Tips for first time ankle breakers?

[Doppelgangirl]

Friday night I tripped on the last 4 stairs going down to my office space in the basement. I landed very awkwardly. A visit to the ER confirmed what I thought- my ankle is broken.
For the medically inclined, it’s a ‘closed fracture of the left distal fibula’ with a ‘moderate contusion of left knee.’

I didn’t realize how serious some of these breaks can be, and when the ER Doc mentioned surgery and metal pins, etc -
I freaked out a bit. The absolute *last* problem I need at this moment in my life is a mobility-related one.
Not that there’s ever a *good* time for them, either; but I digress.

Had my follow up today and learned for the next 4 weeks I am in a boot cast and on crutches. Not allowed to put any weight on that ankle. I’d found a fairly decent way to limp or hobble, but am told definitely not to do that because that may change my current (fairly good) prognosis- into one that requires the surgery and the metal- and end up limping/having problems for the rest of my life.

Does anyone have experience with these injuries and how to cope with/complete basic everyday chores? Tips or tricks to make crutches more tolerable? Good pillows for elevated leg at night? Or sleep positions?
I feel very naive- never thought this kind of injury would have such a bearing on basic day-to-day activities. I can’t believe I’m here on DP literally asking for advice to carry water

Any advice would be greatly appreciated.
Also welcome any recommendations for books, games, movies, etc. Thanks to all!

 

[Demon]

Friday night I tripped on the last 4 stairs going down to my office space in the basement. I landed very awkwardly. A visit to the ER confirmed what I thought- my ankle is broken.
For the medically inclined, it’s a ‘closed fracture of the left distal fibula’ with a ‘moderate contusion of left knee.’

I didn’t realize how serious some of these breaks can be, and when the ER Doc mentioned surgery and metal pins, etc -
I freaked out a bit. The absolute *last* problem I need at this moment in my life is a mobility-related one.
Not that there’s ever a *good* time for them, either; but I digress.

Had my follow up today and learned for the next 4 weeks I am in a boot cast and on crutches. Not allowed to put any weight on that ankle. I’d found a fairly decent way to limp or hobble, but am told definitely not to do that because that may change my current (fairly good) prognosis- into one that requires the surgery and the metal- and end up limping/having problems for the rest of my life.

Does anyone have experience with these injuries and how to cope with/complete basic everyday chores? Tips or tricks to make crutches more tolerable? Good pillows for elevated leg at night? Or sleep positions?
I feel very naive- never thought this kind of injury would have such a bearing on basic day-to-day activities. I can’t believe I’m here on DP literally asking for advice to carry water

Any advice would be greatly appreciated.
Also welcome any recommendations for books, games, movies, etc. Thanks to all!

I broke my fibula about 8 years ago. I was a very clean break and I was just in a boot for 6 weeks, which was awesome because I didn't do well with crutches. Couldn't drive though.

So I can't help with the daily chores or making crutches more comfortable, but sleeping on your stomach, or even side, with your foot elevated is what worked for me.

And if they offer physical therapy afterwards, DO IT. My ankle was broken from just a foot roll from the sidewalk to lower ground. I thought I wouldn't need physical therapy so I didn't do it. Well, it took a whole year and another slight ankle roll to get all my flexibility back.

Good luck and I hope someone else can help out with chores and crutches. Have you considered one of those little scooters that you put on knee on?

 

[Jessie C]

Friday night I tripped on the last 4 stairs going down to my office space in the basement. I landed very awkwardly. A visit to the ER confirmed what I thought- my ankle is broken.
For the medically inclined, it’s a ‘closed fracture of the left distal fibula’ with a ‘moderate contusion of left knee.’

I didn’t realize how serious some of these breaks can be, and when the ER Doc mentioned surgery and metal pins, etc -
I freaked out a bit. The absolute *last* problem I need at this moment in my life is a mobility-related one.
Not that there’s ever a *good* time for them, either; but I digress.

Had my follow up today and learned for the next 4 weeks I am in a boot cast and on crutches. Not allowed to put any weight on that ankle. I’d found a fairly decent way to limp or hobble, but am told definitely not to do that because that may change my current (fairly good) prognosis- into one that requires the surgery and the metal- and end up limping/having problems for the rest of my life.

