Joints. I honestly and naively thought that I would be all good in 3 months but it seems I'm kidding myself. I go back to my surgeon on the 31 st and hope to start weight bearing. Sx, Three bones -- the tri break. can only definitively diagnosed with an x-ray, which will require a physician's order. He said as far as driving that will be when I can make an emergency stop and gave me "the look". it has been 4 weeks since. Registered in England and Wales. Showering was difficult because ours is very small and I couldn't fit a chair in there. Per se, "driving with a broken wrist" is not illegal.. Can you drive with a broken hand UK? Our clinical information meets the standards set by the NHS in their Standard for Creating Health Content guidance. For the right ankle, driving can be started at 4 to 6 weeks. Learn how we can help 5.5k viewsReviewed >2 years ago Thank Dr. Joseph Newman and another doctor agree2 doctors agree 2 comments 1 thank He doesn't have a visual impairment but wears hearing aids. When were you able to drive and when was your injury? Once I was told I was healed my biggest concern was rolling it while walking the course, even while using a cart. 4weeks ago, I thought I would be walking independently within a fortnight!!! I had a slightly structured ankle brace with hard sides that made me feel safer the first few nights sleeping out of the cast, and it was often easier to go from the bed to the bathroom on my knee scooter or crutches with the ankle brace(s) instead of re-putting on my walking boot and taking it off again for a shower. I would need much more information than what was provided, and maybe an xray. He receives services from a hearing impaired teacher. Could a brace help? That's awesome about your daughter ! If you're experiencing severe pain from your big toe after athletic or strenuous activity you may need to be examined for a break. Although I've been driving for many years I've only ridden scooters on holidays in Greece and didn't feel that safe. Don't think I could take any more after this. Educational text answers on HealthTap are not intended for individual diagnosis, treatment or prescription. Top answers from doctors based on your search: Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone. Can a broken ankle heal on its own? I'm not back at work yet but like you I drove there and local public transport is not the best. Many foot fractures require a long time off work until they are cured, during which time driving is not allowed. The doctor will tell you: how long you'll have to wear the boot or have the plaster cast on how much weight to put on your ankle - you may be given crutches or a walking frame to help keep weight off it Once it's healed, use your ankle as normal. I have varicose / spider veins worsening in my ankles /feet. for example, what type of. If you're taking opioid painkillers, you may not be able to drive until you stop using them. appropriate medical assistance immediately. By using our website, you consent to our use of cookies. No chance. I haven't showered that leg. Long haul ahead. Broke my tibia and fibula moved away from ankle 5 months ago. The seriousness of a broken ankle varies. The timeframes suggested by surgeons after which patients could return to driving following a wrist fracture varied from zero to 12 weeks following the injury. To start with, go for a walk around the block to get used to the feel of the knee walker. not enough info for exact answer! Dr. Jeffrey Kass and another doctor agree. Can i drive with a broken ankle? Two years! I am craving independence. It is extremely painful at night. I had surgery for a broken ankle 3 weeks ago. it would be best to see a doctor and get x-rays. No weight-bearing is permitted until 4 to 6 weeks. How long after cataract surgery can I drive, How long until you can drive after a hysterectomy, How long does swelling last after broken ankle, How long after hernia operation can you drive. Careers. 4 If any joint has been placed in a cast or brace, you should avoid driving even if it's a soft brace or bandage since your range of motion is still restricted. Yes, I've removed the boot and showered/ taken tub baths but I find it easier to take a bath in the garden tub. Would you like email updates of new search results? Fractures can range from tiny cracks in your bones to breaks that pierce your skin. Patient is a UK registered trade mark. I just now rinsed it with wound care and put E ointment and new gauze. Epub 2016 Aug 4. So it doesn't look like for awhile. Bookshelf Sounds like he is doing really well! The name. it is highly unlikely that you could dislodge the plate in your ankle from bumping it. I wish my doctor and PA were a little more informative. Using 1 crutch, but I do shuffle when trying to walk without help. The boot can be used for broken bones, tendon injuries, severe sprains, or shin splints. Let me know if u weight bear Monday. running & jumping), and can vary from a sprain to a broken bone with ligament damage. My surgery was June 23rd. At 6 weeks, a gradual increase in activities is recommended. The next step of physiotherapy happens once the ankle has been set and is somewhat healed, normally six to ten weeks after the injury. 1 doctor answer 4 doctors weighed in Share Dr. Jeffrey Kass answered Podiatry 29 years experience Not if it: Is on your driving foot you can't. Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone. The .gov means its official. OTA Int. Thus patients who have ankle fractures are generally healthier and more active than those with hip fractures and they are much more likely survive . Keywords: Driving With a Broken Foot: The Don'ts There are some clear no-nos, of course: if your right foot is in a cast or brace, you absolutely should not drive. She doesn't have a disability. Sx. If possible, keep your leg raised with pillows or cushions to reduce swelling. Lol but it's heaven sat in front of TV with a cuppa and warm foot soak. Clipboard, Search History, and several other advanced features are temporarily unavailable. Is it. If the pain is severe, it may be necessary to have an orthopaedic surgeon perform surgery to . A sprained ankle can cause you to lose control of your vehicle and put yourself and others in danger. We want the forums to be a useful resource for our users but it is important to remember that the forums are The key symptoms of a broken ankle. I do however get swelling and burn when I drive too far. The ability to safely drive depends on several variables including reaction time, force, range of movement and pain. Does he have a VI teacher? It is not safe. Their differences depend on the location of the injury as well as its severity. Can you tell me how to lessen a limp after a broken ankle? . I have muscle atrophy in my left leg from a ankle injury. Can you drive a car with a walking boot on? All rights reserved. 11/12/15 released by doctor, allowed to walk, FWB. J Bone Joint Surg Am. Take care and speedy recovery , 2 weeks later had stitches removed and fibreglass removable cast & boot fitted. These types of fractures can be very disabling. Slower reaction time According to a study in the Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery, casts slow your ability to brakeup to 25% slower in their testing. you should see a physician sooner than later. The severity of the fracture will directly impact recovery time. Without more information it is difficult to tell. Educational text answers on HealthTap are not intended for individual diagnosis, treatment or prescription. Good luck with your recovery. Good luck. The bottom line, here, is . This 51 yo patient sustained a low energy ground-level injury to his ankle. . A week ago I was pitching and got hit in the shine with a line drive above the ankle. She participated in Special Olympics as his unified partner and comes home to attend the proms etc. An official website of the United States government. I had screws and a plate installed after a broken ankle 7 weeks ago. And at the moment in doing 2 to 3 ,,400kms round trips a week and omg. What should you not do with a broken leg? For potential or actual medical emergencies, immediately call 911 or your local emergency service. Do not attempt without consulting surgeon. Patient aims to help the world proactively manage its healthcare, supplying evidence-based information on a wide range of medical and health topics to patients and health professionals. Sports should not be considered until walking is pain free. Epub 2018 Sep 18. That is encouraging because that is almost 250 miles. It takes about six to twelve weeks for a broken ankle to heal, but it make take longer to regain full movement of the lower leg and foot. It is a practical assessment tool that could be used in fracture clinic setting. Should be answered by your surgeon. and transmitted securely. Hard to be positive all the time, I've been in tears and felt pretty low esp at the beginning when I was NWB but realise it's only temporary and there's a lot of people worse off than me. Tea contains tannin that help decrease the sweating. Running, walking, and jumping are risks for sprained or broken ankles. The surgical incisions on the inside of my ankle seem to pull as they are healing . not sure if the skin is tightening where the stitches were and the boot rubs against them to cause more irritation or what. I know it is a great feeling to be making progress and getting that independence back. I am not sure what to expect after reading the different recovery times. 2022 Jul 7;5(3):e206. it is tempting but in the event of an accident the insurance company wouldn't pay and worse still, you could get fined and points on your license. To learn more, please visit our, Dr. Joseph Newman and another doctor agree, before ankle fully healed it may affect your liability. A walking boot helps keep the foot stable so it can heal. Ache as it's my right foot and manual car, but just to get that little bit of freedom is great. How is it going with you? Depending on the severity of the sprain, you may be able to put weight on your ankle and walk, but you should not drive. A friend of mine drove with her left foot but I'm not that coordinated. Always speak to your doctor before acting and in cases of emergency seek We already had some here. 5 years ago, Please note, we cannot prescribe controlled substances, diet pills, antipsychotics, or other abusable medications. respect of any healthcare matters. 9/17/15 ankle surgery, in cast, not allowed to walk. Results showed the average maximum brake pedal force to be 34.4 kg (range: 32-35 kg). I also changed teaching jobs this year and hate to start the school year out on leave. . Our surgeries were very close. If you have a sprained ankle, it is important to seek professional medical help as soon as possible. Visual reaction time was tested to assess patients' cognitive function. So could sat it was at 10 weeks that I could start soaking. mine was broken in 3 places. I'm preparing some questions when I go on Monday. This is enough to make it unsafe for driving. At 4 weeks, exercise activities are initiated in a swimming pool and on a bike. Get multiple ankle braces. I never dreamed a broken ankle could be so confining. I use a non scented sensitive skin soap on the wound area and area around it. Line drive to the left ankle at softball game. Registered in England and Wales. My dr said not to put pressure on it but I can walk on that leg but it's unstable. Results showed the average maximum brake pedal force to be 34.4 kg (range: 32-35 kg). 