stevesleftfoot

After being in plaster for three weeks, I went to see a foot and ankle specialist.  The result was I’m now on a completely different treatment protocol.  The orthopaedic surgeon I saw three weeks ago decided I should be in plaster cast for two months! 

The chap I saw most recently said this was not the optimum treatment and I would be better off in a big black boot.  Said early mobilisation was likely to give better results, and less likely to give deep vein thrombosis.  So I’ve now got a big black boot with a mechanical dial on the ankle.  You set the limit of ankle mobility on the dial.  It is currently set at a small range of motion that can be increased each week. 

I can put weight on my leg as the boot takes the strain.  This is much much better than the plaster cast.  Best thing is, I can take the boot off to have a bath etc, although I must be careful not to put any weight on the unsupported foot.

There seem to be several way of treating an ATR and I suspect that the treatment we receive is partly down to cost and the availability of resources.  My appointment with the orthopaedic consultant was for well over one hour.  My original appointment three weeks ago was for a total of five minutes. What is the difference? Well the five minute appointment was with the NHS and the one hour plus was a private appointment.  I’m not in any way being critical of the NHS as it can only make best use of the resources it has.  The treatment I was given by the NHS at the time of the rupture was excellent, no waiting and very efficient.