Time to walk

Foot care
1

In march 2016 I dislocated my foot and broke my. Tibia and fibula I am now 10 weeks post op I walked awkwardly yesterday with no crutches but my foot swells up again I was on it a lot I got up today and it hurt needed a crutch to get about walked for a bit without it not much as it still swollen and red how much or long should I be walking before I rest it doctor says walk to get the blood flow and swelling down but after a bit of walking it swells and I can't do any exercises up down side to side while swollen is this normal process for screws and a plate any help appreciated

2

It is normal for swelling after surgery with plates and/ or screws and can take up to 12 months to reduce. I'm 8 months on and still have swelling, but has got better recently. I would suggest you walk until uncomfortable, as everybody is different, but if unsure contact your gp.

3

Hello

I presume your doc has given you recommendations

At ten weeks, I started RICE protocols. REST : ICE : COMPRESSION : ELEVATION

It takes time to recover

I found that a compression bandage tube from foot up to knee and back again when I stood in the kitchen, really helped the swelling

I also have Epsom salts foot baths every morning starting with hot water for 10/15 minutes and then cold water for 10. I then massage my foot and calf and do scar tissue massage with bio-oil and then my exercises and the elevate with ice packs.

Do you find everything takes ages

Good luck with your recovery

4

Great news the swelling is getting bettter finally Paul! Great to hear!

5

Patientholland- I do that too and do a set of foot exercises in the bath each morning. Have you tried to do your stretches there? Feels really nice! I ice right after vs. the cold bath. I know some people haven't had luck with the Epsom salt baths...but I love them too! They seem to suck half of the swelling out of the foot temporarily....kind of crazy, huh? I also love the Arnica & MSM Natural Anti-Inflammatory & Pain Relief Cream from Amazon. Can't live without it now!

6

Hi Kenneth- It is normal. It takes time. Be sure to get an evenup (black strap that goes over your tennis shoe) so you don't mess up your hip walking. It brings your tennis shoe to your boot height. Be sure to ice plenty, that will help with the swelling. 

7

It is definitly normal. Physio and massage will help as will a pressure bandage to help keep the swelling down. Dont do too much. It is hard to sit around if you are an active person, but that rest and elevation is hugely important to.  Do gentle stretching exercises while you are sitting, your physio should be able to help with these. Be patient, hard but necessary. I am 14 weeks now, into week six of weight bearing and am walking better every day, but, if I do too much I still get the swelling and need to rest. I expect it will take some time to come right.

8

Thank you for your comments I will try a flight sock also the epsom salts soak

I've had no physiotherapist recommend so I will ask the doctor to send me for some

Just so I know I'm in the right direction hope you're getting there now all the best dawn

9

Thank you Patti I will try the epsom salts soak I've had 2 tubs of arnica

Over time but I feel it's pulling my foot I know it should do that but I think most of bruising gone now I couldn't take antiinflammatories so that was my big problem

Thank you for your help x good luck with your recovery xdawn

10

The doctor just told me to walk on it didn't say for how long he told me to get more movement into my foot but when it's swollen I can't do much I'm going to ask my g p to send me to physiotherapist to help hope you recover soon x dawn

11

Hi Patti. What is MSM ANTI- iNFLAMMATORY !!! I have to be sooooo frugal with anti inflammatory and limit to twice a week

12

How many weeks post surgery are you ?

13

Hello again

Are you using RICE protocols

REST

ICE

COMPRESSION

ELEVATE

14

10 weeks today x

15

It's been 10 weeks since my surgery I'm walking without a cane but I have major swelling in my foot is redjust complain to my doctor and he wrote me a script for physical therapy I use Epson salt baths I use ice I use Arnica it still hurts just a long road hang in there

16

Have you been referred for Physio

17

Hello Lisa

I used a compression bandage tube from my toes and up to my knee and back down to Many thanks for your note toes

Really helped with manage the swelling when I knew I was going to stand for a while

At ten weeks, you will still need to elevate a lot

Good luck

18

Hang in there.. I know it is different for each individual but I noticed a big difference at about 12 weeks. I also started walking with less aide about then. I am only 14 weeks now and it just gets better every day. A huge improvement from where we all started.

19

Hi, Kenneth.  I am about 5 months now since surgery.  My ankle still swells a lot.  I was told this is not totally abnormal and can take 9-12 months to get better.   I gave found 2 things have helped.  1. I went to a good shoe store and was measured to get a pair of shoes that I can wear comfortably.  I gave found this gives better support and helps with the walking.  2.  I have been massaging my foot each night to get the swelling down and get the blood flowing.  My therapist does this as well after each session.  

I ice it sometimes, but at this point it does not help as much as it used  to.  

I mostly all without my cane now in the house, but do use it when I am going to do more walking.  It helps me have a better gait.  So for now, I just keep walking hoping my ankle will strengthen and that will help with the swelling.  

I hope this helps 

 

20

Kenneth,

Your doctor has not done a sufficient job of setting expectation with you regarding timeframes, rehab, physical therapy, progressive ankle/foot usage, and swelling.  He seems to have just set you free without explaining anything.  As you have probably realized from all the responses, ankle and foot surgeries require a long time to heal.  I recommend you prepare a list of questions for your doctor and then insist he answer them at your next visit. The people on this forum offer a font of information given our experiences. You have come to right place. I am 7 months post-op.  I found this forum when I was at 4 months.  The info and encouragement I received from the people here made a real difference.  I had issues with swelling until I was 5 1/2 months post-op.  You'll learn that you need to be patient with your recovery..  Best of luck to you!