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I Broke My Fibula Several Years Ago And Had To

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Posted on Mon, 25 Feb 2019
Question: I broke my fibula several years ago and had to get ORIF surgery. I still have the plate and 5 screws. I try to run several days a week to stay healthy and to also keep my BP down. There is chronic aching in my ankle that has been worse over the last year. It is distracting, a bit like a toothache and is impacting my professional life. I've tried doing other forms of cardio, such as cycling machines, but I 1) still have the aching, and 2) don't get the same results. I've seen my OS for advice and he recommended PT, which I got, but it doesn't help at all. He also recommended Ibuprofen, which also doesn't give much in the way of results. Initially, post-surgery, I was given a drug called Norco 10/325mg. He said that a drug like that is unnecessary. I'm fine with that answer, but I don't know what else to do. He said we could try removing the hardware, but that would likely not provide much relief. I've tried switching exercises, icing, heat, PT, NSAID, taking a break, and none of it really helps. I'm just looking for another opinion or options to try. Thoughts?
doctor
Answered by Dr. Dr. Praveen Tayal (2 hours later)
Brief Answer:
Removing the plate and screws will help.

Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Thanks for posting your query.
I have seen the attached X-ray. If you have a constant ache in the area then it is best to get the plate and the screws removed. The wound will heal in 2 weeks and it is likely to cause a significant improvement with the pain.
Taking regular joint lubricant supplements like Glucosamine, hot compress and a local analgesic gel will also help.
I hope this answers your query.
In case you have additional questions or doubts, you can forward them to me, and I shall be glad to help you out.
For future query, you can directly approach me through my profile URL http://bit.ly/Dr-Rakhi-Tayal
Wishing you good health.
Regards.
Dr. XXXXXXX Tayal
Note: For further queries, consult a joint and bone specialist, an Orthopaedic surgeon. Book a Call now.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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Answered by
Dr.
Dr. Dr. Praveen Tayal

Orthopaedic Surgeon

Practicing since :1994

Answered : 12314 Questions

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I Broke My Fibula Several Years Ago And Had To

Brief Answer: Removing the plate and screws will help. Detailed Answer: Hello, Thanks for posting your query. I have seen the attached X-ray. If you have a constant ache in the area then it is best to get the plate and the screws removed. The wound will heal in 2 weeks and it is likely to cause a significant improvement with the pain. Taking regular joint lubricant supplements like Glucosamine, hot compress and a local analgesic gel will also help. I hope this answers your query. In case you have additional questions or doubts, you can forward them to me, and I shall be glad to help you out. For future query, you can directly approach me through my profile URL http://bit.ly/Dr-Rakhi-Tayal Wishing you good health. Regards. Dr. XXXXXXX Tayal