Calcaneus Surgery ORIF Success Stories?

Hi guys loving the positive feedback and hearing where everyone is after their accident, its been really encouraging.

Its been 8 weeks since my surgery 2 in a cast 6 in a boot. Last tuesday I went to see my surgeon and we talked I can now wear a shoes. 

I limp a lot and walking is very demanding and painful - putting weight on and off the foot. I have a lot of sharp pains in the achilles and the front of the ankle. also pain in the achilles when I try to point my foot.

From someone who has been here is this normal, does it become resolved and how long has this taken you to get through?

Michael c wrote:

Hi guys loving the positive feedback and hearing where everyone is after their accident, its been really encouraging.

Its been 8 weeks since my surgery 2 in a cast 6 in a boot. Last tuesday I went to see my surgeon and we talked I can now wear a shoes. 

I limp a lot and walking is very demanding and painful - putting weight on and off the foot. I have a lot of sharp pains in the achilles and the front of the ankle. also pain in the achilles when I try to point my foot.

From someone who has been here is this normal, does it become resolved and how long has this taken you to get through?

First off, you are doing way better than I did. I was in a cast for 6 weeks, then 6 weeks in a boot.

Like you, I had and continue to have a lot of pain--for me, mostly across the front of the ankle/top of the foot--especially when going DOWN stairs and the pain has 95% of the time been on the 'upstroke' of walking, not on the down-step. Its been 13 months since my accident and I still have these pains--although the sharp/stabbing pains--like someone sticking a Bowie knife thru the top of my foot have almost disappeared. That took about 6-8 months to happen, but became much less frequent after about 3 months. I tried 3 rounds of sympathetic nerve blocks--but found those were pretty much a waste of time and money, with only the first one giving me any real relief for about 3 days.

I still have a bit of a limp--which gets worse as the day wears. I think my surgeon is going to remove all of the plates and screws in November and I am hoping this will get me over-the-hump and onto a complete recovery with no limping. I am hoping the recovery from this surgery will be 100 times easier and faster than the original ORIF surgery. At least this time I won't also be simultaneously recovering from back surgery (I broke L3 and L4 during the same accident).

It's almost impossible to say if any of this is 'normal' as everyone's fracture is unique--as is the surgeon's repair approach and a myriad of other variables. I can only say what my experience has been--and tell you that you seem to be progressing WAY faster than I did. Hang in there. 

Good Luck and God Bless...

Paul

Michael C, 

Paul is correct 'everyone is different'.  I was non weight bearing for 12 wks.  So I think you are ahead of the game.   I had PT 3 times a  wk for 9 wks.  Then took my exercises straight to the gym to continue the struggle to not limp.  That said I am 9 mos out, I still limp when I get up in the morning, when I have been sitting to long or am really tired.  I still stretch the achilles, pernial & plantar all during the day.  So all that said I am walking 10k to 12k steps each day. I also walk barefoot in the house.  

Get to PT if you are not already.  My PT manipulated the foot, then massaged with electric stimulation.  That felt really good.

Best of Luck,

Lin

paul c wrote:

First off, you are doing way better than I did. I was in a cast for 6 weeks, then 6 weeks in a boot.

Like you, I had and continue to have a lot of pain--for me, mostly across the front of the ankle/top of the foot--especially when going DOWN stairs and the pain has 95% of the time been on the 'upstroke' of walking, not on the down-step. Its been 13 months since my accident and I still have these pains--although the sharp/stabbing pains--like someone sticking a Bowie knife thru the top of my foot have almost disappeared. That took about 6-8 months to happen, but became much less frequent after about 3 months. I tried 3 rounds of sympathetic nerve blocks--but found those were pretty much a waste of time and money, with only the first one giving me any real relief for about 3 days.

I still have a bit of a limp--which gets worse as the day wears. I think my surgeon is going to remove all of the plates and screws in November and I am hoping this will get me over-the-hump and onto a complete recovery with no limping. I am hoping the recovery from this surgery will be 100 times easier and faster than the original ORIF surgery. At least this time I won't also be simultaneously recovering from back surgery (I broke L3 and L4 during the same accident).

It's almost impossible to say if any of this is 'normal' as everyone's fracture is unique--as is the surgeon's repair approach and a myriad of other variables. I can only say what my experience has been--and tell you that you seem to be progressing WAY faster than I did. Hang in there. 

Good Luck and God Bless...

