Diving Physiotherapy exercises for broken ankle

[nielsent]

Howdy All,

So about 3 weeks ago, I broke my ankle quite badly, with clean fractures through the end of the fibula, tibia, and the talus. I was given surgery where pins and plates were put through stuff, and I am off the foot for the next four weeks before my full physio will begin.

When I spoke to the othropedic surgeon and anestesiologist (both divers by coincidence) they told me that going back to diving shouldn't be a problem, and said that once I have the plaster cast removed and a walking cast put on, I could start attempting to move the ankle around while laying in bed or on the couch before my physio starts proper.

I recently had the staples removed from the surgical sites and a walking cast put on, and am now starting to rotate the ankle a little to help give me back the range of motion.

I was wondering if there was any resources online people knew about that would allow me to learn different movements I could do with my ankle that would help promote the range of motion

As an FYI, I WILL NOT BE DIVING in any way, shape or form for at least another 8 weeks. Right now I am just trying to figure out ways to help speed recovery so I can get back to doing what I love.

Thanks in advance all,

-- nielsent

 

[TSandM]

nielsent, both as a physician and as someone who had a tibial plafond fracture (similar to your tibial/talus fracture) my best advice is to get a referral to a good physical therapist and do JUST WHAT THEY SAY. For now, just gentle, non-resistance range of motion is plenty -- asking the ankle to go up and down, and turning the foot in and out. I think you'll find you probably have very little motion to begin with, and it will probably hurt to try to range it. Don't push things -- do what is mildly uncomfortable, and nothing more. The PT, when you see him, will start you on a set of exercises with an appropriate degree of resistance. Do not try to exceed what they tell you to do -- you can actually do a great deal of harm that way. (I speak from experience, having thoroughly chewed up my right shoulder joint trying to be a Marine about rehab.) Those guys have the education and experience to know what is enough, and what is too much. Follow their orders, and my best wishes for a full recovery!

(BTW, I never got all my ankle motion back, and I still dive without problems.)