Tips for coping with a broken ankle

[DressedToThe90s]

My poor son has broken his ankle playing sport- he’s absolutely devastated at all the things that he will miss out on while he heals. He’s also really struggling with the heavy cast and worried about how he will cope at school. Just wondering if anyone who’s had an ankle/lower leg in plaster could give any tips or advice on managing it? We’ve already ordered the waterproof cover that was recommended so that he can shower, and are propping it up on cushions on the sofa, but he doesn’t seem very comfortable. He has crutches to get about but is totally non weight-bearing so it’s hard work. Would really appreciate any tips or recommendations of things we could get him to make it easier.

Have you got a waterproof stool for the shower?, that makes it much easier to have a shower as it is really difficult to shower on one leg.
I was only in plaster for 2 weeks and then had the plaster removed and had a removable air cast, that is much easier, but you must follow the consultants instructions and wear it in bed.
Wishing him a speedy recovery.

How is he managing sleeping? I used cushions and rolled up towels to raise my lower leg and keep it supported in position and keep the duvet off it. You can also get giant sock things to keep the foot warm if that's a problem.
But basically it's just really awful for the two or three weeks until they replace the cast with a boot.
I didn't have a plaster cast, though I was non weight bearing.
I bought a cushioned footstool so I could sit on the sofa and put my leg up on that. Spent a lot of time sleeping and watching rubbish telly for a couple of weeks.
Having things within reach is important.
I bought a cheap rucksack with a single strap for cross body, and a leak proof travel mug, so once I was a little more mobile I could make myself a coffee and take it back to the sofa in the travel mug in the rucksack.
Don't be surprised if he doesn't want to do anything, healing broken bones takes all the body's energy. I felt exhausted just sitting there.

Oh that sounds like a good idea. Will have a look for one now. Am so sad for him - he had so many fun plans for the next few weeks! Anything else that will help? Or is it just a matter of enduring?

Lots of crime novels. Do you think he'd take up crochet?😬

I had 2 weeks of a lower leg cast after surgery and was non weight bearing .

My tips are

Make sure when the leg is up that the back of the knee is supported by cushions etc

We had dining room chairs positioned at key points round the house eg by the bathroom sink, at the top of the stairs.

When the cast comes off I used diabetic socks as they don't grip the leg like normal socks do and helped a lot with the swelling

Agree with pp that it saps your strength. My surgery was planned and I had great plans to learn a new language or craft. In the end I just watched low brow Tv for 6 weeks

Also found a zimmer frame easier than crutches

I couldn't actually get into the shower at first, but I got a plastic bench thing that fitted over the bath. Went from a stool next to the bath onto the bench, it wasn't easy.

I've broken my ankle, same side, twice, both times told to do exercises whilst still in plaster.
Also broke my femur too.

Just things like moving toes, seated leg raises, muscle waste is incredible, so anything that can be done to reduce that should be... when possible!!

I just had strip washes with a flannel, until i had a light weight one fitted, you defo do not want water getting inside the plaster.

All depends on the seriousness of the break but keeping a positive attitude and remembering that in a few weeks, he'll be out of plaster & walking again.

Worth having physio asap and not wait for the NHS ones.

He is young, will heal quick & crutches? he'll get used to them, just takes practice, some one should have told him the correct technique?.

Oh brilliant, some great ideas there, thank you so much. Have ordered a chair for the shower and added some extra cushions underneath his knee for support. Will also put some chairs around the house to make things easier. We’ve got an appointment for Monday to see if it needs surgery, so I’ll ask them then about physio etc - happy to do that privately if necessary. He’s on the sofa watching a movie at the moment so seems ok. I’m really worried about how he’ll cope with school - he’s got exams coming up and can’t afford to miss too many lessons.

He’s enjoying watching Dexter but I’m not sure suggesting crochet will go down too well 😂😂😂