Paul

Thank you Paul

What both you and Lin have said has been very encouraging. I think the mental aspect of such a break was something that I was definitely not prepared for and am still coming to terms with the fact that things may not be haw they were. My surgeon said she was "quite proud" of the surgery and has instructed me to start walking - I guess I'm just am looking for signs that things will stay the way they are and not improve.

Currently I am going to physiotherapy and we are doing calf raises and stretching the achilles - like you i have the pain in the front when load is taken off and put on. I also have pain in my knuckles of my toes - which is not all pleasant. 

Again I would just like to reiterate how much I appreciate the encouragement and experience, I hope that taking out your hardware will improve everything for you

I'll continue to do my best

Michael

You are welcome! I just built a calf-stretcher for home use--very easy to build and now I am stretching 2-3 sets/day. I have numbness of the outside,front quarter of the foot. And even though numb, it feels painful just to touch it. I had no clue that this entire thing would be such a long and 'if-fy' recovery. I never dreamed that there was even a possibility of a permanent limp..or that it would take more than 3 months to get completely over it. The mental aspect was enormous. For the first 3 months, I spent many, many days wishing I had died. Fortunately such days are now quite rare..but I find that deep in my spirit, I have changed. Before the accident, I believed I was a strong person--emotionally, spiritually... but have since realized I am not the strong person I once thought I was. Prior to the accident, I would've rated myself a 8 or 9 of 10. Now, I think it is more like a 3 or 4. My daughter had twins last November, and having 2 new grandbabies has been a great motivator and has brought me joy and peace, helping me thru many of those dark days.My UAB Dr told me this is THE worst bone to break and typically is a 2 year recovery. I'm 13 months in....

I have GREAT empathy for others I see in pain. I will be praying for your continuing recovery and am looking forward to good news updates from you.

Paul

My names Michelle, I’m 33 and I broke me calcaneus on 9/4, had surgery on 9/12 and now I’m just waiting. I have a plate and 7 screws. My heel was broken in 3 places and the back part turned down. The first week before surgery was the worst part bc the bones were loose in my heel. I’m 3 weeks post op and have fallen 4 times this week bc of dogs and balance. One happened about an hour ago and every time I land on my bad foot. Now I’m worried I’ve messed something up. Last week the Doc said I wouldn’t be able to start putting weight on my foot for at least 10-12 more weeks. I have 3 kids 9,11,15 so they aren’t babies. My husband has been doing everything. What the heck do you guys do all day during the healing time? I’m about to go crazy not being able to clean my house and get around. 

My injury was 8-4-17 where I broke both calcaneus, first surgery 8-15-17 (left foot) and second 8-17-17 (right foot). I had cadaver, plate and screws, right calcaneus was also upside down. I was told 3 months no weight bearing, at 6 weeks I started PT to stretch ankle and prepare to walk. Most days are good, and sleeping is getting better. I experience all sorts of strange tingling or odd pain in both feet, it seems to worsen in the afternoon to early evening. I really have no pain in the heals at this point, they tend to feel normal. I have gained a lot of ankle movement with PT this past week, but the tingling seems to never end. I am curious if you all have felt the pin and needles or what feels like anxiety in the feet? If so how long did it last? It is not overly painful, just gets taxing on the brain. Thanks for all the information shared, it has been great gathering information from this board. 

Michelle, I understand your struggles. My husband has had to do everything and that has been hard for me. Each day through recovery I have gotten stronger and take on a new task in an attempt to help. I have crocheted more hats than I ever cared to, watched a lot of TV and just wheeled in circles in the chair. The mental part of this has gotten easier, I stay focused on the progress of each day, no matter how small it may appear. 

Hello I'm Brittney, I'm 23 And My Injury Was Sept 21, 2017. The Doctor Descride My Calcaneus Bone As Crushed And Into Different Size Pieces And Told Me I Needed Surgery ASAP. How I Did My Injury Was Jumping Out Of A 2nd Story Window And Really Didn't Know I Caused This Much Damage To Myself And I'm Feeling Really Bad About It. He Gave Me The Option Of Getting Surgery Or Not But Said It Would Cause Me Pain In The Near Future If I Didn't Get It Done. I Am A Single Mother Of Two. They Both Are Still Little Babies And Require A lot Of My Attention. I Have Yet To Get Any Surgeries Done Because The Doctor Insisted That He Could Get Both My Surgeries Done All At Once But I Would Be Down For A Total Of 3 Months :( So I Asked Him For 6 Weeks To Get My Children Together And To Find Someone That Dedicated To Help Me As I Try To Heal. I Have Read All Of You Guys Stories To Get A Sense Of Everything Being Ok For Me But I Am Truly Scared Out My Mind On How This Process Will Work For Me. Just Looking For Someone Who Has Had This Injury To Tell Me It Will Be Ok.

