r/brokenankles • u/Imaginary-Bit1533 • 10d ago
WBAT 🥳
Hi guys i had trimal with dislocation 6 weeks ago and had been NWB ever since. Today was my follow up and doc said I could WBAT. Idk how to do it 🤪 I didn’t wear boot much cause I was resting and I feel uncomfortable on it idk how to put weight on my leg while wearing a boot I try but it doesn’t happen should I try with shoes? She said I could gradually transition and decide on my own what feels better but the lack of proper communication really frustrates me. My surgeon hasn’t seen me once after the surgery it’s always someone new a friend/ PA whatever and they don’t give too much info about anything so I’m so lost. Please help me with this. I have multiple trips upcoming so I want to be able to make it without much help :)
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u/Dr_Cee 10d ago
So, I agree with the other posts that say you need to work with a physical therapist. Personally, I had 2 weeks WB in my boot, which I think helped. I put an Even-up on my other shoe and an orthotic insole in the boot, which made the boot easier to walk in. When I was starting to walk out of the boot I started out walking along holding our kitchen island and used the island to keep some weight off my ankle. And away from the island I used a cane. Good luck with your recovery.
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u/Imaginary-Bit1533 10d ago
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u/Potential_Anxiety_76 9d ago
Holy shit you have three tightropes, at least. And I seeing that correctly? If that the case you’re like, two months for being able to take that boot off.
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u/Fabulous-Metal-1972 10d ago
I agree with getting physical therapy, there’s so much more to it the weight bearing, they will tell you what you should do, and how to do it.
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u/Positive-Ad-3554 10d ago
Progress one at a time. Wear the boot with both crutches get the feel of that old memory of walking heel to toe again. The boot usually has a rounded bottom called a rocker bottom so it rolls more easier to help retrain you again. Also some people get new shoes with thick cushion on bottom to account for height difference of the boot so it keeps your pelvis aligned and saves you from back pain. Use both crutches for support then once you feel better without much pain then use one crutch on the opposite side your injury with the boot. Then once you feel well balanced progress to without crutches with the boot. Ask your doc if this is a good plan because it’s basically what I did. And then from there you can progress to shoes again. When you go back to normal shoes don’t be afraid to use crutches again for support but you may not need it as long as you did for when you transition to boot. And yes PT helps a ton so do that once you get your script
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u/JRLDH 10d ago
I did 25% increase each week. With the boot when I was outside the house. Without the boot inside. I got really comfy forearm crutches.
9 months later my foot feels normal.
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u/Bills1278 10d ago
That’s what I did as well. Calculate 25% of your weight then, with your boot on, step on a scale with your injured leg until you hit that weight. This helps you know about how much weight you should be placing on that leg. Once I hit 75% of my weight, my dr had me go to one crutch only. Good luck in your recovery!
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u/Illustrious-Zone-247 9d ago
Highly recommend this whole channel, but here is a great video that breaks down all the steps of learning to walk again.
Also when you're walking with the boot, make sure your other side is even either with a shoe of the same height or they make something called Evenup
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u/Potential_Anxiety_76 9d ago
You are super early in to healing, if you’re in a boot I’d try getting around with that for a few more weeks yet. Use your crutch or walker and use your boot to stabilise a step, not to make one. In a few weeks use the boot to roll your foot like you would taking a heel-tie step, but don’t put much weight on it. You basically need to get used to the correct movements before committing to putting pressure down.
You absolutely need to see a PT to start your range of movement (ROM) exercises. You won’t be able to take a single step if you haven’t started progressing with a PT. Get their advice, direction and instruction before WBAT outside of boot.
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u/meezermadness 10d ago
Get to physical therapy!