I broke my ankle last week in 3 different spots and shattered the bones, I had to have surgery with 3 screws and a metal plate in my ankle, I have a cast from my toes to under my knee. The doctor said this was ORIF (open reduction internal fixation). My question is, how long does it take for this to normally heal, and any advise I seem to only be comfortable when lying down. I can't sit with my legs down or even sit in a chair with my leg propped up for more than an hour without my leg starting to swell. The pain is getting a little better, sometimes it hurts alot. I was just wanting anyone that has ever had this type of fracture to give me some advise. The doctor said no weight on it for 60 days. I have a walker and wheel chair and they work okay. This is the first broken bone I have ever had and I am not the type of person that stays down or still so I feel I am somewhat impatient.
2007-02-02 17:17:23 · 1 answers · asked by slwe03 2 in Health ➔ General Health Care ➔ Injuries
The bone starts to heal in about 6 weeks and can go up to 2 or 3 months to completly heal. I would not advise that you use the walker and do not put weight on your foot of any kind, the pins and plates have to set and bone has to grow around the pins and screws. If you weight bear prior to 60 days the the screws move and bone does not attach properly and you will have problems with the appliances in your foot for many years to come. Best is to lie down elevate your foot and be up as little as possible until the bones have started healing. As the foot heals you will notice that the swelling will get less and you can be up a bit longer.
2007-02-02 17:34:30 · answer #1 · answered by Gary S 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