Hot Baths

Foot care
1

G'day,

It's been 3 months since I suffered a  lateral malleolus fracture in my left ankle after having rolled/twisted it very badly just before Christmas 2015. The bone healed well after 6 weeks but I had a lot of soft tissue damage and bruising which I am still recovering from. I got my cast off after 6 weeks but it took quite a while before I was able to walk properly again as my ankle is still stiff and painful sometimes even after 3 months. It is A LOT better however and I am back to walking my dog again. One thing that worries me is how red my left foot looks as compared to my right one after I've been standing and walking. Is that normal for it to still be this way after 3 months?

I wanted to say that the thing that has helped me the most as far as stiffness and exercising is to do it in the bath. For some reason my ankle feels much better in the warm water and really losens up. I do my stretching exercises in the tub for this same reason.

I just thought the exercising in the tub tip might help as it really works for me. I actually do my exercises in the water. I also find that doing the stretching exercises after my bath are much easier to do as well.

Hope that helps.

2

Hi.

My ankle and leg are different colours and sizes and I'm now post op 6 MONTHS. I would consider this normal after ankle surgery. I was told by the physiotherapist that she is going to send me to hydrotherapy to exercise in water as it will be much easier for me. So yes exercise in the bath is good and will loosen up everything. What you are experiencing is normal for your type of recovery.

I wish you well. 🙂

3

I am five months post op for surgery on a broken medial malleolus.  My ankle, foot, and leg still get red and swollen from standing, sitting (leg down), and walking.  It is slowly getting better though.  I believe your current condition is normal.  Best of luck to you.

4

I didn't have any surgery and think my injury was not nearly as serious as many other's on this list. I only fractured my lateral malleolus and it was not a dislocated fracture.  However, there was a lot of soft tissue damage and bruising. I can still see the bruising and there is still some swelling as well as my ankle being stiff and sore. Elevating it helps with the swelling. Thanks for your reply. :o)

5

Thank you! :o)