How Did It Happen?
Playing basketball in college last year (i'm 21). I came down on it wrong after being hit from the side, landed, and it exploded. I broke my talus in 3 pieces and tore both tendons on the outside of my foot/ankle. I immediately was taken to the hospital and had to wait out 10 hours there on morphine before surgery. The doc said he would do his best so I could walk again.
How Was Your Recovery?
Recovery was extremely difficult at times. Just being honest but I was very active with sports and friends so it was tough to just sit around all day. However, I denied a cast and just got a boot so I could start PT asap so I could get back as much ROM (range of motion) as possible. PT was excruciatingly painful a lot of the time in the beginning. It was difficult but the more pain = the faster you get better! I loved PT. Being able to improve daily was awesome. I was on crutches for 4 months exactly. Weight bearing was hard because frankly, it hurt. I was so excited though I just pushed through it.
A year later I still limp a little bit. My ankle is always alittle stiff in the morning but I walk it out by the time I brush my teeth. I can jog a little bit but as far as sports, I can basically only play golf because of my lack of lateral movement.
Tips and Tricks
- ALWAYS listen to your surgeon. He/She knows best so don't push past what they tell you!
- Take medicine before PT. It will help you with the pain.
- Listen/Write music.
- Constantly do PT. Always be stretching.
- USE ICE. 25 minutes max but make sure you ice. IT really eases pain after PT or even now when I get sore.
- STAY POSITIVE. It's a very short period of your life in the grand scheme of things!
How Long Was It Before You Returned to Sports?
7 months (only because it was golf). I was a collegiate golfer. I didn't play my first tournament for 7 months. Basketball, baseball, football, etc. I still would not be 100%.
