Help on recovery after a broken ankle?

[Millie]

A little over 4 weeks ago I broke my ankle in 3 places. I had surgery done - 7 screws and a metal plate.

I had the cast taken off yesterday and needless to say my calf muscles have completely disappeared and I have lost about an inch off my thigh. I also have 2 huge 4-5 inch scars on each side of my foot

I already started physiotherapy but all they did was to hook me up to an electronic muscle stimulation machine for 15 minutes and then told me what exercises I should be doing at home, i.e. roll my foot over a soccer ball and try to move the foot as much as possible.

I am worried that this doesn't seem enough. Is this normal for the first day after the cast comes off? Should I be looking for a different physiotherapist? What else could I do to help me recover quickly? Also when should I start applying Mederma for the scars?

I just want to be able to walk again. I am still not allowed to walk for another 2 weeks - doctor's orders.

Any help from you ladies would be much appreciated.

 

[PBR]

I ruptured my achillies tendon a few years ago in softball....had exactly same thing happen to me....yes, do your exercises with the ball....the nerves have become dormant in the affected area as to protect the body from further damage, hence the atrophy...the muscle stimulator should be used a couple of times a day...you can rent one for home use....suggest that you do that...very light and repetitve movements are key at this point, before putting any load on there...nothing is awake yet....use MSN, Glucosamine, chondroitin at 1650mgs per day for as long as it takes-wont OD with it -good for your tendons/legiments...this will help fuel healing...must be at this dosage to be effective...they make tabs with all 3 in it...expensive but worth it....this will take some time-do not push any loads yet, the nerves will not allow for it and will slow your progress....anything else let me know.....PBR..take care

 

[Millie]

Thank you so much, PBR. This is all very helpful.
Even though it's been only 2 days, I can already start feeling my calf muscles are 'coming alive'.

I know this will take time and patience, but it's easier when I can see some progress.

Thanks again for your advice.

 

[PBR]

Millie...answered you very late last night...more, and most important....MASSAGE...the entire affected area, should be done by a professional...heres why: the muscles affected develop a tissue-"facia" tissue...kinda like a "saran-wrap" around the muscles...a procedure called "myo-facia release" is used...its relatively new, not many sports docs are up on it...look into it...at minimum-get deep tissue massage when your doc says you can-this will break-up the facia and allow the muscle to return to normal size and provide circulation....sorry for being late with this..

 

[Millie]

My physiotherapist told me I should massage the scar areas lightly so that the skin doesn't stick to the bones. However, my incisions haven't healed up completely yet.
I will have to ask my doctor when I can start with the deep massages that you mentioned and also if he can recommend a professional.

Thanks for the additional advice, PBR.

Btw, for the MSN, Glucosamine, Chondroitin supp, is 1650mg the total dose of the 3 or should that be the individual daily dose of each one?

 

[PBR]

My physiotherapist told me I should massage the scar areas lightly so that the skin doesn't stick to the bones. However, my incisions haven't healed up completely yet.
I will have to ask my doctor when I can start with the deep massages that you mentioned and also if he can recommend a professional.

Thanks for the additional advice, PBR.

Btw, for the MSN, Glucosamine, Chondroitin supp, is 1650mg the total dose of the 3 or should that be the individual daily dose of each one?

total dose for all 3....you can go to 2000mgs because the combo tabs come in 1000mgs each, there is no problem...1650mgs is minimum, thats all, for being effective? ok....

 

[Millie]

And thank you yet again. You've been a great help! Much appreciated