Broken foot

[Roadtrip]

Interestingly, the radiologist who looked at my x-rays said I did not have a fracture, just a sprain. They were ready to send me out with a splint kind of thing, no crutches, when I could not put any weight on my foot at all. The doctor (who happened to be a cyclist) disagreed with him and treated me as a fracture anyway. The orthopedist, looking at the same films yesterday, said there was absolutely no question it was a fracture

THIS happened to me growing up. However, I continued to WALK on a fractured ankle before the hospital called and told my mom it was broken and referred us to a orthopedic specialist... Two weeks later. I was in a cast for six months and an air boot for another month or so after that. Ankle still is munch weaker the the other. Glad you had a doc that stood up for you, even when you couldn't, literally.

Hope you feel better soon!
Shannon

[Tokie]

Hey Grits! Did you get a scooter? How are you managing?I had to come out of my boot a week early, as it caused a skin wound by rubbing over one of my screws. So I took myself off of the scooter - too tippy the way I liked to use it outdoors, & my ankle is still healing, a crash could break it all over. If you lived in So Cal I could lend you the scooter! I'm actually donating it to the Visiting Nurse Association "Loan Closet". I'm in wound treatment to heal it, so can't get my leg wet (again!) But I can drive now, which is great! Hope your foot is healing perfectly! Tokie

[Grits]

Thanks Tokie! I actually rented a knee scooter for a month yesterday (shouldn't need it longer than that for what I have), and wish I had gotten it day one. It makes all the difference in mobility and independence (they should get me to do an ad!). Just being able to have my hands free to get something out of the fridge is huge. Good thing my boys are older now. This would have been irresistible to them when they were little.

I still have a lot of swelling and bruising - almost two weeks out- but there has never been much pain as long as I don't move it wrong. I'm not having any problems with the air cast/boot so far. I will see the orthopedist on Mon. morning and will get new xrays.

That is very nice of you to donate your scooter. It will make a big difference for someone. I wish the orthopedist office had been better about letting me know of options and also given me some instructions on how to use my crutches on curbs, steps, etc. I had to google it!

[ClockworkOrange]

So sorry to hear your bad news.

Don't rush the healing process and try and do as the doctor's suggest.

Nosey about on the internet for ideas and suggestions to make life easier.

...................then again, chocolate is my friend just don't eat too much!

Take care.

[Grits]

Another ortho visit this morning after a CT scan last week. He was concerned about lisfranc joint involvement, and I was really worried that I was going to find out that I needed surgery. But, YAY, I do not need surgery

He did find out that the fractures were more extensive than the x-rays showed (first and third metatarsal in addition to the second) so the soft tissue damage was worse as well, which accounts for the prolonged swelling.

I can now gradually start bearing weight on the foot while using crutches, then one crutch, and eventually, at my own pace, transition to a stiff soled shoe and quit using the air cast. I can even ride for 15 - 20 minutes on a stationary bike (Since I was prepared to hear I needed surgery and was facing the prospect of starting my recovery period over completely, this all sounds wonderful to me!)

I'm also to start a range of motion exercise: wrap a towel around my foot and pull the top of it back towards my shin. I did it, but it really didn't feel like I was doing much of anything. He doesn't want me to do anything side to side yet.

I have some Merrell clogs that have a stiff sole. Do you think Clogs would be ok to wear after a foot injury?

[Tokie]

Yay! I have had great results from (gently) riding on the trainer - it really helped reduce my foot & ankle swelling. I would bring the shoe(s) you are considering using for their approval. I can also recommend icing after you exercise your foot/ankle, even if it doesn't ache at the moment. Congratulations on your healing! Tokie

[Grits]

That is good to hear. I was afraid it might make the swelling worse. What kind of shoes do you wear?