Extremely poor ankle mobility after 7 months.

Foot care
1

Hi all,

I’m a bit frustrated. I had ORIF ankle surgery July 2nd, and I have been full weight bearing without any boot since October 5th. My ankle still feels like its stiff with very limited mobility. For example, I can’t really run yet (I have tried but its more of a hoppy jog). Furthermore, I can’t even do a body squat. I’ve gone to Physiotherapy and have done the exercises at home but it still feels like the ankle is as stiff as can be. If I exercise or warm it up it starts to feel a bit loose but still…I can’t get my knees to far past my toes. I was wondering is this normal!!? Will I ever get my range of motion back to the point I can do a body squat or run? How long does this usually take?

Any personal experience or advice would go a long way as I have been starting to freak out about this. People keep saying it takes time, but I have seen people return back to sports after 6 months so I’m also quite worried/frustrated.

Thank you,

2

All I can say is that it takes a very long time. I had my surgery a couple years ago and I’m still not “normal” with the movement. Run? Nope. But I am much older than you. You will heal its just a very slow recovery.

Good luck!

3

I’m 6 months post op. Spiral fracture torn and snapped ligaments. I was told it was quite a severe surgery. I’m finding recovery very slow and depressing. I was hoping to be back to sport this April, but I’m starting to wane. I do physio every day 3x a day, simple exercises, but as yourself I cannot do a squat or get my knee past my ankle. I’m also still walking with a limp.

I’ve no advise as I’m in the same situation you are, however the fact that we are both feeling the same may be somewhat comforting.