Joint pain, any ideas? - Foot Problems Message Board

eitak25 · 01-15-2009, 07:17 PM

I am signed up for the modified brostrom surgery on the 27th of January due to a sprain back in November. I had pain initially after the sprain, but it lessened until now. I can make it until 2 or so in the afternoon (I stand all day) before I just have to take a something for the pain. I have noticed that it is more the ankle joint and I wasn't sure if it is related to the ATF ligament area or what. Has anyone else had this pain before?
Also, has everyone who has had a cast been happy with the garbage bag method? I found a post about a product called the drycast, but wasn't sure if it is entirely necessary.
Thanks!

janewhite1 · 01-15-2009, 08:18 PM

If the pain and swelling seem to be more inside the joint, it could be related to scar tissue impingement. I had that, a key symptom is limited range of motion and pain when squatting (or descending stairs, in some cases). Mine was treated by removing the scar tissue, hopefully your surgeon would be able to do that at the same time as the Brostrum, possibly through an arthroscopic hole in the front of the ankle.

I used a garbage bag, but I was only in a cast for a very short time. Get the cast cover, anything to make your recovery easier.

Let me know if you have any other questions, I'm unfortunately somewhat knowledgeable about ankle problems!

eitak25 · 01-16-2009, 06:04 AM

Thanks for the info! I think that may be my problem. I do get the pain when I go down stairs. The doctor mentioned it, but I wasn't sure which pain is associated with what ailment.

I am getting nervous about the surgery, but I bet everyone has the same feelings. I am frantically trying to find stuff that I will be able to do from the couch. Any suggestions?
I have one more question, my doctor said that I could make a full recovery in 3 months, is this out of the ordinary, or is it more of the norm?

janewhite1 · 01-16-2009, 07:25 AM

Full recovery in 3 months? Well, it might depend on your definition of full recovery. It might take longer than that to get all your strength back, and you might continue to have swelling after prolonged standing for longer than that. It varies from person to person. But you should be back to doing ordinary stuff after 3 months.

Read some of the surgery preparation threads, to make sure you have everything you need and your house is set up well. Take a trial run on crutches, making sure you can get from bed to couch, kitchen and bathroom.

What to do on the couch? Well, what do you like to do? For the first days, while I was on painkillers, I just wanted to stare at the TV. After that, you might enjoy crossword puzzle books, knitting, beading or other crafts, maybe try writing, or getting some tapes and learning a new language.

DHS · 01-17-2009, 07:35 PM

Hi,
I had PTTD surgery on Dec. 8th, and spent a week in the hospital. When I returned home, I spent the first week/ week and a half on the sofa with the T.V. on. Since then, I do bills, jigsaw puzzles, read magazines, needlepoint, lift hand weights and talk on the phone. Take JaneWhite's suggestion and practice on the crutches before your surgery. I'm so glad that I practiced with my crutches before my surgery- going down steps can be hard especially if they are wet ! Also try to cook up chili,soups and casseroles and put into individual freezer containers for zapping in the microwave later. Just a few tips that have helped me-good luck! Liz