Broken ankle recovery time

[lizwilson]

Hi all,
I broke my ankle November 23rd, fibula evulsion fracture. It’s a small piece that broke off. I’m trying to figure out if I’ll be able to ski this winter. Does anyone have experience with this type of injury and getting back to skiing or sports and can you share your recovery time? Doc says 6 weeks, 3 weeks non-weight bearing and 3 weeks in the boot. That would put me at January 4th but I’m assuming after that I’ll need to work on strengthening for a while. I’m trying to do exercises now to stay as in shape as possible. I’m 48 so not a young spring chicken anymore, ha ha ha!

Thanks!
Liz

 

[Jenny]

Sorry to hear this. I shredded a bunch of stuff in my ankle, in addition to the avulsion fracture, so I’m not a good comparison for you. Plus it was March, so I didn’t have to think about skiing for a while. But you have my sympathy.

 

[lizwilson]

Sorry to hear this. I shredded a bunch of stuff in my ankle, in addition to the avulsion fracture, so I’m not a good comparison for you. Plus it was March, so I didn’t have to think about skiing for a while. But you have my sympathy.

Oh jeez, that sounds really bad! I’m sorry you had to go through that!

 

[Christy]

I had a similar (I think) break in 2021. I say I think because my already large health care provider was swallowed by a larger provider and I no longer see records back that far in My Chart. But! I complained about it a lot here so I have something of a record. Anyway, I know I broke it Aug. 29 and it looks like I got the boot off Oct 17. I remember once I got the boot off it felt very stiff and also tender; the limp from stiffness lasted a while. I was told to be on "light duty" for a while and there was PT. I know I was back at Pilates in mid December and I would think if I could do all the flexion in that, I could have skied. Maybe you can even ski earlier--ski boots are so protective plus the bone isn't weight bearing, right?

 

[lizwilson]

I had a similar (I think) break in 2021. I say I think because my already large health care provider was swallowed by a larger provider and I no longer see records back that far in My Chart. But! I complained about it a lot here so I have something of a record. Anyway, I know I broke it Aug. 29 and it looks like I got the boot off Oct 17. I remember once I got the boot off it felt very stiff and also tender; the limp from stiffness lasted a while. I was told to be on "light duty" for a while and there was PT. I know I was back at Pilates in mid December and I would think if I could do all the flexion in that, I could have skied. Maybe you can even ski earlier--ski boots are so protective plus the bone isn't weight bearing, right?

It is non-weight bearing so I’m hoping to be able to walk on it sooner than later! It’s not even painful anymore so it seems strange to continue to stay off of it. I’m trying to be cautious though. Thank you so much for sharing your timeline - this is super helpful. We have a ski trip scheduled for Presidents Day so we’ll see how it goes! Yeah I figure the ski boots will be protective which is good, I just hope I can keep my strength up until then!

 

[Jenny]

But! I complained about it a lot here so I have something of a record.

LOL, I was going to tell @lizwilson that I spent much of my time posting about mine, too.

 

[Chuyi]

Follow your ortho recommendations. Ankles are fragile & difficult to rehab. Let the injury heal fully or you will be crippled. The ski boots are stiff & act as a splint but getting in & out requires flexion. While you are waiting, work on your quads & hamstring.