Recovery


A Tibial Plateau fracture is really not much fun, but it helps if you are prepared and in many cases doctors will not prepare you properly for daily life after your injury. If I had to give you only one piece of Advice on Tibial Plateau eracture recovery it would be: be patient. And in the end, it’s not as bad as it looks.

Below is a more elaborate list of time-tested knowledge and information on different subjects related to your Tibial Plateau fracture. There are also separate sections for the different stages of recovery (from the menu above choose “1-8 weeks” etc.)

*Note: this website is not intended to provide medical advice. Your doctor is a much better source for medical advice.  This information is based on firsh-hand personal experience and research*

What to expect – overview

You will be leaving the hospital on crutches, usually with a hinged brace. For the first few weeks you will experience quite a few different uncomfortable symptoms but these all pass quickly. Natural symptoms include limited range of motion in your leg (in the knee and ankle joints) as well as pain, heat flashes, edema and stiffness Some of these will be caused by the fact that you are not completely mobile. Things will progress from here until in the end you are (in most cases) completely able to do your everyday activities, but it will take some time and hard work.

Time to recovery

Recovery from a Tibial Plateau fracture is different from person to person. It depends very much on the exact type and specifics of injury, your age, prior issues, level of physical activity, physiotherapy, nutrition and many other factors. Given all of these differences it is still quite safe to say that for most people, if you the injury was treated by surgery, you will still be in some kind of recovery for a complete year after your injury¹. In most cases it will be more than that, Improvement showing up to three years after. This sounds like a lot, and it is, but I can assure you that it does get better and that for most people after a few months your the injury will not prevent you from continuing with you daily life and you will be able to do all your daily activities to some extent including walking short distances, going out, meeting with friends, going to work etc.

Weight Bearing

For a period of about 6-8 weeks after the surgery you will be NWB (non-wait-baring), this means that you can not put any pressure on your knee and leg and will need to use a wheelchair, crutches or both. For some injuries it might take up to 12 weeks until allowed FWB(Full weight bearing). Depending on your doctor and your specific health condition you will be moving from NWB to PWB (Partial Weight bearing) or FWBAT (Full weight bearing as tolerated). This period of NWB will cause many mobility concerns and will affect your daily routine.

Mobility

You will be spending a few days in a hospital bed then progressing to a wheel chair and crutches, which you will be using for about 2 months, possibly followed by a single crutch and walking stick (see paragraph above – “weight bearing”). It could be up to 3 months on crutches, and up to 6 still using a walking stick (but usually much less). Also expect that initially you won’t be able to bend your knee much for a few weeks. This is called limited ROM (range-of-motion). Crutches are hard to use at first, and may be painful on the hands and shoulder, but don’t worry you will get used to them very quickly. And as a bonus you will develop very strong arm muscles. In some cases, overuse and pressure on your hands can cause secondary injuries to your wrists, arms or shoulders. If you are in pain from using crutches take it easy and use a wheelchair for a short while. You should also consider testing different types of crutches. Forearm crutches are usually more comfortable (then underarm) and come in ergonomic varieties. Today many advanced crutches also support ergonomic designs, anti-slip, and special features (link, link). Underarm crutches are usually safer then regular forearm crutches (link), but tend to be less comfortable, and don’t come with as many smart designs. Platform crutches might be good for people with a poor grip, but I haven’t tried them myself. Some crutches will also have shock absorbers to help your wrists and arms absorb shock (link).

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All this will require that you prepare for a period of partial mobility. Things you might be limited in doing include – walking up and down stairs, house jobs (cleaning, cooking, washing), carrying things from place to place (no free hands when using crutches), reaching high and low cabinets, showering. At first, you might also have trouble getting dressed and undressed but this will pass quickly. The best way to deal with this is have friends, partners & family help you with everyday chores and prepare the house as much as possible to make things easier. A few things you could do are:

