Broken Ankle - some advice required please?

Question

Hi! My Mum who is 60 and really active broke her ankle yesterday whilst out walking their dog. Now she's stuck at home and feeeling really bad, sore and upset. Have you got any ideas of nice positive things she can do at home to keep herself busy/occupied to help her feel less down and depressed? Thanks

Answer 1

Well, first of all be sure her pain is being treated. That can go a long way. Secondly, surround her with things she likes. My Mother personally loves sunflowers, so we usually get a bunch of sunflowers to sit in her room. Keep colorful things around her, and open the curtains. It is easy to get depressed when you can't see outside. Does she have any hobbies? If so, get as much as you can get togther to give to her. Crossword puzzles are helpful, too. Movies, nice soothing music, exotic teas...whatever she might like. Maybe make sure she has a visitor or two a day. Maybe she's looking at things like she's being imprisoned. Try to turn it around and show her the positive side. This is some forced relaxation time! Let her pamper herself and do things she wouldn't have dared when she was more active. Have someone paint her toenails a funky color, or how about a nice makeover! Get her friends together and have a margarita night. (not with painkillers, however) She can have a fun time while being laid up, it is a matter of perspective.

Answer 2

First follow ALL and ANY instructions the doctor has given. If any pain medication was perscribed make sure all that has been given. Make your mom as comfortable as possible. Maybe in a area of the house where she can still see whats going on. Maybe the living room. This way she can still feel apart of all the daily happenings at your house.

Next you may want to get her a small tv or radio to listen to, some books to read, a puzzle and maybe some knitting or sewing kits.

If your mom is active enough you could request to get a water proof cast so she could go swimming (Im not sure what the weather is like there so this option may not work for you) or even some light weights for her to lift.

Also you may want to have your mom take some physical therapy. It'll keep her active and be fitted around her broken ankle!

Answer 3

Some sort of crafting hobby. It's great fun, productive and you don't have to move around a lot. Personally I love card making, but other ideas are scrap-booking ( a great way to display old photos), knitting, cross stitch etc. Many towns will have a craft shop and if not have a look on the Internet as there are loads of on-line craft stores.

Have a look at www.docrafts.co.uk and you can find a local craft store that way and lots of ideas too.

Answer 4

I badly sprained my ankle about 3 weeks ago. I was in a hurry going down the stairs, lost my balance and landed on a bad side of my left foot, causing my left ankle to be stretched going on the inside. The first 48 hours were excruciating and the pain was un-believable. I've never had a serious ankle injury before.

So I immediately treated it using the RICE method. The following day, the bruising and swelling were so horrible. I found out that I got a second degree sprain and immediately panicked after that. I had a football game on that week and it been looking forward to it because I've been training for rt. I had teammates that had similar injuries and it took them months to fully recover, some of them stopped playing altogether. So I kinda had a short-term depression because I can't imagine myself not being able to run and play sports anymore.

Because I was so desperate to recover again, I contacted a lot of people that I know who do sports and asked them if they had similar injuries. One friend of mine, from the boy's football team in my university, told me about H.E.M. Ankle Rehab. I got a copy 4 days after I got injured. I immediately read and followed what was instructed and felt improvement on the first day. I was able to walk a bit, but I was in pain.

A couple of days after that, the swelling and bruising were subsid-ing significantly and on the fourth day, I was walking comfortably again. Although I've had felt a bit of stiffness, I continued doing what was instructed. My sister was surprised that I have recovered this fast. I told her about this book and was shocked on how effective the procedures were. I'm just so happy that this book was shared to me and how effective it is.

Heal your ankle fully & fast?

Answer 5

A friend of mine broke his ankle twice so I know a bit about feeling bad when people you love are upset. I know he loved to read some books and watch movies but you really have to find something that she likes. If I try to think of what my mom would like to do if it happened to her, I think puzzles and maybe a craft or two (you can buy stained glass kits and stuff like that). I'm sure a few movies would be good too depending on what she likes, maybe something like Titanic.
I hope she gets better soon.

Answer 6

What is her favorite holiday? She can do little crafty things, making things for others in the family that represent her favorite holiday. Like what my wife does when she has time to spare. She loves to make Christmas ornaments out of tin cut with tin snips and hand painted. She makes a new ornament for everyones tree every year.
It doesn't have to be anything too elaborate, just something from the heart and made out of any type of medium. Anything to pass the time and take the mind off from the inconvenience.

Answer 7

Mu uncle broke both legs last year and I bought him a guitar, which he tought himself to play. It realy look up a lot of energy and kept him busy! I'd also say bring her out of the house to places where not much walking is required, ie: restaurants as often as possible and encourage her to be as activa as she can because the fitter she is the easier the recovery will be! Also sue the council in charge of the area she fell!!

Answer 8

Get her a hobby such as jigsaw puzzles, making cards sewing etc

Answer 9

Get her to watch and enjoy this guy on you tube
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dMH0bHeiRNg

Peace love and respect for your mum

Answer 10

play a game call twister! where u toss a dice and put hands or feet on coloured dots on the mat its fun.. oh wait hehehee...