Fractured distal fibula. What can I expect when the cast comes off?

[RatOnnaStick]

Will the leg feel vulnerable? a bit naked? Will I be able to weight bear straight away? How long am I likely to continue to need both crutches, or one?

Will I be able to get myself home without help afterwards?

I have no pain now, will it hurt as I start to use it? Does physio hurt?

The cast is due off on 5th May, I have a (UK) holiday booked for the end of may (half term). How incapacitated am I still likely to be if I do everything to the letter?

This easter holiday has been terrible as I can't take the boys out far. I really need them to have a fantastic half term to make up for it. DH has been doing his best but he's self-employed so during the week it has mostly been just us mooching around the house and garden with the occasional trip to friends houses. I really need to get back to normal as soon as practically possible.

[NorbertDentressangle]

Mines a bit different so I can't comment on regaining the use/weigh-bearing etc but when I came out of plaster after a broken ankle it felt very vulnerable for a while. I was terrified of knocking it or someone walking into me etc.

The muscles in my leg had just disappeared so I had one visibly skinny leg and the skin felt quite delicate too (oh, and my leg was hairy, very hairy so be prepared for that under the plaster!!)

After the plaster came off I started off with the 2 crutches but soon dropped to one as I felt more confident. I wasn't offered physio but asked for it as I wanted to build up the strength and get back to normal asap

Have you been able to put weight through it whilst in the plaster as that would help your recovery?

[RatOnnaStick]

No, nwb for the whole 6 weeks unfortunately. Im fully primed for the hair and muscle wastage from a friend.

[RatOnnaStick]

Bumpity bump for any other advice or experiences tonight.

[hollinhurst84]

I can't remember what I broke exactly but I did all the ligaments and managed multiple displaced fractures in my foot and ankle (falling down stairs/platform/stairs in one go!)

Physio didn't hurt, it felt weird as my leg wasn't used to being used if that makes sense. If they're offering physio, take it. I broke the other ankle and foot and didn't get physio on that and there's a noticeable difference in winter. It hurts and gets stiff when the weather is cold, I mainline omega 3 and glucosamine/chondroitin which helps
They did some ultrasound on it as well as physio

It did feel like it was going to give way for a while but it didn't, was just the feeling of being stood on it again!

[hollinhurst84]

Oops forgot to add I was weight bearing straight away, no crutches. I took it easy for a week or so but was back on my horse riding etc so I would imagine you would be fine. Would say just don't overdo it at first as you might get a bit stiff and sore

[Longdistance]

I broke my tib and fib. I had surgery on it, and ended up with two plates and 19 screws.
I was out of action for about 4 months with a boot on my foot. I was neb for 3 months, then two crutches, then one.
This is bringing back memories as it was about 3 years ago that it happened.
I had physio, as was nearly 40. The younger you are the less likely you'll have physio, well, that's what they told me in Oz.
Yy to leg feeling vulnerable. I'm still like that in crowds as can feel the metal work under my skin

[RatOnnaStick]

Oh, replies! Thank you. I'd abandoned this thread as nobody else seemed to have anything to say.

3 weeks to go. No metalwork so should be straightforward. I will take any physio going.