Ankle fracture, Orthopedics FAQ

Impact of Removing Surgical Pins on Ankle Mobility and Recovery

Steel nail Hello Dr. Lee: Will the mobility of my foot be affected right after the removal of the metal screws? Will I need to undergo rehabilitation again? Is the bone more fragile? The area where my fracture was sutured (ankle) is about 10 centimeters; can the screws be removed...

Dr. Li Wenlin Reply:
Hello: In response to your question... The removal of ankle screws can be performed under local anesthesia, but it is important to have a psychological preparation beforehand. The anesthesia process may be more painful (as multiple injections may be required), and there will be a...

Post-Ankle Surgery Rehabilitation: Managing Swelling and Footwear Tips

How to rehabilitate after ankle surgery swelling? I underwent surgery on my left ankle on September 13, 2004, where an AO plate was used for fixation on the left side and a screw was placed on the right side. I started walking three months post-surgery, and now, six months later,...

Dr. Li Wenlin Reply:
Hello: In response to your question... Ankle fractures generally require about three months for recovery. The condition after three months varies depending on the individual's fracture situation, surgical method, and postoperative care (such as the duration of cast immobiliz...

Understanding Ankle Fractures: Risks of Leaving Hardware In and Recovery Tips

Fracture Hello Dr. Lee: I fractured my ankle three months ago and had surgery to place a fixation plate. If I choose not to have the plate removed, will there be any long-term complications? Can I engage in more intense physical activities? Will the plate loosen if it remains in ...

Dr. Li Wenlin Reply:
Hello: In response to your questions... 1. Since the metal plate is a foreign object, if there are no absolute contraindications for further surgery, it is best to remove the plate if the postoperative fracture has healed well. Current literature does not indicate that prolonged ...

Understanding Ankle Fractures: Recovery, Risks, and Treatment Options

Ankle fracture I have had an ankle fracture for three months now. Today, I went for an X-ray, and the doctor said there are no significant signs of healing in the fracture line. It is possible that microvascular damage occurred, and even if the bone heals, there is a risk of necr...

Dr. Shi Guozheng Reply:
Currently, there are no medications available to promote fracture healing. However, fractures will heal on their own, given the necessary nutrients such as calcium and vitamin D. If an ankle fracture has not healed after three months, it is still advisable to wait, as non-union i...

When Can I Start Walking Rehabilitation After Ankle Surgery?

When can I start walking rehabilitation? Hello, Doctor Shi: I would like to ask you a question. I had ankle surgery for a fracture six weeks ago, and the recovery is going well. I can now put a little weight on it, but the surgical site (with internal fixation) is still quite sti...

Dr. Shi Guozheng Reply:
Ankle fractures typically allow for activity to begin around six weeks post-injury. Stiffness at the surgical site is due to the lack of joint movement, so rehabilitation can be initiated relatively quickly. If the fracture is healing well, weight-bearing walking can commence, bu...

Understanding Swelling in the Right Leg After Ankle Surgery: Recovery Insights

Swelling of the right foot? Hello Dr. Lee, I would like to ask you: I have a fracture of the tibia and fibula in my right calf, and a rupture of the medial ligament in my right ankle. I underwent surgery nine weeks ago. May I ask: 1. I am currently walking about 15-20 minutes to ...

Dr. Li Wenlin Reply:
Hello, in response to your question... 1. Based on your description, the swelling in your calves after walking, which improves with heat therapy and elevation at night, is normal. If there are no other factors involved (such as pre-existing heart or kidney issues, or incomplete t...

Recovery Timeline After Right Ankle Fracture Surgery: When to Return to Work?

Right ankle fracture? Hello, Doctor. I would like to ask you another question: You mentioned that for a fracture to heal properly, it needs to be well stabilized, so you recommend using crutches while walking to avoid poor or improper healing. Given that I am currently seven week...

