Hardware in the ankle and boots

Titan1
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Titan1
Edited Date/Time 4/4/2022 7:23am


So I busted up my ankle at a hare and hound in southern utah a month ago…now I’ve got some hardware in my ankle and I’m wondering about boots fitting.

Anyone have similar hardware that could share their experience with boots fitting different, or uncomfortable?

I currently run Sidi Crossfires…I’m at least a month out from even thinking about riding (still non weight bearing for another three weeks at minimum)…but I have time on my hands and have been thinking about stuff….
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Camp332
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Camp332 3/31/2022 6:39pm
3/31/2022 6:39pm
So, I have the same fibula hardware, but only a pin in my tibia to reconnect a torn ligament. Anyway, on the fibula side I definitely feel pain the first couple moto rides in Gaerne SG-12s, but after a couple consecutive rides the pain is gone. Also had the same pain in my fibula for the first couple snowboard rides, but once you get the body used to it no more pain. My experience only.
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SKIDLID
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SKIDLID 3/31/2022 6:48pm
3/31/2022 6:48pm
I have had both hardware in tibia and fibula. I wear Sidi 2 and three. I find I need thicker socks to help with pain from plated area. I no longer have that hardware in ankle but some in my 1st metatarsal . When I ride or play hockey I still need that thicker sock as that area where the plates where is sensitive.
AJ565
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AJ565 3/31/2022 6:54pm
3/31/2022 6:54pm
I have screws on the inside of my ankle and don’t notice anything. I used to have alpinestars back when the tech 8 was high end, but when I got back into riding I went with SG12’s.
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Wiff3
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Wiff3 3/31/2022 7:04pm
3/31/2022 7:04pm Edited Date/Time 3/31/2022 7:05pm
Tib-Fib, plates and screws in both. Tech 7, and Tech 10 both work well. Anything with small ankles do not work for me.
Actually, going up a size in either of those two boots with thicker socks worked best.
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Moto88
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Moto88 3/31/2022 8:32pm
3/31/2022 8:32pm Edited Date/Time 3/31/2022 8:34pm
I’ve got a bad ankle and wide feet, tried lots of boots. Tho not as roomy as SG10, went w SG12’s for better protection. For size reference, SG12’s if you wear street shoe size 9, order size 8.
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NSP139
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NSP139 4/1/2022 6:05am
4/1/2022 6:05am
Moto88 wrote:
I’ve got a bad ankle and wide feet, tried lots of boots. Tho not as roomy as SG10, went w SG12’s for better protection. For size...
I’ve got a bad ankle and wide feet, tried lots of boots. Tho not as roomy as SG10, went w SG12’s for better protection. For size reference, SG12’s if you wear street shoe size 9, order size 8.
This is true my son wears a size 11 Street shoe and a size 10 sg12. Me with my bad ankle that is fused I wear the same a size 10 Street shoe size 10 boot with thick socks
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brocster
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brocster 4/1/2022 6:26am
4/1/2022 6:26am
I have lots more plates and screws than that and second thick socks. Wear my same size boot from before my accident, just had to loosen a buckle or two as my ankle is not the same size it was before. I have one particular screw that bothers me in the boot from time to time. Never on the bike though, only when walking about.
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Natester551v
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Natester551v 4/1/2022 7:00am
4/1/2022 7:00am
Titan, I run both SG12s like others have mentioned here and Forma Predator II (following double foot surgery). For a little more room I'd recommend trying the Formas; I bounce back and forth depending on the type of riding, temperature, etc.

No doubt the Gaerne's are at or near the top of the heap for protections, but the Formas are really good and feel like a memory foam mattress to your feet/ankles. Their buckles aren't nearly as good though, but it's a trade I'm willing to make sometimes.

Good luck with your ankle - hardware sucks (I'm thinking about getting my collarbone plate removed that I had installed after a 2nd loop crash at Jericho National H&H last year).
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R66
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R66 4/1/2022 7:24am
4/1/2022 7:24am
I have lots of plates and screws. One of the screw heads just above my right ankle protrudes a little bit. I take a hip pad that comes with mx pants and cut a little piece of it with scissors and stick it down in my boot before buckling.
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Rabbit Run 41 4/1/2022 12:33pm
4/1/2022 12:33pm
Remove the hardware as soon as reasonable for your situation. I had mine removed from both legs as I could.
I started breaking screw heads off as I continued to ride. Not a great feeling when they broke. Kind of a searing heat for awhile. Love my SG12’s.

