Cardiac rehab and an answer to my ankle problem

[Paleowoman]

At cardiac rehab today the cardiac specialist nurse got a senior physiotherapist in to look at my ankle as I'm unable to walk on it without a very slow painful limp for the past two weeks....which is not good for cardio or osteoporosis. The physio did all sorts of things checking both my ankles and it was astonishing - he was able to tell from the way he was able to manipulate my ankles that I had torn one of the ligaments badly, not torn fully but almost, in the bad ankle, and that it was from an old injury - yes I hurt that ankle seven years ago but didn't know that the ligament had been torn (no wonder that injury plagued me for nearly a year, ha, I'd been to A&E when I injured it and they hadn't even done an x-ray though the whole thing was grossly swollen, blue and painful and I had just been diagnosed with osteoporosis). The physiotherapist said that other ligaments, tendons and muscles in my foot and ankle had all this time been compensating for the torn ligament but that with the new exercises I had been doing they were having problems...hence the pain and inability to walk.

I now have a new cardiac rehab programme focussing on the lower body exercises that I can do without aggravating my ankle, and with lots of upper body exercises using weights. I can also use a stationary cycle. And strengthening exercises for my ankle, and I start getting physiotherapy on it too.

 

[mbeard]

Paleogirl,

I am so glad that you have a definitive answer to your ankle. I have been thinking about you. My husband, who just had a fall and broke his elbow and tore his tricep away, just started rehab. He was in a cast 7 weeks. They surgically grafted the tricep back onto the elbow. He already has tendinitis, because he didn't use this arm for 7 weeks.

He is still at peace somewhat to know what is wrong and address it.

I am so hoping that all goes well for you from here on in.

 

[Mentu]

Hi, Anne, it isn't great that there is a continuing problem with the ankle but it sounds as though your CR group is on top of things. Knowing the problem is at least the first step in dealing with it. I am glad they were so responsive.

Larry

 

[epstns]

Well, Anne, at least you know what happened. Are they recommending that you modify your lifestyle and "live with it" or are they talking about future repair procedures?

 

[Paleowoman]

Hi Steve - I'll be starting physiotherapy on it from Saturday and take it from there. The physio said he would be able to help strengthen the joint, but mentioned surgery as a last resort !

 

[epstns]

The physio said he would be able to help strengthen the joint, but mentioned surgery as a last resort !

I hate when they say that! Scares the stuff out of me when they tell me that when discussing arthritis damage to my neck and back. If they can give us odds of success like those of heart surgery, then maybe.

 

[Paleowoman]

I hate when they say that! Scares the stuff out of me when they tell me that when discussing arthritis damage to my neck and back. If they can give us odds of success like those of heart surgery, then maybe.

I'll let you know what he says on Saturday when I get my first proper session with him !

 

[Paleowoman]

Had a good first session of physiotherapy with exercises to do during the next week. Physio is also wanting me to have a prolotherapy injection in the joint - will have to see a specialist for that but will find out how expensive it is first ! The physiotherapy is the most important.

 

[gerrychuck]

One of the most valuable things in rehab of old ankle injuries is retraining proprioception (i.e. balance and control). When ligaments and soft tissue around a joint are damaged, there is also damage to the receptor organs that provide information to the central nervous system about position, movement, etc, and therefore affect our coordination and ability to control and correct movement. These effects are very subtle and we usually are not aware there's a problem. Retraining can make a really big difference. It is the first thing I address with people having problems after old ankle injuries (I am a physio, by the way). Sounds like you have a really good therapist who I am sure will address all important areas in your rehab. Good luck!

 

[Paleowoman]

Hi Gerry,

The physiotherapist is getting me to do balance and control exercises as I'm very wobbly on the damaged ankle...I never knew this until now. It is rather getting me down at the moment as one day things seem to be on the up, then the next day they go down hill again. I'm doing the proprioception exercise and strengthening exercises. I'm getting some orthotics for my shoes this week too. I also started to do cycling on an exercise bike as part of my cardio rehab programme and now that is causing ankle pain I wonder if my achilles tendon is injured too as both my calf muscle and ankle keep aching even when at rest now

One of the most valuable things in rehab of old ankle injuries is retraining proprioception (i.e. balance and control). When ligaments and soft tissue around a joint are damaged, there is also damage to the receptor organs that provide information to the central nervous system about position, movement, etc, and therefore affect our coordination and ability to control and correct movement. These effects are very subtle and we usually are not aware there's a problem. Retraining can make a really big difference. It is the first thing I address with people having problems after old ankle injuries (I am a physio, by the way). Sounds like you have a really good therapist who I am sure will address all important areas in your rehab. Good luck!

 

[TheGymGuy]

Exactly what gerry said. I seriously injured one of the tendons in my ankle 4 years back and proprioception training was a huge thing during my rehab to get all the mobility and proper function back. I recall lots of stabilizing exercises which were border line torturous.

 

[Paleowoman]

Exactly what gerry said. I seriously injured one of the tendons in my ankle 4 years back and proprioception training was a huge thing during my rehab to get all the mobility and proper function back. I recall lots of stabilizing exercises which were border line torturous.

I'm glad to know I am in good company !

The orthotic insoles are extremely comfortable and helping with the ankle, and I'm doing lots of upper body cardio and resistance training so that is at least something.

 

[Heart2.0]

I am glad you have a physical therapist, I love mine. He has helped with all sorts of things from
Bulging discs to a shoulder surgery rehab. I even ask about foot care , walking, yoga positions all the things
That need modifying for injury prevention or care.
I will be going to a sports medicine hip surgeon for a consult on what to work on with my physical therapist
Before I have a surgery for a tear. I want to be in the best condition , if possible , to make recovery easier.
And I just learned when I have a surgery I am to request an anesthesiologist with a background
Of adult congenital heart patients. I would forgo the surgery but i can't do any fun sporty things or
Many regular things until it is fixed. I was on the path to that surgery when , Surprise! I have a
BAV and boom a dissection. In about a 6 week period.
I think physical therapy is awesome. And I like acupuncture too for pain Managment. Feel better soon!

 

[Heart2.0]

Oops double post sorry I am a lame iPad user