Broken ankle?

[kaytee87]

I think I've broken my ankle, at first I thought it might be sprained but the pain is getting worse and is unbearable even whilst lying still. I know I need to go to hospital but how the hell am i going to get there? I wouldn't be able to manage into a taxi, what do I do??

[kaytee87]

@Scarydinosaurs sorry you're still in pain, that sucks. My pain only stopped a couple of weeks ago.

[UrsulaPandress]

Oh yes the peeling.

[kaytee87]

The sole of my walking boot is so thick it's making my hip completely out of alignment. When I'm standing my knee is actually bent because my foot is so high in it.
Is this normal? Surely my hips and back will get sore from walking about like this.

[UrsulaPandress]

I don't want to rain on your parade but yes, once you've had an injury the mechanics of your body go all to pot.

[TheMadGardener]

When I broke my leg some years ago it was June. I came out of a cast and into a removable boot/brace in August. Started lower limb physio clinic in September. Wasn't discharged by the physio until the following March. It took a lot of time doing exercises to build up the wasted muscles and get full movement back in the joints. I was really good about doing my exercises at home too. Without the physio I think it would have been much more difficult to get my leg feeling like normal again. It's been pretty much fine since except for a bit of ache in the joints if it's damp (good weather forecaster!) and will probably get arthritis in joints later as not much cartiledge left.

If you can't walk comfortably in the boot because it's making one leg longer than the other, you should go back and see if they will alter it. The last thing you want is back problems caused by walking lop-sided! Hope you are feeling much better soon. It was so fabulous having the first bath after coming out of plaster. I used a foot spa and spent ages scraping off dead skin!

[incinemasnow]

When i broke my ankle i had a boot after the cast came off & like you it made one leg longer than the other. My physio suggested wearing a shoe or boot with a heel on my good leg to stop it damaging my hip

[ny20005]

@kaytee87

That's exactly the problem I had with the boot. My break was just below my knee as well so bending wasn't good.

I found a walking boot that was higher & made me a bit more level but didn't walk properly till I got the boot off

All you can do is try & build up to putting weight on the leg & go from there

[kaytee87]

@ny20005 mine is just below my knee too so isn't very comfortable to bend. Will try and find my thickest sole shoes for my other foot but don't think I've got anything as thick as that.
Tbh I can't actually put any weight on it whilst walking because my other foot would have to be completely off the ground iyswim?
Bit sore this morning and think I can feel pain where they found that new fracture but might be just imagining it.

[Scarydinosaurs]

Ahhh how frustrating kaytee I bet that’s so uncomfortable.

I’m taking my two year old with me for the X-ray and (hopeful) cast removal tomorrow. I’m hoping it’s an educational experience and not traumatic.

[kaytee87]

Ordering a shoe raise on amazon that's suggested on some physio sites. It's bloody £45

[kaytee87]

@Scarydinosaurs 2yo won't be allowed in X-ray room btw. Will you have anyone else with you?

[SeaToSki]

Amazon sell a shoe balancer, it straps on your shoe and gives it extra height. Its specifically designed to use with walking boots. If you can get one its a great idea as you will put your hip out ‘up downing’ all day.

This website has some good range of motion exercises after a broken ankle (scroll down)

www.royalberkshire.nhs.uk/patient-information-leaflets/physiotherapy-ankle-fracture.htm

[kaytee87]

@SeaToSki I've just ordered one, will be here by Friday.
Thanks for link, will have a look now.

[SeaToSki]

As you start some exercises go with the little and often approach. Try and do a couple every hour, not a whole load once a day

[Scarydinosaurs]

When I called fracture clinic they said she’d be allowed behind the screen? Oh god- this is why I telephoned 🤦🏽‍♀️

[kaytee87]

Oh I'm sure it's fine if you've checked

I've got a physio appointment for tomorrow, cancellation

[Scarydinosaurs]

The fracture clinic woman who told me it was ok will have to hold her for me if not 😳 fingers crossed it will be ok.

[ny20005]

@kaytee87

Just go easy with putting weight on it. My ankle swelled the first couple of days & was fine after that

@Scarydinosaurs hope it all goes well & the wedding preparations go well

[kaytee87]

@Scarydinosaurs how did your X-ray go?

I was given some exercises to do at physio. Can only manage really small movements atm which is a bit disheartening. Trying to do them 4 times a day. My left ankle was 2.5cm bigger than my right and I can move my foot 10 degrees up and 15 degrees down whatever that means. Things are a bit easier with the boot as even though not much weight is going through my foot I can at least use it for balance.

We go on holiday at the end of March and the physio made a 'hmmm' noise when I said I'd like to be off my crutches by then

One of my exercises is to stand using the support of the kitchen counter with no boot on and sort of sway from side to side to put a little weight on my foot - it's so scary I've only done it a couple of times. Will need to make more effort with that one!

[BestIsWest]

@Kaytee87. Have you asked about hydrotherapy? It was the only thing that got me back on my feet after breaking both ankles.

[kaytee87]

I will ask at my next appointment, thanks for the suggestion.

[kaytee87]

@BestIsWest I asked but I don't qualify for hydrotherapy.
Physio is really pleased with my progress, I'm getting more movement and getting on well with my weight bearing exercises.
Next consultant appointment 20th Feb for more X-rays and boot hopefully off.

[BestIsWest]

Oh no, that’s a shame but good news that the physio is pleased with you. Hope it won’t be too much longer now.

[ny20005]

Glad your getting there !

I had physio last week & have exercises to do daily. Need to stretch my calf muscle which isn't fun

I thought I would be given a splint which would help me to walk normally & not trip but apparently physio don't give splints, that's orthotics 🙄

Chased up to hospitals & got apt for 28 feb - not great, when I'm due back to work on 1 March

Phoned up & got a cancellation for this morning ! Splint given & I can walk ! Hoping to get some walking done now & stretch the muscles a bit

[Scarydinosaurs]

Would private hydrotherapy be out of the question?

I had my cast off two weeks ago now, and it is still bloody agony. I’m meant to be having physio therapy on it, but no appointment has come through yet and I don’t see the point in chasing it as I would never have time to go. Feeling thoroughly fed up of it. Could the pain never go? I still can’t hold a fork to my mouth or do my bra up as my hand won’t turn the right way. And they wouldn’t X-ray it when I had it off. Ugh. I’d pay anything to undo the break.