Fatigue after physical therapy? (4 months post-ORIF)

Foot care
1

I am 4 months post-ORIF for bimalleolar fracture of the right lower fibula (plate and screws) plus torn tendon. I had in home PT until I was cleared to drive finally a few weeks ago and I started out-patient therapy last week where I drive myself there and back.

I had my third PT session this morning and like after the last two sessions, I am totally exhausted this afternoon, very sleepy and need a nap, though I rarely nap and had a good night’s sleep.I’m also exhausted for a day or two afterwards. I’m wondering if this is typical and if/when it will get better.

I’m doing more weight bearing and strenuous exercises during PT for about 45 minutes, plus a recumbent bike warm up then massage and ice.It’s more than I was able to do in-home and good exercises that are helping, especially working lateral movements. I have some soreness during PT and the rest of the day but that is improving. I also have pretty high pain tolerance and it may be hurting me more than I realize. That and the additional stress of driving, though the ankle does okay with that, but hurts a bit more later.

I also have fibromyalgia and arthritis that are mostly well managed (better than most) so those may be contributing to the fatigue as well. I’m in my late 40s so age might be part of it too. I’ve been (mostly) doing my exercises at home plus recumbent bike and some walking outside to rebuild stamina, but it’s hard when PT is making me so tired.

Any others experience this type of fatigue and if so, did it slowly improve? Any other tips? I’ve tried to increase my protein intake and that seems to help a little bit.Most of the time, I have my foot elevated and am resting while working from home.

2

It will get better with time as your body adjusts back to you being more active. The recovery process that your body goes through after any surgery is exhausting. If you are anything like me you have probably lost a significant amount of muscle and rebuilding muscle is hard work. Cut yourself some slack and listen to what your body is telling you. If you are tired then take that nap!

Increasing your protein was a good idea and I would also make sure that you are drinking more than enough water.

3

Thank you. I am doing a little better energy-wise and am not worrying (or trying to) as much. Like most of us, I keep pressing to get back to “normal” when I know this is a long process. Those who haven’t broken an ankle before don’t realize it’s not a quick recovery.

It’s about to be spring where I hope to get outside walking more which should help with the stamina as well as my mental state.