Lisa Armstead wrote:

My injury was 8-4-17 where I broke both calcaneus, first surgery 8-15-17 (left foot) and second 8-17-17 (right foot). I had cadaver, plate and screws, right calcaneus was also upside down. I was told 3 months no weight bearing, at 6 weeks I started PT to stretch ankle and prepare to walk. Most days are good, and sleeping is getting better. I experience all sorts of strange tingling or odd pain in both feet, it seems to worsen in the afternoon to early evening. I really have no pain in the heals at this point, they tend to feel normal. I have gained a lot of ankle movement with PT this past week, but the tingling seems to never end. I am curious if you all have felt the pin and needles or what feels like anxiety in the feet? If so how long did it last? It is not overly painful, just gets taxing on the brain. Thanks for all the information shared, it has been great gathering information from this board. 

Michelle, I understand your struggles. My husband has had to do everything and that has been hard for me. Each day through recovery I have gotten stronger and take on a new task in an attempt to help. I have crocheted more hats than I ever cared to, watched a lot of TV and just wheeled in circles in the chair. The mental part of this has gotten easier, I stay focused on the progress of each day, no matter how small it may appear. 

I broke my calcenus on 13 August and required 2 surgeries to set it and then install the screws. I've had similar pain in my toes and bottom of my foot with the pin prick, burning, random sharp pains during the day. I've gotten some relief with stretching and ice compression on my ankles. Tends to be worst when my foot is swollen and opioid withdraws enhanced it significantly for a few days switching my pain med to Tylenol. It really affects my sleep cycle as I've only been able to manage 3 hours or less at a time since my accident.

5 more weeks NWB, then some weight with a walking boot. I'm hoping increased activity and movement will get the anxiety sensation/pain to subside. Let me know if anything works for you

Michelle T wrote:

My names Michelle, I’m 33 and I broke me calcaneus on 9/4, had surgery on 9/12 and now I’m just waiting. I have a plate and 7 screws. My heel was broken in 3 places and the back part turned down. The first week before surgery was the worst part bc the bones were loose in my heel. I’m 3 weeks post op and have fallen 4 times this week bc of dogs and balance. One happened about an hour ago and every time I land on my bad foot. Now I’m worried I’ve messed something up. Last week the Doc said I wouldn’t be able to start putting weight on my foot for at least 10-12 more weeks. I have 3 kids 9,11,15 so they aren’t babies. My husband has been doing everything. What the heck do you guys do all day during the healing time? I’m about to go crazy not being able to clean my house and get around. 

Hi i broke my heel in about 20 pieces and also the cuboid bone was fractured. Thus happened on 7/7/17. Worse pain ive ever experienced. Emergency surgery 9 hours after the accident. Titanium plate and 10 screws.I was determined to get off the pain meds asap-so bought a lasertouchone.com 6 days after surgery. Really good decision! Doing this 4x day on my whole body, not just foot. Within 2days i stopped the pain meds -kept up with over the counter tylenol due to swelling. Ive also been going to an accupuncturist who specializes in sports injuries-really good stuff! She recc cbd oil and arica 200c(homeopathic) -now been off tylenol for a week. Just been in splint and using knee scooter to get around the house -i went back to work p/t using scooter 3weeks ago. ( im a hairdresser). Doc says he’ll put me in walking boot this week-Getting in pool last 2 weeks since allowed to get it wet-feels great! Hope this helps! Best

Juli

Update on the tingling and stabbing pain in my toes has decreased significantly with increased movement of them, stretching my toes, foot and ankle. Still not putting weight on the injury, but it is helping with the swelling and getting range of motion back has been helpful with reducing that painful annoyance. 

Updating a month later, my foot is slowly getting better, my achilles is SUUUPER stiff but its getting better, been working out again deadlifting 165kg with uneven weight balance between the two feet but ill take it and work. Went climbing the other day - I had really terrible mortons toe and could only fit into 5.10 arrowheads, not there is a huge bone horn on the back of my heel that stops the shoes from fitting ... any advice on that?

Keeping up with the physio, theres less pain - its still a daily thing - I have a phone call with the surgeon about maybe fixing the achilles bump and removing a bone spur that is "floating" on the bottom of my foot and maybe take out some screws. Fingers crossed they will do it!

JSH wrote:

Climbing shoes are new world after all this.

