I fractured my ankle 12 days ago and am in a cast.

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   Just Ask Susanposted 13 years ago

   I fractured my ankle 12 days ago and am in a cast.
   
   How long should I wait before starting to put pressure on the ankle that was fractured?

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   NorthEast Timberposted 13 years ago

   Uhmmm maybe you should ask your dr.  I'm sure it depends on how bad and where the break occured and only he knows that.

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3. 66

   lobobrandonposted 13 years ago

   Hi Susan
   Like Timber said it's always better to consult your doc. But try to avoid applying pressure on that ankle for as long as possible.
   Hope you get well soon :-)

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   Patty Inglish, MSposted 13 years ago

   That depends on a lot of factors. For example, I had a compound fracture of an ankle a few years back, with an additional sprain.
   
   Since the ankle was bleeding, surgical debridement and some screws and a narrow plate were required. The cast was put on with my foot and toes angled down at the ankle and I could not put any pressure on it at all or destroy the surgical repairs. This lasted 4 weeks. Then I was given a walking cast and told to exert about 25% pressure for two weeks and about 50% pressure for another two weeks. Then a walking boot and increasing perssure over the weeks.
   
   The worst part was the swelling. If I had a re-do, I'd have kept more ice on the ankle for longer periods of times.   
   
   Ask your doctor! He may be waiting to tell you about pressure exertion for your next appointment.

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   supplies expertposted 13 years ago

   I had fractured my ankle and sprained my foot about a few years back, I think you should definitely consult with your doctor, but honestly from my experience, I would wait until there's not so much shooting pain and just soreness as the discomfort.
   
   I unfortunately was misdiagnosed at the hospital at first and was only told I had a sprained ankle and that my foot was swollen due to the severity of my ankle. I was told to start walking after 5 days of being on crutches, so on the 5th day I tried walking, and did not feel right at all. I was in a ton of pain. I ended up going to a specialist that day and had all new x-rays taken which spotted my fractured ankle and my sprained/dislocated foot, both required surgery. I still think it turned out to be a lot worse because I put pressure on my foot/ankle too soon and hurt my foot even more or else I would've been alright.
   
   I now am in pain all the time from these injuries, and well still play soccer which caused the injury in the first place. Unfortunately I lost my full scholarship to play at a D1 college and now have to play at a D3 school in which is fun, but not nearly the competitive level I once could've played. Oh well lol... either way, play it safe, don't put pressure on it, talk to your doctor and figure it out, can't be too careful with your ankle, you want to be able to walk comfortably for the rest of your life.

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   oopsydoopsygirlposted 13 years ago

   You will probably have to go through some physical therapy. The PT will be able to let you know when and how frequently you can put weight on your ankle.

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7. 73

   Just Ask Susanposted 13 years ago

   Thanks everyone. I have an appointment with my family doctor on Thursday so I will ask him then. Patty that sounds so painful. I was in an air cast for the first 5 days and was not allowed to use ice with it. Then went to a fracture clinic and they advised a fiberglass cast to be put on. So now I have that on for another 3 weeks.Apparently after this cast comes off they want me to go back to the air cast.
   
   I appreciate all of the replies to my question and thank you again everyone.

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   shwetha123posted 13 years ago

   Ankle fracture its really worst because whole of our body weight lies there so you have to very careful before staring to put pressure on it.
   
   It depends on the type of fracture you have on your ankle. If its hair line then you have to wait for 21days to put pressure on it.
   
   And if it is major fracture then you have to wait for almost 2 to 2 and half months to put pressure on it.
   
   I had already this condition at that time I had the major one and i have to wait for almost 3months to start putting pressure on it.
   
   I know its really hectic and irritating to stay on bed. But you can not do any thing except to wait.
   
   So its better consult your doctor as well as your physio therapist. They will give better advice.
   
   Hope you get well soon.....

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9. 59

   Dave Mathewsposted 13 years ago

   Sorry to hear this Susan. I'm happy to see you can still access your PC though.

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    anemometersposted 13 years ago

    I have used chinese acupressure and acupuncture to speed up the healing process. The chinese believe in blood flow being a major factor. Normally something that would take months for western medicine to heal will take days if you find the right person to help you. People in china know more about this than the United States.
    The art of acupressure started thousands of years ago when soldiers were injured and people were trying to find ways to make them recover faster so that they could go back and fight again.

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    mrsolutionsposted 13 years ago

    ahhhhh i know that sucks big time...thank god dont need our ankles to type on keyboard....
    good luck with your ankle get well soon

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