At the time of the injury, I figured on a four-six week recovery period. At the first follow up doctor's visit, the words four - six months were spoken. This prognosis came with a serious warning about hurrying along the rehabilitation period. Repeat fractures and other complications result from improper healing.
I knew then I would have to get my head around this and make the best of it. To do so, here are my Top 5 Suggestions for Surviving a Fractured Ankle:
1. Make peace with the fact that you are injured and your body needs time to heal.
Sure, it cramps your style and limits your activities. Remember that it is a temporary condition and give yourself permission to heal. Denying reality, gritting your teeth and pushing through the pain to participate in pre-injury activities ASAP might make you feel like you can tough it out. Chances are such acts of super hero strength will result in continued weakness and instability and prolong total recovery. Dealing with the prognosis once is far better than going through the same experience again in the future.
2. Ditch the crutches for a knee roller walker.
Crutches aren't easy to use. Try googling "how to use crutches" and you will find a myriad of articles trying to explain different techniques and approaches. Upper body strength, balance and stamina are all taxed when on crutches. Because you are holding crutches, you have no ability to carry a glass of water or that all important ice pack. Crutches might have gotten the kid with a broken foot a sympathetic smile from the popular girl back when you were in grade school. This isn't grade school.
A knee roller walker is readily available at any pharmacy or medical supply store for a nominal rental fee. It will liberate your hands and give you the ability to carry around what you need. You will be able to stand comfortably with your weight balanced on your uninjured foot and the knee of your injured leg. It's a great conversation starter everywhere you go and people in grocery stores will look at you with envy as you whip around the produce section.
3. Deepen your perspective.
Not being able to walk for a short time makes you grateful for your mobility and good health. It also gives you perspective about how a person deals with a disability. Remember that neighbor you heard about that has MS? Or, how about that guy you read about that was paralyzed as a result of an accident? We have all heard about people like this and many of us have a friend or family member who lives with a permanent loss daily. Experience helps us to develop compassion. I will never forget how it struck me that a returning soldier could be removing a prosthetic limb before going to bed as I was taking off my walking boot.
4. Pretend you are at a Spa.
The first week will be a no weight bearing (NWB) week. You will have no choice but to rest with your leg elevated. Imagining yourself at a spa retreat during this time; wash your pain medication down with an exotic fruit smoothie. Indulge yourself in lifestyle magazines featuring travel, food or whatever else intrigues you. Get lost in a novel based in a far away land. Be idle and watch the world go by out your window.
5. Appreciate the people who are helping you.
Such a simple thing, but the most easily forgotten. Your spouse, partner, children, friends, neighbors, well trained pets, etc. are all part of your recovery. Meals need to be cooked, pillows fluffed, ice packs refreshed, dogs walked. It is easy to be bummed out and cross about your injury. Find the strength to say thank you from time to time. It will make everyone feel better. And, it is more effective when you are trying to get someone to make a grocery run.
What are some of your best tips for dealing with an injury? Please contribute and offer feedback. Also, anyone who has advice on physical therapy or other rehab treatments for a fractured ankle, please share!
I knew then I would have to get my head around this and make the best of it. To do so, here are my Top 5 Suggestions for Surviving a Fractured Ankle:
1. Make peace with the fact that you are injured and your body needs time to heal.
Sure, it cramps your style and limits your activities. Remember that it is a temporary condition and give yourself permission to heal. Denying reality, gritting your teeth and pushing through the pain to participate in pre-injury activities ASAP might make you feel like you can tough it out. Chances are such acts of super hero strength will result in continued weakness and instability and prolong total recovery. Dealing with the prognosis once is far better than going through the same experience again in the future.
2. Ditch the crutches for a knee roller walker.
Crutches aren't easy to use. Try googling "how to use crutches" and you will find a myriad of articles trying to explain different techniques and approaches. Upper body strength, balance and stamina are all taxed when on crutches. Because you are holding crutches, you have no ability to carry a glass of water or that all important ice pack. Crutches might have gotten the kid with a broken foot a sympathetic smile from the popular girl back when you were in grade school. This isn't grade school.
A knee roller walker is readily available at any pharmacy or medical supply store for a nominal rental fee. It will liberate your hands and give you the ability to carry around what you need. You will be able to stand comfortably with your weight balanced on your uninjured foot and the knee of your injured leg. It's a great conversation starter everywhere you go and people in grocery stores will look at you with envy as you whip around the produce section.
3. Deepen your perspective.
Not being able to walk for a short time makes you grateful for your mobility and good health. It also gives you perspective about how a person deals with a disability. Remember that neighbor you heard about that has MS? Or, how about that guy you read about that was paralyzed as a result of an accident? We have all heard about people like this and many of us have a friend or family member who lives with a permanent loss daily. Experience helps us to develop compassion. I will never forget how it struck me that a returning soldier could be removing a prosthetic limb before going to bed as I was taking off my walking boot.
4. Pretend you are at a Spa.
The first week will be a no weight bearing (NWB) week. You will have no choice but to rest with your leg elevated. Imagining yourself at a spa retreat during this time; wash your pain medication down with an exotic fruit smoothie. Indulge yourself in lifestyle magazines featuring travel, food or whatever else intrigues you. Get lost in a novel based in a far away land. Be idle and watch the world go by out your window.
5. Appreciate the people who are helping you.
Such a simple thing, but the most easily forgotten. Your spouse, partner, children, friends, neighbors, well trained pets, etc. are all part of your recovery. Meals need to be cooked, pillows fluffed, ice packs refreshed, dogs walked. It is easy to be bummed out and cross about your injury. Find the strength to say thank you from time to time. It will make everyone feel better. And, it is more effective when you are trying to get someone to make a grocery run.
What are some of your best tips for dealing with an injury? Please contribute and offer feedback. Also, anyone who has advice on physical therapy or other rehab treatments for a fractured ankle, please share!
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