  • Get a shower chair so that you are able to shower without bearing weight (link) and possibly also invest in some big bags or drycast or other cast covers (link) so that you can shower without taking your brace or cast off during the first few weeks.
  • Be very careful when using crutches in a wet surface because you could easily slip. Even more dangerous is if the crutches are wet and the floor is not. Make sure to dry the bottom of your crutches on a towel before leaving the shower.
  • If your crutches are very old and the tips are cracked, replace the tips with new rubber tips. The come very cheaply (link)
  • Use a gripper (link) to be able to reach those unreachable cabinets and to be able to grasp and retrieve items you would not be able to otherwise while on a wheel chair (link).
  • Make sure that someone prepares food and goes shopping for you. Other options include ordering in prepared food and ordering groceries online.
  • If your bed is on the second floor, Consider sleeping in a different room if you find it hard to get up the stairs. You can also climb stairs with crutches, or sitting down.
  • High and low cabinets are are hard to reach. Try moving things around so that they are easier to reach. Doors on low cabinets can also be unhinged to allow for easier access with a wheel chair. They can easily be put back on later.
  • More useful ideas can be found in the “logistics” section and “Tips & Tricks

Physiotherapy

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Physiotherapy is going to be a regular part of your life. The are several goals: increase ROM, increase muscle-mass, teach your musculoskeletal system to operate as before and increase your stability. It is very very important that you start physiotherapy as early as possible and keep at it until you are completely better. This is the one factor that will affect your recovery more then any other and it is completely up to you. I’ve written a complete section on physiotherapy alone. Usually you will be given exercises to perform from your physiotherapist. At the very beginning you will probably not be able to bend or straighten your knee at all. This can be quite frightening but don’t be alarmed. Initially exercises will aim to teach your neurological system to control the leg again. It might even only be hours before you will start to be able to bend your leg, or it could be a few days.  After this, during the NWB (not in all cases) period you will be performing gentle exercises to enhance your ROM, strengthen your muscles and reduce stiffness, sometimes using stretch bands(link). Exercises might be done at home or in a medical center. It is very important that during this stage you follow PT instructions and do the exercises as soon as possible and as much as possible. This will reduce stiffness, boost recovery and give you a better chance at developing good ROM. When you progress to WB, physiotherapy will include many exercises with weights and machinery with the aim of gaining stability and muscle and to exercise everyday activities like walking. I can not emphasize enough how important it is that you keep at it (even if it means you go to work less). To be able to do physiotherapy at home you can consider purchasing light ankle weights(link).  For more info and tips, have a look at the physiotherapy section.

Medical professional

Several medical professionals will be involved in your recovery process, including the radiologists, the OS (“operating surgeon”), Physiotherapist and sometimes others. You will be having regular checkups with them. It is very important that you make sure your OS is a good one, and that you consult with him on every question you have. Be curious and ask everything you want to know. Sometimes doctors will not be generous with information, make sure that you get your answers. You deserve them. Seek extra information in sites like this one (more sites in the further reading section). In many cases the PT and the OS will be discussing your condition either directly or passing notes through you. Make sure that they talk if they are not already talking, but remember that when they give contradicting advice – the opinion of the OS is always the one to go by. You might also want to consider getting a second opinion both before or after your surgery.

Diet

Bone healing requires quite a lot of nutritional help, especially during the first 3 months(This is when the bone is healing), so make sure to eat well, and consider supplementation. For your healing to progress well you need to make sure that you get a lot of Calories, Protein, Antioxidants and minerals. During the first few weeks of healing your body will consume about 2-3(!) times as many calories as normal. This is about 6000 calories per day, so no need to feel bad if you’re eating a lot and very hungry. It’s all going to healing.

Protein is an Important nutritional ingredient. By volume, roughly half of your bone is comprised of protein, and you will also need to get a lot of it to reduce muscle atrophy as much as possible. If you think you are not getting enough protein consider using protein powder to supplement your daily protein intake (link), or adding protein rich food to your diet (meat, eggs, milk products, nuts & seeds).

