Joe A Shaw PA-C - 11/9/2011

Question
Hi there,

I  broke my ankle (fibula)one month ago. There is minimal pain, the x-ray says it's healed and walking around at night w/o the boot. I feel like it's healing well and happy with my quick recovery. It was a 'clean break' and uncomplicated as far as broken ankles go.
I am 29 year old female, very active ( I broke it figure skating)and was planning a trip south to kite board. It is somewhat a risky sport, but my question to you is, do you think it would be too early to be actively 'sporting' by mid Dec? I hope to be going to yoga next week, am I pushing it? The doc says I should wait until after xmas to kite but i am dying to get back out there! I have a follow up appt in 2 weeks time I hope he can tell me it's good to go.
To sum it up, if it feels ok, when have my range of motion back,is it fully healed? Just because it feels ok does that mean it fully is?
Thanks so much!
Emily

Answer
Emily,
I think yoga is ok cause you can control what you do or don't do..the kite board though you might not be able to control what happens and thats the potential problem. This question comes up all the time..the best way I answer is..if you are willing to accept the risk? Obviously no one can predict whether you will break it again,after all it broke on an ankle that was "normal". see attached below..I would get into PT 2-3 x wk for 4-5 wks,this might make your Dr feel better about the kite boarding.
Just b/c you have ROM back does not mean it is fully healed. Just b/c it feels better is a good sign,but does not mean it is fully healed..feels ok just lying there? or after running?(..there are a lot of variables.)
At any rate I would get an "element ankle sport brace" or a good ankle lace up support,we use Deroyal.when and if you go.

http://www.ndortho.com/Pt_Advisor-WEB/Ankle_Fracture.pdf