Ankle Injury Crutches Yikes

[NanaCC]

Thursday I fell twice the second fall I hit my head and trashed my ankle. I broke two small bones in my ankle urgent care sent me home with temp cast and crutches. Are you kidding me crutches I never used and apparently I suck because this morning I started to fall and used my bad foot to catch myself. The foot I am not suppose to put any weight on. I hurt it even more I’m sitting in ER talking about ortho surgeon appt hopefully Tuesday. They will send me home with the damn crutches and asked me to do very little until my appt. What walking aides have you tried besides crutches? I’m desperate my fellow MSers let me know.

[jorrell]

A Rollator aka walker does wonders.

[BettysMom in reply to jorrell]

A rollator requires that you walk on both legs/feet.

[NorasMom]

Ditto for the rollator. I like mine better than a traditional walker, because it has wheels and a folding seat.

[jimeka]

How about a self propelled wheelchair 🦽

[starlight5]

A rollator/walker is a great idea once you are in a boot and allowed to put weight on it. Until then you should consider a wheelchair so you don't accidentally put any weight on it, again 😏

[kdali]

Oh no, I'm sorry! 😢 I think only having one leg/foot to use means a wheelchair would be the safest. I sucked at crutches once too and remember scowling at them when I had to pee. It got easier though.

[NanaCC]

Yikes on wheelchair, I was considering one of those knee walkers where you kneel on and roll but I am a bit afraid could it get away from me. It’s true I feel unsafe on crutches. Wheelchair I wasn’t thinking that I will ask my pcp bless her I’ve talked to her Saturday today and she wants to talk to me tomorrow to get me in to see surgeon. So grateful for her. Thanks for feedback

[BettysMom]

A rollator is of no use to you now. A regular walker which has wheels only on the front will work when you have to avoid putting much weight on one foot. Forearm crutches are far superior to the old fashioned crutches for ambulation. Did anyone give you instructions on how to use the crutches? If you don't use them correctly they are impossible.

[NanaCC in reply to BettysMom]

It was urgent care, my husband asked dr to show me when I stood up I started to fall forward the dr almost lost it, he ran away so no I had no guidance but I can say I am clearly unstable on them. We are using an office chair with wheels in the house but this is highly dependent on my husband who has never had to take care of me. I need a shower so bad hoping we can sort that out today can’t get cast thing wet.

[hairbrain4 in reply to NanaCC]

They make covers for casts so you can bathe. I had to use one when I fell a couple of years ago & broke my wrist. Some pharmacies carry them but you can order them online. You should also get a chair for the bathtub/shower. If you have a tub you can just slide from the edge over to the chair. If you have a stall shower you can go from the wheelchair directly to the bath chair.

[BettysMom in reply to NanaCC]

Your husband needs to learn quickly to take care of you. Right now he needs to help you take a sponge bath so you won't feel so nasty. Hopefully you won't need surgery and can be put into a walking cast. A shower chair is a great idea. I got one when I had my back surgery and used it again when I had my hip replaced. I keep it in the shower now because you just never know when you may be unable to stand and wash yourself. As hairbrain4 said, a cast cover for showering is a must. But a large trash bag with drawstring works in a pinch.

[NanaCC in reply to BettysMom]

He’s willing to bathe me 🫢42 years together he’s on the other side of open heart surgery end of March so weird him caring for me. I’m not use to it, a childhood BFF offered and delivered some meals for us, I gratefully said yes she came by did some dishes visited got smooched up by poor Bella who hasn’t been out for a walk or run since I fell. Bella is signed up for 8-6pm doggie play group this week, seemed like our best option. It’s okay to say you need help.

[BettysMom in reply to NanaCC]

Yes, it is okay to ask for help. And I'm really glad you have some support and are getting some help. Good luck with your orthopedics visit.

[goatgal]

When I broke my ankle three years ago, it was repaired with plates and screws. I could not use crutches so was in a wheelchair, with my foot/leg extended, for 6 weeks. As I live alone, I was in a skilled nursing facility for 6 weeks where I was provided both OT and PT. About two weeks before my release, I bought a used knee scooter and learned to use it. It was tricky at first (my cast was knee to ankle and heavy), but I was so glad to get out of the wheelchair. I had a bag on the handlebars so I could carry small items with me when needed. When I came home, the knee scooter was difficult going down the ramp (which was built while I was recuperating) but it allowed me to take my trash out, get outdoors for brief periods (at least until it snowed). When the cast was off and I had transitioned to a heavy boot, I was then able to use a walker. Finally! I hope your journey is as successful as mine. I can walk again (very carefully) without support most of the time.

[NanaCC in reply to goatgal]

Very helpful thank you seeing surgeon this week I am freaking at the thought of surgery

[goatgal in reply to NanaCC]

I am just so, so sorry that you are going through this. I hope that the surgery goes well and your recovery is smooth. I hold you in my heart and thoughts.

[Sagesewer]

I’m so sorry you fell and got hurt! Rollators are great. I use an UpWalker and Powerchair. How about one of those walkers that you rest your knee on with the injured ankle off the floor? I hope you heal and feel better soon!

[bxrmom]

Good luck when you see your surgeon. Please keep us updated when you can.

[lbenmaor]

I am praying you feel better soon!Lesli

[Robsmom]

Sorry to hear about your falls. How about the knee walker that you bend the knee on it so one side to not put any pressure on your foot.

[mrsmike9]

Oh dear! I haven't used any but I've seen people with those rolling "platforms" that people rest their lower leg on and steer with handles. I don't know what they're called... I looked one up... elenkerwalker.com/products/...

[Jer29-11]

Oh my, I’m so sorry! Sounds like a wheelchair will be the safest mobility option for you. Please keep us updated

[stepsforNeeC]

My prayers, love and ALL my Hugs to you my dear. Please take care of yourself and let others pamper you for a minute.

Keep us posted on how you're doing, from time to time.

Blessings

NeeC

[pamgarner]

I had also broke my ankle, i was 10 years younger and got a walker with no wheels and hopped everywhere for 8 weeks, and got a chair with wheels and scooted myself around with my good foot, God bless you, it was tough

[BlanketTime1]

i was given crutches once. nope. i was just telling a friend how using a walking aid makes my movement worse. i think it's b/c i have ataxia and something else involved makes it even harder for my muscles to work together. when i go out i use a walker or my chair. i never thought i'd miss my cane!

i'm sorry you fell. did you get a ct scan? i remember a few years back i hit my head. i thought i was fine, but i kept forgetting to do simple things like lock the door and turn off tap. i hope your ankle heals well.🤗

[agate]

So sorry this happened! I broke an ankle years ago and never quite got used to the crutches I was given. There was a cast for 6-8 weeks, and at least once it had to be replaced (after the initial swelling had gone down). Surgery was recommended but I opted not to have it. Years later I do have some pain in that ankle and some arthritis issues but was told that any fracture after age 30 is probably going to cause arthritis. I did feel much more comfortable once that cast was put on.

[NanaCC in reply to agate]

I’m in walking boot have to wait one more week for swelling may need surgery or cast. Didn’t think surgery was an option. Broke ankle bone and it’s displaced. …..

[agate]

I had a comminuted fracture of the fibula. The surgery would have involved putting a pin in.--When they put the cast on, they set the fracture first, and that process is painful but once that cast is on, there's a lot less pain.