Dr. Shi Guozheng Reply:
Lateral ankle fractures typically allow for a return to work in about two months; however, the injured foot should not bear weight while walking and the use of crutches is necessary for assistance. After two months, an X-ray should be taken to check for callus formation at the fr...

Understanding Recovery Time for a Right Ankle Fracture

Right ankle fracture? Hello, Doctor, I have a question to ask you: I have a fracture on the outer side of my right calf near the ankle, and I have had it stabilized with a steel pin (the smaller bone). It has been seven weeks, and I had an X-ray today, which showed that the bone ...

Dr. Shi Guozheng Reply:
The area you are referring to is likely the lateral malleolus of the ankle joint. Fractures in this area typically take about three months to heal. Walking before it has healed can cause pain and swelling. For optimal healing of the fracture, it is essential to have good stabiliz...

Understanding Ankle Fractures: Recovery, Symptoms, and Treatment Options

Ankle fracture 1. A month ago, I sustained a closed fracture of the right ankle due to a work accident. After X-rays and a CT scan, the doctor recommended the insertion of a metal screw, but it was also possible to forgo the screw. I chose not to have the screw and only had a cas...

Dr. Shi Guozheng Reply:
If a fracture is non-displaced, the healing speed is similar whether or not steel pins are used. It is normal for the foot to swell when placed down, as there are many blood vessels within the bone. After a fracture, blood circulation is compromised, and it will take about three ...

Is 4 Months in a Cast Too Long for an Ankle Fracture?

My question? I fractured my left ankle on May 31, and one doctor put a cast on my leg for over four months. My question is, can a cast be on for that long, especially at a joint? Won't that have any negative effects? Later, when I saw another doctor, I found out that my bone...

Dr. Chen Xingyuan Reply:
Dear Xiao Hsun, Based on personal experience, an ankle fracture typically takes about two months to recover to a level where one can walk and begin rehabilitation. I usually return for a follow-up appointment and X-ray in about two to three weeks to check on the healing progress...

Post-Fracture Recovery: Can Low-Frequency Therapy Aid Healing?

Can low-frequency therapy be used for rehabilitation treatment after a fracture? Hello Doctor... It has been almost 3 months since my ankle fracture surgery. After removing the cast on August 27, the doctor said I only need to wear an ankle brace to walk. My ankle is still quite ...

Dr. Hong Ximing Reply:
Hello, Maruko's mom! Thank you for your letter again. It has been three months since your ankle fracture, and it should have healed by now. Swelling in the foot is a normal phenomenon. In addition to rehabilitation exercises, weight-bearing walking, joint mobility, and home ...

Why Is My Ankle Still Swollen Two Months After Fracture Surgery?

The fracture has been present for two months, and the foot is still very swollen? Hello, doctor... I have consulted you before and would like to ask again. I had my follow-up appointment on August 27 to remove the stitches (after the removal of the ankle ligament bone screws on A...

Dr. Hong Ximing Reply:
Hello, Maruko's mom! Congratulations on having your cast removed. However, I recommend that you continue to use two crutches for the first two weeks. It's normal to experience heel pain and swelling after removing the cast; this is due to inactivity, tight tendons, and ...

Concerns After Ankle Fracture: Healing Progress Two Months Post-Surgery

It's been two months since the fracture, and it still feels off..? Hello... It has been 2 months since my fracture. The doctor's report states that I have a "closed fracture of the right ankle." The doctor mentioned that my ligaments are also torn. Therefore, ...

Dr. Hong Ximing Reply:
Hello, Maruko's Mom. Thank you for your letter. After ankle fracture surgery, it is generally necessary to keep the joint immobilized for 6 to 8 weeks. Rehabilitation should begin after the fracture has healed to avoid affecting the stability of the joint in the future. Afte...

Recovery After Ligament Screw Removal: Walking Tips and Pain Management

Recovery after ligament screw removal..? Hello, Doctor... I suffered a fracture in my right ankle on June 23 of this year and underwent surgery at Peace Hospital for internal fixation with screws. I have been in a cast since then. The doctor mentioned that my ligaments were also ...

