About 8 months ago I had surgery on my ankle that required 10 screws and two plates on tibia and fibula. I am very concerned because I have having more pain than usual and having a hard time walking after a long period of sitting. I am a police officer and wanted to know if this will go away and when I will be able to workout properly. Because of my profession this is very concerning to me because of my ankle fails on me it can be a life and death situation while at work. If I could get some information on the recovery and what I can do to strengthen it it would be much appreciated.
Seems I sent beginning of response without meaning to...
Back to topic, this is a lengthy recovery. 8 months is really just into it because this probably includes the time u were non weight bearing. Expect to have swelling when on ur feet for awhile. The resting elevating and icing continues for awhile longer. Physical therapy is really important. Make sure to get massage to ur foot and ankle. I was able to get back into PT and one therapist made the comment about all the little bones that need to get back in place. Another talked about breaking down scar tissue. ( I had had massage with first ankle fx. Really think this made difference out the gate.)
I have read several posts that talk about doing ur exercises like an athlete. The only way to regain ur flexibilty is to do the work they give u. So back to the PT, make sure to ask for more as u make progress. During the second episode of PT, I was made to push myself down a hallway and back on a wheeled stool. Actually works muscles u never thought about.
Then there's the hardware itself. This is conversation to have with doc about whether hardware may be causing pain and whether it should be removed. I confess I'm not certain how to check out old conversations, but I have seen some about removing hardware.
So hang tough. Keep doing the work. And, take a deep breath, exhale. Give ur self the time to recover. Best wishes! Lisa-
Hi. I had surgery almost 5 months ago
For an unstable ankle that I had ligaments tears and a break from over a year ago.
I didn't have the plate or pins so can't comment on that. I have had weakness and some pain still when over doing it
Walking. And it is frustrating. In my professional I need to be walking uneven ground to do Landscape Design. I'm still afraid I will fall. But I'm finding you get stronger every day. I find keeping up with the Physio helps. I got one of the rubber bands to do excersise at home and also the ankle brace helps. Traumeal or Voltaren are good natural topical pain relievers
I also found taking my whole food capsules
Really helped with decreasing inflammation. Hope that helps.
Hello Needthisforlife.
I am in my third month. I don't know if this will help but it is an UP message. I am a dog walker. Not as important as your profession but I to need to be on my feet. I broke my tidia and fibula and a bone in my foot. I am back to walking 3 days a week for 2 hours. It is straining and hard on your brain to sit still so long BUT you will be back to work I am sure. In my experience it will hurt for 5 days and then one day its feeling better and then you do it all over again. My physio told me to walk on it even if it hurts and my doctor told me not too walk on it. They are both right. One tip I can offer is to get yourself an adult colouring book. It passes the time nicely and keeps you sane. My other advice is to not be focused on losing your balance. If the bone is healed keep your muscles moving. Do excersises in bed with a stretch band. You MUST keep what muscle you have strengthened. The BEST tip I can offer is when you are wearing your shoes and boots, cover your incision with vaseline and then wrap it with cellophane. It helps with the rubbing. Your incision will slid over the inside of your shoe and not rub as much. Keep being positive and it will past. I have 3 friends that went thru the same thing. One a police officer, one a paramedic and one with a regular job. They ALL are doing great and have had no problems down the road. The bone that has heeled is as strong as it was before you broke it. Good luck..