I used to be an Anasazi velcro person, went through at least a dozen pairs. Those heels are now just plain out of the question.

First year I went back to my old Kauks that were my first shoe, and are too big, but comfy. After that, a Scarpa slipper that was ok on the heel but never felt right as a shoe. Then two years in a Siren lace-up, which was ok on the heel but felt clunky at the toe. Last year I was finally ready for some squeezing and picked up an old but unsold new pair of Rogues at a gym. They're a beginner shoe so a looser heel, but somehow the toe feels just like an Anasszi for me, so they're perfect. Sadly they are now wearing out on the flimsy mesh upper. Looking at what five.ten has, I'll try the Gambit next, still looking for that comfortable heel but a precision toe.  

Thats rough, I really love doing roof's and bouldering and want to find a cambered shoe. I guess its back to hunting for a shoe to deal with the newest problem or modify my 5.10 arrowheads on the back.

Hi all, 

I'm 2 weeks post op for left Calcaneus fracture. I just wanted to post that if you are hobbling around with crutches, go on Amazon and order the iwalk 2.0.  Mine arrived last week and it's a life saver! I'm able to walk around without crutches and do almost everything like making dinner, getting the mail, cleaning up the house.  

I know I sound like spam, but this truly is the best advice I can give to anyone stuck on crutches. I fell off the roof in October and had to wear a fixator for 2 weeks. Then I had screws put in and stuck in a cast for 2 weeks. Doctor told me last Thursday that I will start PT next month but I've decided that I'm going to go to the local pool and wade around in the deep in several times a week until then.

The foot is still very rigid and completely numb on the outside by my pinkie toe. Most of the pain I'm feeling now is all in the ball of my foot which isn't even where I had the surgery. Anyway, Its been nice reading all these posts and I'm feeling much more optumistic. Best wishes to anyone who has this injury! 

Hi.. just sort of stumbled on this forum. I too shattered my Calcaneus. What goes up must come down, and all my weight came down on my right heel. Flash of white and then saw stars. My foot immediately swelled up like a watermelon. Had to wait almost 3 weeks before the swelling went down to have surgery. I was on crutches and non weight bearing for 5 months. Then the long road to recovery and building back my calf and quads. Atrophy sucks!  The worst part of it.. was the nerve damage, it was like walking on a frostbitten foot with every step. To the point that I actually thought about cutting off the foot and getting a prosthetic.  Yes it was that painful.  Nerves will take about 2 years to regrow, So I painfully and patiently waited. Now there is just a small part of the ball of my foot which is still slightly numb. There is life after Calcaneus Surgery. Walking in good shoes with orthotic inserts really helps. I can walk on uneven terrain for some distance 5-10 km,  but the day after my foot stiffens up, and has to be stretched with PT exercises. Although its not 100%, its pretty close. Limited ROM when i move my foot from right to left. Im grateful for what I have, and have made accommodations to account for this injury. Although I don't want to take the chance on running, I have taken up new sports: Competitive cycling, Kite Surfing and Street Workout. Life is for the living, It will take time (years) to fully recover. But some people in this world have far greater problems. Be strong and positive. 

L Hong wrote:

Lin

Thank you Lin. I’m 11 week apost op right now. I go back to the doctor on Friday. My incision hasn’t healed completely so I’m not sure when I will start PT. I am doing much better with all of this but I am looking forward to the next steps. hope you are doing good. Michelle 

Michelle,

I am a few days short of 1 year out.  In Sept I was still experiencing limping, so I went to a different trainer/massage therapist.  I can tell ya that a good massage therapist/trainer working the foot feels great (even though it was uncomfortable during process). Long story short she told me to get off the stationary bike and the treadmill.  Start walking period.  So I am walking 10K to 12K steps per day.  I still limp sometimes.  It's not the heel itself, but the perennial tendon, plantar etc.  Just keep working towards your goals.  You will get there.  As Greg has stated  be strong & positive.  Hope you continue to heel.

Best of Luck... Merry Christmas

Lin

Hi .....Different kind of climbing Utilitey Lineman (35 years) no major injuries ....cut out a few times (splinters only) retired 2 years ago. Great site the support is positively fantastic. I never heard of the Calcaneus until I shattered mine. Post Hurricane IRMA tree trimming and gravity. It’s been 11 weeks just started WB at PT last week. Doing all the exercises at home and the PT is definitely the best advise to give / received. The knee scooter was another GREAT investment. Taking it one day/step at a time and moving ahead alway. Keep up the great support and be positive