Minerals are very important for several reasons. By weight bone is about 70% minerals. These are the building blocks of your bones. The high need for minerals will mean you might no be getting enough of them, which can cause other problems. If you are depleted in magnesium for example this may cause muscle cramps which are not much fun during a Tibial Plateau fracture. Consider using a multi-vitamin(link) containing minerals during the recovery process just to be sure. Studies have shown a lower rate of complications in healing in people taking multi-vitamins (link). The most important minerals to consume are Zinc, Copper, Calcium and Silicon.

Vitamins are the catalysts for the process of healing and are also in high need during recovery.  Vitamins that play an important role in bone healing include: Vitamin C, Vitamin K, the Vitamin B-series. Be sure to eat a varied diet and Consider using a multi-vitamin for Vitamins and minerals (link).

Anti-Infalmmatory Nutrients help reduce inflammation and pain. Bone creates a lot of inflammation which causes pain.  Unfortunately it is not advisable to take NSAID (Non Steroidal anti-inflammatory Drugs) during the bone recovery process as these slow recovery. Natural Anti inflammatory agents that may work to reduce pain include Vitmain C, Omega-3 (link) and others.

There are many foods you should avoid. Some foods will interrupt normal absorption of nutrients and their consumption should be limited. Some of these are:

  • Salt or foods prepared with lots of salt
  • More than one cup of coffee or other caffeine beverages. If possible, avoid coffee altogether.
  • Sugar
  • Chocolate (because to caffeine content)
  • Soft drinks and carbonated beverages
  • Alcohol (it inhibits calcium absorption)
  • Caffeine (it increases rate of calcium loss and inhibits absorption)

Pain

Pain is an unpleasant but normal part of recovery. You will be experiencing different types of pain and discomfort throughout your recovery. Pain might be felt in different parts of the leg, and won’t neccesarily concentrate only around the knee. Most pain comes during the first few days and weeks after the surgery. Pain management is an important part of your recovery and you should not be in constant pain. You should use pain medication as advised by your OS or hospital medical staff. If you are unable to use the medication prescribed by your doctor or are more comfortable using a different type of pain medication remember that some types of painkillers should not be taken for long periods of time(read the label!), and that you should never take NSAID as pain-killer while the bone is still healing. These types of medications will postpone healing. Brands included in the NSAID group which you should not use include Aspirin, Motrin, Ibufen, diclofenac, naproxen and others. Don’t use these. Instead use what is recommended by your medical staff or another medication that is not a NSAID. In some case, mostly in the first days you might experience more severe pain that can be treated with stronger drugs. This is normal, but if you experience abnormally strong pain or other abnormal symptoms, get yourself evacuated to a medical center as this is usually nothing but could be a sign of a complication. Make that in the first few weeks you have a bottle or box of painkillers in your pocket so that it’s always handy. Remember – liquid pain medication usually act faster then the tablet equivalent of the same brand.

Staying at home/Mental Health

You might be staying at home a lot and will be quite immobile for a while. This can get affect your mood very much and can at some point get depressing, especially if you are used to being very active. There is no magic pill for this, choose a good book, and a good TV series and try to regularly talk to as many friends, family and close people as possible. The proximity of  friends and close ones is very important. You might also want to find a community of people who have suffered from Tibial Plateau fracture before who share your experiences and feelings. There are several such communities, and some of them they can be in the further reading section of this website. Also, try to do as much exercise as you possibly can. Even if this means exercising while sitting or lying down. This can give real boost to your mood. Another good Idea is to start watching a new TV-show you’ve never had time to watch, or subscribe to online video providers like netflix or amazon prime (link). If in need, consult a psychologist or mental health professional. It is quite normal to be affected by a prolonged period of immobility and recovery, and a psychologist will be able to help with this.

Physical Activity

You will eventually probably be able to do anything you were able to do before your injury. However, this might take a long time (1 or more year for some sports) and you might have to be careful when doing extreme sports. There is a limited amount of things that you may not be able to do exactly as before, for example some yoga postures will not be possible with limited ROM, but you can always work around these limitations by doing things slightly differently. Also, you might experience some pain which will be limiting. If you want to take up a fitness activity shortly after the injury bicycling and swimming are both good options which will also help with recovery. Upper body weight training might also be a good option but will not directly advance your recovery.

