Print

Please login or register.
1 Hour 1 Day 1 Week 1 Month Forever
Login with username, password and session length

[clio]

Hi ladies

I broke my fibula just before Christmas stepping into a pothole on the way to work. I had the cast off 2 wks ago and developed pain in my metatarsal which causes me more pain and problems than my ankle.  I'm having physio at the moment. My question is is it connected to the break and why is it hurting, will it go?? Anyone else had this problems??

Clio

[CLKD]

Compensation maybe? [I don't mean monitory but bodily  ] You walked differently immediately after the injury.  Then had a cast.  Now you're having physio.: he/she should be able to explain the whys?

[clio]

Thanks clkd, if I had a job sat in an office or little walking I could cope but my feet take a hammering in my job so really concerned. I walked to the post office on Monday I suffered for it. I might ask doc to refer me to a consultant for further investigation. I've been off work since Christmas and started to panic abit.......a lot actually. I'm a worrier!

Clio

[CLKD]

You don't need to see a Consultant if you are having physio.  If the Physiotherapist is concerned she will advise  …. and can write to your Employer about how long you are likely to be off work.  A phased return maybe?

[Pauline]

Good evening. I am sorry to hear about the fibula. I am currently in a full length leg cast for a broken tibia and go for more X rays tomorrow. Three weeks since the break. From my understanding, discomfort and pain are very much part, if an unwelcome part, of the healing process. CLKD is right. The physio will take steps if necessary but you will have some scar tissue to resolve and that can be uncomfortable on its own. I have been told that it will be May before I walk properly again at the earliest so it is a long job.
Hope you are coping but I do sympathise. Breaks are awful and impact on so many people close to you.

[CLKD]

Fibula ? shin bone?  not usually treated with plaster  or have you had a backslab and now physio? 

[carrs]

I don't know about fibula, I only know about tibia. But the pain is much worse when the plaster comes off and can last a long time. The muscles become weak and swollen very quickly, and have to be built up again.

Sometimes, there is nerve damage which causes a tingly pain. But most of the pain is muscle stiffness. The bone pain is more of an ache, in my experience.

Did the physio advise you on what shoes to wear? Trainers or similar are best for foot support.

[clio]

Morning ladies, thanks for replies.  I went for 2nd physio yesterday, we spoke about my concerns, he seems hopeful it will be sorted given time.  He said if it doesn't improve he will suggest to my health plan im with for further investigation! My job involves being on your feet all day so they take a lot of battering, they have to work  .  The broken fibula itself is sore and stiff but I can cope with that however cos the metertarsal is causing me so much pain I'm walking funny which then makes my ankle hurt!!! I had a weight bearing aircast boot on so was able to walk about on it so not really sure why the metatarsal is causing me so much problem.  I don't do too bad shuffling round the house but went to post office other day and my word did I suffer.  Physio said to take pain killers and go walking for 20 minutes once r twice a day and make sure I walk properly on it....hence the painkillers! He also said cos of the break you put more pressure on the metertarsal bones and they be home inflamed and grumpy.  Both the assezor and physio said not to worry it will sort itself out in time which I can go along with but its must my job Im Concerned about I've ever been off this long and there is there sick policy that concerns me too. Its better to stay off than go back and have a relaps and go off again, if that makes sense..  I just want to get back to normal 

Pauline I think breaking your tibia must be worse being the larger bone, are you in a weight bearing boot or plaster with no weight?  I'm beginning to think if I had plaster with no weight I wldnt of aggravated the metertarsal bones and so wouldn't be in pain. 

Clio

[CLKD]

Your Physio is talking a lot of sense! they usually have a HUGE knowledge which is often under-estimated by the public.

As for your job - what do you do that causes you to be on your feet all day - any employee is entitled to regular breaks for coffee, lunch etc.!  Did you tell the Physio that you are concerned?  Again they are dealing with these issues daily so may well have advice.  You will be supplying your Employer with a Sick Cert. from your GP?

[warwick01]

Hi Clio,

When you suffered the fracture to your fibula did they xray your foot. A fracture to the metatarsal (evultion #) is quite common. I would request they xray if they hadn't. Also it may be a soft tissue injury, which can be more painful.........
It will settle.

Good luck W

[Pauline]

Glad you have had some reassurance and hope you go on OK. It can be a long job requiring much patience and stoicism. I have been in a full length concrete pillar for three weeks and will be for another three. Went for X ray today and the bone has continued to stay in better alignment so I am hopeful. The plaster cast has loosened slightly but I have mentioned this and they don't seem overly concerned.
Good luck and try to stay positive though it is difficult at times. I have left my house four times in the past month and every time on a stretcher!!!!

[CLKD]

As swelling reduces the plaster will be loosen - this should be checked by the fracture clinic, you should be able to go along at any time not only for a fracture clinic appt..  At least 1 can get a knitting needle into the gap for a good scratch 

The thigh muscle begins to weaken within 48 hours without use.  Quadriceps exercises can be useful  ……. and should be recommended either in a long leg 'pillar'  or below knee plaster - helps focus the mind too. 

[carrs]

Hi clio

I suggest you stay off work as long as you can. You are not fit to go yet, and will not be until you can walk in a more relaxed manner. Your employers should make reasonable adjustments if they possibly can, and let you sit down more if that's an option.

You are right that you should just have the one episode of sick leave if you can.

Good luck!

[CLKD]

You may not be covered by Insurance at work!

[SueRoe]

I broke my fibula a couple of years ago and had physio afterwards too (not provided by the NHS I might add!). I'd be inclined to mention it to the physio if you can - in my limited experience physios are marvellous! BTW pushing a knitting needle down for a good scratch is not recommended no matter how tempting - if you break the skin while scratching you could get a nasty infection which you won't be able to see and won't know about until it makes you ill.