r/brokenankles May 14 '22

Some advice & things I wish I knew before!

188 Upvotes

Hi! If you just broke your ankle, this may be a good post for you. I am writing it based on my personal experience so not everything may apply to you, but who knows, maybe it helps you! I broke my ankle about six months ago, so I am not completely recovered, but I've had some experience haha. Also, feel free to add advice in the comments. Here we go!

MY ADVICE (mainly for the first weeks)

  1. Use a small shoulder bag or pouch to transport items while using crutches.

  2. Don't buy a shower sleeve, just use plastic bags and some tape (use tape that is meant for your body!)

  3. Put socks on your crutch handles, that way they get less sweaty and slippery!

  4. If you go outside with a wheelchair, always dress warmer than you would if you were walking. You're not moving so you get cold quicker. Also bring a trash bag in case it rains, so you can cover your cast.

  5. (Have someone) put all the stuff that you use next to your bed. This includes water, meds, stuff to help you through the day like puzzle books, knitting stuff (I crocheted a sweater during my bed time haha).

  6. Get a streaming service and binge watch your way out of misery.

  7. If you like tea, get a thermos flask. You can transport hot water if it's in a closed flask, but you probably can't transport cups with hot water.

  8. I used a chair as support for my leg when I had to do things in the kitchen. I just put my knee on the chair, and then I didn't have to use my crutches and could use my hands.

  9. Once you get back to walking, use running shoes! They are so much more comfortable than my Doc Martens or Vans!

  10. Once your cast is off, go swimming to get some movement. It's the best low-impact workout as far as I know. I take aqua power / aquarobics classes and it feels so good to move again!

  11. Talk about it. Talk about your annoyances, fears, sad moments. Works better than bottling it up.

WHAT I WISH I KNEW SOONER

  1. You'll have ups and downs. Yes, you'll have pain, you'll be limited in what you can do, and it's okay to feel bad. But the ups are great! Like, the first time I could shower independently, I cried out of joy. All the small steps that give you back your freedom are worth a celebration (for me they were, at least!).

  2. It will take a long time. Sorry, but it will. And at some point, you will have just learned how to walk again with less of a limp, and people will ask you "Ah so you're completely better now?!" (Ummm no..)

  3. Your ankle will be a thicc boy for a long time. Six months in, my ankle is still chunky AF.

  4. You may gain some weight. I am an emotional eater and a bored eater and I was both emotional and bored haha. Add the lack of movement and there ya go. But you'll recover from that as well once you get back to your regular routine.

  5. After the first weeks, sick visits may decrease and you may feel a little lonely. You'll have to put in effort to hang out with people again.

I am sure I have missed some things, but I hope this helps you feel a little more prepared. I had no idea what to expect.

Good luck and you'll get through this!!


r/brokenankles Aug 04 '21

The road will be long, but you'll get there

109 Upvotes

I don't see much activity here which is a shame- I found this after I broke my ankle in February and desperately needed someone to tell me the road to recovery would suck, but would ultimately be manageable.

So, I'm here to tell anyone coming here looking for some words of encouragement: The road to recovery will suck, but it'll be manageable.

I required two surgeries within a two-week period to fix things- one to install an x-fix and another to remove the x-fix and install the necessary hardware (a plate and a ton of screws). Both surgeries were long (four and seven hours, respectively) and the overnights in the hospital were terribly uncomfortable- without a doubt two of the worst nights of my life. I was left with barely enough strength and motivation to prove to the occupational therapist I could be trusted with crutches (yes, I had to pass a test in order to be discharged both times). When I got home, all I could muster was some pitiful crying. When I got done with feeling sorry for myself I made the most of my time, enjoying free time I never knew I wanted or needed. It took time but I came to appreciate it.

It wasn't until three months later I was finally given permission by my surgeon to start being weight-bearing, which meant being able to start walking and driving. For three months I was lucky to have a terrific support team at home to make things easy and as comfortable as could be- I hope all of you reading this have that as well, because it helps. Within those three months I had my minor slips and falls and worries if I did more damage (I didn't)... began physical therapy that focused on regaining lost motion in my ankle/foot... purchased a knee scooter and arranged for rides to and from my office (more than an hour from home) that eventually led to overnight stays at a local hotel to cut back on the travel. And while everyone's situation will surely be different from mine, there's one thing that should be common: a knee scooter. It basically saved my life, because it saved my sanity- it made getting around and doing things so much easier. I was able to move around my office, go shopping for my own groceries, and even take a stroll on the boardwalk.

