So, the ankle is getting stronger. Where as I was originally slower w/o crutches than with crutches, I've figured out this walking thing again to some degree. When I first got the cast off, the range of motion on the ankle was limited, probably 30 or 40 degrees total. I couldn't extend my foot and point my toes, and leaning forward on it to stretch the calf was painful, but I seem to have most of my range of motion back.
Strength is another story. When I first got the cast off, I could barely but any weight on the right ankle (hence how slow I was), couldn't balance on one foot, couldn't do calf lifts, etc. I'm at the point where I can do most of that now (though I can't do one legged calf lifts yet), and the stabilizing muscles are still really weak. The last day or so, I've been walking without a limp when I have the Aircast on, so today I walked to the office w/o it - and voila! The limp was back! While I'm supposed to keep the thing on till I go back to the orthopod on May 2nd, I'm probably going to be doing a lot of walking without it - if I start feeling pain, I'll start wearing it again . . .
