Hi, I had surgery on 1/27/2018 and screws and plates were attached to my bones.My problem is, my pain level has subsided but not swelling. I also feel an awarkard sensation in my foot. Has anyone experienced a cold sensation in their foot?When I walk using my crutches or while sitting my foot swells badly. I am aware that I must follow protocol and elevate my feet, but there are times I can't elevate my foot because I have to run errands. Any tips what I should do would be greatly appreciated.
You're only one month out from surgery and everything you describe is a completely normal part of recovery. Unfortunately the swelling is highly likely to continue for some months to come. I have the cold sensation in my foot also - a symptom of temporary nerve damage. I had my ORIF surgery for a tri-mal break of right ankle mid-November.
Ok, thank you for your response. I was frantic when my foot felt cold. I was thinking maybe I am going to lose my foot. I really feel better since you informed me.
Thank you! Have a goodnight.
I still swell and have pain I had my ORIF 1/10/217 it gets better physical therapy is what got me through 3x wkly
Glad you are feeling reassured. I know all too well these weird sensations - how strange it is to have a foot that feels 'cold' almost to the extent of feeling 'wet', yet when I take my boot and sock off and check with my hand, in reality it is warm and dry. I believe that typically nerves are the very last thing to heal and can vouch for that from previous experience .. I broke my left foot ten years ago, and was left with a significant numb patch on the outside edge of my foot. I had pretty much resigned myself to having to live with it, but two years after the break, the numb patch had disappeared and normal sensation recovered.
I'm in the boat you're in. And everything seems to be going good, when when it swells, then just elevate. That is most likely it, but keep in mind, that everyone is different.
Are you in plaster or with a boot? I am about a month ahead of you and what a difference a month makes. Once your cast is off or you can take the boot off occasionally, the swelling will probably subside but not altogether. Reading what others say there will be some swelling at some times for ages yet. Do any exercises you have been told to do (even if that is only to wiggle your toes), rest and elevate when you can.
Hope you're recovering from the surgery. I am a week post op and have been reading all I can online as anytime I get out of bed to use bathroom I feel intense pain in the ankle. In no way am I taking pleasure in your pain but it is a relief to know that others have had pain also as I was worried about this
My swelling has yet to go down, my leg still just looks like a weird tube. I get the cold feeling as well but I get it in my leg and then it passes. Sadly, I think all of this is pretty normal.
Welcome to the weird, wacky world of ankle injuries. As many patients can attest, ankle recovery can and often is a bumpy ride. So buckle up.
Except for the mildest of ankle injuries, patients with fractured and sprained ankles often encounters bizarre symptoms, experience some improvement and then a retracement of your progress, plus the usual swelling and pain.
Fractured bones are usually compliant and don't cause a lot of problems once they have mended (4-8 weeks on average). As I have stressed repeatedly, it is the soft connective tissue that is the culprit-- tendons, ligaments, muscles, nerves, joint capsules, etc. often take a severe beating in an ankle injury. They can be recalcitrant in recovery.
There is a lot you can do to help ensure a safe, successful recovery (to various recovery levels and even back to your remembered ankle health pre-injury). These have been talked about repeatedly on this forum, and include physiotherapy, special exercises, and diet. Remember, you in charge of your health and recovery, not your doctor, or your family, or cruel fate.
Good luck.
Hi Briano1984
As far as you being able to use the bathroom, I know your pain. I cried for two weeks because of my intense pain levels. I was gulping down pain meds, which was harsh on my stomach. What kind of pain meds you are taking? I was taking Percocet. Currently, I am using crutches to maneuver myself around the house. I am fed up using crutches to get around. I am just counting down the weeks to recover. Although, you are in severe pain, attempt to get out of bed because your putting yourself at risk for pneumonia. Plus, it is good to keep your circulation running smoothly. Feel better!
Hi Count1234
I was told pain, swelling, and cold sensations are normal. I know all the above symptoms are a part of the healing process, but it is so annoying. If I sit or stand for a short time, my foot and leg look like a blow up balloon. I hope you feel better.
Sorry, I thought you weren't getting out of bed.
Hi
I am currently wearing a boot. Throughout the day, I elevate my foot tremendously.
Thanks for your encouraging advice. Feel better.
Hi Jan83684
I know nerves are stubborn to regenerate. I wasn't aware that my ankle and leg would endure a beating. I am just taking one step at a time. It is just annoying and I can't control what's happening to my ankle. Feel better.
Hi yolander
I am in Ireland so think we have different names for meds. I was taking tradol and solophdol the first 5 days but as they have been used up I am just now taking over the counter paracetamol and nerofen. Back to specialist tomorrow so I will ask for something stronger.
Will definitely make sure to move around during the day when I can. Hope your recovery is coming along!
Sounds completely normal to me. I'm 4 weeks ahead of you (my injury and surgery were 1/2) and the foot still feels weird sometimes-pins and needles, feels weird. The nerves have to wake up and that takes a long time. The swelling still happens at 6,7 weeks but its much more rare for me now at 8 weeks.
You're still pretty early on yet-just a few more weeks and you'll feel a lot more normal. I'm so happy now to take my boot off to do my exercises or go to bed and see a normal appearing foot instead of a puffy one. Hang in there. Sounds normal to me but you should nemtion any concerns on your next followup appointment.