Question: At the age of 51 I had broke my ankle and had plates and pins inserted. At the time I was told these could never be removed because of the extend of the damage to my ankle. Over the years apart from some swelling I have not had any problems and even managed to return to my favourite activity of walking in the Peak District. I am now 76 years of age and for the past 6 months on and off have suffered considerable pain in my ankle. Then while out walking my dog I felt an excruciating pain at the back of my leg just above the ankle. I collapsed onto the floor and for a while was unable to stand or move my ankle. After rest the ankle did improve but I am left with reduced movement in my ankle and some pain which radiates up the calf and around the front of my leg. I phoned my Doctor but was unable to get an appointment to see him and instead was told I had to speak to a phisiotherapist which I did. He suggested excercise! Really... surely with 7 pins and 2 plates an x ray to see what is going on shjould be the first port of call.