Work

You Might be dying to get back to work or could be in need for a vacation. Going back to work is something that very much depends on you and on your specific job and state of mind. Some people go back to work on crutches after 4 weeks (me, for example), while others might wait a whole 6 months.  There is a good side to going back to work (aside from money) since you will be interacting with people all day long and will not be bored. The important thing to remember is that you must avoid overworking and stressing yourself out. When you go to work it is important that you leave enough time and mental energy to be able to do your physiotherapy as much as you need, to rest, to relax and to visit your medical professional. This will allow your body to recover. You might be tempted to sacrifice your physio for your career. Don’t do that. Your career will still be there when you recover, the condition of  your leg is something you will be living with forever.

Sex

There is no physical limitation from having sex as soon as the initial pain has subsided, but this injury can affect your sex life, something which you will not find a lot of information about and your doctor might not tell you. Decreased mobility in one leg and one leg which is half the strength of the other can naturally affect sex. This gets better as your leg heals and strengthens, and you will need to ask your partner to be patient as you progress through the recovery process.

On a good note

Tibial plateau Recovery takes a long time but at the end of the process you are looking at excellent recovery and usually a fully functional life.  Moreover, trying to find the good embedded in the bad, this injury can help you put things in perspective and appreciate all the things you have in life: friends, family, health, a loving spouse. It gives you an opportunity to stop and think about what matters most.

2,212 thoughts on “Recovery

  1. Hi I’m new….
    Had TPF on 20 Dec after walking with the puppy in the woods & got my boot caught in barbed wire in the ground & fell down a 6ft hill. Broke shoulder in 2 places & hit head/face on a log! Stretched common peroneal nerve & ligaments so have foot drop. Had surgery 22 Dec plates and pins, had second operation in London on nerve to decompress 2 weeks ago… 10 weeks in and only 80 ROM & PWB for another 2 weeks. Seeing PT every week. Feel really frustrated now, not over the fractures but the foot drop. I’m a mum of 4 full on life (just like everyone else)! It’s so hard to just stop living your life….

    • Hi Deborah
      It sounds like a bad fall. You must be very frustrated. I fell on Sept 21 and had plates and screws. I was weight bearing after6 weeks, but I had a very sore foot also. I don’t know why, maybe due to nerve damage in surgery. I am walking quite a ways. I still only have ROM of about 120, but it still is improving, so keep up with the physio. I did not have much more than 80 in a couple of months. It is a difficult fracture, so try not to get down, think and visualize your recovery, try to celebrate small victories and take care of yourself. It seems like from this site and other people I talk with it takes time, but they do seem to get better.

    • Hi,
      Stick with it – at 10 wks and at PWB already, you’re doing great! After bone fully heals (usually 12 weeks), you’ll be able to do even more advanced PT and progress will be speedier!

      Set small goals for yourself, schedule some pampering (pedicure or manicure?), maybe spend time with the kids on some craft? Every little bit helps.

      71 days down, only 13 more days to go to hopefully reclaim some of that wonderful life back with new ROM exercises and foot exercises. Getting to FWB will seem even faster!

      Vicky
      I hope I understood your timeline ok 🙂

    • I had my accident on January 16 and also stretched my peroneal nerve. EMG showed no response. I also have foot drop but I have compensated some so that I probably will not need a shoe brace. I sit on the couch and do my foot exercises any time I think about it because I really want to be able to drive! I am the “chauffeur” in the household and my husband is having to do it all now. I have to say my foot drop is probably more frustrating than the break in some ways…nerve pain; the top of my foot by my big toe and second toe is very sensitive and feels like it is on fire. I cannot raise my big toe at all and my second toe seems to stick up and rub on my socks/shoes. Are you having any of these issues?

  2. Doing great 3.5 weeks into PWB! Was discharged yesterday from in-home PT and will start offsite PT on Monday……with pool (Marion, I’ve been so psyched about that part!)! I find that I tend to overdo it one day then am out of it the next – you’d think after 12 weeks of bed, I would have learned moderation :). Leg is getting straighter and walking/stairs is more smooth with crutches though it is very stiff and I still drag my legs first thing in the morning. Last week, my 82 yr old dad got to do something that most dads can only do once in a lifetime – took his daughter’s hands and helped me walk without assistance (except him). Just wanted to see if I could do it – only a few shuffling steps but I did it! Can’t wait to be able to drive and get my independence back.