Dr. Shi Qiming Reply:
Dear Sir/Madam, On June 23, 1993, you underwent surgery for a right ankle fracture and ligament tear, with the use of metal screws for fixation. Based on your current description, it is difficult to fully understand the specific location of the fracture and which ligament is tor...

Understanding Ankle Fractures: Healing, Symptoms, and Care Tips

Ankle sprain Hello Doctor: I went to see a doctor for an ankle sprain, and after an X-ray, the doctor said I have a fracture in my ankle. The doctor applied a cast and prescribed me oral medication, AceoCape Endase Wilcon-U, for one week. I have a few questions: (1) Since my ankl...

Dr. Shi Guozheng Reply:
If a fracture is non-displaced, it can heal with immobilization using a cast. Generally, the healing time for ankle fractures is approximately six weeks. The sensation of numbness in the foot may be related to bruising and swelling; elevating the lower limb to improve blood circu...

Is Post-Surgery Pain Normal During Pregnancy? Insights for Expecting Mothers

It has been one month since the surgery. Is it normal for the wound to still be painful? Hello. I am currently about 25 weeks pregnant. On June 23, I had an accident that resulted in fractures of the bones on both sides of my right ankle and a ligament tear, which required surger...

Dr. Shi Guozheng Reply:
It is normal for the surgical wound to still be painful one month post-operation, as long as there are no signs of redness, swelling, heat, or increased pain in the surrounding area. After the cast is removed, an X-ray should be taken, and you can ask the radiologic technologist ...

Understanding Ankle Fracture Recovery: Key Questions for Patients

Fracture Hello Dr. Shi: I was involved in a car accident that resulted in an ankle fracture, and I have had a cast on for seven weeks. Today, during my follow-up appointment, the doctor informed me that it has improved significantly but is not yet fully healed. The doctor mention...

Dr. Shi Guozheng Reply:
An ankle fracture typically takes about eight weeks to heal, after which pain should subside. Prior to that, some discomfort may persist. If you walk too much or stand for extended periods, the foot may swell slightly, but this can improve with rest and elevation. After removing ...

Understanding Ankle Fractures: Healing Time and Treatment Options

Ankle fracture Hello Dr. Chen: Thank you for taking the time to teach me! I would like to ask how long a cast is required for a lateral ankle fracture? Is surgery necessary if the displacement is about 0.2mm to 0.4mm? Can I wait until the fracture heals before returning to the ma...

Dr. Chen Xingyuan Reply:
Dear Xiao Xiao, In the case of an ankle fracture with a displacement of 0.2mm to 0.4mm, surgical treatment may not be necessary. A cast immobilization is typically required for about six weeks. Once the fracture has healed, it will not be able to move again, so returning to the ...

Understanding Ankle Fractures: Causes of Pain and Rehabilitation Tips

Ankle fracture Dear Dr. Shi, I sustained a fracture of the medial malleolus and a comminuted fracture of the distal fibula in a car accident on December 15, 2000. Three days later, I underwent surgery to implant six bone screws for stabilization. On March 14 of this year, follow...

Dr. Shi Guozheng Reply:
The treatment for an ankle fracture typically involves surgery to realign the bones and joints, allowing for early mobilization. Post-surgery, it is common to require a cast for stabilization, which may be necessary due to prolonged inactivity of the joint or tendons. After the c...

Foods to Avoid After Ankle Fracture: Myths and Facts Explained

Are there any foods to avoid when dealing with an ankle injury? Two years ago, I had a car accident that injured my ankle. The doctor diagnosed it as a fracture, and after surgery, they placed metal screws in my ankle for stabilization. Previously, my friends mentioned that after...

Dr. Ye Qingnian Reply:
There are no dietary restrictions for fractures. It is best to return to the orthopedic specialist for a follow-up examination, including an X-ray to assess the healing process and functional status. The removal of the metal pins should be determined based on X-ray results.

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