Healed fibular fracture, no physio but need advice

[Goalkeepah00]

Hi, I am new to this site and frankly I have no idea if I am even in the right section but after two boring months of being laid up with a left fibular fracture my doctor just said today that I can walk again. I tried walking unaided (no crutches) but soon found out how hard it really is. So now I am walking aided. I am 5'9 and roughly 180 lbs.

I was just wondering if anyone out there has any advice on these questions I have:
1.Any exercises/stretches I can do to help regain strength and mobility in my ankle?
2. Would an ankle support help out while walking?
3. How long should it take?
4. I still have my screw in for another six weeks, is it possible to be able to jog once I am able to walk again?
5. Football season begins in August for my high school club, how different is it going to be? I may have time before the season to practice, should I completely utilize it?
6. Any extra advice?

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[gcoe]

HI Goalkeepah00

After a fibular fracture it is normal to have stiffness pain and weakness of the ankle and foot. The rest of your leg may also be a bit weak due to the lack of exercise and activity involving the leg while immobilised.

1.Any exercises/stretches I can do to help regain strength and mobility in my ankle?

. Yes absolutely. You definitely want to be working on the mobiity of the ankle and foot joints and and the strength and flexibility of the muscles. However what exactly you should be doing and how much are crucial questions - this needs to be determined by a PT who has assessed your leg and may involve discussing this with your orthopaedic surgeon.

2. Would an ankle support help out while walking?

At this stage this may be more a comfort thing. It isn't a bad idea but it isn't usually necessary.

3. How long should it take?

I take it you mean to heal. This depends on the nature of the break, the success of the surgery (which sounds good at this stage as your surgeon wouldn't have suggested you walk on it unaided if there was a major problem). Under natural healing conditions the bone can take up to 3 months to heal but it can take longer to rehabilitate your leg and get back to your usual athletic activities.

4. I still have my screw in for another six weeks, is it possible to be able to jog once I am able to walk again?

Once the break is fully healed and the metal is out you should be able to return to all your normal sports. But I would be guided by your surgeon and given you want to return to a contact sport it would pay you to really have the leg strong and mobile. Other important things are to make sure your balance in running, tackling etc is 100%

5. Football season begins in August for my high school club, how different is it going to be? I may have time before the season to practice, should I completely utilize it?

You have time to get into condition again. But as I said above you don't want to leave it to chance. Rather you want a really top strength, mobility and conditioning program. You definitely want to be training before the season starts.

6. Any extra advice?

There is a limit to what can be advised over the internet. Without knowing exactly the type of fracture, and having fully examined your ankle, discussing the surgery with your Dr I wouldn't risk giving more advice than what I have said. You should see a good sports or orthpedic PT who can get you back on track. Particularly at your age you will be using that ankle for a long time so you want to be sure to get the best possible outcome. Personally I think the surgeon should have referred you to PT, particularly with your athletic interests. So see what you can organise.