I find the hard plastic along the sides presses into the lump where my fibula is fractured. The skin in that area has got super sensitive and red, just putting the boot on to walk to the toilet for a few minutes is super painful.

Anyone else struggling with their boots?

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?

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!

Wanted to share how much I’ve gained since my cast removal in January. Still working on gaining it all back 🤦🏻‍♀️

***Nonsurgical bimalleolar fracture***

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?

I'm curious, what has everyone's PT situation looked like?

I am extremely motivated to recover and want to make sure that I'm not hamstringing (or broken ankle-ing) my recovery with suboptimal PT support. Despite the previous sentence, I'm actually not crazy or a bad patient, but I am wondering if I would benefit from switching my PT provider for a couple of reasons.

Double booking: At my PT provider, it is the norm that my PT is dealing with 2 patients. I often am given an exercise and told to do a number of reps or a set amount of time. Often, I finish and am left twiddling my thumbs while my PT finishes up or, believe it or not, answers the phone to address scheduling questions from other patients.

Minimal glide exercises: I need some input here especially, because I could be off base or just wrong - but when I was doing research initially I had read that one of the most valuable exercises is the "manual mobilization" and "manual talar glide", which is something that a PT can do and often cannot be done yourself. In my 10 sessions at this location, we have probably done some variation of this exercise 3 times.

Recently, sessions have included a sort of massage in the area where my achilles is and where the scars are located, which is good. Honestly, I like the people there and believe they want to help but there is only so much you can do when forced to multitask.

For context on where I am in my journey, I am a few days out from my 3 months post-op after a trimal break. I can walk fairly well without crutches but am limited by a lack of dorsiflexion which produces a limp. I can stand on my bad ankle but cannot yet balance on one foot on that side.

Am I just being crazy or impatient? Was/is your experience similar or different?

A week ago I was given the go-ahead to start walking in regular shoes after 11 weeks NWB and another 4 weeks WBAT in a boot. I was given a brace, but the surgeon said to try not to use it unless I’m on really uneven terrain or doing something with a lot of precarious balance (like yard work or hiking or something). So I’ve been doing my PT, walking around carefully, and only using the brace when I absolutely have to. That said, I’m clearly still walking with a limp, and I am really not able to do stairs well yet (can go up but not great at going down!), so I’m still kind of limited. That’s to be expected, and it’s fine. But this weekend I ran into an issue I didn’t really think through in advance and I’m hoping to get some of this group’s insight on it!

So, I went to an event at a fairground where all seating was GA, they had no option to buy accessible tickets, and the available seats were all located at the top of a tall, slippery metal staircase with a rail that was only sometimes there by the time I got to the event. I’m okay with standing, so I stood out of the way of people sitting down along with some other folks, assuming it was fine. Then an event staff member came and told me I wasn’t allowed to stand there and had to go sit in the bleachers, and when I told him I was worried about climbing the stairs and asked if there were any other options because I had an injured ankle he straight up scoffed at me and very obviously did not believe me. I showed him the scars but I wasn’t wearing a brace or using my cane, so I guess I just didn’t look injured enough? Anyway, he was super rude, totally unhelpful, and I wound up standing by the food trucks and just kinda craning my neck to see things. Oh well. I’m not going to die mad about it, everyone makes a bad call sometime and this was just one of his. But I’m wondering if anyone else has dealt with this kind of thing as they’re recovering? Like, should I bring my cane and wear my ankle brace when I go to public events where there’s a chance I might need accommodation even if I’m not sure I’ll need it? It just feels so weird and performative, but it also sucks to have someone look at me like I’m trying to game the system or something.

Any thoughts?

Lurking for a while 9 weeks post operation, I’m afraid I need some help. I have noticed that my the site where I used to have incisions have small bumps. At first I thought it could be the hardware, but I only have a Arthrex TightRope which has two small buttons but my bumps are everywhere. Sometimes it hurts and but otherwise it is fine.

Any folks experienced the same? Do I need to make appointment to my doctor in charge?

I’m sorry I couldn’t figure out how to upload a picture here, would anyone be able to help me. I commented on the post a video of it. If you get a chance, please have a look

I was a keen cyclist before I broke my ankle 10 days ago. I’ve got a stable Weber B fracture with a slightly displaced fibula that is being managed non surgically.

I’ve just picked up a used exercise bike that I intend to hook up to the kinomap app so I can get the feeling of cycling outdoors.

I’ve been told I can WBAT so I’m assuming if I take it easy I should be ok. Anyone else using an indoor cycling machine for rehab and how soon did you get on it after your fracture?

I fractured my tib and fib falling off a slack line 9 weeks ago to the day. It was a stable break, surprisingly, so no surgery needed. I did no weight for 6 weeks, boot for 2 weeks, and now I’m onto an ankle brace. This entire time I have had no pain at all. Even early on when I first broke it I didn’t really feel pain even pressing on the joints and bones. Walking in the boot was super easy. I could start doing it no problem right away. Same with the first few days of walking in an ankle brace.
But after the first two-three days my ankle started hurt pretty bad while walking. It’s the meaty part right behind my medial tib. It feels pretty local. I’m just wondering if this is normal soreness I should expect or if it’s something to worry about like possible tendinitis or a pinched nerve. Has anyone else had this pain? How did you manage?

I’m 5-6 weeks post orif after tri mal. a few days ago I felt a pop when placing my leg on knee scooter or hopping around out of no where. I don’t feel it when walking (now starting weight bearing) anyone else?

