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Ankle injuries: What's your experience?

Started by dustytinker11 · · 👁 6 views · 58 replies

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Participants dustytinker11Jose Evans182Lawrence WellsAnthony Chavez6Anthony Foster17restlesspanther42Amy Rodriguez16Nicholas Taylor50dustyangler98cosmicmaker30rustyraven4fadedheron892Eric LewisNancy Long6feralviper72Nicholas Grant3coppergardenerAnthony Wilson4Harold Ruiz6Bradley Flores5wanderingranger8ruggedtiger63Joseph Smith3velvetmoose9 …
coppergardener coppergardener Active Member
137 messages
joined Jun 2006
#41 ·
Nicholas Grant3 said:Hey everyone—I have a massive question for you all. How on earth am I supposed to stay clean while my leg is stuck in this cast? Is it actually better to take a quick shower or just soak in the tub? Please, I need some real-world advice! I’ve been in this cast since yesterday morning and apparently, I’m stuck like this for five whole weeks—it’s driving me absolutely crazy! Plus, I’m starting to worry about... well, let's just say I might not smell quite so fresh if I'm not careful...

I really hope you haven't tried taking a bath yet. Whatever you do, do NOT get that thing wet in the tub! 😲

I'll admit, I don't really know the "proper" way to handle this—I haven't read any manuals on it, nor do I personally know anyone who has dealt with a broken leg—but perhaps the best approach would be to get a small stool? You can find specialized shower chairs at places like Home Depot or even Target in the bathroom section, provided someone can pick one up for you. If you sit down and protect the cast with a heavy-duty trash bag or something similar, you could potentially lift the leg slightly and wash yourself like a normal human being. Isn't that a much more logical way to go about it?

Also, if you head over to a CVS or Walgreens, check the baby care aisle; they carry those large, textured cleansing pads (sort of like oversized makeup remover pads, but square and sturdier). They are fantastic for wetting down with a little bit of body wash to clean yourself. They won't leave behind those annoying little lint bits like regular cotton balls might, and since you just toss them when you're done, it's far more hygienic than using a standard sponge. It’s also a much better alternative to baby wipes, because you can give yourself a quick rinse under the water afterward, ensuring no chemical residue is left on your skin—which is important, isn't it, especially if you have sensitive skin that tends to sting?
Anthony Wilson4 Anthony Wilson4 Member
11 messages
joined Feb 2018
#42 ·
Hey everyone...
So, yesterday—as some of you might have guessed—I went and rolled my ankle again. It’s happened before, but I swear this time felt way worse than the others. I actually heard that sickening crunching sound, like something was snapping, though thankfully I don't think it's actually broken... yet.
I jumped on it with an ice pack within five minutes, but honestly, it didn't do much. It’s already swollen up quite a bit.
The thing is, I've got some massive exams coming up next week, so I'm trying to figure out how long it'll take before I can at least walk around without constant pain. Right now, I'm using some Voltaren gel and following this trick a buddy told me about where you rotate your foot between warm and cold water for about 20 minutes at a time.

Does anyone else have any suggestions for speeding up the recovery?
Thanks in advance. And just so we're clear, I haven't gone to see a doctor or anything...
:S
Harold Ruiz6 Harold Ruiz6 Newcomer
4 messages
joined May 2010
#43 ·
Anthony Wilson4 said:Hey everyone!!!
So, yesterday—as you can probably guess—I rolled my ankle. It’s happened before, but this feels like the worst one yet. I actually heard a pop, like something snapping, but luckily I don't think it's broken!!!
I iced it within five minutes, but it didn't do much; the swelling is pretty significant.
The thing is, I have some massive exams coming up next week. Any idea how long it'll take before I can at least walk through the pain?? Right now I'm using Voltaren gel and doing this thing a friend suggested where I alternate my foot between hot and cold water for about 20 minutes at a time!!!

