I broke my ankle in Sep 2013. I had 2 screws and a device similar to a sling put in it. I began walking on it in Dec and had no pain until I started Cardiac rehab in Apr 2014. A recent xray says On the present examination metallic screws noted at the medial malleolus and the Union is incomplete at the medial malleolar fracture. Degenerative changes of right ankle noted with overlying soft tissue swelling . What can be done to help this ankle heal?
Hi, thank you for providing the brief history of you, As you mentioned you had a fracture at the ankle joint and for which the surgery was performed, till now I feel the healing is not completed as the callus is not formed at the fracture site, also, this is completely a physiological process and a bodies call for healing. Taking an oral calcium supplement prescribed by your physician must be taken and also some exercises advised. Since the location of the bone is weight-bearing there will be changes in the joint structure, and function. So now the question is of swelling here, as you mentioned you have a degenerative change in the right ankle, it is needed to allow the venous return to happen and reduce the swelling for which, dipping the feet in hot water and performing ankle toe movements while placing the feet over the pillow above the level of heart. Post this, some lower leg strengthening exercises are also needed to make the muscles of the lower limb stronger. As we do not know your age yet, if you are having any hypertension, then swelling is because of slow cardio, so the cardio rehab has to be performed but without weight-bearing. And there are cardiac rehab protocol for non weight-bearing as well. Also, the X-ray shows, non-union, that means, you may need a graft of bone to be placed to ensure the healing, this is your call, and you can discuss with the surgeon, as healing of the weight-bearing joints is utmost importance. Besides, taking an Ultrasound therapy and TENS therapy from a physical therapist will help you further. RegardsJay In Chat Doctor.