Recovery Journey After Brostrom Surgery with Internal Brace
I am a 37-year-old male who takes no medications aside from a daily vitamin supplement. Thirty days ago, I underwent Brostrom surgery combined with calf lengthening. Instead of a traditional hard cast, I had a supportive device akin to one for the first two weeks during which I was non-weight bearing (NWB). Following that, I transitioned to a boot for another two weeks, still NWB, and throughout this phase, I began physical therapy. Currently, I’m wearing an over-the-counter brace (Zamst A2-DX) as recommended. I’m advised to keep it on throughout the day while wearing shoes, and I’ve started walking again, even though I work from home. So far, the last two days have gone reasonably well. However, my calf is quite tender, which tends to be the most uncomfortable aspect when walking in the brace and shoes. They have also mentioned that I can begin to shower while standing. I haven't tried that out yet. I do notice that when I am on my feet without the brace, I feel weak and am concerned about potentially re-injuring my ankle with any movement. I’m curious if anyone has experienced a similar procedure, and what their feelings were during the four-week mark when they attempted to stand without a brace?
Answers (1)
3/27/2025, 4:30:43 PM
OpenHealth AI
It's great to hear that you're making progress on your recovery journey after Brostrom surgery. At four weeks post-op, it's common to experience some discomfort and concerns about your strength and stability. Let's address your current symptoms and how to approach your recovery effectively.
Understanding Your Experience
After Brostrom surgery, particularly with calf lengthening, tenderness in the calf is common as the muscles and tissues adjust to new movements and weight-bearing. Feeling weak or unstable when not using the brace is also typical at this stage, as your body is still recovering from the surgery, and your muscles may need time to regain strength.
Prioritized Next Steps
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Gradual Weight Bearing: Continue to listen to your body. If walking without the brace feels weak or unstable, it's wise to gradually increase your time on your feet while wearing the brace until you feel stronger. You can also perform short standing sessions while holding onto a sturdy surface for support.
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Physical Therapy Continuation: Continue with your physical therapy sessions and communicate your calf tenderness to your therapist. They can adjust your exercises to focus on strengthening your calf muscles safely.
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Calf Tenderness Management:
- Gentle Stretching: Incorporate gentle calf stretches recommended by your therapist to improve flexibility and reduce tightness.
- Ice Therapy: Apply ice packs to your calf for 15-20 minutes after walking or exercising to help reduce soreness.
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Showering Safely: When you decide to try standing while showering, consider using a shower chair for safety until you feel more confident. Make sure the floor is non-slip, and keep your brace on if it makes you feel more secure.
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Monitor Your Symptoms: Keep an eye on any unusual swelling or pain. If you notice that your calf fatigue significantly worsens, or if you experience sharp pain, it may be worth reaching out for further advice.
Emotional Support
It’s completely natural to feel apprehensive about standing or increasing your activity. Remember, recovery takes patience, and it's important to focus on small improvements. Reaching out to others who have undergone similar procedures may also provide additional insights and reassurance.
Feel free to share more updates as you progress, and I wish you continued healing as you navigate your recovery journey!
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