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ACBraap
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ACBraap 4/1/2022 12:37pm
4/1/2022 12:37pm Edited Date/Time 4/1/2022 12:37pm
I had similar hardware. Cheap O'Neal boots were super painful. I could feel the skin being pressed into the screws. Changed to Sidi's and problem solved. A few years later, I had a lot of knee pain that was near the upper end of the tibial nail. Got that removed, and it was a big improvement.

Google tibial nail removal if you want to see some crazy medical wrenching.
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SKIDLID
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SKIDLID 4/1/2022 2:00pm
4/1/2022 2:00pm
I agree on removing hardware after healing, big improvement on pain and some more motion in joint.
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Titan1
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Titan1 4/1/2022 2:35pm
4/1/2022 2:35pm
Thanks for the feedback on this...Very much appreciated!

Rabbit Run 41, holy smokes bro!...

I've been worried that my beloved sidi's would be uncomfortable since they are more narrow...and if they are, Sounds like the Gearne SG12's seem to be recommended...or maybe the Forma's (my brother has been using those for a while and really likes them).

Thanks again for the feedback...

Any other tips/experience on coming back from an injury like this?
Motoxdoc
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Motoxdoc 4/1/2022 2:41pm
4/1/2022 2:41pm
I still keep up in the 50 elite class on my CRF 490 and I’ve got 20 days of snow skiing in so far this season. I wear G 12’s and fox instinct boots and neither are a problem…same with my ski boots. You can see three screwheads in my ankle protruding underneath the skin. It gives me the ebi jibbies every time I run my hand across it. However, I seem to recover from injuries fairly well. My tibial plateau isn’t much of an issue either. I also have four screws in my right calcaneus.
Some of my friends ask me if I’m scared of re-injuring myself with all the activities I still do. Hell yes I am!

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Sachmo831
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Sachmo831 4/1/2022 2:44pm
4/1/2022 2:44pm
You have a bit more hardware than I do, so not a direct comparison. I have had this in for 5 years and have yet to feel any discomfort wearing sg10's
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inthebadboycorner 4/1/2022 2:45pm
4/1/2022 2:45pm
After about a year I had two of my screws that unwound a bit and pushed the skin out causing tender points.
I talked to the surgeon and had these two taken out in the ER visit.
Initially the swelling was that bad, I bought another pair of boots one size up, then mixed and matched.
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Titan1
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Titan1 4/1/2022 2:53pm
4/1/2022 2:53pm
Seeing all you guys back to "normal" and doing all the fun things again after your injuries sure is motivating...my ankle is so stiff and swollen right now, hobbling around on crutches, everything is way harder...sometimes its easy to forget its not permanent.
Jake-247
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Jake-247 4/1/2022 3:07pm
4/1/2022 3:07pm


I had pretty bad discomfort wearing tech 10s when I had my hardware in and had to switch to fox instincts but even then wasn’t the greatest feeling. Then got it all removed and haven’t had a drama since

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Leave Us To
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Leave Us To 4/1/2022 6:10pm
4/1/2022 6:10pm Edited Date/Time 4/1/2022 6:14pm
Titan1 wrote:
Seeing all you guys back to "normal" and doing all the fun things again after your injuries sure is motivating...my ankle is so stiff and swollen...
Seeing all you guys back to "normal" and doing all the fun things again after your injuries sure is motivating...my ankle is so stiff and swollen right now, hobbling around on crutches, everything is way harder...sometimes its easy to forget its not permanent.
Hang in there as better days are ahead. As a crutch option, have you seen the knee stroller for around 130 on Amazon?
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Splat03
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Splat03 4/1/2022 7:38pm
4/1/2022 7:38pm
I had a few more breaks in the ankle including Talus fxs and associated hardware. I lost some ankle mobility and have really had to push to maintain what I do have. Take a look at a BAPS board. Physical therapy tool for ankle mobility. They are really expensive ($600-700) but completely worth the money. Plus, I tend to use mine while I watch supercross.
+1 for the SG12s. Narrow feet that would better in the Sidis but I like the ankle support with the soft memory foam in the SG12 better.
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ACBraap
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ACBraap 4/1/2022 8:25pm
4/1/2022 8:25pm
Titan1 wrote:
Thanks for the feedback on this...Very much appreciated! Rabbit Run 41, holy smokes bro!... I've been worried that my beloved sidi's would be uncomfortable since they...
Thanks for the feedback on this...Very much appreciated!

Rabbit Run 41, holy smokes bro!...

