Non-displaced, stable medial malleolus fracture.
I broke my ankle 11 days ago. was initially seen at an urgent care and then the next day at an orthopedic office. My doctor is very nice but obviously extremely conservative.
He insisted on putting me in a plaster cast one week after he saw me which I had done yesterday. I asked for a boot but he said that is not an option and that I am not allowed to bear any weight whatsoever for six full weeks.
They did another x-ray yesterday and everything looks great, no displacement and my joint space looks good and everything is stable. He stated this does not require surgery.
I have done a lot of research and have even been reading other Orthopedic groups websites and information and I am finding that a lot of doctors allow their patients to bear weight on these fractures as soon as they are able to tolerate it. also many are stating that they put their patients in a boot versus a cast. I have read several accounts from patient experiences stating the same.
I've also read studies that being fully casted and bearing no weight can actually result in a longer recovery because of muscle atrophy and stiffening of the joints.
I would love the opinion of any other doctors, physical therapists, or people's personal experiences. I think I'm trying to stay positive and looking for hope.
I am not going to deviate from my doctor's recommendations nor am I looking for medical advice but I am interested in other perspectives.