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Original poster

Broken ankle advice

13 replies

EllieFredrickson · 06/09/2020 10:02

Fractured my left ankle on Tuesday. Straightforward injury managed with a boot and crutches but very painful and swollen at the moment.

Feeling very down today - I walk everyday to help my physical and mental health.

Any tips on how to cope? DH and DD helping but I'm finding the loss of independence really difficult.

OP posts:
JacobReesMogadishu · 06/09/2020 10:08

Sympathy. I hated being on crutches when I broke my leg. Shower mat and patio chair or plastic stool in the shower so you can sit. Dh still had to manhandle me in and out the shower as we have a step into it.

A cross body bag so you can carry stuff from one room to another while on crutches. You might even be able to manage a leak proof travel cup in that for drinks. I got an expert at ditching the crutches in the house and hopping from the kitchen to the sofa with a coffee.

But don't try and do too much. Watch Netflix, read books get people running round after you.

Skinnydecafflatte · 06/09/2020 11:35

Watching with interest, I did mine on Friday.
I hate having to ask for everything (especially as if I ask for more than one thing at a time it seems to overload their brains 🙄)
I can’t sleep easily so I’m tired too.
I usually do nearly everything around here (cooking, shopping, washing, ironing, school runs - unemployed since Covid) so to do nothing is driving me mad.
We can keep each other company.

Original poster
EllieFredrickson · 06/09/2020 11:51

Oh Skinny so sorry to hear that.

Currently lying on the floor with my leg up and iced to reduce swelling.

Jacob thanks for the bag tip. We've managed as you said with the shower, a foldable plastic stool on a towel for stability but DH having to help me in.

Swelling and pain not really improving - guess that might be a sign of doing too much? But not sure if I'm just being unrealistic about how long an initial improvement might take?

Had to buy some midi skirts from M&S as was struggling to find things I could wear with the boot.

Mostly cross with myself - twisted ankle on a curb and didn't even fall over. Somehow I drove home....

Wait etc at A&E /minor injuries not too bad - but did feel a bit shoved out with a boot and crutches and no guidance!

OP posts:
JacobReesMogadishu · 06/09/2020 13:00

Well you did better than me, I was months in agony before I went to see a Dr! I was still running 3x a week! I was convinced I'd twisted it, pulled a tendon, etc.

JacobReesMogadishu · 06/09/2020 13:00

Are you going to fracture clinic? You'll hopefully get more advice there.

WhereToCut · 06/09/2020 13:14

Once you are weight bearing on the cast and need to tackle stairs use the phrase Up to heaven, down to hell to remember to use your Good foot going upstairs and your Bad foot to lead when going down stairs.

Get some Oarsome grips for your crutches. Rowing grips available from Amazon. Save much pain.

Decide on a new sedentary hobby. Learn to draw with pencils (YouTube step by step videos). Learn to knit. Crochet. Origami.

WhereToCut · 06/09/2020 13:17

Oh, and don't hop carrying a milk jug...

Original poster
EllieFredrickson · 06/09/2020 15:20

No fracture clinic! All 'virtual' which means a leaflet and sod all else!!! I have spoken to a private physio who was helpful. Stairs at home on my bum at the moment - step in and out of house we have finally worked out the good to heaven thing with the help of YouTube.

Where - thanks for the grips tip - my hands bloody hurt.

Thankfully Pilates means I can stand quite well on my right leg for support.

OP posts:
Original poster
EllieFredrickson · 06/09/2020 15:21

And Jacob!!! I twisted the other ankle a few years ago and never got it checked - this time I I decided to swallow my pride and go thank god.

OP posts:
SecretWitch · 06/09/2020 15:24

When you are feeling better, have a look on YouTube for seated yoga and strength training. Ashley Freeman has a very nice seated yoga video that I have used after orthopaedic surgery. It made me feel better to get some daily movement in.

fallfallfall · 06/09/2020 15:31

Well :), I managed to break both in one fall... I was just going to say it’s okay to have a good cry over the loss of independence.
My dh went out and bought me a WHEELED WALKER, I sobbed like a baby. I felt so old.
But it was a game changer.
I had a plate and 7 screws put in the left ankle. But the right was a very slow heal.
Have you seen the rolling knee set up?? I’ll attach a pic

AltheaVestr1t · 06/09/2020 15:45

I did the same to my ankle a few years ago. I was given a rigid boot thing that strapped on, which meant that after a few days I was able to walk around on it. You are over the worst and it does get better quickly after that. Do keep up with the exercises as you need to rebuild the strength in the ligaments, which takes a long time. My ankle is still a bit dodgy and I've sprained it a few times since.

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