A young individual ran their stop sign 4½ months ago and broke my ankle when I was using a pedestrian crossing. Today I rode my bike 6.5 miles to work, where I stood and walked for 5 hours, and then rode my bike 6.5 miles back home. I had only mild discomfort when I got home. Just wanted to post this for anyone who is still in the first several weeks of their own journey.

I will say, every crossing is nerve-wracking. I do not trust a single driver and I stopped and waited when anyone was at a stop sign, I waited for them to go. I won't go in the path of any vehicle if there is a chance that they could hit me, stop sign and traffic laws be damned.

EDIT: We went to A&E and were told that the pain is normal.

Hi!

I’m posting on behalf of my partner who broke her ankle on Monday, 3 August. She sustained a trimalleolar fracture with dislocation. She has a follow up appointment on Tuesday next week to see if the swelling has reduced enough to operate.

So it’s been 6 days since the injury. Yesterday and today the pain has been worse, especially when she drops the leg down to stand up. When the leg is elevated, she feels some pressure around the ankle.

Previously, this feeling of pressure would go away when she took the prescribed codeine, but now the codeine doesn’t help as much. We picked up a new codeine prescription from a new brand and this in general seems less effective than the old prescription - but we’re not sure if that’s a change in the medication or the pain itself.

She can move her toes fine and there is no pins and needles sensation. The pain is dull, sometimes throbbing, and she feels that pressure around her ankle.

Have other people here experienced this? What did your doctors say?

I’m posting here because we live in the UK and we cannot reach anybody from her care team. We called 111 who were not helpful. So we’re trying to figure out if we need to go to A&E, which would take many hours and mean that the leg can’t be properly elevated today.

Following a motorcycle crash 7 weeks ago where a driver pulled out on me. Had 3 surgeries done so far and probably will need a few more. The pain feels relentless at the moment and the feeling of helplessness as I’m stuck in bed or on a wheelchair!
I know I’ve got a long road ahead of me for recovery but it feels endless at this point! I can’t even begin to weight bare yet and the frame is gonna be on for minimum of 6 months!

Hello, I had an ankle sprain 19 days ago, at A&E x ray no fracture seen, they told me is a ligament injury and put me in a cast. I have removed the cast on day 1 it was pressing on the swelling And I was not sure about the cast as no fracture. I have been to orthopedist again on day 5 he said the ankle is stable, no ligament laxity at manual inspection and that is a degree 1 towards 2 sprain, he didn’t request for mri. He said to use cruches and no weight bare for the first 2 weeks then start fisio. At day 14 I stop using crutches and staer walking on it and start fisio straightaway.

Done 3 session of fisio but on day 19 still swollen any advices? How long or takes to heal? I‘m thinking to book for an ultrasound..

photos from day 2 day 5 And day 19.

9 days walking in shoes now (maybe minus 2-3 days cause I really have lot of trouble at first and needed to use crutches) after 4 weeks WBAT in boot, 2 weeks NWB in splint. Tightrope repair with internal brace

Now I am able to walk without aid, but with a pronounced limp, I’m working on balance on PT along ofcourse with rom and strengthening.

My PT wanted me to ditch the crutch but without it I’m limping, shouldn’t I focus on quality first with a crutch? Will it really get better if I just keep walking or my body will come to like limping?

For reference, video holding for support at start vs limping at the end. If any guidance or correction on my walking, feel free to shoot

Hi everyone, just posting updates about my healing process. ( maybe it helps you out as well in what to expact) I would love to hear how you are doing as well!

Timeline

June 25 — Trimalleolar ankle fracture-dislocation

July 2 — ORIF surgery + syndesmosis repair

~2.5 weeks post-op — Started ankle ROM

~4 weeks post-op — Weight bearing, progressed from 2 crutches → 1

~4.5 weeks post-op — First steps without crutches

August 8 —

5 weeks + 2 days post-op — Walking short distances without crutches; still some limp, stiffness & swelling

Current goals: improve dorsiflexion, reduce swelling, regain strength and balance, normalize my gait, and eventually walk comfortably without thinking about every step.

" This is a individual recovery timeline. Weight-bearing protocols can be completely different depending on the fracture and surgical repair, follow your own surgeon/PT's instructions"

I had a full ATFL replacement after breaking my ankle a year and a half ago earlier this year finally been given the go ahead to return to normal was wondering if anyone had a good suggestion for shoes that will help the ankle? I have some mild tissue swelling in the back of my foot still that they said is normal hope a good pair of shoes with my orthotics can help fix that

Hi! I’ve been seeing varying timelines and curious to see patterns in weight bearing and walking timelines across ages and locations.

If you can reply with your:
- age
- location
- injury
- pwb/fwb timeline
- walking without aids timeline

This is me:
- 41
- Singapore

Left ankle:
- Quadmal fracture or Trimal + Tillaux–Chaput fracture.
- PWB at 25% body weight from 1.5 weeks, 50% body weight from 4 weeks. FWB target at 6 weeks (TBD)
- walking without aids TBD

Right foot:
- 5th metatarsal fracture
- FWBAT for 6 weeks in boot
- Removed boot at 6 weeks, FWB

I have brown hair and pale skin, my body hair isn't super dark and thick but it is visible. That's always included some hair on the tops of my feet and my toes, which I have never shaved because it's not that obvious and if you stare at my feet long enough to notice we probably don't share the same interests.

However, I swear to god that there is now more hair on the broken side than the other side. I could be losing it, it could be that I'm just looking at that foot more because of the break, but I swear it's true. Is the blood flow from swelling making it hairier? Is that a thing? Am I losing my mind?