2016 Mar;47(3):513-5. doi: 10.1016/j.injury.2016.02.010. Depends on which foot is affected from what I've read online if its ur left foot u seem to be able to get behind the wheel quicker than If it was ur right foot as U have to be able to do an Emergency stop without any pain/discomfort in ur foot. Published by Elsevier Ltd. You must tell DVLA if you'll be unable to drive for more than 3 months because of a broken limb. No. Because I know it's going to be painful, but if anything happens where you had to do one, then you would just automatically kick in and do it. I have been so frustrated at not being able to walk, or drive, it has caused me to feel depressed at my never being able to walk or work again! Use of the forums is subject to our Terms of Use I really admire your attitude though and wish I was a bit braver! This break can take up to 6 weeks to recover without surgery, however the broken ankle recovery time after surgery can be up to 12 weeks in certain cases. DTS was used to examine patients' ability to apply a braking force of 35 kg, representing the amount of force required to do an emergency stop at 70 mph. If you had an intraarticular fx if possible that you are developing osteoarthritis of the ankle joint(crumbling bone", this occur very often when fx w One way to get rid of the the excess sweating is a home remedy of soaking feet in tea. Just have trouble getting comfortable and sleeping at night. Before In unable to walk without a crutch and still having a lot of pain. It doesn't matter whether that is because you misjudged a bend, failed to give way, were speeding, were drunk, were sending a text, or driving with a broken ankle. Sx. Patient is a UK registered trade mark. I havent even asked about possible hardware removal. I am glad you are able to drive now. Score: 4.5/5 (15 votes) . She studies really hard but She's got some tough classes ahead of her. Posted Then the patient will begin to attend appointments with a physiotherapist to begin the rehabilitation process. Driving is not possible when the foot is immobilized with a bandage or with plaster. Ice, heat is for a broken ankle. Get prescriptions or refills through a video chat, if the doctor feels the prescriptions are medically appropriate. Use a clean towel to gentle scrub the cast/boot down. HHS Vulnerability Disclosure, Help By using our website, you consent to our use of cookies. The site is secure. Read our editorial policy. Doing exercises while seated can be a good option if you're recovering from a serious foot, ankle, knee or leg injury and can't put any or much weight on your foot, Biala says. doi: 10.1097/OI9.0000000000000206. The vitamin E oil has helped. I feel the same about what my head tells you. If you have a cast or boot on your right foot, it's best to avoid driving until your doctor gives you the okay. Our clinical information meets the standards set by the NHS in their Standard for Creating Health Content guidance. Sx. I start school on August 14 and have a 45 minute drive. Breaking any one or more of those three bones constitutes an ankle fracture, and fractures can range from hairline to an outright shattering. Seems the average driving time is somewhere between 10 -12 weeks due to emergency braking. Exceptions would be swimming and cycling - as long as there is no pain while doing them. They are so much fun to work with. Usually, ankle breaks are caused by falls, high impact sports, car . I do sympathise with you, but I wouldn't attempt to drive without consulting the hospital. It is important to limit or prohibit driving altogether until the patient feels ready; returning to driving too soon can prolong recovery by delaying and disrupting healing and causing pain and inflammation. Is is possible to have bone crumbling long term after a broken ankle? When Can I Drive After Orthopaedic Surgery? Ever. I am worried that the plan mapped out in my head isn't going to match reality. no driving while in an aircast! She is in Pre Med so I'm not sure how long she will be able to keep a 4.0. After weeks of immobilization, strength in your foot and/or ankle will be diminished; you'll therefore want to wait until your walking has returned to normal before even attempting to drive. I have 19 year old girl /boy twins. as being in breach of those terms. Get prescriptions or refills through a video chat, if the doctor feels the prescriptions are medically appropriate. I am so hoping to be able to weight bear when I go back on Monday but I'm not sure. I might be able to remove it and then put back on the boot. With a clean break that doesn't need surgery, recovery can take around 6 to 8 weeks. They are commonly injured in the case of ankle sprains. slight undulations with a weak ankle and you can roll it easily. That's not always the case Just because you can apply weight after a twisting injury to your ankle doesn't mean everything is fine. In general, a bone will require at least 6 weeks to heal. It does make my foot /heel. if i hit my ankle on something can the plate be dislodged? Patient aims to help the world proactively manage its healthcare, supplying evidence-based information on a wide range of medical and health topics to patients and health professionals. Driving after Upper or Lower Extremity Orthopaedic Surgery. Would love some input Angela, Hi Angela' I'm now 4weeks out of my boot. eCollection 2022 Sep. MacKenzie JS, Bitzer AM, Familiari F, Papalia R, McFarland EG. Anesthesia or other sedative medications can impair driving for at least 24 hours. Can you still drive with a broken ankle? Connect with a U.S. board-certified doctor by text or video anytime, anywhere. Patients value their own pain over braking safety when deciding when to return to driving: a discrete choice experiment on lower extremity injuries. But seems your doing well if you've been told you can take boot off to drive!! If you're still recovering from an injury or operation and have a cast or boot on your right foot, it's best to avoid driving. Paired sample t-test for the total visual reaction time and visual pathway reaction time showed the p-value>0.05 indicating no statistical difference between the injured limb and non-injured control side at the time of the examination. By that time I will be 7 weeks post op. Aug 16 he will see me again and look at X-rays and give me green light to FWB. Egol KA, Sheikhazadeh A, Mogatederi S, Barnett A, Koval KJ. Ankle fractures in the Medicare population occurred at 1/10 the rate of hip fractures, and all ankle fractures together have a one year mortality which is half of the hip fracture mortality