Do I really need a cast on a broken ankle?? - Foot Problems Message Board

Poppy12345 · 07-14-2009, 08:37 AM

Hi, I've just been told I have a break to my ankle called posterior malleolus. I am far too scared to have it put in plaster as this gives me a blood clot, so I am letting it heal naturally. Any idea how long this will take? Please don't tell me to have it put in plaster as the last time I did this I nearly died. I told the hospital this but they weren't interested. There was just a small chip in the bone, hardly anything. It's extremely painful and I can't really walk a week on.
Thanks.

Titchou · 07-14-2009, 08:46 AM

Why not put it in an air cast that you can take off periodically?

Poppy12345 · 07-14-2009, 08:49 AM

Never heard of an air cast!!
I presume the hospital would have them???? Cheers.

shelleybutn · 07-14-2009, 11:30 AM

definitely get an aircast or a boot. for a chip you prob don't need a plaster cast. which malleolus is it....inside of ankle or outside? if outside, it is a non-weight bearing bone so it should heal in 6-8 weeks if you rest. if it is on inside, you definitely should get a boot.

shelley

Poppy12345 · 07-14-2009, 12:10 PM

Looking at the x-ray the chip looked to be down the back of the ankle bone, though they didn't say inside or outside. The pain is severe in my inner ankle though. The swelling is large on outer ankle.
As there are no doctors whatsoever in A&E depts I can't see the point in going back. Would they issue this air cast thing or a boot??
I just hope it will heal on its own. I can walk very slowly with a lot of painkillers so hoping it will improve over time. Cheers.