Anyone else got suggestions?
Thanks in advance. And just so we're clear, I haven't seen a doctor yet!!!
:S

I've dealt with similar issues plenty of times. Years ago, a dog bit my leg just above the ankle bone and messed up my tendons. Since then, I've dislocated my ankle over 200 times, but nothing like what happened last year. I'm an athlete, and during one workout, my ankle just gave out; I lost my balance and landed full weight right on it. There was a loud crack, and just like you, it swelled up instantly. I could barely stand. I didn't go to a doctor either because I'm used to handling this stuff myself. I don't know if anything was actually broken since I never got checked out. I ended up fixing the problem on my own, but it was painful and pretty brutal. I wouldn't recommend it. My advice? Go see a doctor. If you heard a pop, there's a chance something cracked or, worse, broke. If it heals crooked, you're looking at lifelong problems. If it's just a standard sprain, it'll pass, though it depends on how bad the strain is. If you absolutely have to move around with it, wrap it up with an ACE bandage or a brace to keep the swelling down. When you're resting, though, take the wrap off and keep it elevated. Make sure to ice it a few times a day. 🙂
Anthony Wilson4 Anthony Wilson4 Member
11 messages
joined Feb 2018
#44 ·
So, those last three days have finally crawled by. Honestly? I’m feeling pretty great today. I even managed to get back out there for some light jogging... The pain is completely gone, which feels like a minor miracle. The only thing still bugging me is that stiffness first thing in the morning when I roll out of bed. It isn't anything crushing, but it's definitely there, letting me know I haven't totally escaped it yet...
Harold Ruiz6 Harold Ruiz6 Newcomer
4 messages
joined May 2010
#45 ·
Anthony Wilson4 said:Three days have passed. Feeling great today—actually started some light jogging. No pain at all, except for when I first get out of bed in the morning. It’s nothing crazy, but it’s definitely there.

If you're already back to light jogging, you're fine. Sounds like a minor strain. That morning stiffness? Totally normal. Think about it: your muscles, tendons, ligaments—they all relax completely while you sleep, then they have to tighten back up just to get you moving again. Don't sweat it, it'll pass.🙂
Bradley Flores5 Bradley Flores5 Newcomer
2 messages
joined Jul 2010
#46 ·
I’m looking for some advice here... anyone who knows anything about ankle fractures? To be precise, I didn't just break my ankle; I actually fractured both bones just an inch above the joint itself.
FIRST OFF, I WAS TRAVELING IN ITALY WHEN THE ACCIDENT HAPPENED. I had travel insurance, so I was admitted to a hospital in New York City. Since I was out of the country and honestly had no clue how to handle things, I called my insurance provider to report the situation. BUT THEN, those absolute bottom-feeders at the insurance company kept me stuck in the hospital for eleven days! They flat-out refused to cover the surgery, even though my policy had $30,000 in coverage. Because they wouldn't pay up, I had no choice but to fly back home, which meant I didn't even get operated on until sixteen days after the initial break. That’s insane, right? It’s just wrong. I heard straight from the doctor that I should have been in surgery within eight hours of the injury. Total madness.

It’s been twenty days since the surgery now. I’ve got two incisions held together by fourteen staples on both sides of my ankle, and they put metal plates and screws in there. My leg is still incredibly swollen. Is that normal? When is this swelling finally going to start backing off? The only silver lining in this whole mess is that the leg isn't actually painful, but everything else is a nightmare. Can anyone explain what the recovery process looks like or what I should be doing? And honestly, what do you all think about this entire disastrous situation?

THANKS, EVERYONE.