    For those trying stairs, it did get better with practice. At first, every step took a long time to accomplish – especially first steps both up and down. Now it’s still very deliberate but I know what it’s supposed to feel like so it goes faster and I no longer need a “spotter”. I throw a light canvas bag with long straps over my shoulder or around my neck (so it doesn’t slip) and am able to carry light things. Not as good as my walker bag but you get creative.

  3. I’m new here. Tpf while skiing w kids jan 15. Surg w plates and many screws on jan 20. Tom will be 5 weeks post surgery and nwb. Dr says I can be without the brace while in bed. Most days spent in bed bc what else can I do? Getting frustrated! 47 mother of 3. Not easy. Started pt last thurs. Rom 120 but knee and ankle so swollen since! I try icing. Using bone stimulator. Was doing spinning. Swimming. Yoga/Pilates. Weight classes before. Hope to get back to active lifestyle. This is hard! Have always been very independent. Now husb and kids have to bring me food bc how can u serve/ prepare while on crutches and nwb. No hands available if u need to hold crutches! I can’t clean up after meals. I can’t do laundry…still going up and down stairs (15!) on my butt! And yet, dr says bc my left leg is more than 90 I can drive! But to where? I won’t need ppl to take me to pt and I can drop off kids at orthodontist appt but I’m not going out of car with crutches and ice (slid on ice w crutches going to 1st post op appt- that was scary! ). Any suggestions? Going out of my mind.

    • So sorry to hear about your accident ,and believe me I do know how your feel 12 wks in a physio hospital because home was impossible for me ,stairs,bathrooms !Now here is the trick enjoy your self pamper yourself ,all the books you have n’t read,all the paperwork that needs sorting .All the ME time you have never had ,well now is the time ,plus physio. physio and more physio .

    • Wow! Be proud my ROM is not at 120 yet,I’m 3 months in. I did not have a brace or anything on my leg after surgery, having complications with my ankle being so stiff. I’m impressed that you can go up & down stairs! My bedroom is upstairs, haven’t even attempted! I have 0 pain tolerance, and now that my bone is healed and I’ve been working on my therapy,I’m ready for 100% FWB,but trusting is a whole other issue. Best advice is patience, and let your family help. I too was independent, this is a different ball game, husband is handling everything great and has found a new appreciation for me. Best of luck to you.

    • Consider this as payback time for all you’ve done for your family because there is nothing you can do. I found that using a walker with a basket allowed me to do laundry and carry food back and forth. I also have a scooter which really helps. I am almost 6 months post fracture. I had to have surgery again a week ago as my ankle and foot hurt so much yet my knee mobility was great. Doc took hardware out and did an arthroscopy of knee joint cleaning it up. I no longer have knee, ankle or foot pain, amazing how much the hardware hurt. I am 66 and consider that I have done well. this website really helped. Exercising is a big thing. I found the best thing to do was to stop fighting the limitations and accept that I was limited, read, watch movies, TV, do handcrafts. I won’t have that time once the healing is finished. When you are a doer for others, it’s different to be the receiver but I learned a lot from those who helped me.

    • Sounds similar to me. Mine happened skiing on New Year’s Eve but I also got compartment syndrome so fasciotomies had to be done. Swelling didn’t go down enough for repair surgery until January 14. A total of six surgeries- one for external stabilization then another within the hour because of the compartment syndrome, three times under for maintenance of the fasciotomies, then the tpf and meniscus repair. 3 weeks in a hospital 1100 miles from home.

      Have been doing PT for three weeks but only have 60 ROM, so you are doing great. The swelling in my ankle after being upright for a while is a problem, also. I so want to carry my own food, my own coffee, and to just walk out to check things at the barn. It is hard to deal with the depression but I try to focus on the day that I am no longer NWB.

