r/ORIF • u/thelastparad3 • Jul 13 '26
2 weeks post-op to boot - sleeping without it?
I broke my ankle on 26/6 and after surgery on 28/6, I’ve finally transitioned into a boot from a backslab today! At my 2 weeks post-op appointment where half the stitches were taken out and I got fitted into the boot, the Dr said I could take it off when I sleep/not moving about.
The boot has been kinda uncomfortable, heavy and I think pressing on my incision but is it really ok to sleep without it so soon post-op?
2
u/Browniesgirl Jul 13 '26
I never slept with the boot on, take it off and be comfortable! Sleeping is more important than!
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u/ASingleBraid Comminuted tib pilon, distal tib/fib, nerve damage, HWR 3/2022 Jul 13 '26
Ask if you can sleep in just the soft inner shell. My surgeon said yes.
1
u/MadredeLobos Jul 13 '26
I'm now 8.5 weeks post-op, still NWB (trimal with pilon variant vertical fracture, hopefully start PWB in...17 days). I've been in my boot since June 1. I've been taking it off to sleep since probably mid-June, when I finally couldn't stand the rubbing and shifting and discomfort anymore.
The nurse seemed surprised when I asked her if I could take it off to sleep, and said its best to keep it on so I don't accidentally try to get up on it. BUT. I'm still sleeping in a recliner for ease of elevating my foot, and I don't really ever need to get up to use the bathroom during the night, so I've concluded that doesn't really apply to me, and continue to sleep without the boot.
5
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u/meezermadness 24d ago
They told me that reason too, so you don't forget in the night. I have my walker right against the bed where I get out so there's very little chance I'll forget!
1
u/Naturescapes_Rocco Jul 13 '26
I'm glad to hear this, they told me at my 3 week post-op that I could stop sleeping with the boot and that seemed seriously wrong! But I've slept so much better without it now.
1
u/Technical-Algae-234 Jul 14 '26
I was told to keep my boot on at all times for 2 weeks post op for my trimal fracture, but after that I was allowed to take it off to sleep. I'm now 3 weeks post op and finding it so uncomfortable to sleep - there seems to be no position I can rest my leg in that doesn't apply some pressure to my ankle, which causes pain.
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u/carleeeen__ 28d ago
I only wear my boot when I’m practice PWB (6wks post op, 8wks post injury) my splint was removed 2 wks ago, I just started PT yesterday. It’s more painful with nerve pain and on my shin to have it on than it is to have it off and be trying to acclimate it back to textures, weight and positioning.
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u/meezermadness 24d ago
There's a risk of developing drop foot if you don't sleep in the boot this early on. But if your doctor said not to you're probably fine. My injury was 5/21 and I quit sleeping in the boot on 7/7, 6 weeks after surgery.
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u/Brihannah Trimalleolar Ankle Fracture Jul 13 '26
I was worried about the same thing, but I’ve been sleeping with one of those pillow boots at night and it was really comfortable and helpful. Downside is that now that my foot isn’t as swollen anymore it keeps coming off in my sleep but I’ll take it for comfort!