BEST REGARDS FROM MONTPELLIER.
Bradley Flores5 Bradley Flores5 Newcomer
2 messages
joined Jul 2010
#47 ·
*jezebel*;24098863 said:I really hope you didn't jump in. Please tell me you didn't try to soak that thing in the tub! 😲

MAN.... JUST PUT A LITTLE STOOL IN THE TUB,,,, SIT ON THAT,, AND THROW THAT BROKEN LEG OUTSIDE... THAT'S HOW I HANDLE IT
dustytinker11 dustytinker11 NewcomerOP
4 messages
joined Apr 2010
#48 ·
Bradley Flores5 said:I am looking for a bit of guidance here... anyone who knows anything about ankle fractures? To be precise, I didn't just break my ankle; I actually fractured both bones just a centimeter above the joint itself...
FIRST OFF, I WAS TRAVELING IN ITALY WHEN THE ACCIDENT HAPPENED,,, AND I HAD PREMIUM TRAVEL INSURANCE,,, SO THEY ADMITTED ME TO A HOSPITAL IN NEW YORK CITY,,, BUT SINCE I WAS IN A FOREIGN COUNTRY AND COMPLETELY LOST AS TO WHAT TO DO, I CALLED THE INSURANCE COMPANY AND EXPLAINED THE SITUATION.. HOWEVER, THOSE ABSOLUTE SCUMBAGS HELD ME HOSTAGE IN THAT HOSPITAL FOR ELEVEN DAYS AND REFUSED TO COVER MY SURGERY, EVEN THOUGH I HAD THIRTY THOUSAND DOLLARS IN COVERAGE.... BECAUSE THEY WOULDN'T PAY THE BILLS, I HAD NO CHOICE BUT TO FLY BACK HOME, WHICH MEANS I DIDN'T ACTUALLY GET THE SURGERY UNTIL SIXTEEN DAYS AFTER THE INITIAL BREAK,,,, THAT JUST ISN'T RIGHT, IS IT??? I REMEMBER THE DOCTOR TELLING ME THAT I REALLY SHOULD HAVE BEEN UNDER THE KNIFE WITHIN EIGHT HOURS OF THE FRACTURE.,,,,,,,,

IT HAS BEEN TWENTY DAYS NOW SINCE THE OPERATION,,, AND I AM DEALING WITH TWO INCISIONS AND FOURTEEN STAPLES ON BOTH SIDES OF THE ANKLE,,, PLUS THEY INSTALLED METAL PLATES AND SCREWS INSIDE THE BONE,,, THE LEG IS STILL RIDICULOUSLY SWOLLEN, AND I FIND MYSELF WONDERING IF THIS IS TYPICAL, OR WHEN THE SWELLING MIGHT FINALLY START TO SUBSIDE.... THE ONLY SILVER LINING IN THIS WHOLE MESS IS THAT THE LEG ITSELF DOESN'T HURT TOO MUCH,,,, BUT COULD SOMEONE PLEASE EXPLAIN WHAT THE RECOVERY PROCESS LOOKS LIKE,,, AND WHAT YOUR THOUGHTS ARE ON THIS ENTIRE DISASTROUS CIRCUMSTANCE?

THANKS TO EVERYONE

GREETINGS FROM TALLAHASSEE

Oh, my dear ankle... I have been exactly where you are, having broken both bones in the joint and having those same plates and screws installed... My leg stayed swollen for an incredibly long time after the surgery, and honestly, I can't tell you if that was "normal" or not... Every time I went in for a follow-up, the doctors never seemed concerned about the swelling, telling me it was perfectly fine, though I suppose your best bet is to ask them directly during your next check-up.🙂
By the way, I still deal with occasional pain, and there is a visible difference in size between that ankle and my other one, but I guess that's just how it goes...
wanderingranger8 wanderingranger8 Newcomer
1 message
joined Aug 2010
#49 ·
Broke my boxing hand, then a few days later I go and snap my leg too. Got a fracture, about 20 stitches, and they had to install a plate. Anyone actually know how long it’ll take before I can even walk without crutches?
ruggedtiger63 ruggedtiger63 Member
26 messages
joined Feb 2012
#50 ·
wanderingranger8 said:Man, I broke my boxing hand, then a few days later I went and snapped my leg too. Got a fracture, about 20 stitches, and they had to put a plate in. Does anyone know how long it might take before I can walk without crutches?

