Broken leg anyone?!


Question: I broke my tib and fib 3 month ago and finally was told it was O.K to do a few steps, I was so looking forward, but now I see that I can't put pressure on without a nasty pain running up and down my calf!
I got lots of metal, plates screw's...which I can feel big time and it is all very uncomfortable!
I am using a splint to stretch old scar tissue which swells my knee and foot, when I ask my doc about it all he looks unconcerned, so I guess it is normal!
Anybody what was your experience when the cast came of and u did your first steps! Thanks!


Answers: I broke my tib and fib 3 month ago and finally was told it was O.K to do a few steps, I was so looking forward, but now I see that I can't put pressure on without a nasty pain running up and down my calf!
I got lots of metal, plates screw's...which I can feel big time and it is all very uncomfortable!
I am using a splint to stretch old scar tissue which swells my knee and foot, when I ask my doc about it all he looks unconcerned, so I guess it is normal!
Anybody what was your experience when the cast came of and u did your first steps! Thanks!

OK... you've had the easy part and now comes the tough part - rehab.

Your leg was immobilized for so long it has to relearn how to walk again. Damaged bones knit slowly - and the nerves are very unhappy about having to go back to work, All those plates and screws are going through a layer called the periosteum which is loaded with nerve endings and very sensitive to everything, so, yeah, you're going to feel lousy

Stepping down on the foot makes the freshly knit edges compress. As soon as this strenghtens this pain will diminish, but it will take time. Keep your leg elevated above heart level anytime you're not doing exercises or walking to avoid the swelling.

Many people with this amount of damage find that massage is very helpful in working out the scar and increasing circulation to the leg. walking in water is very very good because it allows you to walk again but the water helps by reducing the amount of weight you are bearing at one time.

Take your pain meds around the clock - don't let them wear off for now, because it's harder to control pain once it gets out of control than when you still have the lid down on it. If your pain meds aren't strong enough, ask the doc for something better. Don't worry about addiction. Addiction is taking meds for no reason except because you want to. Tolerance is when you've taken a med for so long it doesn't work as well and you need increasing amounts to make it work. When a person is taking their pain medication for pain in the amount they are supposed to and don't go over the limit prescribed, there is almost never a problem with addiction. Plus, taking your pain meds will ensure you complete a better session of rehab - that you won't stop because it hurts. So, be sure to have a dose on board at least 45 min before your sessions.

Don't let your doctor blow you off. Many forget that while they've seen a couple of hundred broken legs, it's YOUR first...and you deserve a lot better treatment. Make him sit down and discuss with you exactly what's happening and what you can expect.

Keep up your daily exercises and rehab - the more you do in the next 45 days will mean how much recovery you will ultimately get throughout life.

Good luck to you

I guess this gives new meaning to "break a leg". Breaking anything hurts. Even more so after it is starting to heal with scar tissue. If you are using a crutch (or 2) for a little weight that you can tolerate that might be what he meant. If he hasn't mentioned physical therapy then mention it to him. If you are 6 weeks post-op then you might be able to see them for them to guide you along this journey. If your Dr. says you don't need physical therapy then find another Dr. I am a recuperating multiple bone breaker. I broke my shoulder, knee and ankle all on the same side so I can attest that physical therapy will help with pain management and get you on the road to recovery. They will seem like masochists but they really mean well. Good luck & I hope this helps!

well ive never broke those bones, but if you that there is something really wrong i would consult your doctor and be like hey is this usually routine how this feels or is there somehting else wrong. If you doctor doesnt want to seem to help i'd go get a second opinion by another doctor. Hope this helps.





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