This forum certainly doesn't overdose on good news; so, I'm gonna counter that by sharing some. As some of you may be aware, I broke my fibula and medial malelous back in June. In September, the Ortho informed my that I had a failed union in my ankle break. I changed Orthos, and had it bone grafted and screwed together in October. I was out of the cast in November; had very slow progress through January, but was able to hobble on it. I went to Physical Therapy in February, but quit because after some initial gains, their procedures only made the ankle more sore -- to the point of being immobilized for several days. My walking improved though through March, but I was still plagued by swelling and muscle weakness in the ankle and foot. This week, I began running in place and doing jumping jacks in the swimming pool. This move has been key. The same day I started, all swelling went away (and stayed away), and I am now able to walk limp free with more confidence than I've had in almost a year! These ankle breaks progress at their own pace, but there is light at the end of the tunnel! Maybe some of you can benefit from my news regarding the swimming pool exercises.
Best Wishes!
That is great news! So happy for you. I love a happy ending lol.
Fantastic news! Just jumping jacks in the swimming pool or other pool exercises? So happy for you!!
Patti,
Thanks! I'm doing jumping jacks, high-knee running in place, and single leg jumping (on the leg with the break). On the single leg jumping, I vary the depth at which I perform it based on how it feels. Ar shallow depths, I bend the leg slightly at the knee so that my quads can absorb some of the shock. The gteatest thing is that the swelling has gone away. I was starting to lose hope on that happening.
Jim
Thank you Jim for all the info. I have been researching how to best recuperate from this and have come to the conclusion also that the pool may be one of my best options. Really appreciate the specifics! Thank you!
Woohoo! I am so glad things are improving for you. It is nice to see good news on here for a change.
Hi thank you for your information.
I am 5 weeks post cast and 11 weeks post fracture and am still having problems with pain and swelling and limping about so I am taking your advice and have planned to visit the local swimming pool this evening to see if I can be lucky enough to achieve what you have. I will update with my progress. Cheers
That is fantastic news! I am hoping to get my above ground pool going in about a month. It is warming up nicely here. Other than jumping jacks, what other exercises did you do? I wish we had a public pool here.
Cass,
Thanks! The other things I do in the pool are: Running in place with high knees, and one-legged jumping/hopping on the leg that had the broken ankle. I rotate through all three exercises until something starts to get sore/tired -- usually my calf muscle.
Jim
Thank you again... so glad it is working out for you.
Hi Iris,
Do monitor yourself to avoid over doing it. When I was in your post-op timeframe, I tried doing these exercises in the pool, but would experience a sharp pain below the ankle if I did ithem for any significant amount of time. So, be patient if it seems painful and counter productive. Your ankle may not be ready yet.
Jim
Way to go, happy it's working for you. I'm just getting on my bike, that's a breakthrough for me......thanks for sharing, water is I think best therapy!! Keep on 👣
Thanks for that and yes I will take your advice. I have just come back from swimming and managed 8 lengths of gentle swimming and did some running on the spot and jumping jacks. Didnt push myself too much and feel okay. Will see what tomorrow brings. Thanks again.
That's great!!!!! I'll be looking for a pool!! 👍
Love all these comments about the pool! This is great news!!
I've been going to hydrotherapy for a few weeks, one flipper exercise sent my ankle nuts 😫 But hey I won't rain on anyone's parade. 😝😝😝🛀haha.
Another activity that I've found to be quite beneficial for my foot and ankle strengthening (as well as confidence and coordination improvement) is walking on a soft sandy beach; that is, a beach that hasn't been hard packed by the waves. Whenever I've had that opportunity, I recognized improvements by the next morning. Of course, one needs to be cautious when doing this. The thought of turning my ankle at this point makes me wince. 😩
Jim
Ms. Camboot,
You were wearing flippers for the exercise? Maybe, that was over doing it a bit; a bare foot performing the same actions may have been a better first step for that exercise. Sometimes the therapists are too agressive. 🤔
Good to know that helps! How far along are you? I thought maybe sand was out for a year or so...really great to know!
Yes I was asked to put on flippers and sit on a noodle doing bicycle pedals, as you can imagine I was pushing through a lot of water wearing flippers. I told the physio but was told to carry on although the following week I was let off with that exercise and did the same exercise excluding flippers. It was a strain on the ankle joint. The other exercises were fine though. Glad you are progressing so well. Great stuff 😄👍