      Best of luck to you. I am a 45 year old man that was in pretty good condition, and you are doing better than I am.

    • Hi
      I got very frustrated having to have my family do for me what I had always done for them and felt quite useless in the early weeks. I was a type 2 tpf with a plate and screws and a bone graft, 12 weeks NWB…… Very tedious! However, I borrowed a commode chair on wheels some weeks ago and whilst I did not use it as a commode(!) I have used it to scoot around my kitchen, to go to and from the washing machine etc, which means I can carry stuff around on my knee. It has meant I am a lot more able to feel normal , but be warned that the more you can do……. The more your family expect you to!! I promise things do get better, I am now trying to get down from two crutches to one with confidence and looking forward to a weekend away with my husband this weekend – hoorah, there is life after tpf!

  4. I was on vacation in Hawaii this past November when a wave just knocked me and the current just took me. I am thankful I didn’t drown,but my tibia broken in 3 places right at the top. I now have a plate and 4 screws. I’m Starting to walk with a walker FWB as tolerated. This is by far the hardest I’ve endured in my life! I am 44 and was a very busy mom and my life just took a dead stop. The mental game seems to be harder for me. I do go to PT twice a week and do as much as I can all day long… Feels like it’s gonna take forever, 3 months down, hoping I can be walking on my own by June when my daughter graduates from high school. Thanks for your help

  5. Holt,
    just a thank you for coming back to this site for an update. It is SOO refreshing to see that someone is actually back to normal after about 8 months. Good for you! I am 48, have plate, screws, and 6 weeks out now. I can do about 25% PWB, which I think is basically resting my leg on the floor, but amazing how much that helps me with balance, mental encouragement, and retraining brain. My ROM is good at about 120, and I have not started PT yet. I was planning on an active vacation this year with Backroads biking/walking and I’m starting to think in 6 months I’ll be able to handle it pretty well. Again, thanks for the encouraging update! I will come back after 6 months and let everyone know how I’m doing;-)

  6. Hi Vicky,

    Thanks for your feedback. Staying involved with her team is a great idea. Her track coach told my husband that when her fracture is healed, she may be able to participate in the team’s rehab program for their student athletes. She’ll do that while everyone is practicing. She’s asked to help coach her soccer club team, since she will have a new perspective from watching the matches. I’ve prepared her for the possibility that she may not be looking at returning to soccer until september/october, or possibly next spring. I don’t think any of us fathomed it may take longer than a year, but from reading some of the comments I should be realistic that it could. I guess we’ll need to see how things play out for her. The #1 goal at this point is for her to fully heal. Thanks for the comments again.

  7. You could always tell her Steffi Graff the tennis player was originally a track athlete ,most athletes are very good at all sports unlike me who was BAD at all !

  8. Thanks Janelle,

    Other than school, her life has been soccer and track since she was 9 years old. I’m not prepared to tell her to focus on something else at this point, especially since colleges have already shown interest (in track thus far). I appreciate you taking time to respond though.

    Truly,

    • Hi, I’m so sorry that this has happened. Unfortunately, it is a longer recovery which you don’t want to rush or else risk permanent injury. For the time being (knowing that as soon as the physical therpists will allow, they will start her focusing on the sports she loves), getting interested in something else like swimming and water therapy once the bones are healed are excellent ways to start reconditioning those muscles she will need to get back to her familiar soccer and track conditioning. Spring sports are most likely out but is there a possibility to have her involved with the team in another way like coach helper? That way, she can be with her friends (this injury can be quite isolating for a while). Take it a little at a time and best wishes!

  9. My 13 yo daughter suffered a tbf during a soccer tournament, when an opponent slid under her, running into her right lower leg. She’s 2 days removed from surgery, and also had her meniscus repaired during surgery . No previous injuries. In addition to soccer, she is also a nationally ranked sprinter. She made highschool varsity track team as an 8th grader, and is completely bummed that she will miss her 1st season of varsity track. my husband and I won’t allow ourselves to verbalize that she may never be the same athletically, at least at the level she is used to competing, but I’ve honestly been worried sick of the possibility she may not be able to return as she was. The look on her face after being told no spring sports killed me. Ive never seen her so down. Is there anyone that can share on an athletic experience, or recovery of young athletes? I’m not only looking for encouragement, but also realism.

