Dr. Timothy K. Durnin - 9/17/2007

Question
Dear Dr. Durnin-
 Eight weeks ago I fell down some stairs resulting in a fibular fracture about 1 1/2 inches above my ankle joint.  It was casted by an orthopaedic specialist for three weeks and they have had me in a chem walker boot since.  Re-check x-rays have shown everything has stayed in place so no surgery was necessary.  I am still needing the assistance of a cane or one crutch and have returned to work as a vet tech with my Dr.'s permission (on my feet the whole shift, full time).  My Dr. says I am right on schedule as far as healing, but I am very concerned that there is still so much swelling around the ankle and pitting edema.  I have had no pain from the fracture itself, but the ankle joint pain has me fairly Ibuprofen dependant.  I am doing the exercises the Dr. reccommended and slowly trying walking motions without the boot on with both crutches at home, I sleep with the foot elevated above my heart, have tried lemongrass oil and icepacking.  I am also taking an aspirin a day as the Dr. reccommended for preventing blood clots.  Two weeks ago a blood clot did form in my calf muscle above the fracture and resolved quickly with resuming the aspirin.  I am I being impatient expecting to be more mobile and pain free at this point?  Or is something getting missed?  I have a recent history of Spontaneous Transient Osteoperosis in my left hip a year ago and otherwise have been very healthy.  My only bad habit is I am a light smoker, my diet is fairly good.  Thank you for your time.

                                         Sincerely, Jayde

Answer
Hi Jayde,

You are on schedule, the swelling is typical and will resolve in a month or two. Once you are free from the immobilizer boot, begin wobble board therapy. You can get one online or use one at any PT office. This is critical to regain proprioception and peroneal muscle strength to stabilize the ankle. Continue icing and elevation, you will be fine!

Dr. Timothy Durnin