Recovery from a Left Ankle Fracture: Common Concerns and Questions - Orthopedics

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Recovering from a left ankle fracture, especially one involving two broken bones, can be a challenging process filled with concerns and questions. Based on your description, it seems you have undergone surgery where a plate was placed on the inner side of your ankle and two screws on the outer side. You mentioned that it has been two and a half months since your injury, and while your doctor indicated that the bones are healing well, you are still experiencing some swelling and discomfort.

Firstly, it is not uncommon for swelling to persist for several weeks or even months after an ankle fracture. Swelling can be a result of the body’s natural healing process, inflammation, and the trauma that the ankle has experienced. Elevating your foot, as you are doing, is a good practice to help reduce swelling. However, if the swelling is accompanied by pain, especially when you attempt to put weight on your foot, it is essential to communicate this with your healthcare provider. Pain during weight-bearing activities can indicate that the healing process is still ongoing or that there may be other underlying issues that need to be addressed.

Regarding the pain you feel when lightly touching your foot to the ground, this can also be a normal part of the healing process. After a fracture, the surrounding tissues, including ligaments and tendons, can become tight or stiff due to immobilization and the trauma of the injury. This tightness can lead to discomfort when you attempt to bear weight or move your ankle. Physical therapy is often recommended to help regain strength and flexibility in the ankle joint. If you have not yet started physical therapy, it may be beneficial to discuss this with your doctor, as a therapist can provide specific exercises to help improve your range of motion and reduce stiffness.

As for your concern about when you can start putting more weight on your ankle, this typically depends on the healing progress of the bones and the advice of your orthopedic surgeon. Generally, patients are encouraged to gradually increase weight-bearing activities as tolerated, but this should be done under the guidance of your healthcare provider. If you are still experiencing significant pain or swelling, it may be best to wait until these symptoms improve before attempting to put more weight on your ankle.

Regarding your question about the surgical experience and why your pants were removed during the procedure, this is a common practice in many surgical settings. When undergoing general anesthesia, patients are often required to change into a surgical gown for safety and hygiene reasons. The removal of clothing is typically done to ensure that the surgical site is accessible and to prevent any contamination. If this was not clearly communicated to you beforehand, it is understandable that you would have concerns. It is always advisable to ask questions and express any concerns you may have with your surgical team prior to the procedure.

In summary, your recovery from an ankle fracture is progressing, but it is essential to remain in close communication with your healthcare provider regarding your symptoms. Swelling and pain can be part of the healing process, but if these symptoms persist or worsen, further evaluation may be necessary. Engaging in physical therapy can also aid in your recovery, helping to restore function and reduce discomfort. Always feel free to ask questions about your treatment and recovery process to ensure you feel informed and comfortable with your care.