    • She is very young so this fracture may not effect her as much as it would someone older. It will still take time for her to get back to her level of activity prior to the injury. It may even take her years, but she will get it back. Maybe its time for her to move on to something else in her life. To refocus her attention….just a thought. Good luck with everything. She will be fine.

  10. Hahaha yes Vicky, I thought you had hurt yourself again. I did think you sounded ok given that had happened!
    So – Had some great news today!! I am now officially PWB for 4 weeks then full! So excited I can’t contain myself! Taking those first steps with crutches was scary but so amazing!! I feel like a new person. Haven’t stopped walking around the house since I got home.
    I was also told I no longer need the brace and can drive!
    I was not expecting such positive news. They are really happy with my recovery.
    Thanks for your tips last night, I really appreciated you coming back to me so quickly. I do already have a disabled parking pass approved by the council. I have that until June which is great.
    Keep in touch. :0)
    Kate

    • Super news from the doctors way to go! I was just at my 12 week check last week and the doctor released me to start weight bearing up to the point of pain that I can take and then stop. I got rid of the brace as well, but they never said anything about being able to drive. I still haven’t tried to walk on it yet. I am too scared. I guess I have almost gotten used to being this way now.

      • My PT has a client who is also reticent about trying out her leg after getting PWB clearance. I was just thinking – it might be easier on a walker first if you have one vs crutches – more stability. I’m sure you’re fine but it’s those mental blocks we have to cheer ourselves through! 🙂 It takes me a bit of a self pep talk to start the first step on stairs!

        • I had a walker for a few days ,to be honest the physio’s in France discourage them ,bad posture etc .After a few days of shuffling I has a light bulb moment and was walking normally and found myself carrying the walker .I was practicing between parallel bars all the time I had a walker and using a double set of scales to balance my weight evenly so the crutches followed on quickly .I went down to one within 2 to 3 weeks and now one when I am out to discourage my boisterous labs from coming too close .I really don’t need it to walk .They are blind it seems to me when playing and I am more cautious now .

          • Hi All, I am 2 weeks into my 4 weeks of PWB. Felt like I had a set back yesterday. My knee felt so strange. Was swollen and felt so compressed around my leg and this strange sensations through it when I bent?? mmm weird. Feels a bit better today. I think I put it down to sitting in a chair working from home most of the day. Judging by this I think we all need to make sure we put our leg up frequently and rest. I am so desperate to get back to normal life maybe I am doing too much. Been going to the shops and trying to walk around. Even did school run and that almost killed me 🙂 have the most aching body the next day!
            How is everyone else who is PWB going???

    • I’m so happy for you! You can tell me what it’s like going from PWB to FWB 🙂 Supposedly I can go to just a cane and driving in the first week of March but my progress has been slow due to soreness and pain and I can’t drive while on meds. But getting closer each day!
      How are you doing with stairs? Any tips appreciated!

      Vicky

      • Sounds like my recovery is progressing quite quickly in comparison to some. Or Australia has different protocols maybe? Who knows.
        It has been very strange putting weight through my leg. Luckily I am not really getting any knee pain, however, the rest of me has sprung up new aches and pains. Particularly in my lower back of my bad side. So used to not being used!!
        The best part of my visit to surgeon was the fact I could get rid of the hinged brace. So good to sleep without it.
        I went to the physiotherapist today. My ROM is now 115 which is great. I’m going to hit the pools next week as apparently that is the best exercise. Having the water level up to your waist means you can walk 50% PWB without aid. That should fee great.
        Hope everything is well for everyone.

        • Glad to hear you are making such good progress. have a word with your physio ,get her to watch you walking for more than a few steps. maybe you are putting your foot down or twisting your backside and hips a bit awkwardly .The pool will bring you on really quicky .In France it is in the pool as soon as you can manage it for half an hour a day .When I first went in I couldn’t push the foam float down with my foot nor use a flipper now the foam is easy and the flippers are coming on .Balancing is also safer .I must have walked miles in water on tip toes and just with my heels !!