Does anyone have experience with these injuries and how to cope with/complete basic everyday chores? Tips or tricks to make crutches more tolerable? Good pillows for elevated leg at night? Or sleep positions?
I feel very naive- never thought this kind of injury would have such a bearing on basic day-to-day activities. I can’t believe I’m here on DP literally asking for advice to carry water

Any advice would be greatly appreciated.
Also welcome any recommendations for books, games, movies, etc. Thanks to all!

I'm sorry you have suffered this injury. Ask your health care provider or your personal Doctor to set you up with people who can assist you.

 

[mrjurrs]

Friday night I tripped on the last 4 stairs going down to my office space in the basement. I landed very awkwardly. A visit to the ER confirmed what I thought- my ankle is broken.
For the medically inclined, it’s a ‘closed fracture of the left distal fibula’ with a ‘moderate contusion of left knee.’

I didn’t realize how serious some of these breaks can be, and when the ER Doc mentioned surgery and metal pins, etc -
I freaked out a bit. The absolute *last* problem I need at this moment in my life is a mobility-related one.
Not that there’s ever a *good* time for them, either; but I digress.

Had my follow up today and learned for the next 4 weeks I am in a boot cast and on crutches. Not allowed to put any weight on that ankle. I’d found a fairly decent way to limp or hobble, but am told definitely not to do that because that may change my current (fairly good) prognosis- into one that requires the surgery and the metal- and end up limping/having problems for the rest of my life.

Does anyone have experience with these injuries and how to cope with/complete basic everyday chores? Tips or tricks to make crutches more tolerable? Good pillows for elevated leg at night? Or sleep positions?
I feel very naive- never thought this kind of injury would have such a bearing on basic day-to-day activities. I can’t believe I’m here on DP literally asking for advice to carry water

Any advice would be greatly appreciated.
Also welcome any recommendations for books, games, movies, etc. Thanks to all!

Get one of those 'knee scooters'. You can get around pretty well on one. I'm pretty sure you can rent them from a medical supply place. Good luck.

 

[Emily L]

Friday night I tripped on the last 4 stairs going down to my office space in the basement. I landed very awkwardly. A visit to the ER confirmed what I thought- my ankle is broken.
For the medically inclined, it’s a ‘closed fracture of the left distal fibula’ with a ‘moderate contusion of left knee.’

I didn’t realize how serious some of these breaks can be, and when the ER Doc mentioned surgery and metal pins, etc -
I freaked out a bit. The absolute *last* problem I need at this moment in my life is a mobility-related one.
Not that there’s ever a *good* time for them, either; but I digress.

Had my follow up today and learned for the next 4 weeks I am in a boot cast and on crutches. Not allowed to put any weight on that ankle. I’d found a fairly decent way to limp or hobble, but am told definitely not to do that because that may change my current (fairly good) prognosis- into one that requires the surgery and the metal- and end up limping/having problems for the rest of my life.

Does anyone have experience with these injuries and how to cope with/complete basic everyday chores? Tips or tricks to make crutches more tolerable? Good pillows for elevated leg at night? Or sleep positions?
I feel very naive- never thought this kind of injury would have such a bearing on basic day-to-day activities. I can’t believe I’m here on DP literally asking for advice to carry water

Any advice would be greatly appreciated.
Also welcome any recommendations for books, games, movies, etc. Thanks to all!

Doopel, I'm very sorry that happened. I hope you were able to get someone to bring your office stuff upstairs for you.

Doopel, you might consider renting a wheelchair. You can have someone clear the paths for you, and it might involve temporarily removing a door or two to allow room for the wheelchair. But it will let you get around faster and smoother, and you can periodically get out of it to keep the rest of your body working. But the wheelchair just might make things a lot easier for you. It's just a thought (of which I don't have many ).

 

[Emily L]

Get one of those 'knee scooters'. You can get around pretty well on one. I'm pretty sure you can rent them from a medical supply place. Good luck.
View attachment 67450401

Mrjurrs, I didn't see your post before I made mine about the wheelchair. If Doppel can handle that scooter thing, that would be a good idea, too!

 

[Chock Full o Nuts]

Friday night I tripped on the last 4 stairs going down to my office space in the basement. I landed very awkwardly.

