Question
I'm going to TRY to make this as short as possible...

So about 5 months ago, I broke my left foot.  I wore a walking boot for 6
weeks and then a surgical shoe for a week.  I should also note that my doctor
noticed that my right hip is not all the way in it's socket.  This wasn't
something that was related to the broken foot, I'm guessing just something I
was born with.  I always noticed that one hip was more flexible than the
other, but I never knew it was anatomically wrong.  Anyways, I never got
physical therapy, just was advised to do stretches and whatnot.  It's been
about two months since I stopped wearing the surgical shoe and I've noticed
that I seem to still be favoring my right foot.  After walking for a long time I
notice that my right hamstring is really tight as if it's working harder than the
other, and my left knee feels weak and like it's clicking.  I also notice that my
left ankle is not as flexible as the right.  I realize that an alignment is
probably necessary (do you agree?) but at the moment I don't have insurance
I can't afford it.  I wanted to know: is there a point of no return?  If I wait too
long is this whole misalignment/stiff ankle permanent?  Also, are there
exercises I can do at home to help the situation until I see a chiropractor?

Thank you!!!

Answer
Dear Sophia,

Since the injuries, your body may have changed the way you walk due to compensation.  All you need to do is to un-train yourself again.  This will take effort and time.  

As far as exercise goes, I would suggest for you to write alphabets (A-Z) with your left ankle.  Use the toes as the point of a pen and go through the motion as if writing each letter.  This will loosen up the ankle joint and prevent it from stiffening up.  You will feel soreness at first.  It will eventually go away.

good luck.  Remember to visit a chiropractor if it doesn't get better.