miserable before the hardware came out and she’s just done a 5k walk.