I feel your pain. On the slow mend from a bad fibula/ankle break. Just getting back on my feet for a couple weeks and trying to get back at it slowly....(electric work...). Happened March 24th.
Couldn't even have a cool story of how I did it either; slipped on my deck, and POP!

Surgical here. Said could take up to a year to fully heal, (getting muscles back to normal and all on top of bone).

Best advice I can give is do what you can to stay a bit active as much as you can, and flex and ice that thing all the time assuming you're allowed to as long as no weight. I should have done more, and I'm paying. Atrophied muscles from weeks of minimal use is no fun...

Wife was on a knee scooter a couple times over the past year or so for a foot issue, but I stuck with the crutches. If you're iffy on crutches, go knee scooter. Don't want to slip and come down on it , boot or not.
I definately wouldn't be hobbling on it unless you want worse...

My results...

 

[Chock Full o Nuts]

Get one of those 'knee scooters'. You can get around pretty well on one. I'm pretty sure you can rent them from a medical supply place. Good luck.
View attachment 67450401

Yes, wife's was about 80 bucks for the month.

 

[mrjurrs]

Yes, wife's was about 80 bucks for the month.

I imagine some health care coverages would include that as well.

 

[BirdinHand]

I was just going to suggest a knee scooter - I’m so very sorry this happened and I hope you have a smooth recovery!

 

[noonereal]

Friday night I tripped on the last 4 stairs going down to my office space in the basement. I landed very awkwardly. A visit to the ER confirmed what I thought- my ankle is broken.
For the medically inclined, it’s a ‘closed fracture of the left distal fibula’ with a ‘moderate contusion of left knee.’

I didn’t realize how serious some of these breaks can be, and when the ER Doc mentioned surgery and metal pins, etc -
I freaked out a bit. The absolute *last* problem I need at this moment in my life is a mobility-related one.
Not that there’s ever a *good* time for them, either; but I digress.

Had my follow up today and learned for the next 4 weeks I am in a boot cast and on crutches. Not allowed to put any weight on that ankle. I’d found a fairly decent way to limp or hobble, but am told definitely not to do that because that may change my current (fairly good) prognosis- into one that requires the surgery and the metal- and end up limping/having problems for the rest of my life.

Does anyone have experience with these injuries and how to cope with/complete basic everyday chores? Tips or tricks to make crutches more tolerable? Good pillows for elevated leg at night? Or sleep positions?
I feel very naive- never thought this kind of injury would have such a bearing on basic day-to-day activities. I can’t believe I’m here on DP literally asking for advice to carry water

Any advice would be greatly appreciated.
Also welcome any recommendations for books, games, movies, etc. Thanks to all!

Your body will heal itself.

 

[Checkerboard Strangler]

I've discovered something about a lot of people as they age.
They begin to use their legs and buttock muscles differently, and not in a good way either.
That's the main reason you see older people shuffle, see them stooped over, see their asses turn flat and flabby, and see them fall more often.
And scientists are now learning that keeping ones legs and buttocks well used and firm reduces the likelihood of heart failure, heart attack and stroke as well.

So if you're an old guy and you're beginning to get the skinny chicken legs and the humped over shuffle, you better turn that around and if you're a gal and you're beginning to see your butt turn flat, you better start doing something to change it.

 

[Jessie C]

I've discovered something about a lot of people as they age.
They begin to use their legs and buttock muscles differently, and not in a good way either.
That's the main reason you see older people shuffle, see them stooped over, see their asses turn flat and flabby, and see them fall more often.
And scientists are now learning that keeping ones legs and buttocks well used and firm reduces the likelihood of heart failure, heart attack and stroke as well.

So if you're an old guy and you're beginning to get the skinny chicken legs and the humped over shuffle, you better turn that around and if you're a gal and you're beginning to see your butt turn flat, you better start doing something to change it.

Gee thanks! You just made my evening I try not to think of these things!

 

[Mr Person]

Friday night I tripped on the last 4 stairs going down to my office space in the basement. I landed very awkwardly. A visit to the ER confirmed what I thought- my ankle is broken.
For the medically inclined, it’s a ‘closed fracture of the left distal fibula’ with a ‘moderate contusion of left knee.’

