Tips for life after serious ankle surgery and injury

So - you busted your ankle, and probably had surgery? Yes - it’s SHIT. Believe me I know how you you feel. But there is light at the end of the tunnel.

The aim of this website is to share some tips that I hope will be helpful and assist you in your recovery, which can be very difficult. I’m quite a sensitive person, and like many who suffer an injury like this, I found the social and mental side of recovery challenging, as well as the obvious physical side.

My injury was a compound pilon ankle fracture. A very serious, often life-changing ankle injury unfortunately. So a lot of the info is geared towards people who have had a serious injury and surgeries, but I think a lot of advice of the website will suit people who have had a serious ankle injury and surgery in general.

You’ll have ups and downs, but you will get there and hopefully with less complications than I had. I hope the information helps a little. I wish you well.

Stay strong!

I have NO MEDICAL QUALIFICATIONS. Apply this info to your situation and your recovery plan and make appropriate adjustments only after checking with medical professionals.

About me

I’m Gareth from Dublin. I suffered an open pilon ankle fracture in June 2024 (along with other injuries) after a rock-climbing accident. I spent 12 nights in hospital, had 4 surgeries, and had a long, painful recovery process.

As I write (30th April 2025), I am undergoing my 7th procedure after things went south in late 2024. Procedure number 8 will be an ankle replacement surgery in summer 2025. It’s been tough. Though I have not recovered like I wish I have, do not be discouraged from using the advice regarding nutrition and exercise etc etc - I think I would have been worse off if I didn’t do that stuff.

I do not have any medical qualifications. I’m a regular auld eejit. I would just like this site to help others in any small way it can. It’s a work in progress.

It can be a hard road, but little things here and there can make it easier. I hope it does for you.