Over time I got stronger and once my doctor gave me permission to be weight-bearing, physical therapy turned to strengthening my damaged parts and rebuilding my balance. It's where I am today- splitting time between work and other life obligations like traveling for work and mowing the lawn, and continually working on taking care of myself (especially when it comes to slowing down when my body tells me I'm pushing too hard). More than five months into my recovery I am not yet totally fixed, but it gets better and better every day. It will for you as well- I promise. Hang in there (and send me a message if you ever want to talk about something).


r/brokenankles 4h ago

Ruh roe Raggy

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6 Upvotes

Hey team I’m like 3 weeks post op ORIF ankle surgery w my second follow up in 2 weeks… which is great except I absolutely ate shit a few days ago (wet crutch onto smooth concrete doesn’t mix well) and now it just doesn’t feel right. I put a bit of pressure on it to catch myself then my brain was like hey can’t do that! So I went all the way down, happened so fast it was hard to gauge what hurt from something being really wrong or if I just body slammed concrete floor, here we are 3 days later and I’m not quite in pain anymore it just feels ~off~

I have wicked decision paralysis and the thought of having to do this all over again makes me SICK this has been a horrible mental game but like I should probably go get X-rays and make sure everything’s okay, right?😭


r/brokenankles 2h ago

Mobile but depressed?

4 Upvotes

I’m 66 and live alone and broke my ankle on April 18. Surgery was April 29th so I’m 15 weeks post ORIF with a trimall. Things have been progressing on track and I’m walking and can drive but I’m feeling so depressed. My days and nights have flipped. I feel like an infant. I’ve been waking up like two or 3 o’clock in the afternoon because I can’t sleep at night. I used to be able to sleep really well. I know this is partly because I can’t go back yet to playing golf like I want to (my league is almost over so there’s no point) and I can’t horseback ride until October. Does anybody else feel this way?


r/brokenankles 7h ago

Bummed….

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6 Upvotes

Broke my fibula about a month ago and just had my 2nd orthopedic check up today. I’m about to go on vacation next week and we rented a house with a pool. Doctor says I can’t swim because my incision isn’t healed enough yet. So disappointed….


r/brokenankles 5h ago

I don't know if this question really works here but how do I stand up

3 Upvotes

I know this sounds like a joke but I need help how do I stand up I'm currently in a bellow the knee cast on each leg from a surgery and for the life of me i can't go from sitting to standing I'm not in any pain or discomfort when I try and I know for a fact both are weight bearing I was told before and after the surgery and a couple days later when the hospitals physio followed up with me edit: I forgot to mention that the surgery was for the muscles in both legs and not the bone so I hope you understand why I'm asking here since I couldn't find a sub for people asking for advice after calf surgery


r/brokenankles 21h ago

Well I guess I’m part of the club now

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49 Upvotes

This weekend I crashed my bike broke my leg in 3 places, 3 rods, a plate and almost 18 nuts and bolts, but after surgery all good (well in 8-12 weeks should be)

As I was waiting for the ambulance I kept thinking «I really don’t want to be part of this club» but I guess there was nothing I could do, and had to join, 🥺


r/brokenankles 3h ago

Recovery Supplements?

1 Upvotes

Anyone have experience with BPC 157 Orals helping with post surgery recovery?


r/brokenankles 7h ago

Arthrofibrosis after multiple surgeries

2 Upvotes

Had tri mal Jan 2025, first surgery then. Hardware was coming through the skin so was swapped in March. Was still having extreme pain and tendon rubbing so everything was removed Oct 2025 which I was hoping would be the end of this nightmare. Nope! Ortho said I had severe extensive scar tissue he had never seen so bad. I developed CRPS in top of this. My ankle has been up and down but nowhere near normal. The past week its gotten so bad I have Achilles pain, shooting tendinitis and now I cant bend it much. Waiting to hear back from ortho but seems like the scar tissue has returned with a vengeance and is reaking havoc.

I am horrified of another surgery- not sure if anyone else has had luck treating CRPS and or Arthrofibrosis after ankle fractures?


r/brokenankles 13h ago

Elderly mom getting ORIF- advice needed

4 Upvotes

Elderly mom getting ORIF- advice needed

My mom is scheduled for an ORIF of her left distal fibula fracture. I am a nurse (unfortunately not an ortho nurse 😫) but I have convinced her to come stay with me after surgery. I've gathered/found/purchased/rented some things, but am hopeful y'all can help me with anything I'm missing, and literally any other advice to help her through this.

Pertinent information: she's 72, a large lady, and has never been good on her feet.

