Need help with my ankle - Foot Problems Message Board

NathanR14 · 03-20-2009, 10:20 AM

Hi,
A few months ago I badly broke my Tibia and Fibula, and ended up in a full leg cast for 14 weeks. 2 weeks ago I had my cast off and my knee and ankle isn't right. Now I've broken my Tibia before and understand the muscle waste, but my actual ankle is still in a lot of pain, and it physically won't go past a certain point. I went to the Physio today and she said that my ankle may not be the same again, but there's also a chance that it will fully recover. Now knowing the British NHS, all departments are badly informed (the Physio thought I had broken my ankle until I told her), so I'm wondering, what should I do to get my ankle back to how it was? Physically, it won't go past about 30 degrees both ways, and is terribly painful to walk on. Also, I'm not quite sure what it's called, but that bone that sticks out at the side of your ankle? I can't find it on my ankle. It's just flat.
I'm 14 years old by the way, and the Physio it may be my rapid growing in the cast that could of caused this.
If anyone could answer, please do. I'd hate to be left with permanent leg damage for the rest of my life...
Thanks,
Nathan

Hollywood48 · 03-20-2009, 05:21 PM

Nathan, So sorry to hear about your injury. How painful!! How did you break your leg? Do you think there's a possiblity you might have injured your ankle too? If you were in a full leg cast, your ankle would definitely be stiff and you will have to work with physical therapy to get your range of motion back. Your ankle/foot might be swollen still from the leg injury and that might be why you don't see the ankle bone. I'm not sure. Is your leg painful to walk on or just your ankle? You might need to go back to your doctor to get the ankle checked out to be sure. Are you walking on your own or do you have crutches, or brace, etc? Give some more details please!

NathanR14 · 03-21-2009, 10:28 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hollywood48

Nathan, So sorry to hear about your injury. How painful!! How did you break your leg? Do you think there's a possiblity you might have injured your ankle too? If you were in a full leg cast, your ankle would definitely be stiff and you will have to work with physical therapy to get your range of motion back. Your ankle/foot might be swollen still from the leg injury and that might be why you don't see the ankle bone. I'm not sure. Is your leg painful to walk on or just your ankle? You might need to go back to your doctor to get the ankle checked out to be sure. Are you walking on your own or do you have crutches, or brace, etc? Give some more details please!

There is a possibility of me injuring my ankle aswell, from the impact. My surgeon should of seen that though... It's just my ankle that is painful to walk on, the area where the breaks are are fine. I've been told I should try to walk unaided, and I am doing, but as I said it's VERY painful.

Hollywood48 · 03-21-2009, 12:09 PM

I would go back to your doctor for exam and xrays to see what's going on with that ankle. It sounds like it might be injured. If it's that painful to walk, I might use crutches until you can get back in to see him/her. Have you iced and elevated your ankle?

janewhite1 · 03-21-2009, 12:32 PM

The ankle is tough to evaluate from x-ray alone. It might be that there was some damage to the ankle that was missed at the time of the accident.

I agree that the reason you can't see your malleolus is probably just swelling. In fact the swelling alone could be the reason you're having pain!

So, for the moment, I suggest you don't do anything that is very painful! If the physiotherapist gave you some simple leg exercises, do those. Keep the foot elevated when you aren't actually moving around. Prop it up on pillows at night, anything to get that swelling down so you can see what's what in your ankle.