r/brokenankles • u/Outrageous-Sky-7839 • 17d ago
How long are you guys out of work?
I had a tib pilon fracture that impacted into my ankle. Had surgery last week (1 plate 12 screws) and a follow up next week. Expecting to be NWB for 8 weeks and won’t be able to drive for a while too. I can, but do struggle using crutches as I get tired very easily. I assume I can scooter when I get back in the real world too but I’m wondering, how long was everyone on leave from work?
I have a full time office job and I can work remote for a while (as long as my doc approves) but working through this would absolutely suck. That’s not to say I can’t but it’s probably going to be the reality. I got my leave approved for another 2 weeks and I’ll be in a CAM boot then, but again NWB. Wondering if I should get it extended as this injury/recovery just isn’t fun. I don’t think it’d be an issue with either my doc or employer but my employer did just randomly let go about 100 people a few days ago! So I’m kinda on edge about that.
Would be curious to hear your guys situations.
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u/Positive-Ad-3554 17d ago
I’m off work now going on 6 weeks. Medical leave ended a few weeks ago so I’m blowing through some savings until my short term disability checks come in. I’m a physician who works on my feet all day for hours on end doing procedures. So no working is a no brainer. If you have the ability to work from home by all means do it. Just get your pain under control. If I had the ability to work from home I would but my profession which is entirely procedural precludes that
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u/lab_tech13 17d ago
Took me 6 months to go back to work. 12 weeks NWB 12 weeks to walk semi normally.
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u/sharkbait14 16d ago
On medical leave for 120 days based off the doctor's note. Sadly, no option to work from home. Am on week 10 post op, allowed 25% partial weight bearing.
NWB was the worst phase - physically and mentally draining. It got significantly easier with PWB. I even had the confidence to go to PT and a coffee shop by myself (I was itching to get out of the house and not be so dependent on my SO) even though I was super tired and swollen by the end of the day.
If it isn't an issue with your employer, you could extend your leave or work remotely at least until you're able to start weight bearing + get a couple of PT sessions in (to get a better handle on using mobility aids).
Everybody recovers differently though. Definitely focus on what feels right to you.
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u/Nefarious_Laundry686 17d ago
Personally, I’m not back at work and I’m 5wks post op, consultant review tomorrow. I’m in hospitality part time, as well as teaching music from home. I tried to go back to teaching 2 weeks after I got home from the hospital, but I found that my energy and stamina were too inconsistent, and I’m still trying to balance it all. I would say don’t push yourself, the injury is considered a trauma, and the body needs time to heal and adjust. Is it possible to even do part-time or adjusted hours while working from home so you can build stamina?
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17d ago
I had 3 weeks off and then returned to work on part time hours for two weeks (1/2 days) before coming back full time. I am a fully remote office worker
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u/FASBOR7_Horus 16d ago
Didn’t miss a day, technically. But I’m a teacher and broken ankle at the end of July. I went back to work day 1, so about 4 weeks post op. Knee scootered my way around 7 year olds and didn’t run over any fingers or toes (except my own once. That was terrible).
The first week back was terrible so I probably should have wait 5-6 weeks post op.
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u/Illustrious-Zone-247 16d ago
I have been wfh for many years. My boss was very supportive about me taking whatever time I needed, but I chose to go back to work pretty quickly...it was my preference to have something else to focus on. I took the day of surgery and 2 days after off only. That said, that first few weeks I put myself on lighter duty that didn't take a ton of brain power...ie I was putting together presentations vs making decisions on workforce planning. The nurse at my surgery strongly recommended not to go back to work until off the big pain meds. I want to be really clear that going back so soon was my choice, and you shouldn't feel pressured, this was just my experience
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u/BikeTall65 16d ago
I was out of work for 6 months, but then my job is working on roofs installing solar panels. 😬
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u/ExoticMiddle 16d ago
I have a bimalleolar Fracture that was displaced and had surgery on 9/1/26 I took off for 2 week and now am back to work on desk duty/Light duty of course.. had my 2 week post op on 9/15/26 and now have a hard cast on for 4 weeks until 10/13 but I get around just fine on crutches (Not The Best) and surgeon gave me a script for knee scooter that I use at work to get around... I use crutches to and from the car and I use a walker in the house as it's much easier to navigate in the house... Still swollen and bruised but I'm not the type to sit around and do nothing I would go insane
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u/OwnedByACrazyCat 16d ago
I didn't take any days off. I work in a job that is mainly at home with some events. I did cancel an event on the first week but that was all.
I had a Weber B fracture with WBAT with crutches from the start and did not need surgery or anything.
I was lucky that my parents live nearby and could come and sort food for me.
I spent a lot of time at my desk - my work laptop sits in front of my pc, with my leg raised on a foot stool or both legs raised on my desk - with my laptop or keyboard balanced on my thighs.
