Ankle Injuries

[tankertoy]

I don't know whether to get a second opinion from another orthopedist. I broke my ankle (simple fracture of fibula) 3 weeks ago and my regular doctor referred me to an orthopedist and got me into a walking boot. I didn't have my ortho appt for a week, and then the orthopedist told me he thought it would heal more quickly without a cast and just with the walking boot. I broke my other ankle 8 years ago and was in a cast for 3 months, so this doesn't sound right. Has anyone else had this treatment? Maybe treatment for ankle fractures has changed in the last 8 years.

[nlrib]

Hi!

I too broke my ankle approximately two weeks ago...simple break. The Orthopedist did not cast my foot but has me wearing a boot. For the first few days, I had some pain, but at this point, I seem to be getting around rather well. I will keep you posted.

[tankertoy]

Hey there! Good luck to you and hope your ankle heals fast! I did want to share this. I broke my ankle on Aug 21, which will be 12 wks ago tomorrow. My ortho put it in a boot right away, and yes, there was pain for the first couple of weeks, plus I didn't dare take it off except to shower and go to bed. I got myself a shower stool, which was a lifesaver, since I didn't have the guts to stand up in the shower. They are available at places like Walgreen's and Walmart for about $30. I was mainly concerned with reinjuring the ankle, since I was only 6 weeks out from a 3-week trip to China when it happened. I'm pleased to report that the trip went fine, despite the fact that China is very physical, with many stairs everywhere, and their infrastructure is not handicapped-friendly. About a week or so into the trip, meaning about 7 weeks after the break, I was able to stand in the shower, and have not used the shower stool since. After returning from the trip, 2 1/2 wks ago, I was able to discard the boot and use just a simple ankle brace with a regular shoe, and for the past week I've just worn my shoe without the brace. I might have been able to do this earlier if I hadn't been on the trip. So the point of all this is that the boot works, and you will probably be able to walk around without it in another month.

[nlrib]

hi!

Thank you so much for additional information regarding the "boot." Your trip to china sounds like a wonderful trip and glad you had a good time. I seem to be walking around quite well with my boot and a cane. I am going to return to work on Monday. Hopefully, I will be feeling better. I work in an office environment, so I won't be walking around too much once I actually get to my office.

My whole body is aching after the fall, but I assume this is natural as I was told my body "tensed up" when I fell. I slipped on water in the hallway of my office and fell down on both knees. I heard a "crack." UGH! Lo and behold,,,,a broken ankle.

Again, thanks for sharing your experience with me.

[tankertoy]

I'm glad you're doing well. I forgot to mention I had a cane in China, one of those that opens into a seat. Another great $40 investment. I was able to get around my office without one, so you should be fine. I did a lot of walking over there, which I hadn't done since breaking the ankle, but oddly enough, I guess it did me some good. All the best.

[Rutgers89]

I have recently broke my ankle severely. To the point that a full recovery is not going to happen. I broke my tibia, and tore many ligaments in my leg. I also had compartment syndrome which made things more complicated. Overall I needed 7 surguries and a skin graft. My orthos are great and are some of the best in the country. And I can tell you with confidence that going into the walking boot is a good idea. My ortho is doing the same thing because the boot acts like a cast first of all. Secondly it makes it easier for PT. Next, if you have a cast on it you could run into achilies tendon stiffness problems if its in one position. Also, it very good with injuries such as these that your doctor works progressively to get you better. The more your up, the better. So in my opinion, what your ortho is doing is GOOOOOD for you.