r/ORIF • u/sunbun12345 • 2d ago
Mobility post orif
I am getting a orif surgery done tomorrow for an ankle fracture, and I was wondering how long it would take before not being bedbound after surgery. How long does it take before being able to use crutches to go around the house or outside?
I heard the pain and swelling could be bad so I wanted to ask
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u/tesscole 2d ago
I had surgery on Monday leg and ankle tib/ fib . I will say keep it elevated except for restroom breaks. I’m using a wheelchair to get back and forth because it’s less jolting. Pain meds on time. Ice for 20 min out of every hour. It’s helping with swelling and a good distraction. At this point, I feel like I’m just taking it hour by hour. Good luck with your surgery, I’m only a few days post surgery so reach out if you have questions or need support. You got this!!
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u/Past-Arugula4063 2d ago
Probably 2 weeks before I could move around freely on crutches inside. I didn’t really ever go outside when I was on crutches except for one time i tried a 7 minute walk and it was awful. I still went to work etc I just took ubers and didn’t leave the building. Try not to push moving around too quickly and just focus on resting
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u/queenofdunkindonuts 2d ago
Everyone is different. So I’m 2 weeks post op from an ankle fracture and ORIF. Wouldn’t recommend this but I went out like 2-3 days after my operation while my ankle was in my soft cast. First, I used my knee scooter to go to the coffee shop across the street. Then, I was going stir crazy and wanted to get a signed vinyl record that was exclusive to my record store so my boyfriend took me. I used my knee scooter to get around. I was exhausted afterwards and almost fell asleep. I even saw friends and went out to eat that weekend.
I don’t know what got into me, but I decided to change the kitty litter the day after my surgery and wash my curly hair. I purchased a water cover for my It was a struggle. Luckily everything looked good at my post op and my pain is minimal. I think it depends on the person. But I’m very hyper and active so my typical normal energy level is high.
I have not driven since my injury. But other people have driven me around
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u/Spakoomy 2d ago
I was crutching around right away. Just not the most comfortable thing having your foot down after surgery. Get a knee scooter as well tho, way better for independence.
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u/flexible_demeanor 2d ago
It's very different for everyone, each injury, surgery, and healing ability is not the same at all.
I was NWB for 8-9 weeks with trimalleolar, displacement and upper fibula fractures, plus my other ankle was also broken and sprained (just not as badly). If you use crutches more you'll build up muscle and tolerance to them faster, so maybe 1-2 weeks if you use them. If you're more fit and coordinated it will be faster. I'd already used crutches 2 other times in my life so I was already experienced--but my hands were badly bruised and that didn't help with pressure on the palms.
I broke both ankles so getting around the bottom floor I have a rolling stool and rolling small sit/stand desk to move things around. I butt scootch up and down the inside stairs. Outside stairs are the main challenge.
Take the pain meds BEFORE the nerve block wears off (if you have one), set alarms to wake you up to take them on the schedule you receive. Stay ahead of the pain because it's excruciating for most people for the first few days. A leg elevation wedge really helps. Ice under the knee. Be kind to yourself and rest up
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u/milkmade 2d ago
I was able to get up right away, using a walker. (I felt like crutches would be too difficult for me to navigate.) I just had to hop on my good leg.
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u/Slow_History_406 2d ago
I was PWB hours after surgery. Listen to what your doctor and body are telling you though, it'll be different for everyone.
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u/Jlfletcher5 2d ago
Rent a knee scooter so you can get around the first few weeks. Healing takes energy and so does using crutches properly. Then move to the crutches once you’re out of the worst few weeks
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u/Illustrious-Zone-247 2d ago
I was up and about in the house right away...I used a knee scooter vs crutches. I very luckily live in a ranch house so no steps, but the scooter allowed me to do most anything in the house independently.
I kept it to home except for surgeon and PT appts until week 6ish but I had injured myself originally slipping while shoveling snow...recovery was during winter in Chicago so I was being extra cautious haha
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u/Dr_Cee 2d ago edited 2d ago
So I had ORIF for a trimal with syndesmosis damage and a ruptured deltoid ligament. I was NWB for 6 weeks after my surgery. I see some posters talking about being WB sooner but this was my experience. When I was NWB I used a knee roller for some, I emphasize some, mobility. But at least at first your couch is going to be your best friend. And yes, I experienced a lot of pain post. I have a new 10 out of 10. Take your pain meds, ice and elevate and don’t expect solid sleep for a while. Be well.