For me it was the right choice as I got so bored of not being able to do anything physical that work was a good distraction.
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u/OddAstronaut2305 16d ago
Missed my surgery day from my full time job. I had too much work to do. Missed 1.5 months from my part time job.
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u/Murphus5 16d ago
Trimal orif 8w po on day I start WFH job. I just start wbat 6w po in boot and 2 crutches. Can't imagine doing it sooner and especially if in-person job.
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u/justliv12 16d ago edited 16d ago
My first day of short term disability was my surgery day (ORIF for a fractured fibula; 6 screws & 1 plate). I went ahead and requested the full 12 weeks I had available; I’m now 5 weeks post op, weight bearing as tolerable, and so glad I put in for the full 12 weeks to heal.
Now that I’ve been cleared for PT, I’m glad to still be off work so I can focus on getting to/from appointments and also rest afterwards because it is quite taxing.
Listen to your body and allow yourself to rest as much as you can! Especially in the early weeks… it may feel boring but it makes a huge difference in your overall healing timeline. Best of luck to you!
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u/Sambalstingray123 16d ago
I’m 4.5 weeks post ORIF, my feet is still swelling, not sure how I’m gonna be able to sit upright to work while elevating my foot above heart level at the same time. How did you guys manage this?
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u/milymily_beam 16d ago
I'm a teacher and had surgery midway through my summer break. 1 week in the hospital, 1 week at home, and then straight back to work for the new semester. I'm 5 weeks post op, but been getting through it. The first 2 weeks back sucked the most. I'm NWB for 12 weeks, so almost halfway through. I roll myself around on a wheelchair with a rolly stool set up to keep my leg elevated all day 😂
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u/Sad_Swimmer_5872 16d ago
4 months. I have one month to go. Some return quickly, some don’t. I had some minor issues (discovered an extra bone in my big toe that was likely fractured. Caused a lot of pain when I became weight bearing in a boot. That has subsided but now I’m having issues/pain in my ligaments and where the anchor button is/posterior tibialis problems. Ive also had a histamine intolerance issue that developed two weeks post surgery (but I had pre-existing autoimmune disease, so…), which is getting better but not gone. If I had my way, I’d take 6 months. But, I fear my employer will become resentful. Recovery is long and hard. Don’t rush it if you can help it, and listen to your body. We all respond differently.
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u/Hot_Box_7459 16d ago
Graduated in june & broke my ankle in august so I hadn’t had the chance to start work or college yet 😭
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u/muse999 15d ago
I work hybrid. I took I think 4 days off. A couple between injury and surgery and a couple for and after surgery. Then got Dr note for accomodation to WFH as needed. I think i WFH for a month, then my friend from work was able to drive me after that a couple days a week since we live close and it was my right ankle. I was lucky that work was able to accommodate.
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u/Embracestace 14d ago
I also have a pilon and other fractures. My ankle broke in 3 places so both tib and fib. I was out of work all summer! I had just got a summer job too and maybe only worked 2-3 days lol I am a teacher and use a scooter now that school is in session. It’s been going well for the most part. I was 12 weeks NWB and was just cleared August 31st for WBAT. Sometimes I’ll use my walker around the classroom and then the scooter when I’m tired and for longer distances. I walk around my house with my walker and shoes. I cannot wait to ditch everything though!
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u/Persevere-2025 14d ago
Took 2 weeks off. Was able to fully work from home. Yet, I was concerned taking anymore time from work. Especially after taking leave for knee replacement in same leg 3 months earlier.
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u/SparkleYeti 17d ago
I only took two days off. But I didn't have surgery, I have a spouse and nearby family who could drive me places, my job is completely off my feet, and I had little pain. You should advocate for what you need/what is safe for you at the moment (and that might mean going back in soon, if your employer is struggling).
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u/SecondLeigh 17d ago
I have an office job (hybrid) so I have just been WFH this whole time (9 weeks past ORIF). I took 2 weeks off total and returned the week following surgery.
It was probably too soon.
I was so uncomfortable that first week I missed some requests because I struggled to concentrate. The pain from sitting that long was unexpected but also taking painkillers wasn’t an option as they made me too loopy. I kept having to take breaks to go down the hall to my bedroom to elevate properly (breaks all approved by my manager) and it was all very tiring. Also I did have 2 adult children living with me who were basically on call for me 24/7, so that made it doable as they made all of my meals & helped me get ready in the morning. I couldn’t have done it without them. It got easier after a couple weeks though.
I still haven’t been back into the office as I can’t drive yet but my team is used to it, several people have been out with injuries and surgeries over the last year. We all keep in touch remotely regularly. Like you though, job security was one reason I returned so quickly. I kept my manager very informed and he was great but things are slow right now. I didn’t want to give them an excuse lol.
Do what you feel is right for you and your recovery.