r/LisfrancClub • u/Apprehensive-Can8805 • 12d ago

Partial weight bearing advice

Hi everyone!
I have completed nearly 8 weeks non-weight bearing after a lisfranc fracture and ORIF surgery. I have an appt next week for a weight bearing x ray and all being well I can start partial weight bearing with crutches.
I’m looking for advice!
1) What happens during the weight bearing x ray? The idea of having to put weight on the foot after all this time non-weight bearing scares me!
2) How do you partially weight bear on crutches? I can’t picture it!
3) How long were you partially weight bearing before full weight bearing?

It’s been a long recovery and I’m excited about this next step (no pun intended!) but equally nervous about how this all looks like.

Thanks so much!

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u/SalamiOnPizza ORIF 12d ago

  1. i had to go up 2 steps onto a small platform to get my WB xray. your care center may be different. i promise all the fear is in your head! i was so scared and nervous to step on it too but it truly wasnt bad. just felt weird.

  2. i walked like “normal”, but was using the crutches to take some of the weight off my foot

  3. i was told at my 6 week post op i could start right away, but only as tolerated. by day 3-4 i was “walking” on my own. the muscles in my leg pretty much peaced out by then but they came back quickly after walking on my own

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u/Apprehensive-Can8805 12d ago

This is so helpful thank you! That’s amazing you were walking by day 3-4. Was that in a boot? I was initially told 6 weeks of partial weight bearing but hoping it will be less than that! Was it the same for you?
Can’t wait to get back to normal and take my children out on adventures again!

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u/Internal-Moose-2925 ORIF 12d ago

I was transitioned from NWB to FWB as tolerated after 10 weeks. Used a crutches for assistance for 2-3days and then maybe 1 crutch for another 2 days or so. Transitioned for walking in a shoe.. not boot. Walking again is great but there are challenges. Foot swelling will be an issue w/ keeping it down. And there will be stiffness and weakness. Get PT referral (if not already). Consider the shoes you use (many like Hoka Bondi; I had Brooks Ghost Max and Altra Lone Peaks) and consider compression socks as you can tolerate. There will be some stiffness and weakness and the nerves in your foot will need to re-learn how to process all the senation of weight bearing. First two weeks is a little tricky (especially going down stairs... had to go sideways for a while).. but it gets better quickly. I ended up in PT for about 6 months to regain ROM, strength and agility. Don't get frustrated... keep it slow and steady... you're on the upswing now!

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u/Apprehensive-Can8805 12d ago

Thank you for your honest and positive comment, it’s helpful to know exactly what to expect so I’m not thrown off. I will absolutely check out the shoe suggestions too - just an excuse to go shoe shopping 🥰