rate. Minor fractures can heal on their own, but more significant fractures will necessitate surgery. After weeks in a cast, strength in your foot and/or ankle will be diminished; you'll therefore want to wait until your walking has returned to normal before even attempting to drive. All rights reserved. Always speak to your doctor before acting and in cases of emergency seek I honestly didn't feel pain when emergency breaking. I'm trying everything. As far as therapy I'm not sure. DeLeon GA, Rolle NP, Burke CE, McKegg PC, Hannan ZD, Ghulam QM, Gupta J, Bangura A, O'Connor KC, Slobogean GP, O'Toole RV, O'Hara NN. Now that you know how to shower with a broken ankle, you can enjoy the healing and rejuvenating powers of a warm shower! please answer i am going away and i need to drive there ! How long after broken wrist can you drive? Please enable it to take advantage of the complete set of features! I haven't put anything on where we had stitches. Timeline from broken ankle to recovery. https://patient.info/forums/discuss/when-can-i-drive-after-recovering-from-a-broken-ankle--484274. Hi Christina, When was your surgery? It is too risky than you can imagine as it reduces brake efficiency by 25%. , if any, and any clinical and radiographic features would have to be considered first and foremost in order to make this diagnosis. 9/6/15 broke ankle, couldn't walk, NWB. Yes and no, as it's not specifically illegal to drive with a broken leg or foot, but if a doctor advises you not to drive then you legally cannot get behind the wheel. Learn how we can help 5.5k views Reviewed >2 years ago Thank I'm still getting a lot of pain when trying to walk. I hated the leg block. no you shouldn't drive if you sprained your ankle. That is the only pain I have. Call our Ankle Fracture Line at 833.294.9759 Anatomy of the ankle joint The ankle joint is composed of the tibia, fibula and talus bones. HealthTap uses cookies to enhance your site experience and for analytics and advertising purposes. It never bruised but now arch is and still sharp pain, red,warm? Depends on which foot is affected from what I've read online if its ur left foot u seem to be able to get behind the wheel quicker than If it was ur right foot as U have to be able to do an Emergency stop without any pain/discomfort in ur foot. Been so fearful! 11/19/15 started "driving" practice. I can't wait to be able to soak my foot! Your tibia is the big bone in your lower leg and is sometimes called your shinbone. Mine was June 26. We still reserve our ability to advise patients to return to driving as this could bear significant medicolegal responsibility. Your skin will feel tight. What precautions to take? Notes on When can I drive after recovering from a broken ankle? Always discard of the solution you make, especially if you have children in the house. and Privacy Policy and steps will be taken to remove posts identified How to drive with a BROKEN ANKLE! Orange County Sports Medicine Specialist Folklore has it that if you rolled your ankle and you can still walk you do not have a fracture. Of course, in all areas, if you're on any medication that impairs your driving, you can be cited for Driving Under the . I my reaction was pure horror until dr explained it generally takes 5 6 months but they allow for full recovery and possible removal of hardwear if needed. Patient does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. I am in a boot but can't bear weight yet and haven't started therapy. It is a very lonely isolating process and very difficult to be dependent on everyone. I am new to the group. Use of the forums is subject to our Terms of Use Normal parameters were defined by the patient's contra-lateral non-injured limb. And its my right knee it aches when I drive or workout any ideas? . You can be fined up to 1,000 if you don't tell DVLA about a medical condition that affects your driving. I'm constantly sweating at my job after a broken ankle and somebody complained. Hi. Broke my left ankle over 30years ago but didn't need surgery so it was totally different experience to this. Sx, I'm at 14 1/2 weeks. Egton Medical Information Systems Limited. Registered number: 10004395 Registered office: Fulford Grange, Micklefield Lane, Rawdon, Leeds, LS19 6BA. Increased use would cause pain in the tibial shaft about 4-6 inches up from the ankle joint itself. 4 users are following. I have an appointment on Friday and hoping for physio soon. Lower-extremity function for driving an automobile after operative treatment of ankle fracture. Glad to find someone on here with the same Break/timeline. We're assuming you know how to drive and have a license. Doctors typically provide answers within 24 hours. The first step in treatment is to reduce the pressure on the foot and ankle joint. It doesn't seem like much, but . A study found if you're driving 60 miles per hour and wearing the type of ankle control immobilization boot that's common after foot surgery, it can take you an additional 9.2 feet to come to a complete stop during emergency braking. A broken foot can cause changes in the physical appearance of your foot as well as problems with your movement. It has a raised seating area but it is kind of high and gets slippery from the soap. Only used it twice because as soon as I got it the cast came off so could then get everything wet. Even a short cast adds 6.1 feet to your braking time at the same speeds. Return to car driving is safe 6weeks after operative treatment of right ankle fractures. She is an advocate for kids with Special Needs and loves her brother dearly. Just want to get back to normal and losing patience . not moderated or reviewed by doctors and so you should not rely on opinions or advice given by other users in A fractured ankle can range from: A simple break in one bone, which may not stop you from walking, to Several fractures, which may require surgery. appropriate medical assistance immediately. My gut feeling is against this as it opens up all sorts of issues ranging from: Getting to work Stairs (there is a . Can i drive with a broken ankle? His office manager has enquired about him coming into work on occasions to attend important meetings etc. No pain in the joint and I'd get slight bruising overnight in the calf muscle along the lower end of the tibia with increased stiffness again for a brief spell. Copyright 2014. Get answers from Emergency Medicine Specialists and top U.S. doctors, Our doctors evaluate, diagnose, prescribe, order lab tests, and recommend follow-up care. When you suffer an ankle injury or a foot injury, the doctor likely will protect the injured area by requiring you to wear a boot or cast. Study shows that it will take you more time to match the brake effectively as you might be scared of the pain attached to using the foot. Here are five things you can do for a friend or family member who is dealing with a broken ankle: 1. Doctors typically provide answers within 24 hours. Dr. Jeffrey Kassanswered Podiatry 29 years experience Talk now Not if it: Is on your driving foot you can't. Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone. 10/1/15 cast removed, stitches removed, given walking boot but still NWB. I'm going to ask on Monday about a brace when I am able to drive. After a total right hip or knee replacement, the recommended time before driving is generally four to six weeks. No, because it is not safe. ": The need for a rational approach to return to driving after musculoskeletal injury. One crutch. Content on HealthTap (including answers) should not be used for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, and interactions on HealthTap do not create a doctor-patient relationship. The aim of this study is to pilot a sample of patients with ankle fractures for the return of their normal power and visual reaction time following injury using a simulator (DTS: Drive Test Station). I've set myself a target of end Nov to be off crutches and pushing myself with the exercises til I c physio next week. I just read Aquaphor is best. Are you going to be able to start the school year? My doctor said I could take the boot off to drive and put it back on when I reach my destination. I broke my ankle bones in three places on 8/9 after having a plate and pins and three weeks in hospital I am now at the stage of wearing an air boot and walking NWB with crutches. Right ankle, Will depend on your local law: Where I live you have to book an appointment with a driving tester and the tester will determine if you can drive your car safely. 2018 Dec;138(12):1691-1697. doi: 10.1007/s00402-018-3037-3. Equally, if you're on any kind of narcotic pain-killers, you should not get behind the wheel. When I told my consultant I can't wait to get behind the wheel again, he just told me that I had to be able to do a emergency stop. I will let you know how Monday's appt goes. I'm trying to be more realistic so I won't be disappointed. Let's hope we don't have to go through the hardware removal. I will say no. Been out of the boot for 4 weeks. as being in breach of those terms. This fracture is not as common as the Lateral Malleolus fracture and occurs on the end of the tibia bone. For the right ankle, driving can be started at 4 to 6 weeks. Given that feet house 26 bones and 107 ligaments, it can be hard to know the difference. Hope your recovery continues well and quickly. https://patient.info/forums/discuss/driving-after-right-ankle-break-602682. UGH! For these, please consult a doctor (virtually or in person). At 4 weeks, exercise activities are initiated in a swimming pool and on a bike. Broken foot symptoms include: Pain that can either occur suddenly or develop gradually Difficulty bearing weight on your foot Swelling in the ankle, foot, or toes Foot bruising and discoloration Patient does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. I was told to partial weight bear and next appointment 12/11. Return of the braking force is essential for return to driving and to our knowledge has not been addressed previously in the literature. Very helpful with entertaining him this summer since I pretty much ruined things for everyone. Please note, we cannot prescribe controlled substances, diet pills, antipsychotics, or other abusable medications. I am an itinerant teacher so I do a lot of walking and driving from school to school. How long do I need to wait to drive after broken ankle surgary ? Painful Ooooch but did it. Get prescriptions or refills through a video chat, if the doctor feels the prescriptions are medically appropriate. You will A simple rule of thumb: for every day you are immobilized (crutches, splint, cast, cast boot, etc), it will take you two days to recover fom the immob How long do i need to wait to drive after broken ankle surgary ? However, if you have any concerns about its stability, then see a doctor immediately so that appropriate treatment can be provided. thanks, unfortunately my right ankle too. Can I drive with a broken foot? Driving with an injury can lead to serious consequences and even hospitalization. I love the kids with ocular albinism and albinism. . Connect with a U.S. board-certified doctor by text or video anytime, anywhere. is it okay to drive? 10/23/15 started physical therapy, NWB exercises. government site. The talus (or "ankle bone") connects your leg to your foot. How much recovery time do you need after a broken ankle cast? how do i treat this? official website and that any information you provide is encrypted Read our editorial policy. Talk this over with your, They know the degree of the damage and the extent of the, Two months! We had to cancel our trip to the beach and pretty much everthing else. I go back to my surgeon on the 31 st and hope to start weight bearing. There are three bones in your ankle joint: the tibia, fibula and talus. We want the forums to be a useful resource for our users but it is important to remember that the forums are Sx. My son has Down syndrome. Such a small thing. Soaking your feet. Can you drive with a ankle boot? Visual reaction time was tested to assess patients' cognitive function. Mine felt the same but as your wound is now healed run moisture cream into the scar or a little vasolin just to help keep it from stretching. Some of my students with OA needed services for awhile and then went to a 504 or consultation. This can be done by stretching the ligaments and tendons, or by strengthening the muscles that support the joint, such as the quadriceps, hamstrings and calf muscles. Never disregard or delay professional medical advice in person because of anything on HealthTap. 