Am I doing it wrong?

Question

I broke my ankle on october 11th and was put in a cast on october 16th. The doctor didn't say how to prop it up or anything but when i go to sleep i usualy lay on my sides. I had been fixing my leg so it can lay on its sides too but without moving my ankle or anything. But i dunno if i shouldn't lay it down on its side and wondering if im putting to much pressure on it. I am trying to make sure my ankle heals as fast as it can because i just don't want to be in a cast anymore. So i was wondering should i not be laying it on its side.. or should i have it proped up on my heal and on a pillow and just deal with laying on my back. Oh and by the way when i lay my leg down on the sides of it i put a pillow under it too. This is so hard to explain. Im just tired of being in this darn cast and not being able to do anything myself.

Answer 1

Rest
Ice
Compression
Elevation

Laying it on the side is okay
You SHOULD prop it up with a pillow as you describe when you lie down. If it is higher than your heart it can then have fluid drain away from it and decrease swelling.

If it is hung down over the side of the bed or is set on the floor for a prolonged period of time (sitting or standing) then you will find it will swell up, ache and throb.

So: rest the ankle - prop it up with a pillow as you are doing - take pain relief - enjoy a good book - quit smoking - eat well, drink milk, see a bit of sunlight once in a while

Wiggle your toes each day - morning and night. Look at your foot to see if it is swollen up, purple or plum coloured, or very pale.

All the "P" things are trouble:
pale
plum coloured
painful
pins and needles

and should be reviewed by your doctor.

Sounds like you are doing fine. Get yourself some good reading material or some good DVD's.

Answer 2

I shattered my ankle three years ago. To this day I still have two bolts in it to hold it together. When you go to bed you do need to elevate your leg with the broken ankle. EVEN if you sleep on your side. The injured/broken leg needs to be elevated. Tell your doctor you want REHAB as soon as possible. This WILL also help you in not only healing but also to regain use of the limb. Good Luck and don't do anything more than the doctor tells you to do or can do.

Answer 3

I had the same problem. I lay ed on my side but my broken ankle was on top. I would put a couple of pillows between my ankles so the broken one was propped up. But if you have a recliner you should try sleeping in that you will get used to it.

Answer 4

As long as you keep the cast on and don't do ridiculous things such as kick footballs, you can sleep any way you feel comfortable. Don't worry about putting too much pressure on your foot when you walk. The cast is transferring virtually all the weight around the break. Be patient ... you'll be good as new right after Thanksgiving. Just don't go out and start kicking footballs.

Answer 5

the cast is supporting your ankle and leg.
If above the cast the skin becomes red or swelling develops, then your circulation is compromised.
You can tell by the color of your toenails if your circulaiton is being compromised, compare the colors of each foot toenails.
Know that cast is a bummer, good thing summer is over with, huh?

Answer 6

Sounds like your taking good care of it. If it doesn't hurt either way should be fine. Get comfortable if you can and relax. The cast will be off soon.

Answer 7

I know how you feel. I tore a ligament in my Knee That was over a year ago. It still bothers me on cold or rainy days. I 'hope you
will heal soon.

Answer 8

i dun tin u should be layin on ur side if u wan it well quikly, coz dats causin too much pressure to ur ankle..imagine pressure on ur ankle for bout 8hrs a night...

Answer 9

You must call your doctor and present your medical problems to him/her. Only a doctor can make these recommendations!