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Can I Remove Uncomfortable Boots Inspite Of Being At Home After Broken Ankle?

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Posted on Thu, 24 Jul 2014
Question: Hello
I had a broken ankle and am 4 weeks into surgery now (Broke ankle on May 27th and had surgery on XXXXXXX 4th). (With a plate and 7 screws). I am a 40 year old male (used to smoke before, but have quit for almost 3 months). Today I got my cast removed and am having unbearable pain (Looks like the pain was much better with cast on). I am still non weight bearing for 2 weeks with an air boot. I had not taken any narcotic for past 2 weeks (Was taking Oxycodone for 2 weeks after surgery). But looks like I will have to start taking them again

The questions I have are below

1) I got the cast removed and placed into a boot. Actually the boot is very uncomfortable. So, I just remove the boot always for last 2 days and on socks (I always have my foot elevated and iced couple of times). I also started doing some exercises my doctor said (Moving ankle close to 90 degrees for 30 times for twice a day). Since then, my swelling has increased and so has my pain

My question is if it OK to just be on socks (without wearing the boot), since I am at home anyway for entire day and keep foot elevated except when I go to restroom. Also, my pain and swelling has increased since my cast has been removed and since I started my ankle exercises

Thanks and appreciate a response
doctor
Answered by Dr. Dr. Praveen Tayal (1 hour later)
Brief Answer:
Swelling will subside gradually.

Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Thanks for posting your query.
If you are resting at home and not bearing any weight on the affected foot then you can remove the boot. It is best to keep your leg on two pillows and see if the swelling reduces.
There should not be any sudden sharp acute pain during going to restroom or during exercises. An increase in the swelling is not worrisome.Do continue doing the hot fomentation.
Rule out any infection in the area of incision - consult your doctor if the area is warm red and tender.
I hope this answers your query.
In case you have additional questions or doubts, you can forward them to me, and I shall be glad to help you out.
Wishing you good health.
Regards.
Dr. Praveen Tayal.
For future query, you can directly approach me through my profile URL http://bit.ly/Dr-Praveen-Tayal

Note: For further queries, consult a joint and bone specialist, an Orthopaedic surgeon. Book a Call now.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
Answered by
Dr.
Dr. Dr. Praveen Tayal

Orthopaedic Surgeon

Practicing since :1994

Answered : 12315 Questions

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Can I Remove Uncomfortable Boots Inspite Of Being At Home After Broken Ankle?

Brief Answer: Swelling will subside gradually. Detailed Answer: Hello, Thanks for posting your query. If you are resting at home and not bearing any weight on the affected foot then you can remove the boot. It is best to keep your leg on two pillows and see if the swelling reduces. There should not be any sudden sharp acute pain during going to restroom or during exercises. An increase in the swelling is not worrisome.Do continue doing the hot fomentation. Rule out any infection in the area of incision - consult your doctor if the area is warm red and tender. I hope this answers your query. In case you have additional questions or doubts, you can forward them to me, and I shall be glad to help you out. Wishing you good health. Regards. Dr. Praveen Tayal. For future query, you can directly approach me through my profile URL http://bit.ly/Dr-Praveen-Tayal