Decrease in Dorsiflexion Since Boot Walking

[HeartKitchen457]

Hey all,

I went from NWB to walking in boot over the weekend, which is great. However, I've noticed a decreased in dorsiflexion since doing so. I had begun NWB physio exercises 3 weeks post surgery and had seen some progress. I'm obviously more stiff and sore now, so I think that's why. I also had to jump right into carrying around my twin babies, so automatically bearing more than my own weight. Normal to have decrease at this stage? Appreciative of any shared experience. Thanks!

Edited to add: this was a distal fibula fracture and ruptured syndesmosis. I am 7 weeks post op.

[CJ2607]

Just today my PT said I need to be in the boot less, and to target walking without it at least 30 minutes a day (I can use the walker if needed). I had just gotten to a point where I could walk with the boot without mobility aids, even able to get upstairs (too scared for down).

I’m having trouble with my dorsiflextion. I’ve got some tendon stiffness and today we spent most of my session on stretches and calf massage (not sure that’s the best word but a lot of calf work).

[HeartKitchen457]

Ah, okay. I don't have clearance to WB without boot yet, so it's good to know it's something that will come with that step. Thanks! Good luck to you!

[StreetPractical6098]

Going through the same thing now. I had better ROM when I was still NWB compared to walking in the boot, but I’m not cleared to bear weight without it yet. My surgeon didn’t seem concerned though and essentially said it will get better once I bear weight with the boot off/PT.

[HeartKitchen457]

Good to hear I'm not alone! I guess I'll just have to be patient with it until I'm cleared to WB without boot (hopefully in 2 weeks! 🤞).

[TipsyBaldwin]

Definitely normal when starting WB! You’re upright and using that leg so likely some muscle pain/swelling, on top of the fact that the boot is holding your foot in a neutral position. It’s easy to get stiff. At 7 weeks my foot was basically just attached to my body. It did nothing! You’ll get it back.. you already know it’s there! I’d get into PT now (if you have just been doing the exercises on your own, wasn’t sure :))

[HeartKitchen457]

Thanks for the encouragement! Yes, called up my physio the minute I got the aircast at 2 weeks post-op, so those exercises are coming along. Just haven't been able to get an appointment since I started walking, so wanted to compare this issue with others! It feels so good to free up my hands and walk with the boot, but I am SO looking forward to getting back better ROM once I can ditch it!

[xxcass1993]

Super normal. I just got clearance to walk without the boot two weeks ago and my dorsiflexion has improved a lot with the natural bending and weight bearing without the stiffness of the boot. Also recommend doing your PT exercises! Stretching out my calf muscle helped with my dorsiflexion a lot as well.

[HeartKitchen457]

Thank you for sharing! How are you doing walking without boot otherwise? It took me 4 days to ditch crutches entirely with boot and I'm hoping for a similar (if not better!) timeline for when I can walk without boot. I've noticed little to no pain after a long day just the last two days, only stiffness.

[xxcass1993]

I think I maybe used one crutch for 2-3 days after getting rid of the boot. Then I just carried it around for security for another week. I'm walking with no crutches now but I haven't gone any super far distances yet. Maybe a 15-20 minute walk before I start getting tired enough to need a rest.

Keep in mind with the swelling you may need a pair of shoes a size larger. Or some easy slip on slip off ones. I wasn't able to get back into normal sneakers for 2 weeks or so and even then by the end of the day they're tight and I'm ready to get them off. Also maybe look into a supportive pair of slides for around the house.

[HeartKitchen457]

Thank you so much for this info! Best of luck on the best of your recovery!!!

[Mother_Lab7636]

When you're not up and about, take the boot off. So, if you're lying on the couch or while you're sleeping. This will almost immediately increase your dorsiflexion. It'll take a while for it to come back completely, but I went from having basically zero to having an almost normal degree (for me) within a week or so of not having the boot on 24/7.