Not what you're looking for? CLICK HERE INSTEAD
The response to the question below was authored by Marc Mitnick DPM
broke ankle 4 years ago some times very pain full still
by natalie
(oshawa ontrio canada)
I had 1200 pounds fall on me and broke my tibia and fibia in ankle got a plate and screws i think when i pulled the foot from under the machine I did more damage then what the doctors think , it sprains easy 3 x so far and today it is so sore with throbbing and aching that I cant walk, feel like using my cruches . The doctor did say I now have artharitis in my ankle . But it is so painfull that it feels broken but its not . I dont take any pills for my pain nor do I want too.I ice it and put a warm pad on it at time . I limp cause my foot will not bend forward so its like walking with my foot flat all the time and never mind walking at a fast pase or run, to top it off I now have put more weight on and finding it hard to exersice due to the ankle all most every thing involves the ankle in one way or another . Yes I will be 50 next month so that doesnt help with weight gain . Any way you can help would be a blessing.
Thanks Natalie looking forward to your remark.
RESPONSE
Hi Natalie,
Your problem unfortunately happens to be a very common one. The problem tends to be two fold. The first is the actual trauma and the subsequent amount of damage done to the ankle. Second is the skill in which the ankle was surgically fixed. These two problems are related because the greater the trauma to the ankle, the harder it is to fix the ankle in
Assuming the trauma broke the fibula and tibia in multiple places it would require a lot of hardware to put everything back together as that is your surgeon's primary concern. The problem is that you can be left with two major issues. The first would be irritation from the actual hardware, although in many cases some of the hardware can be removed down the road if the bones are adequately healed. The second problem becomes more problematic and that is the alignment of the actual ankle joint after the surgery.
In many cases putting the broken bones back together leaves the ankle joint mal-aligned. It would be the equivalent of an unbalanced tire on your car. What happens? The ankle joint begins to wear out. Depending on your age, weight and some other medical considerations, this could happen quickly or be a gradual deterioration of the ankle joint.
You probably need to have your ankle examined by a doctor who understands the biomechanics of the foot and ankle as sometimes we can add an insert to the shoe to create better alignment. Better alignment results in less pain and a better range of motion in the ankle.
If your ankle is beyond that then sometimes we use what is known as a foot-ankle orthothis. This is generally a customized device, although they do make pre-made one, which attempt to balance the foot relative to the leg to take strain off the ankle and to stabilize the ankle.
So....my best advice is to try and find a foot and ankle specialist in your area and see what your options are.
Marc Mitnick DPM
DISCLAIMER
ADDITIONAL REFERENCES
University of Rochester Medical Center
American Academy of Pediatrics
Columbia University Department of Rehabilitation
Recent Articles
-
Vitamin D impact on health
Feb 06, 23 07:17 PM
Researchers are suggesting that the effectiveness of Vitamin D in fighting and preventing disease is predicated on a persons body mass index (BMI). The thinner the person the greater the positive impa… -
Foods to speed up healing
Feb 01, 23 02:41 PM
One of the best ways to help yourself heal faster after surgery is to eat well. Getting the proper nutrition will provide your body with the essentials it needs to promote healing. Here is a suggestio… -
Cancer and Type 2 Diabetes
Jan 25, 23 04:52 PM
An article revealing that older type 2 diabetics have a higher incidence of cancer then non-diabetics. It is suggested that cancer may surpass CVD as the number one cause of death in older diabetics. -
Does glucosamine or MSM reduce arthritis pain?
Jan 22, 23 01:41 PM
A good review of the possible benefits to taking glucosamine, chondroitin or MSM for arthritis. Always beware of the possible side effects of over the counter supplements. -
shin splints
Jan 18, 23 05:12 PM
A great review on the various causes of shin splints, along with treatment options. -
Whats new in skin cancer?
Jan 15, 23 08:32 PM
A presentation of newer skin protection combinations in an effort to better protect the skin from the hazards of sun exposure. -
Causes and risk factors of warts
Jan 14, 23 05:02 PM
A good review of the causes of warts and protective measures you can take to prevent developing them. -
Do chronic wounds need to be dressed daily?
Jan 11, 23 02:18 PM
Because of supply chain shortages as well as staffing shortages particularly during the pandemic, many institutions extended the time between dressing changes for chronic wounds. Is this really the be… -
Food choices that raise your risk of type 2 diabetes
Jan 08, 23 10:07 AM
A good review of how blood sugars can become elevated and the harm that can do. Certain food groups have a tendency to raise your blood sugars and should be avoided. -
Outcome stats from Scarf bunionectomy
Jan 03, 23 03:04 PM
The Journal of Foot and Ankle Surgery recently reported a meta analysis of outcomes in 1583 Scarf bunionectomies that met their inclusion criteria. Adverse events did not seem to be any better or wors…