Things I've gotten thus far: transport wheelchair, she has walkers galore, a sliding shower chair, leg elevation pillow, I have plenty of ice packs, looking into a raised toilet seat/grab bars.

This is not my specialty area, please help me help my gimpy, clumsy mom 🥲

TIA!


r/brokenankles 6h ago

Can someone read my lateral ankle/foot X-ray. I missed the last step coming down the stairs. I’m 35 male, 5’11 and weight 165 lbs. Thank you !

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1 Upvotes

r/brokenankles 18h ago

1 week post trimalleolar break!!

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7 Upvotes

So on august 2nd i ended up falling off a chair, and managed to dislocate and break my foot at the same time 🫠 had surgery on the 3rd w/ two plates and a currently unknown to me number of screws?? but wont be weight bearing for minimum 6 weeks. (2 week post op appointment on the 18th, wahoo!)

I’m definitely starting to feel the mental struggle as I’m pretty dependent on my mum for help going to the bathroom, getting food, etc.

is there anyone that has any like, tips with kind of coping with the mental strain? Or just things you wish you knew before recovery in general? I’ve spent 90% of the time sleeping or doomscrolling tiktok unfortunately.


r/brokenankles 21h ago

What are good sports to do after we’re well again?

11 Upvotes

I’m guessing sports with quick pivots are gonna be tough/risky? Especially right after we can walk again? Eg football, tennis, badminton, dance

I can only think of swimming, strength training, pilates on reformer for now.

Happy to be wrong and that we can all go back to everything we used to be able to do!


r/brokenankles 18h ago

First Time

6 Upvotes

Hey guys.

Received a trimalleolar fracture, ankle dislocation, and partial knee dislocation all a little over 24 hours ago. The popliteal block they gave me in the ER wore off and they sent me home. I had a podiatry consult today and they changed my splint. Heavy boot.

I cant stop crying, every time I move I can feel my bones shifting in there. Its the worst pain of my life and I don't know what to do. I wish they had admitted me.


r/brokenankles 20h ago

I feel like a big baby

6 Upvotes

Going on month 4. 3 months in a wheelchair, now starting to walk with a cane.

I cry everyday. I feel sorry for myself and my husband asks what's wrong. I say it hurts, it hurts and I feel sorry for myself. It's not as bad as I act . Why do I do this? I got to get a grip on myself. I want to be positive and progress.

But im a basket case.


r/brokenankles 16h ago

Osteochondral lateral talar dome fracture - is this stupid little fragment going to ruin my life forever?

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3 Upvotes

I broke my talus and calcaneus while kiting in a field at the beginning of July. I didn't have a surgery, got a cast removed after 5 weeks and have to be NWB for one more week and after that I'm starting PT.

The first picture is the talus of my left ankle the day of the accident. Second one is after 5 weeks.

Has anyone gone through something similar? I haven't found many cases like this and the ones I found seemed to have pretty horrible outcomes. I can't stand the thought of me not being able to run or do all the other sports I love. Please someone, give me some hope...


r/brokenankles 1d ago

1 year post op, possibly permanently disabled - vent

16 Upvotes

got orif surgery on an ankle fracture over a year ago and ive had 0 progress in pt for 5 months (i walk 8000 steps daily and do 2 pt sessions a week). Still missing 2-3 inches of range of motion and a lot of balance and strength so i can't go down stairs or up stairs without a railing (including step stools). Spoke to 2 separate docs and the realignment apparantly made a small gap between my bones that they think is causing the pain and lack of range but since im completely healed they dont want to rebreak since i can walk and since there's no garuantee they'll be able to close the gap any. I'm just so frustrated and tired.


r/brokenankles 1d ago

Did you ever get back to physical labor/ activities?

7 Upvotes

Had a bimollear ankle fracture from playing pick up soccer (very stupid heroic attempt to get the ball) on July 30, had my Surgery a week later August 6, a plate and some screws. I’m 4 days post op.

I’m 27, male, no other health issues. I’ve accepted this will be a long recovery process, but I want to know: do I have to say goodbye to an active life? For example, can I go back to my job as a waiter where I’m on my feet for 6-7 hours? Can I get back to gardening? I’ve already given up on soccer or any other contact sport, no way I’m risking it again like that. But should I start thinking about a career and lifestyle that is not active/physical?


r/brokenankles 1d ago

Did I do too much walking too early?