Which bone (or bones) did you break?
Joseph Smith3 Joseph Smith3 Newcomer
3 messages
joined Mar 2013
#51 ·
So, I twisted my ankle during practice last night. At the exact moment it happened, I actually heard this distinct cracking sound—almost like something was scraping against itself—so I’m honestly not sure if I tore something or just suffered a really nasty sprain 😢 Is there any way to check if it’s actually broken without having to trek down to the ER for X-rays? I’ve been reading online that recovery can take up to six months, which sounds absolutely exhausting. I really don't have that kind of time; that would mean I wouldn't be back in shape until the end of summer at the earliest. Are there specific exercises or maybe some topical creams you'd recommend? Regardless, I can't put any weight on it whatsoever, though I can manage small, incremental movements
velvetmoose9 velvetmoose9 Active Member
163 messages
joined Apr 2020
#52 ·
Joseph Smith3 said:So basically, I twisted my ankle at practice last night and I actually HEARD this crunching sound—like something scraping together—so I’m honestly not sure if I tore something or just gave it a really nasty sprain 😢 Is there any way to check if it's broken without having to run to the doctor for X-rays? And now I'm reading that recovery takes like 6 months? I really don't want to be out that long because that would mean I wouldn't be back in shape until the end of summer... maybe some exercises or creams could help? Anyway, I can't put any weight on it at all, though I can wiggle it a little bit (the swelling isn't too bad, you can barely see it)

But right now you're sitting there reading about how that could actually take way longer than 6 months; if you don't get it treated properly and right away, you might end up questioning whether that joint will ever even work normally again
Look, if you genuinely want to speed up the healing process, you need to start packing your bags. Get someone to help you wash up if you can't reach it, grab your insurance card and whatever medical records you have, and get yourself to your primary doctor or an Urgent Care immediately (if your regular doc is closed today)...
Joseph Smith3 Joseph Smith3 Newcomer
3 messages
joined Mar 2013
#53 ·
I appreciate the advice. I think I’ll give it another day or two to see if things settle down; if I still can't manage to stay on my feet by then, I'm heading straight to the doctor.🙂
velvetmoose9 velvetmoose9 Active Member
163 messages
joined Apr 2020
#54 ·
Look, there are certain medical interventions you can pull in those first few hours after an injury that can seriously speed up your recovery and lower the chances of you dealing with permanent ankle issues down the line, but honestly, figuring out exactly what needs to be done—and when—is something only a doctor who’s actually looking at you can decide.
I’m not going to sit here and tell you to go grab some ice packs or start popping pills and slathering on creams or gels to try and knock down the inflammation or save your joint structures, because that just wouldn't be right of me since I haven't seen the damage myself.
So, just think about it for a second: do you really want to do everything in your power to get back on your feet faster? Or are you just fine with whatever timeline happens to roll your way?
Joseph Smith3 Joseph Smith3 Newcomer
3 messages
joined Mar 2013
#55 ·
Of course, my intention is to return as soon as humanly possible. However, I haven't exactly received any encouraging reports from my colleagues who suffered sprained ankles. They claim the solution is simply a cast and you're done with it. One fellow mentioned he was supposed to wear his for several weeks, but he refused; he had it removed after just one week and, miraculously, by the following week, everything seemed perfectly fine. That said, if this pain continues at its current intensity, I fear I won't have much of a choice in the matter.
ruggedtiger63 ruggedtiger63 Member
26 messages
joined Feb 2012
#56 ·
Joseph Smith3 said:So, I twisted my ankle at practice last night and literally HEARD this crunching sound, like something scraping. Honestly, I can't tell if something actually snapped or if I just did some major damage 😢 Is there any way to check if it's broken without rushing to the ER for X-rays? And now I'm reading stuff saying recovery takes like six months? Man, I can't deal with that—that means I won't be back at it until late summer. Any tips on exercises or creams? Basically, I can't put any weight on it at all, though I can wiggle it a little bit (swelling isn't too bad, nothing crazy visible)

