Why is my fused anle so painful and will it get easier

By Fruit August 27, 2016 - 8:56am

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I am a 50 year old long term diabetic 18 months ago I broke my ankle whilst walking the dog when he went to chase a cat !!
They wanted to put plates in my ankle but being a diabetic (For 40 years) wouldn't entertain it, hence I went into plaster, it felt very tight but not ever having a plaster wasn't to know that this was too tight I unfortunately had to have the plaster removed revealing an ulcer on the top of my foot about the size of a ten pence. The consultant said he would have to skin graft it but I argued that a course of antibiotics would do the trick as I am well controlled on an insulin pump which he agreed and the ulcer cleared within in week. The consultant put me in a walking boot so that he could keep an eye on the ulcer but my ankle got very painful and I could no longer walk on it without extreme pain. He said after 6 weeks that I no longer needed the boot and I would see his registrar in a week . Looking at my leg it wasn't straight any more and was quite bent which I did point out to the consultant but he said it was swelling. On seeing his registrar he was horrified that I wasn't in plaster in his words the ankle was now deformed. I then spent the next 7 months having a plaster every 3 weeks and the ankle manipulated (NO ANAESTHETIC VERY PAINFUL NEARLY PASSED OUT) and wedges put into the plaster, all because they wouldn't do a 2 hour operation which my Diabetic consultant said I would sail through. To put along story short he after eight and half months he decided there was nothing he could do and passed me to a Diabetic ankle specialist which I was miffed why didn't I see him in the first place he could do nothing but referred me to a limb reconstruction unit I then had a 5 hour operation to put me into an external frame to straighten the leg then when it was straight a rod was put up through my heel and the ankle was then fused which was another lengthy operation !! 16 months later I am in pain and find it difficult to walk any length of time. Finding shoes is a nightmare I am not a trainer girl I did wear heels most of the time and was a passionate ballroom dancer which I can no longer do. Is this what I am left with and how do I cope !!

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fchacon Guide

Hello and welcome to EmpowHer,
I'm so sorry to hear about the years of struggling you have faced because of your ankle problems. If you have not done any physical therapy, I highly suggest you start a program for that.
I also suggest you take Turmeric pills. Turmeric reduces inflammation in the body and can reduce pain in your ankle.
You may also want to try acupuncture if you have not already.

Below I have pasted a couple link I though you may find helpful.

Life After Ankle Fusion: One Woman's Personal Battle
https://www.empowher.com/surgical-procedures/content/life-after-ankle-fusion-one-womans-personal-battle
4 Top Yoga Poses For Bone Health (includes the ankles)
https://www.empowher.com/bones-amp-joints/content/4-top-yoga-poses-bone-health

I hope that helps. Let me know if you have any more questions.
Faith

August 27, 2016 - 10:52pm