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handling a non-weight-bearing leg

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Posted 3/26/2014 6:50 PM (GMT 0)
Hx: compound, comminuted fracture of ankle (crushed between two cars) over 40 years ago, with no bone fragments big enough to pin or plate according to surgeon.  miraculous recovery for many years, including downhill skiing as late as 2007.  serious pain developing within last five years to the point where i bought a cane.  that helped, but lately is not enough.  would it be nuts to try crutches to keep the weight off the ankle entirely?  i'm thinking of high-end carbon fiber customs.  i do not take OTC or prescription pain meds. 
Posted 3/26/2014 7:27 PM (GMT 0)
I would start off with consulting an orthopedic surgeon and see if current diagnostics are in order. In addition to finding a way to move around with more comfort, it would be wise to find out why this new pain is occurring and see if something has changed.





M.
Posted 3/26/2014 7:38 PM (GMT 0)
i saw him when i got the cane (he recommended it to minimize my limp); he said that my ankle joint surfaces were shot, and suggested fusion, which i am against. he ruled out an ankle replacement "at this stage of its development" (due to a high failure rate and my underlying anatomy) and offered meds.
Posted 3/26/2014 11:12 PM (GMT 0)
Hmm. Well I'm stumped.

What did your doc recommend when you got the cane? Did you discuss the options of what to do if the cane no longer provided sufficient support? What is the prognosis on this?

Have you tried a "walking cast?"




M.
Posted 3/26/2014 11:56 PM (GMT 0)
no, i didn't look past the cane, which was traumatic enough. he warned me it was a progressive condition that would only get worse - likened it to running a wheel with grease in the bearings. i've contemplated scooter chairs on my worst days and then i saw someone on the street with these rather elegant forearm crutches and looked at them. i can deal with the pain; it's the mobility that discourages me. i'm reasonably fit for 60, barely overweight (210 and 6'2"). i just don't know anyone who uses them for traumatic arthritis.
Posted 3/27/2014 4:17 PM (GMT 0)
I was really hoping with the views, more people might pop on the offer some suggestions to help you out.

I'm of the mind,...we do what we gotta do. Period. I don't think it matters "why"...with regards to getting forearm crutches. If they work, I'd say go for it.

I have a dear friend who simply adores her.





M.
Posted 3/27/2014 9:52 PM (GMT 0)
"do what you gotta do" - yes, that makes sense. thank you.
Posted 3/28/2014 1:48 AM (GMT 0)
Given it's your ankle that's the issue, another alternative, especially if this might be long term and you're close to or totally non weight bearing, might be a knee walker or knee crutch.

This will still let you take some weight through your knee and the upper part of your leg, and help save some of the wear and tear on your other leg, hips, back and shoulders that crutches can cause...

I was partial to non-weightbearing on one leg for many years and now have all sorts of joint issues to thank for it. If you do settle on crutches, have a look around at different types. After a long time, I found a brand called Kowsky - which are so much more comfortable for me than the standard forearm crutch.

It might be worth talking to someone like a rehab physio or OT in conjunction with your surgeon too. They are usually the best people to not only recommend the right equipment or aid for you - but to show you how to use it properly.

Laura
Posted 3/29/2014 9:16 PM (GMT 0)
D'oh!

I can't believe I missed this.

An AFO brace! That's what they're for: Ankle Foot Orthosis/Orthotic

I'm wearing a carbon fibre one as we speak. My brace runs anterior, but I've seen them run posterior as well.

If you have leg strength and it's just the ankle stability,...I'd give this a good try. Immediate improvement.





M.
Posted 3/29/2014 9:24 PM (GMT 0)
The AFO is a great idea. Forearm crutches require a lot of arm strength, you would probably benefit from some training in using them if you decide to try that route. Another option could be a walker, which would give you more support than the cane. For longer treks - shopping and such - I would think a motorized scooter might help keep you mobile by decreasing the stress on that leg.
Posted 3/30/2014 12:14 AM (GMT 0)
My step father has similar issues in both ankles, he just had custom, weight distributing braces made, says they're a life saver. I think he actually went to a podiatrist for them though... he to was told his only surgical option is a joint fusion, that's from 2 pods and 3 orthos. I'd suggest looking around and getting a few more opinions, and make sure you get multiple references on the maker if you decide to get a brace, each maker/fitter does it differently and to different quality, my stepfather's first set wasn't any better than an ace bandage. If you get the boot or cast, make sure your other shoe is at the same height or get an instert, being offset would put your lower back and hips through the ringer.
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