Adam Rufa - 5/27/2006

Question
I broke distal fibula two years ago.  It was a simple fracture about one inch from the tip and only slightly displaced.  The doctor said the ankle joint spaces appeared to be maintained.  I had 3-4 weeks physical therapy.  I have a residual problem I am wondering if I can do anything about with training.  When I first start walking, I have pain posterior to that lateral malleolus and occasionally anterior to the medial malleolus that virtually goes away after about ten steps.  But it does cause me to limp those first few steps.  And my ankle feels the slightest, 5%, loss of stability.  I'm wondering if that is residual ligament injury or some arthritis coming on.  My question is, should I be doing some kind of strengthening and stretching, and would it be advisable or inadvisable for me to undertake training for a marathon?  Would that worsen and accelerate damage or improve ankle strength and positioning.  Thanks.

Answer
LeRoy,

It is possible that you are still have pain due to instability or it could be scar tissue (among other things). Your symptoms may improve with stretching/stability training.

I doubt that training for a marathon will help the problem but it may not worsen it. It is hard for me to advise you the marathon without examining you. My rule of thumb is, if an activity makes your symptoms worse then you should avoid it. Trial and error is often the only way to determine what works and what doesn't.


Adam