Gravity Sucks

[victor]

More potential good news
Not sure if this would affect his diving.
For sure getting into and out of the water might be a challenge.
But once the break has stabilised and he can wear a full foot fin would diving at rec depths and times be an issue.

 

[jarrow]

Hey everyone. I Fractured my Calcaneal (heel bone) at work when I fell 13 feet off a trailer. The ER Dr said it was the worst bone I could break and it was also the worse break hes ever seen. Its shattered and will be needing surgery. Does anyone know what sort of recovery time I'm looking at?
Funny thing was, as I was falling I thought the water will slow me down...then I heard the crack. I guess my head went to a happy place knowing this was going to hurt.

I feel your pain. I fractured my calcaneus during an ultra trail race in May 2013 when I jumped from a rock ledge. My foot bothered me for the remainder of the race but so did my other foot and I just thought it was fatigue. The bone healed in 6 weeks, then I was told not to run for another 4 weeks. I just started running again 4 weeks ago. I ended up seeing 2 podiatrists, a perdorthist, a chiropractor, and a masseuse. The problem was that a severe case of plantar fasciitis set in plus another pain that no one could explain. The unexplained pain is what persisted for over a year but was finally taken care of with extra cushioned shoes and inserts which I tried on my own after following all of the experts advice.

Because that area does not have a lot of blood flow it takes longer to heal. Be patient. If starting to resume normal activities causes pain then STOP because you can do damage that will extend your recovery time. Give the professional's advice a try but if it doesn't work within a reasonable amount of time ask them to try something new or switch experts.

Best of luck to you

 

[The Chairman]

More potential good news
Not sure if this would affect his diving.
For sure getting into and out of the water might be a challenge.
But once the break has stabilised and he can wear a full foot fin would diving at rec depths and times be an issue.

I did this with my ankle surgeries. I was extra careful when entering and exiting and liked springs more than boats. If on a boat the waves had to be less than a foot. I did not go to a physical terrorist: I just dove. My doctor commented that it was the only time he had seen no atrophy after such a surgery. I have no idea if his injury requires a cast or if no weight can be put on the foot during the healing process. The Achilles tendon, just could not be strained in the least and that was easy to do for me. The foot went down square and came up square. Balance was maintained with ladders, my knee scooter and a cane. I was driven to make this work so it did.

 

[TSandM]

Given his brief description of the injury, he will be non-weight-bearing for quite some time. As the Achilles tendon attaches to the back of the calcaneus, he will have to be immobilized in some fashion as to prevent dorsi- and plantarflexion of the foot, as well.

The calcaneus has critical importance in the dynamics of stride, since most people walk with a heel strike, and then rock forward. The proper angle in the calcaneus is important to the conformation and function of the arch, as well as supporting the talus, which is the base of support of the ankle. Severe calcaneus fractures are bad injuries, have to be reassembled properly and allowed to heal in good position. It simply isn't worth the risk to long-term soundness to do too much, too soon.

Agree that the knee scooters are an excellent way to provide mobility without being exhausting. Having spent more than an aggregate year of my life on crutches, I wish I had known about them years ago!

 

[The Chairman]

This where we'll have to agree to listen to the REAL doctors like Lynne and not me! I still have my knee scooter. It was cheaper buying one off of E-Bay than renting it week to week.

 

[Dnaber]

Don't let them put you on crutches or in a wheel chair! Go for a knee scooter! The are fast, infinitely easier than crutches and will restore your mobility. I used this during two Achilles Tendon surgeries. I even traveled to Moscow less than a month after surgery.

As an important caveat, I AM NOT A MEDICAL DOCTOR. I fix sick Networks and servers. I speak only from my experience with ankle surgery.

One of the best things to use to get around. I too used one after both of my Achilles Tendon surgeries.

 

[Diver Dan 28]

I go to the specialist on Wednesday I think I'll ask for the scooter thing. I was told to wear a special boot, yet that hurts worse than leaving it open. Funny thing I asked the doctor if I went deep enough would the compression help, he started laughing. Thanks guys for the info on the knee scooters. Luckly it is towards the end of the season and I dive lakes so I won't really be missing much besides the solitude is is why I dive. Thanks agian

 

[lowviz]

... Funny thing I asked the doctor if I went deep enough would the compression help, he started laughing. ...

Seriously, you belong in the NE Atlantic. I take back my 9 months prediction, I'll give you a year..

-wishing you good health, man.

Best,
Dennis

 

[Diver Dan 28]

Latest news I get 4 screws and a metal plate on the 30th. The doctor dives also!!!! He said best case is I'll get wet at the end of December!!!! Worst case looking at another surgery and maybe early summer.

 

[Storker]

Good news is that the dive season is winding down for most of us in the northern hemisphere

Is it? I must've missed that memo :cool2: (srlsly, now is the time that viz finally is really picking up here in green water country. Get a DS and go dive, 'cause this is the best season!)

And to the OP: That sucks, I'm sorry for you. Get well soon, but don't try to rush it!