How Did It Happen?
I was in a horseback riding accident, long story short. Broke my Talus bone clean in half, with multiple shards of bone. I was immediately taken to a more rural Baylor hospital, which transferred me to the Baylor University in Dallas for emergency surgery. The first doctor's evaluation warned that this type of injury needed immediate attention. Six pins and one plate later, humpty dumpty was put back together. Dr. Casey Cates performed a very successful surgery and there was a two week mandatory bedrest period. I was splinted in a very soft but supportive splint.How Was Your Recovery?
After two weeks bed rest, I was about to go crazy. I was thankful to move to a wheelchair for a few days, and returned to my desk job. At this point, any small response in my foot to was a good sign. Numbness was slowly fading daily, and all sensation came back to my foot within a month. At my two week appointment, I was splinted in a "boot" which is removable for exercises. There was a horrible pressure if I was vertical, as blood was having a hard time circulating back up. Basically, it felt like a 10lbs weight at my ankle. The doctor wanted me to be in a wheelchair or on crutches for at least three months, and do point and flex/rotating exercises twice daily. I am very determined to gain full usage of the foot, so I was fairly aggressive with the exercise schedule in the beginning, and continue to strengthen my foot daily. My sweet gramma and loving mother and amazing boyfriend routinely rubbed a mentholated eastern tonic, similar to rubs like Icy hot into my balloon-of-a-foot. As the swelling went down, I continued to do stretches, which was essential to increasing range of motion. At the two month follow up with my surgeon, blood was flowing to the bone, which was indicated by a more gray than white looking xray. He was happy about that, but not happy about me walking. He was under the impression that it would slow my healing which I respectfully disagreed. I sought treatment at a chiropractor who used laser treatment which is proven to speed the mitochondrial growth, promoting healing. I also sought treatment from a holistic specialist that treated my foot with pressure point reflexology. All of these treatments were helpful. This accident happened ten and a half months ago, and I have gained about 85-90% flexibility and usage, depending on the day/weather. I am fairly active, but not an athlete.Tips and Tricks
- Sit at a 90 degree with legs straight in front, while flexing the foot as far as you can, and hold it for intervals of 5 minutes.
- Spread legs to 10 and 2, and alternate the same exercise as above.
- Massage frequently, even in the painful/numb spots. It will help break up the scar tissue, and the pain will go away quicker.
- Point and flex, point and flex. Push it slightly outside of comfort level.
- Use leverage to get a good stretch, like a towel
- Be patient, and believe in your body's ability to heal itself
- meditate and pray for healing
How Long Was It Before You Returned to Sports?
I walked my first step without a boot on mother's day weekend, which was a little over 2 months after the accident. I wore a supportive ankle brace for Several months and began hiking again in August