        • Hi! In reading this website, there do seem to be slightly different protocols. What leg did you injure? If it was the leg that doesn’t do any pedals in the car, that is probably the reason that you got the driving go-ahead. My injured leg is my right which in the states, is bad news for driving! We have had 90 inches of snow so far this winter with another 12 inches tomorrow night on the way so perhaps it’s best that I’m not driving just yet – lol.
          I too have lower back pain along with ankles and back leg muscles but I’m thinking they need to wake up after 3 months. So I’ll feel arthritic a bit as that happens – all for a good cause (not necessarily my state of mind when I first wake in the AM!). I’m getting stabby pains out of nowhere in my shin which I know are the nerves regenerating – good thing as well.

          Still doing home PT until they are satisfied with my balance and movement on home stairs then I go to PT with a pool – can’t wait!!

          • I only just saw this comment Vicky about driving. That is absolutely no doubt why I got the go ahead. My injured leg doesn’t have to do anything.
            Pool is just awesome. You feel so free. Then when you get out it all hits you hard again. We will all get there. What an experience huh.

          • I wasn’t allowed to drive until 5 months after my accident as they were worried about braking ,I just did short trips to the supermarket for the first week or two .Then heaven retail therapy and I forgot my aches and pains !!

        • It really helps all of the aches and pains to have a massage that releases trigger points. I was having problems with bending knee to go down stairs but after massage, it was much better.

      • Vicky – tip for going up and down stairs. My partners Auntie told me “good foot to heaven, bad foot to hell” Works for me 🙂

  11. Hi Vicki,

    Hope you’re ok!! What a scare!!
    I want to respond to your email properly however, just quickly before my appointment tomorrow can you give me some idea as to questions I should ask doctor. They are not very forth coming and worried I may forget something. I rarely get in front of them and haven’t since dec 31.
    Thanks heaps and will let you know how I go.

    Kate

    • Hi! First, I wanted to clarify: that’s how my break originally happened – when I read it back, I realized that it may have sounded like yesterday! Lol! Don’t think I could have taken that –
      Ok, questions for doctor:
      if approved for PWB, am you approved for weight bearing as tolerated or a specific percentage of body weight?
      Can you stop using brace? If so, right away or weaned off as tolerated?
      I don’t know if you need this but in the states, we need to have a letter or prescription for specific PT related to the PWB.
      What is the approximate plan going forward re: MD appts? You should see them again in a month.
      What is the approximate plan forward re: PWB to FWB ( walker to crutches to cane to nothing? timing?)?
      In the states, we need to get the MD to sign off on applications for a handicapped parking placard if you haven’t already done so. I was able to download one from our registry of motor vehicles and bring it to my appt. My placard expires in 6 months and already has been useful. Also, be aware that you probably need to be off all narcotics and on crutches or cane to be able to drive yourself.

      Hope that’s helpful and good luck!
      Vicky

  12. Well, went to the Ortho dr yesterday for the 2nd check after surgery. She still only wants me to use limited weight bearing. She said to put weight on it up to the point of any pain and then stop. All is healing well. I was very surprised with my ROM in my knee. Last time I was at PT it was only 62 degrees and I have been struggling to get myself to do any of the bending exercises. Yesterday she measured me at 80 degrees! Yes, thank you God!
    She is still concerned about why it broke like it did. So, now I have to go have other testing done. (labs, bone density, etc) I don’t like that idea. I just wanted to get this over with and move on with my life now.
    I guess these potholes in my road to recovery need to be fixed.
    Hope everyone else is progressing well.

  13. hi I have suffered a tpf type 6 im 32 and was hit by a car on a zebra crossing. its been 3 weeks since the op I can bend my need at 40 degrees but my inner calf muscle is so tight and hard and havnt got full feeling is this normal ?

  14. Hi linda
    The doctors said it could be because I was bed bound for so long awaiting my op or a middle ear infection . Either way they gave me tablets which have helped such a lot .

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