running and post traumatic arthritis due to trimalleolar fracture in ankle

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2010-10-06 9:58 AM

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Rochester NY
Subject: running and post traumatic arthritis due to trimalleolar fracture in ankle
I broke my ankle in 97.  Since then I have always had some sort of constant dull pain associated with it.   I was diagnosed with post traumatic arthritis and told that I am clear for physical activity and that I should pop a Advil or two a day and my body would tell me when I do too much.

History:
Pre-break I was a competitive swimmer sub minute 100s and my best two mile run time was 10:17.

Break is due to a car wreck, some of the bone was "crushed" rather than being a clean break. Arthritis diagnosis was last year June.  I have lost ~19 degrees of flexibility when I try to lift the top of my foot to my knee.

I rowed competitively in college for 2 years (01-02) where I competed quite well during the actual events but the land workouts were quite painful, and I certainly felt that I needed to release as soon as possible when at the top of the slide (right before the pull) due to my ankle not being able to achieve the flexibility.

After college, I didn't do any fitness training until June of this year, when I bought a cyclo-cross bike and started riding the Erie canal here in Rochester (mix of asphalt and crushed stone).    I really like it.  I have built myself up from 4 miles giving me spaghetti legs and seeing Elvis to doing weekend 20-30mile runs at ~80% effort and still biking 4.5 miles to work and back weather permitting.  Pain in the ankle is low.

My boss who is the nicest guy in the world is an avid triathlete and has been pushing me to do the duathalon (swim/bike) but I really want to attempt the sprint-tri at keuka lake next year (June 5th 2011 ). My brother who is also a triathlete in NC said he would come up and compete if I was to enter.

At 6'3" 210 I am nervous to jog right away, I think I should start on the eliptical at the local Y, or try the water running first (need to read up on that).  am going to the local foot specialist/running store next week to see if I need special running shoes.

My real question: 
What other things can I do to assist myself to getting there, Exercise/Equipment/Nutrition/Supplement wise? 

2010-10-30 6:13 AM
in reply to: #3135855

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Grosse Pointe Woods, MI
Subject: RE: running and post traumatic arthritis due to trimalleolar fracture in ankle
Did you have surgery to repair it?

I had a trimaleolar fracture in '93 that required a repair with 7 screws, a metal pin, and a metal plate.  (I wasn't doing any type of regular training at the time.)  My recovery was uneventful, but I had a constant low intensity 'ache' in that ankle that was worse with things like going up stairs or long walks.  I figured that was going to be what was normal for me and I would have to learn to live with it.  About 9 months later all the hardware had to be removed because the pin was starting to erode through my skin.  I asked them just to take everything out if they were going to be there anyway.  But it was like magic "POOF" all of the pain was gone.  Now, after 3 years of tri/HIM/13.1 training the only thing I HAVENT injured is that ankle!

Edited by guppie 2010-10-30 6:15 AM
2010-11-03 3:35 PM
in reply to: #3135855

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Rochester NY
Subject: RE: running and post traumatic arthritis due to trimalleolar fracture in ankle
Glad things are working out for you!  I too had the hardware removed (9 screws + Plate), with the exception of 1 screw which they stripped the head and couldn't get out. pain went down a ton, but I still have a dull ache.

Two weeks ago at a hotel I did a 45 min hills workout on the bike then went and did a 20 min jog on the treadmill and felt great the next day.  Was my first attempt at running since Crew team in '00. So the next day I decided in my infinite wisdom to do a 30 minute jog.  For some reason my knee started giving me real pain, possibly due to my running gait overcompensating for the loss of dorsiflection.  Next day I couldn't walk nor keep balance on that leg, pain was about 8sh, meaning hard to talk.  I went to sports surgeon, she suggested and I went for an MRI yesterday, results this Monday.

I am going to a podiatrist / specialist shoe store hopefully this week to get some custom prescription running shoes made up.  I am anxious to see their recommendation.

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