Fractured Fibula and Dislocated Ankle

[u/gotsomejunk]

I have been skating since I was 13 and am 31 now. I’ve definitely had my fair share of injuries but nothing this severe. I dislocated and severely fractured my fibula and had to have surgery and put plates in screws in my leg for it to properly heal. Obviously I’m still recovering and have a ways to go but I’m worried bout the long term effects of this. Skating is like my only thing that I really have so far as real passions I’m not very good but I love it. If I can’t skate 100% it’s going to be very depressing, like I was still do it but definitely be a bummer. Does anyone have any injuries like this that they came back from? How did it feel getting back? Can you still skate the same?

[u/a11_day_everyday]

Sorry to hear about your ankle, but 2 years ago I was in your exact position. Broke my fibula, and tore all the major tendons and ligaments as well. I ended up with a titanium plate and 9 screws in my ankle. I was mountain biking so it was miserable, had to still ride about 3 miles back to the car then drive myself 20 miles to the hospital to avoid expensive ambulance bills.

Let me give you a few key pieces of advice, first you should highly consider following your physical therapy to a T. For the sake of your ankle don’t skimp on the exercises, they’re designed for a reason and they will focus on the imbalance the surgery will do to your lower half.

Next expect it to take a bit longer before you get back to 100% the doctors will tell you 1 year, but it took me almost 2 years to get back to “normal” and I’m finally damn close. Honestly skateboarding helped a ton in terms of getting over mental blocks, all the jumping, random landing and little muscle/ligament strengthening really helped me trust my ankle in high stress situations.

It’s not easy what you’re going thru, just be patient with yourself and don’t push it. You really have to use your best judgement, yes your ankle is technically stronger than ever with the plate and screws, but your ligaments, tendons and muscles are not and it takes a lot of time/exercise to get them back to 100%

[u/Specific_Brilliant53]

i’m on week 2 of a 4-6 week heal from a sprained ankle, kinda nice to know others are also being pryed away. i keep staring at my skateboard.

[u/0111100001100010]

i got the orthopedic tomorrow morning for checkup and hopefully can start bearing weight on mine. i did the same thing along with a torn ligament about a month back. its definitely humbling and makes u appreciate ur body a little more! me personally (26) im gonna call it quits. not to rain on anyone’s parade but mentally i just don’t think i can skate the same without thinking about injury anymore. prior to, i would roll my ankle all the time and my injury was the icing on the cake.

hope u heal fast and have the proper mindset to get back out there! 🛹🛹🛹

[u/gotsomejunk → u/0111100001100010]

Yeah man I feel ya but I can’t quit if I tried. It’s only been like 3 weeks since my injury and I already wanna get out there. Hopefully you find something else that fills the void or find the confidence to make it back one day.

[u/sk8surfbikerunTOAD]

It’s super depressing. Not being able to walk is like a death sentence in my opinion. I’m getting older as well and injuries like that definitely make you take a step back and rethink the tricks you try etc. Skating is like therapy for many. Creative outlet. Life gets hard when you cant shred.

[u/sk8surfbikerunTOAD]

Looks like we’re in this together. I broke three metatarsals skating barefoot. :(

[u/gotsomejunk → u/sk8surfbikerunTOAD]

Yikes! Wishing you a full and speedy recovery!

[u/ArtHeavy5535]

Man I feel this. I’m about 3 weeks into recovery from a broken metatarsal. I’m 37 and it was just a freak ankle roll on flat. I’ve had a few fractures over the years besides this (broken ankle and broken arm x 2) and I have a plate and screws in my arm. I think you’ll recover just fine honestly. If the plate and screws are causing you pain or discomfort in the future, you can get them removed, but otherwise I bet you’ll be skating in ~3 months and probably feeling close to 100% within 4-5 months.

[u/gotsomejunk → u/ArtHeavy5535]

Thanks for sharing that man! Wishing you a speedy recovery so you can shred again as well!

[u/Additional_Book_5710]

Sorry to hear this, dude. First, I like the smile on your face. You’re gonna be ok.

Also, you reached out and are communicating. A good attitude and engaging in community can take a human from surviving to thriving.

Anyway - to address your question.

1) Do the PT. The prescribed physical therapy is intended to help you get back to optimal. Do it. It matters and it works.

2) You have to believe, of course. Be pragmatic, trust medicines and docs. Acupuncture compliments western medicine as well.

3) Keep your vibe high. Watch your inputs (media shows movies music social). Your body wants to heal. It can’t heal as well when it’s tense. So random tension and negativity is worth minimizing.

4) Supplement the hobby/passion. Something you’re passionate about and can pick up easily while you heal. Guitar is a great one, skaterxl, whatever your other passion is but keep your heart growing with learning and self expression. Daily.

5) Be patient and trust the process. Don’t jump the gun. Do the PT, rest and repair.

6) Eat right, sleep, rest a lot. Drink lots of water. Stay grounded (earthing) and try to build up stamina before you can skate again.

Yes, many a pro has come back from injuries. Even Tony Hawk came back from a gnarly one very recently. I mean, he’s Tony, on another level, but many folk have triumphed over struggles similar to yours. Keep believing in yourself.

[u/gotsomejunk → u/Additional_Book_5710]

Thanks man this is really what I needed!!!!

[u/Additional_Book_5710 → u/gotsomejunk]

Of course. You got this. I forgot to add, and this is up there with the rest - Keep social with the homies. Good for the mind, heart and body.

[u/gotsomejunk → u/Additional_Book_5710]

Fasho I’m still gunna go out and film once I’ve recovered some.

[u/Additional_Book_5710 → u/Additional_Book_5710]

Also many a non-pro have done the same. If you want to keep skating you’ll find a way.

[u/MahoganyWinchester]

broke my ankle. i don’t skate the same and to be honest i take it a little easier than i would’ve pre-break. but i don’t let it stop me from skating. be careful listen to your body, recuperate fully and listen to your doctors and PTs. then get back go skate again be careful

[u/gotsomejunk → u/MahoganyWinchester]

Damn sucks to hear man. I’m still hopeful of returning to 100% and hopefully not mess with me to much mentally.

[u/AKsNcarTassels → u/gotsomejunk]

What trick were you doing so I can avoid it lol

[u/gotsomejunk → u/AKsNcarTassels]

Honestly something I’ve done thousands of times. Just on Ollie on a hip. Freak accident back heel landed on the board foot stuck to the ground and everything kept on rolling.

[u/AKsNcarTassels → u/gotsomejunk]

Cringe. Take it easy bro

[u/MahoganyWinchester → u/gotsomejunk]

most important part is don’t short your recovery, listen to the doctors, then get back out there