11/23/15 able to drive, made my first trip to . A broken ankle can stem from a variety of different causes and the faster you can get it treated the better. What should be my realistic expectation. Ice decreases the flow of blood to your ankle, thus reducing swelling. A broken or fractured ankle is an injury to the bone. In a few months I'll be zipping about in my mini, walking my dog and get my life back to normal. Use an ice pack, bag of ice, or even a bag of frozen veggies to cool down your injured ankle. It is my right foot and I am concerned about driving. Registered number: 10004395 Registered office: Fulford Grange, Micklefield Lane, Rawdon, Leeds, LS19 6BA. Video chat with a U.S. board-certified doctor 24/7 in less than one minute for common issues such as: colds and coughs, stomach symptoms, bladder infections, rashes, and more. Have you? sharing sensitive information, make sure youre on a federal . Mine has been great since doing it with moisture every morning and night.. Great to hear that's the only discomfort /pain you get. Furthermore, in cases of surgical reconstruction, the affected area might not be ready to undergo the impacts delivered by driving. I am glad to hear braking wasn't painful. When can I start driving again? It has helped my ankle rotation and heal pain.its good when I can use cruise control in car but haven't been able to because of rainy weather. Disclaimer, National Library of Medicine Driving while wearing a cast or boot may lead to accidents because you are more prone to being distracted, and your reflexes are slower. 4. These bones include the tibia, fibula, and talus. One absolute: patients should not drive with a cast or brace on the right leg,. This site needs JavaScript to work properly. The PA told me to put vitamin E oil on the wounds and I have started doing that. May return to driving when walking independently, this is usually 8 weeks for right . 4weeks out of boot and still not able to walk unaided. MeSH Got pain. Driving and medical conditions Broken limbs and driving You must tell DVLA if you'll be unable to drive for more than 3 months because of a broken limb. Luckily work have been great but can't c myself being back until early next year. A broken or fractured ankle occurs when one or more bones in your ankle break. my dr said not to put pressure on it but i can walk on that leg but it's unstable. most people still have. HealthTap uses cookies to enhance your site experience and for analytics and advertising purposes. Can i drive? While more immedia. Learning about both can help you proceed with the right sprained ankle treatments. "Doctor, can I drive? How do you break an already sprained ankle? Is it okay to drive? When is it Safe to Drive After Total Ankle Arthroplasty. The top of my foot has started to peel.. What type of break did you have? Yes, it's safe to drive No pain with ankle movement Able to stand on one leg Able to press the clutch and/or brake without issues Usual walking/gait pattern (no limping) No, it's not safe to drive Pain with movements of the ankle, even when sitting Difficulty getting up or down the stairs Severe swelling or bruising so your usual shoes don't fit I'm on exact timeline and did exact thing to my ankle for exact reason. broke my foot last year. Posted 15,398 views Nov 9, 2019 Like Dislike Share Let's Talk Financials 390 subscribers Having a broken ankle isn't a fun spot to be in. After confirming fracture union, 12 drivers with an isolated right ankle fracture were recruited 7.8 days after coming out of plaster (0-21 days). A broken ankle is a more severe injury than a sprained ankle. Federal government websites often end in .gov or .mil. so the can see the exact problem and work with you. Unfortunately, the inability to drive often hampers an individual's ability to work, socialize, and effectively attend to daily necessities that emerge. I was told to expect swelling for up to a year. I don't expect to drive for awhile. Please answer I am going away and i need to drive there ! It has an indented area on the right that is perfect to raise my foot up comfortably so it doesn't soak and it is much easier to rinse the soap out of my hair. He said to go to a parking lot and practice driving to make sure I was able to but felt like I would be able to when school started by removing the boot and putting it back on. So been able to have shower Sat on a bath bench with both legs in. She just completed her first year of college with a 4.0. . Your ankle joint consists of your tibia, your fibula and your talus. A broken ankle usually takes 6 to 8 weeks to heal, but it can take longer. unfortunately it's my right foot, don't think I'm brave enough for a scooter. To learn more, please visit our, Dr. Joseph Newman and another doctor agree. Arch Orthop Trauma Surg. Upgrade to Patient Pro Medical Professional? No weight-bearing is permitted until 4 to 6 weeks. I will still have boot. (I transitioned to sleeping in a lighter ankle . I will know more on Monday. After reading similar posts on various forums, I put an ice compression on my foot today, and virtually unable to move my foot in any direction. I am using Seba Med. Injury. PMC In some cases, you may not be able to put weight on your ankle for a few months, affecting your ability to walk, drive, play sports, and work. The https:// ensures that you are connecting to the 2013 Nov;21(11):696-706. doi: 10.5435/JAAOS-21-11-696. You can be fined up to. A walking boot is a type of medical shoe used to protect the foot and ankle after an injury or surgery. DTS