I didn’t realize how serious some of these breaks can be, and when the ER Doc mentioned surgery and metal pins, etc -
I freaked out a bit. The absolute *last* problem I need at this moment in my life is a mobility-related one.
Not that there’s ever a *good* time for them, either; but I digress.

Had my follow up today and learned for the next 4 weeks I am in a boot cast and on crutches. Not allowed to put any weight on that ankle. I’d found a fairly decent way to limp or hobble, but am told definitely not to do that because that may change my current (fairly good) prognosis- into one that requires the surgery and the metal- and end up limping/having problems for the rest of my life.

Does anyone have experience with these injuries and how to cope with/complete basic everyday chores? Tips or tricks to make crutches more tolerable? Good pillows for elevated leg at night? Or sleep positions?
I feel very naive- never thought this kind of injury would have such a bearing on basic day-to-day activities. I can’t believe I’m here on DP literally asking for advice to carry water

Any advice would be greatly appreciated.
Also welcome any recommendations for books, games, movies, etc. Thanks to all!

I split my kneecap in two clean halves last summer. Surgeon didn't find any apparent tissue damage but we ruled out exploration. I'll send you a link to another part of the forum I'm not supposed to quote, but I'm not sure how much that will help. Let's see.

Does anyone have experience with these injuries and how to cope with/complete basic everyday chores?​

​

This worked with a knee because I could stand straight-locked. It may not work with an ankle.

Depending on agility: I was able to cook and move plates about by doing the following: grip both crutches strongly at the armpit with all surrounding muscle. Hold one crutch with one hand, hold the whatever with another. If you're cooking, you can be stationary. If you need to carry something, pick something up with the other hand. Move the crutch in both pit and hand first. Move that leg. Keep it clutched in that pit but let go with that hand and transfer the object to that hand. Now, grab the other crutch with newly free hand and move it. Repeat. It's slow but steady. The order depends on what's broken.

If you get agile enough, you can actually swing the crutches forward just using armpit grip.

Separately, stairs:
45 degree angle crab walk, using all available supports.

​

Tips or tricks to make crutches more tolerable? ​

Some people wrap them in sports cloth-tape. Could put gauze, memory foam, something under it perhaps. I didn't bother. I got sores.

Good pillows for elevated leg at night? Or sleep positions?​

I found a comforter was best as a pillow. You shape it as needed, and you're gonna need to turn over. I had to sleep on my side. Cannot do face-down and could not on back either (that's the only time I snore). Build a nest as needed, but keep your leg at the same angle the whole way out relative to the other leg.

Also, this brace was awesome for my knee: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0B2TXXG7P?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1&ref_=cm_sw_r_cp_ud_dp_Q6RNPZH6VXYKZF56T02F

You might find something like it for the ankle. Ask PT person (and you should use PT if you can).




Oh right, and the overall advice: push yourself as far as they'll let you, as is safe. Let it suck. It's got to, if it's going to work.

 

[Mr Person]

Also, I've got two screws in my knee and a band around the bits. No problem yet. In fact, they helped hold it all together and thus heal fully successfully when I - ahem - rebroke it half way through without noticing and kept going to PT.

 

[Checkerboard Strangler]

Gee thanks! You just made my evening I try not to think of these things!

Better get twerking there, mama!
We NEED to twerk for our continued health!

 

[Chock Full o Nuts]

We NEED to twerk for our continued health!

Do not tell this to the senior home. The visual and possible resulting injuries, neither good...

 

[Jessie C]

Better get twerking there, mama!
We NEED to twerk for our continued health!

LMAO! I weigh 100 lbs. I don't have an ass! And I think I'm the wrong color.... I don't think white women do this....if I'm wrong, no offense to anyone.

 

[Checkerboard Strangler]

LMAO! I weigh 100 lbs. I don't have an ass! And I think I'm the wrong color.... I don't think white women do this....if I'm wrong, no offense to anyone.

Oh by all means don't let the modern cultural origin of twerking limit your participation because to be accurate, twerking is just a stylized dance move derived from yoga.
Feel free to adapt it to whatever you think you're comfortable with in your own personal workout space.
And by the way, Karen got down to 108 once but since she is five feet eight that was too much weight loss and she suffered a pressure sore right where the femur meets the pelvis so I had to fatten her up again.