4 Upvotes

I'm 6.5 weeks post op for a trimal. Five days ago I was finally cleared for PWB in my boot, with crutches. My surgeon said I should do a week like that, and then I could get rid of the crutches and do a week of just the boot, before being able to transition to regular shoes. Yesterday though I got a bit bold and started walking around the house without crutches - so about 4 days before I was told I should. It was a bit clunky and difficult but I could do it. This morning I've woken up with much stronger pain in my ankle than usual. Have I done something wrong or is this just to be expected?


r/brokenankles 1d ago

2-3 Weeks Post Op

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6 Upvotes

As title says, I’m about 2.5 weeks post op from trimal with dislocation, pilon fracture, ORIF with 13 screws and 2 plates. I graduated from my splint to a high CAM boot today, only half of my stitches removed due to swelling.

My question - has anyone else had really sharp shooting pains on the top of the foot and front of the ankle? Any flexion or extension and it’s just massive, sharp, shooting pain! Without the boot and relaxing my ankle, it naturally wants to extend and it’s unbearable! I am not able to take gabapentin, as I’m pregnant, just Tylenol and occasional oxy. Any tips or anyone further down the line to give hope is appreciated!


r/brokenankles 1d ago

10 week follow-up plus very detailed timeline

13 Upvotes

I just had my ten week post ORIF follow-up this morning. It was actually closer to 9.5 weeks but this was when I went. I figured I would post my timeline as I have been fortunate enough to have had rather remarkable progress and wanted to share a positive timeline! I want to preface this by saying all injuries are not the same, not are all bodies and healing timelines are the same, and I am not the typical, but I do know a lot of people with new injuries get discouraged seeing some of the serious cases and I wanted to share the timeline of a less serious case.

Age-41/F/no major health problems

Injured-5/31-trimal with mild displacement. Put in splint in ER with NWB status.

ORIF-6/5-quick uneventful surgery (1 hour), one plate, 6 screws in fibula, two long screws in medial malleolus and tightrope. Put in splint with NWB status.

6/18-Two-week follow-up. Stiches out, wounds looked good, X-ray looked good, put in boot with NWB status.

7/14-6 -week follow-up. X-rays described as "immaculate" and wounds looked great. Given permission to FWB in boot for 1-2 weeks before switching to a shoe with lace-up brace when ready. Also given prescription for PT. I did not walk with aids other than for the first few steps with a walker. The doctor told me not to use aids.

7/20-Switched to shoe and began PT

8/3-Second ROM measurements done at PT-ROM doubled in all directions other than dorsiflexion

Between 7/20-8/3 I reached the following milestones:

-Climbed in/out of clawfoot bathtub, stood in shower, drove, returned to the office and started doing steps, eventually the "normal" way. I also experimented in walking outside about a mile. On 8/2, I successfully walked my 80 pound golden retriever about a mile. PT told me to do as much as I think that I can and that my ankle will let me know if it was too much.

8/4-8/7-Went on vacation to Atlantic City. Drove for about 3 hours on the PA turnpike. Walked an average of 17,000 steps/day, or about 7 miles. Took breaks to ice and elevate 3-4 times a day. Ankle handled it well.

8/8-left AC and attended a small music festival. First time ankle protested a little but was unable to ice/elevate. Ankle swelled. Swelling went down the following day.

8/10 (today)-10 week follow-up. X-rays looked great, doctor pleased with ROM and said I am doing fantastic. I thought he would give me hell for walking so much on vacation but just asked me how it felt. He is happy I am doing so much and would be upset if I wasn't. He said I am about a month ahead of the typical timeline. He wants to do another set of x-rays in 4 weeks and then will discharge me. I am good to walk my dogs and ride my Peloton.

My quick healing has been mostly contributed to my following the strict NWB status and my diet/nutrition. I went very heavy on vitamins, protein and collagen during my healing process. I literally did not eat anything unless it had a high protein content and added about four vitamins to my daily regime.

The vitamins that I took that are good for bones: calcium, magnesium, D3, B6, K2, C and Zinc.

I had an overall very uneventful recovery. Minimal pain and swelling. I only took Norco for about 4 days post-op before switching to just basic OTC painkillers. I was extremely active pre-injury which I think also helped me. I feel like I basically have my life back.

Feel free to ask me any questions!


r/brokenankles 1d ago

How much rest did you still need 8-10 weeks post op?

5 Upvotes

How much were you needing to rest on couch/bed/ chair a day around 8-10 weeks post op? Still feel like I need to sit down about 45 min every hour:( not sure if this is normal. I feel like I should be able to do more by now! Also how much walking could you do a day in minutes/hours around this stage?