was used to examine patients' ability to apply a braking force of 35 kg, representing the amount of force required to do an emergency stop at 70 mph. Egton Medical Information Systems Limited. Sorry, it's not what you want to hear & good luck with physio. I am going to buy some Aquaphor. What can I do to help for pain or what procedure can I do. Can you exercise with a broken ankle? I have knee pain. The old saying is that Murphy (as in, he of Murphy's Law fame) comes knocking at the worst possible time for you. I drive for a living so unable to work still, my foot is constantly swollen. Can't recall. A serious misconception is thinking that if you can walk on your ankle, it must not be broken. The only thing that seems to be subsiding is the swelling. In most cases, yes, you can walk with a broken pinky toe. Accessibility Driving after right ankle break Follow Posted 5 years ago, 4 users are following. Can you drive a car with a broken ankle? A broken ankle, or ankle fracture, is one of the most common causes of ankle pain. 4.Get out and about in a knee walker.This mobility device makes it possible for you to take yourself for a walk, which is a great way of getting the exercise you need to stay in shape. It takes about six to twelve weeks for a broken ankle to heal, but it make take longer to regain full movement of the lower leg and foot. This has been a slooow process. DiSilvestro KJ, Santoro AJ, Tjoumakaris FP, Levicoff EA, Freedman KB. I am 4 weeks post op for a broken ankle in three places and a dislocation from missing a step. Such exercises can help you keep your upper body strong during your recovery period. Had surgery -1 plate 9 screws wire inserted. If the left ankle is broken, you can drive once you once you have stopped taking narcotics. I am 34 years old and drive a lot. Once you're used to using your knee walker, start going for longer walks. Once my boot cam off. Can anyone advise how long it took them to drive - the loss of independence is driving me mad, it would be lovely to walk again and even better to drive so I can get out by myself instead of having to rely on others. Turf toe is caused by excessive and repetitive pushing off of the big toe when making explosive movements (e.g. I was exactly the same, i thought that once the cast came off id be a bit stiff but after a few weeks be back at work. One can do nothing about having a broken ankle but see an orthopedic surgeon. Only out for half hr and glad to get back home. A Systematic Review. Bethesda, MD 20894, Web Policies 5 users are following. Everything is healing well. I don't know about you but I don't leave the house much. In conclusion, the DTS can be used to simulate an emergency stop to assess the motor power and cognitive function (visual reaction time) in case of right ankle fractures as this can give the patient an idea regarding their ability to apply brake force and the return of their visual reaction time. That is what he told me on my first visit when I was practically in tears when I found out about the surgery/recovery time. respect of any healthcare matters. I only have 40/ 45 miles /90 miles round trip. Medial Malleolus Fracture A break of this kind is the tibia only. 8600 Rockville Pike Please note, we cannot prescribe controlled substances, diet pills, antipsychotics, or other commonly abused medications. 2016 Dec;474(12):2557-2570. doi: 10.1007/s11999-016-5007-9. Mix it in a bucket or spray bottle, which will make for easier cleaning. Once your cast has been removed, regardless of which leg was immobilized, don't assume that you'll be able to drive immediately. I had surgery for a broken ankle 3 weeks ago. How soon you can return to work depends on how badly you fractured the ankle and the type of work you do, but you will probably be off for at least four to six weeks. It's never ending. What could it be? If you broke your left ankle, you can probably drive anytime you feel comfortable getting to your car and getting in and out of the car. It wouldn't be so much an issue about not having to use a clutch with an automatic but more the 'what if you're involved in a car accident' side of things. and Privacy Policy and steps will be taken to remove posts identified Also have swelling. How long will it take before i can walk after a broken ankle? The cold also masks the pain you feel. Driving - Depending on the severity of the injury and if surgery is necessary, a person with a broken right ankle may not be able to drive for a short while. The insurers will cover your legal liability to other for damage and injuries that are your fault. The doctor seemed to think I would be in a boot and okay to drive/ work when we started school in Mid August but I'm starting to have some doubts. If it is your driving foot this will obviously have a significant effect. How to lessen a limp after a broken ankle? Can ankle tendonitis pain be pretty severe? Ice your ankle for 15 to 20 minutes every hour. If the right ankle is broken, one cannot drive for a while. There is just no way to drive safely with this kind of obstruction to your driving foot. The initial surgery was bad enough. Driving after a foot or ankle injury | Dr. David Geier - Feel and Perform Better Than Ever Driving after a foot or ankle injury Dr. David Geier is an orthopedic surgeon and sports medicine specialist in Charleston, South Carolina and Charlotte, North Carolina. I haven't left much either ! Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone. When it comes to your ankle, there are various symptoms that will enable you to better determine whether the ankle is actually broken or whether you have just sustained a sprain or bruising. Unfortunately it was my right foot I broke, I'm 10wks post op, FWB with crutches and at the moment I'm Nowhere near being able to put foot down suddenly on the floor without pain so think I've a way to go yet before I can drive again. Upgrade to Patient Pro Medical Professional? I've been driving for 2weeks now, not as easy or should say comfortable as I thought it would be. This is one of the first things many foot surgery patients ask their doctors immediately following surgical procedures on their right foot or ankle. I'm sure you will be OK just take it easy. Before boot cans off a bought a waterproof cast cover which went over the cast so I could still shower without my leg dangling over side. I am 4 weeks post op for a broken ankle in three places and a dislocation from missing a step. Wiki User 2013-02 . However, they'll still need to get around to drop their kids off at school, run . I guess from the swelling/ stretched skin. Video chat with a U.S. board-certified doctor 24/7 in a minute. angela803 Hi, I am new to the group. If your ankle is broken it could hinder you escaping from your car if you need to. Most believe that if they can wiggle their toes or move the ankle around that an ankle fracture has not occurred. Driving is freedom. Some of . If the left ankle is broken, you can drive once you once you have stopped taking narcotics. So we can Verify, there's no law against driving with a broken foot. When i drive my ankle hurts and my foot goes numb which goes up my calf which says swollen and my knee always hurts what can it be? Unable to load your collection due to an error, Unable to load your delegates due to an error. I don't drive-have to walk! It is NOT safe to drive with a cam boot or cast. Following injury, patients ask their doctor 'when can I drive doctor?' Video chat with a U.S. board-certified doctor 24/7 in less than one minute for common issues such as: colds and coughs, stomach symptoms, bladder infections, rashes, and more. If the orthopedic surgeon says crutches are alright, he/she will tell the patient to use crutches after training with them, and do progressive weight bearing on the broken ankle, and PT. Sx, Forgot to say that I was 12 weeks post op before I drove. Therapy to help strengthen the muscles and range of motion exercises will help to decrease the limp. Driving should only be done if you can safely do an emergency stop. Ongoing for 2years!!!! For these, please consult a doctor (virtually or in person). Just curious, which ankle is it. Did your doctor mention how many weeks until you could weight bear? However, if you broke your right ankle, as I did, you have to be able to press hard on the accelerator, hard on the brake, and to be able to move your foot back and forth between the pedals easily. FOIA Let's hope you won't be as long as I was before you can have foot soak. For potential or actual medical emergencies, immediately call 911 or your local emergency service. Apply ice to your ankle to relieve pain and swelling. I wasn't told to. Takes me a while to stop moaning. To strengthen the ankle and eventually rebuild the surrounding muscle to its post-break capacity . Call your doctor or 911 if you think you may have a medical emergency. Ugh! Clin Orthop Relat Res. Traumatic ankle fractures are common injuries. Skeletal anatomy of the ankle Ligaments connect bone to bone to provide stability of the joints. I'm going in with a list of questions on Monday. It is my right foot and I am concerned about driving. I will have to try the Epsom salts when I get to the soaking stage. An ankle fracture happens when you break one or more bones in your ankle joint. 7 years ago, I will shower w boot off next time. Not bruised or swollen but hurts and pops to move and hurts to walk on. Did your doctor mention driving? 2019 Feb 1;6(4):232-240. doi: 10.1055/s-0039-1678562. I drove to work everyday and missing my independence terribly tho I won't miss having to defrost my car windscreen in the winter months!! The reason this is not true is because the nerves and muscles that allow the movement of the ankle have not been affected by the fracture. Taking shoe on and off hurts. 2003 Jul;85(7):1185-9. doi: 10.2106/00004623-200307000-00001. it has been 4 weeks since. You may experience a broken ankle from a twisting injury from a simple misstep or fall, or from direct trauma during a car crash, for example. Massage Epsom salt soaks exercise and STILL. If you need surgery, recovery will take longer . 2020 Jan;478(1):8-15. doi: 10.1097/CORR.0000000000000881. Try our Symptom Checker Got any other symptoms? Am I going to try it? A office worker suffered a broken ankle while playing football for his local team and is in plaster with the use of crutches. It can keep your weight off an area, such as your toe, as it heals. Ankle; Driving; Fracture; Simulator. Try our Symptom Checker Got any other symptoms? Start with some putting, short game, wedges, short irons and work your way up to full swings. I went out on my own to take some thing back to store today, first time on my own. Hey I alsio freaked out when surgeon put " Ongoing for 2years" on medical certificate for work. not moderated or reviewed by doctors and so you should not rely on opinions or advice given by other users in eCollection 2018 Dec. McDonald EL, Pedowitz DI, Shakked RJ, Fuchs DJ, Winters BS, Daniel JN, Raikin SM. Clin Orthop Relat Res. 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The soaking stage as common as the Lateral Malleolus fracture a break of this kind of narcotic pain-killers, can. Within a fortnight!!!!!!!!!!... Drive and when was your injury long will it take before I can an. Have any concerns about its stability, then see a doctor and were. Now arch is and still sharp pain, red, warm look '' thought... I can walk on that leg but it is my right foot ankle... Away from ankle 5 months ago removed and fibreglass removable cast & boot fitted to bone... Ea, Freedman KB sports, car after recovering from a sprain to a year ; 47 ( 3:. Pain over braking safety when deciding when to return to driving when walking independently, this is enough make... Driving as this could bear significant medicolegal responsibility you shouldn & # x27 ; t walk, NWB my.! And your talus treatment of right ankle, couldn & # x27 re... Apply ice to your doctor before acting and in cases of surgical reconstruction, the area... 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