I really think you should just go see a doctor.
Charles Jackson70 Charles Jackson70 Newcomer
1 message
joined Jun 2013
#57 ·
Hi everyone. So, back on Saturday the 18th, I twisted my left ankle during a game and kept playing. About ten minutes later, someone accidentally stepped right on it. I headed out immediately, iced it, and dealt with the swelling, but by the next morning, I couldn't even stand up from the pain. I went to the ER, they took an X-ray, and the doctor told me I had a fracture. He insisted it looked like an old injury and asked if I'd hurt it before. Even though I told him no, he stuck to his guns, put me in a splint, and sent me on my way. A week later, I saw a specialist for a follow-up. He disagreed with the first guy and said this was definitely a fresh break—specifically the tip of the tibial malleolus. He put me back in a splint and scheduled another check-up for next week. When I showed up for that follow-up, I got a different doctor who just took the splint off. He told me everything looked fine, that young people heal fast, and that I could start walking slowly. He suggested using compresses and an elastic bandage, saying I could probably start light jogging in two weeks. It felt okay; I could walk normally after about ten days. Then, this past Wednesday, I went to a friend's birthday party. We had a few drinks, and then some guys started playing soccer. Being an idiot, I decided to join in despite the alcohol. I landed wrong—I don't even know how—and my ankle just buckled. It swelled up instantly, and I couldn't walk properly like I had been doing. I iced it at home and used the wrap, but the pain didn't let up; I was limping badly. I went to the hospital today, explained that I landed awkwardly and can't walk right, and they sent me for more imaging. After looking at the results, the doctor says this X-ray looks identical to the first one from when I originally broke it. Basically, I've messed up the bone again. Despite me telling him I can't walk normally, he insists I am walking fine. He just told me to keep wearing the wrap, keep icing it, avoid running or jumping, and come back in a month. His report says: "X-rays of the left ankle show a fracture of the tip of the tibial malleolus, with no visible displacement of the fragments. Soft tissues are swollen. Joint alignment is normal, and bone mineralization is good." The conclusion states: "Follow-up X-rays show no change in the position of the medial malleolus." If the bone broke again, shouldn't I be back in a splint or something? I’d really appreciate any advice if anyone has been through something similar or knows what I should do. I'm lost, my ankle is swollen, and I can only limp. Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance. Cheers. 😁
ironbadger13 ironbadger13 Newcomer
1 message
joined Sep 2013
#58 ·
dustytinker11 said:Ah, my favorite ankle... I broke both bones in my ankle too—had plates and screws put in. My leg stayed swollen for ages after the surgery. Was that normal? Honestly, who knows. Every time I went in for a checkup, they didn't act like it was an issue. They just told me it was fine, though you should probably ask them at your next appointment 🙂
btw, it still hurts sometimes, and one ankle is visibly larger than the other, but what can you do..

Since you all seem to be experts on ankle injuries, I could use some advice. 🙂...Five weeks ago, I broke my ankle playing soccer (outward rotation) and the diagnosis is a suspected posterior malleolus tibial fracture with slight displacement between the fragments. So... I got an X-ray and they slapped me in a walking boot. Every week I’d show up for a "checkup," they’d just wrap it in a fresh bandage and send me home. After five weeks, they finally took the boot off and I was floored... it feels like everything healed crooked. Not that I'm surprised—they didn't even bother to X-ray it after removing the boot. My doctor even seemed eager to get rid of me so I wouldn't ask for physical therapy. It felt like a total amateur job by the medical staff. I'm wondering, if there was displacement (even if it was minor), should I have had surgery to make sure everything lined up perfectly? And is this oversight going to cost me big time in the long run??? Thanks in advance. 🙂
Richard Ramos3 Richard Ramos3 Newcomer
1 message
joined Sep 2013
#59 ·
I'm curious—has anyone here actually been diagnosed with osteoarthritis in the small joints of the spine? Do you still manage to work out? How often does the stiffness kick in? And more importantly... does anything actually help? Thanks!

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