"Churro therapy" worked wonders! She is now all of 128 pounds dripping wet but now she has a booty again.
What I am getting at is, as we age we become more prone to falls and fractures because we don't do enough stomping around and moving with guided purpose.
Our bodies seem to forget to direct enough energy to our extremities.
And the buttocks are the largest and most important muscles in our entire body.

 

[Daisy]

My advice...milk it, honey...milk it for all it's worth...

 

[Checkerboard Strangler]

All I know is, I had started doing that old man shuffle, I had fallen a couple of times, thankfully with no serious injury and it began to piss me off.
I have to pick Karen up every morning, help her dress, and pick her up again and reverse the process to put her in bed...at a minimum.
She is plenty independent but she cannot stand or walk at all, so she needs me to continue being strong and capable.

We do HAVE a very nice Hoyer overhead lift installed in the bedroom but the damn thing is so slow that I would much rather pick her up myself, and as long as I keep my core muscles, legs and butt in good shape I know I can keep doing that for many more years. Thankfully my shoulders, back and arms have never given me trouble, just me knees and ankles.
And discovering my lack of emphasis on my leg and butt muscles took a lot of strain off my knees, ankles and even my hips.
I had been letting those parts take the load normally held BY the legs and buttocks, which was why they were beginning to hurt and why I had fallen.

 

[Jessie C]

Oh by all means don't let the modern cultural origin of twerking limit your participation because to be accurate, twerking is just a stylized dance move derived from yoga.
Feel free to adapt it to whatever you think you're comfortable with in your own personal workout space.
And by the way, Karen got down to 108 once but since she is five feet eight that was too much weight loss and she suffered a pressure sore right where the femur meets the pelvis so I had to fatten her up again.

"Churro therapy" worked wonders! She is now all of 128 pounds dripping wet but now she has a booty again.
What I am getting at is, as we age we become more prone to falls and fractures because we don't do enough stomping around and moving with guided purpose.
Our bodies seem to forget to direct enough energy to our extremities.
And the buttocks are the largest and most important muscles in our entire body.

You are right, and I laughed when my pacemaker doctor told me it would take a year for my heart to adjust to it, and now I'm not laughing. I do good to walk from one end of Walmart to the other without getting dizzy. I no where near twerking! Don't even think I want to be.

 

[Checkerboard Strangler]

You are right, and I laughed when my pacemaker doctor told me it would take a year for my heart to adjust to it, and now I'm not laughing. I do good to walk from one end of Walmart to the other without getting dizzy. I no where near twerking! Don't even think I want to be.

Five - four - three - two - one make that booty go! ♫♪

 

[eohrnberger]

I was just going to suggest a knee scooter - I’m so very sorry this happened and I hope you have a smooth recovery!

Yes, I think this a very good idea.

Once healed and cast free, and with the doctor's OK of course, make sure they order physical therapy to complete the healing, strengthening and regaining flexibility you are sure to need.

 

[Gateman_Wen]

Friday night I tripped on the last 4 stairs going down to my office space in the basement. I landed very awkwardly. A visit to the ER confirmed what I thought- my ankle is broken.
For the medically inclined, it’s a ‘closed fracture of the left distal fibula’ with a ‘moderate contusion of left knee.’

I didn’t realize how serious some of these breaks can be, and when the ER Doc mentioned surgery and metal pins, etc -
I freaked out a bit. The absolute *last* problem I need at this moment in my life is a mobility-related one.
Not that there’s ever a *good* time for them, either; but I digress.

Had my follow up today and learned for the next 4 weeks I am in a boot cast and on crutches. Not allowed to put any weight on that ankle. I’d found a fairly decent way to limp or hobble, but am told definitely not to do that because that may change my current (fairly good) prognosis- into one that requires the surgery and the metal- and end up limping/having problems for the rest of my life.

Does anyone have experience with these injuries and how to cope with/complete basic everyday chores? Tips or tricks to make crutches more tolerable? Good pillows for elevated leg at night? Or sleep positions?
I feel very naive- never thought this kind of injury would have such a bearing on basic day-to-day activities. I can’t believe I’m here on DP literally asking for advice to carry water

Any advice would be greatly appreciated.
Also welcome any recommendations for books, games, movies, etc. Thanks to all!

Hands free crutch