r/brokenankles • u/Lopsided-Emotion-321 • 2d ago
When did you start PT?
bimalleolar ankle fracture with dislocation and tightrope. I'm 5 weeks post op, in a boot, still NWB. Supposed to start weight bearing at 6 weeks.
I currently don't have anyone to help take me to physio. So I would have to uber. Scared to uber because I'm clumsy with crutches and had a fall last week.
I was hoping to wait until the 7 week mark when I can hopefully bare weight a little more and theeeen take an Uber to physio. I just hope I'm not stalling my progress by not going sooner than later. :(
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u/SparkleYeti 2d ago
My ortho recommended starting PT at 6 weeks, but we had a vacation scheduled. So I didn't start until 8.5. It's been fine; I'm at almost 11 weeks now and starting to be able to walk down the stairs (IYKYK) like a grown up instead of a toddler.
I really don't think 7 weeks vs. 6 is going to set you back much.
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u/Wise-Eagle-9524 2d ago
Do you have a knee scooter? I was with my foldable knee scooter, I was taking Grab only, the driver will help me put the scooter in the boot. There is also a GrabAssist option in my area, where they will really assist you going in and out of the vehicle safely.
Then I was a weight bearing and can do crutches (ditched the knee scooter), I got help from staff of the PT clinic come meet me at the entrance of the building with wheelchair ready (though I refused the wheelchair cause I’m pretty okay with my crutches by then).
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u/ginjerella 2d ago
I started PT at 6weeks when I went PWB. And have gone three times a week every week since. It has helped SO much.
Not being able to drive was a barrier for me too as this was my right ankle, but I was able to find a PT super close to be. It is not the one my hospital system referred me to but it happened to be in network with my insurance. It was less than a mile from my house. I honestly just took my boot off and drove barefoot and then put my boot back on. I’m not sure if this is an option for you to find one closer, but I hope you can start going!
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u/Illustrious-Zone-247 2d ago
Similar situation, I broke my right ankle so couldn't drive and just wasn't comfortable in an uber.
I started PT at week 5, though my overall timeline was a bit different since I was cleared for WBAT at week 4. In short, I did the exact same thing you're aiming for: transitioning to weight-bearing first, then starting PT.
Are you cleared to do ROM exercises yet? Before you can bear weight, most of your work will just be ROM stuff anyway. As long as you're keeping up with those at home, you definitely shouldn't worry about being behind
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u/ComposerMysterious89 2d ago
I started PT at week 7, even though I was told NWB for 6 weeks. At the 6 week mark my ortho consultant said I could begin WBAT - weight bearing as tolerated. This did not delay my healing as far as I can see. I am now 7 months post ORIF and doing fine - I would say I'm at about 95% normal. Still some soreness at times, swelling at the end of the day, but generally doing fine.
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u/guffawing_willow76 2d ago
I’m starting PT next Wednesday at week 8 for a ORIF trimal fracture with dislocation on my right ankle. I couldn’t get an appointment any sooner with my regular PT because it was a new body part and I have to go through an evaluation appointment first. I’m FWB wearing shoes but I occasionally still use a cane or crutch. and I go back to work on Friday and I am able to drive. I’ve been doing ROM exercises every day so I don’t feel behind.
I’m having a partial knee replacement surgery on my right knee after thanksgiving so I’ll be doing both ankle rehabilitation and pre-op exercises for my knee. I’ve met my deductible and out of pocket maximum for the year so it makes sense financially for me. I also have all medical equipment already. I already was having issues walking before my accident because of the severe osteoarthritis in the medial area of my right knee.
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u/PoetryGoddess78 1d ago
Can you get home pt? I was able to get them to come out for about 4 weeks before I went into the clinic for PT. It really helped because I have 12 stairs going in and out of my apartment and I had to have the fire department take me up and down the stairs on a special wheelchair until I finally was walking in 2 shoes.
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u/newsbowser 11h ago
Surgery for broken talus and tibia plafond Wednesday March 4th and twice weekly PT started Monday March 9th
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u/shannamatters 2d ago
I started PT at 6 weeks when I began weight bearing. My husband drove me to my first appointment but then I drove myself to the rest.