Toes Swelling After Splint Removal

Foot care
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Hi everyone! On Feb 8th I became the unlucky recipient of a closed fracture of the distal end of my right fibula. I believe Weber B.

Not that this part of the story really matters but if you’re the curious type, like me, I tripped on the uneven portion of an edge of a sidewalk that meets the grass. Wearing some bad sandals, I didn’t get good footing and I rolled/twisted my ankle then fell with my weight on it as I was going down which ended in the break.

I was fitted with a splint at the ER than 3 days later the Orthopedic surgeon placed a new one on me which I wore for the last 6 weeks until today. My doc removed it and placed me in an ankle aircast stirrup (not sure if I’m allowed to link a site to show you what it looks like but if you’re curious just Google those terms to see one).

My Question (finally!): My toes have swollen to uncomfortable levels today since my splint was removed. Is this normal? My husband tends to think it is as my leg has been in a restrictive splint for 6 weeks so now all the blood is rushing down where it couldn’t get to before. That’s his theory but he’s not in the medical field.

Should I be concerned or is this to be expected? I’m elevating my foot now as I did when it was in the splint in hopes that the swelling will subside. It’s hard for me to walk with my toes this swollen and in pain.

Thanks for any advice you can give me!

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Hi Amber
your husband is right once movement is restricted even for a short period of time there is alot of work to do to regain normal function . ive been told the swelling can take many months to go im 4 months into recovering from Ankle break plus surgery and some days the swelling feels as painful as when i first did it . elevating above heart and icing will help and things will improve however lots of patience is whats needed and i certainly know how hard that is achieve . wishing you well and keep as positive as possible .

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Thanks so much for your reassurance, Debbie!

Yes, one of the hardest parts about all of this is having patience. I’m working on my daily stretches and trying to put a bit of weight on it with my aircast on but it’s tough. I’ll also continue elevating and icing for the swelling. I’m just relieved to know this is normal.

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Amber
i felt exactly the same way and still have my low negative days even now 4 months on but ive learned to just go with it and allow myself to feel crap dont beat yourself up with the frustration and remember there is other people feeling the same your not alone . This has truly been one of the most challenging times ive had to deal with we will get back to normal