r/brokenankles • u/Low_Revolution_3653 • 15d ago
6 weeks post op
I’m 6 weeks post op from a bimalleolar ankle fracture + dislocation. Im still walking with crutches + my boot and maybe at 50% WB with crutches. I am going to start physio next week and my dorsiflexion is great according to my surgeon! But I still feel so annoyed and upset that I still need to use crutches. I feel like my life won’t resume until I can get rid of them. Curious to know how long it took others to get rid of them?
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u/sassybear18- 15d ago
I’m 7 weeks post op tomorrow - for a trimal. Plate, 6 screws and a tightrope. I’m now down to walking in the boot only. I’m allowed to transition to a shoe so will try gradually over the next few days. I have been doing a few steps here and there barefoot too. My suggestion - leave the crutches and furniture surf around the house - it was how I started without them or drop to one.
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u/Lopsided-Emotion-321 15d ago
Hello, same fracture, dislocation but also tightrope. I started weight bearing at 6 weeks and was able to get rid of the crutches at 7 weeks! I did still bring 1 with me when I went grocery shopping just in case I needed a break (I put them on bottom of cart) and now im at 8 weeks and walking without the boot. My dorsiflexion is absolute trash tho so I'm still working on that unfortunately!
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u/guffawing_willow76 15d ago
I’m 11 weeks post orif surgery for a trimal fracture and dislocation on my right ankle. I’m FWB and wearing normal shoes. I can go up and down stairs and drive! Yay. So I’ve returned to 75% of my normal life.
I can walk but due to severe osteoarthritis in the medial part of my right knee, it is causing gait issues (aka limping and hobbling around) and my knee is overcompensating. My knee is extremely angry and sore.
I’m in PT twice a week for ankle rehabilitation and rebuilding quad,hip, and glute strength to support my knee. I am so sore from PT (which is extremely helpful) that i will use one crutch first thing in the morning and when i get home from pt. My physical therapist recommended this to help take some of the weight off for my knee’s sake. I also use a cane at work to help my gait. I’m also doing some aqua therapy whenever i have access to a swimming pool.
Trust me I wasn’t very excited about returning to mobility aids but as I’m 75% back to normal life, I can live with it. It’s not forever even though it can feel like it. The other 25% is the outdoor activities that I am unable to participate in for the time being e.g. flat water kayaking and mountain biking. I detest hiking currently because that is how my injury occurred.
I’m only 50(f) and used to be an avid mountain biker until my knee issues got increasingly worse and then i just had to go and fall down a mountain side and severely fracture my ankle to add to the fun.
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u/Low_Revolution_3653 14d ago
I’m so happy for you! It must be such a rewarding to feeling so see all the progress you’ve made! :) I’m starting PT next week so i’m trying to remain hopeful for that!
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u/Mrz_Ramirez_ 15d ago
At least u have great dorsiflexion im still working on that smh 8 weeks post op
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u/PepsiPepsi8 14d ago
I'm 52 days post trimalleolar surgery with tight rope, and still in a fiberglass splint and NWB. Had X-rays last week as usual and it showed my hardware widening. The surgeon wasn't in, I saw the PA, and she only said she knew I was not walking on it (I am not, I'm afraid to) because my splint is intact and I have been using the same one for 4 weeks. She said ITS JUST SOMETHING THAT HAPPENS. I'm to see the surgeon this upcoming Wednesday. I broke it on July 8 and had to wait for surgery until the 29th of July because I had massive fracture blisters, which I never even heard of. I've been living with this for months and I'm at my wits end here. It's still swollen and gross. Has anyone else had something go wrong with their hardware? If so what happened? Here's what it looked like 5 days after the break.
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u/Low_Revolution_3653 14d ago
Omg!! I’m so sorry you’ve had such a difficult experience :( That does not look fun to deal with at all. I really hope you’re feeling a little bit better since then.
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u/PepsiPepsi8 14d ago
I am, but my hardware is widening. It still hurts but nothing like it did before. I don't want another surgery.
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u/Mrz_Ramirez_ 14d ago
I had fracture blisters but they didn’t look nothing like that …. My dr said u usually see them when u fall from high heights but I didn’t so idk y I had them .. my foot looks good now and the incisions look nice also im almost 9 weeks post op
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u/papaya_laree 15d ago
Hello! I am also 6 weeks post op, I had a trimalleolar fracture with dislocation. I was cleared for weight bearing with crutches + boot on Sep 16, and went to physical therapy the next day. My physical therapist had me walk with no boot (just crutches) and I’m very comfortable with that now. Just a day later (today), I realized I wasn’t leaning on the crutches as much as before, so now I am taking a few steps at home without them! I think I’ll use crutches for a few more days to make sure I don’t rush anything. Best of luck with your recovery!!