I've been worried that my beloved sidi's would be uncomfortable since they are more narrow...and if they are, Sounds like the Gearne SG12's seem to be recommended...or maybe the Forma's (my brother has been using those for a while and really likes them).

Thanks again for the feedback...

Any other tips/experience on coming back from an injury like this?
Start moving as quick as you can. Push on your range of motion, trying to increase it back to normal. Aerobic exercise is good, blood flow helps the bone heal. It’s amazing how quickly you can be back on your feet and walking when fixed with hardware. We’re accustomed to waiting for bones to heal, but with hardware, its more like the swelling and bruising need to dissipate, and then you’re able to get moving (within reason…don’t reinjure yourself). My last was a tib/fib break with plates, screws, and a tibial nail. Broke it mid December, was on a stationary bike about Feb 1 and MTB outdoors in April. By the next winter I did some running, which I didn’t even do before the break. No lingering effects that I can notice. Now, if there was an easy solution for knees that are bone to bone.
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MX252
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MX252 4/1/2022 8:42pm
4/1/2022 8:42pm
Good for you if can ride in another month, I have a lot more hardware and I was NWB for 10 months couldn’t ride for two years, Tech 7 is comfortable and feels stable, Pilon fracture is a devastating injury good luck.
SLAPAHO
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SLAPAHO 4/1/2022 9:00pm
4/1/2022 9:00pm
Titan1 wrote:
Seeing all you guys back to "normal" and doing all the fun things again after your injuries sure is motivating...my ankle is so stiff and swollen...
Seeing all you guys back to "normal" and doing all the fun things again after your injuries sure is motivating...my ankle is so stiff and swollen right now, hobbling around on crutches, everything is way harder...sometimes its easy to forget its not permanent.
Shattered ankle and plated fib, screws and plate pretty much like all of the other pics. They are still in place after 20 years. SG10 and now SG12 are the only thing I've worn since and have no problem once they are broken in.... break in did take a little longer on the steel plated ankle side, but thicker sock and seat time took care of that. It does feel uncomfortable at first, but it doesn't take long to get back to normal.
PS. Welcome to the Metal Detector Militia. Don't forget to wear shorts and flip-flops whenever you fly from now on Laughing
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Motoxdoc
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Motoxdoc 4/1/2022 10:17pm
4/1/2022 10:17pm
Titan1 wrote:
Seeing all you guys back to "normal" and doing all the fun things again after your injuries sure is motivating...my ankle is so stiff and swollen...
Seeing all you guys back to "normal" and doing all the fun things again after your injuries sure is motivating...my ankle is so stiff and swollen right now, hobbling around on crutches, everything is way harder...sometimes its easy to forget its not permanent.
Most importantly you don't have a syndesmotic screw. That's a screw that connects the tib to the fib and greatly limits the ankle motion. Here is a picture of my right calcaneus. I am proof, along with many others in this thread, that there's lots of good moto to be had after being screwed.

1
Rabbit Run 41 4/2/2022 4:57am
4/2/2022 4:57am
Titan1 wrote:
Thanks for the feedback on this...Very much appreciated! Rabbit Run 41, holy smokes bro!... I've been worried that my beloved sidi's would be uncomfortable since they...
Thanks for the feedback on this...Very much appreciated!

Rabbit Run 41, holy smokes bro!...

I've been worried that my beloved sidi's would be uncomfortable since they are more narrow...and if they are, Sounds like the Gearne SG12's seem to be recommended...or maybe the Forma's (my brother has been using those for a while and really likes them).

Thanks again for the feedback...

Any other tips/experience on coming back from an injury like this?
Yes, I was able to continue an active lifestyle after the surgeries. I had been cycling, (MTB, Road) for years before the 5 surgeries on both legs and thankfully have enough range of motion to continue. I can barely run to save my life, but I never really liked to run anyway. Moto today is just a bonus as I just rolled into 60. I am hoping to do a few gate drops before too long. MOVE IT OR LOSE IT!
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neysbo
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neysbo 4/2/2022 5:06am
4/2/2022 5:06am
Titan1 wrote:
Seeing all you guys back to "normal" and doing all the fun things again after your injuries sure is motivating...my ankle is so stiff and swollen...
Seeing all you guys back to "normal" and doing all the fun things again after your injuries sure is motivating...my ankle is so stiff and swollen right now, hobbling around on crutches, everything is way harder...sometimes its easy to forget its not permanent.
Motoxdoc wrote:
Most importantly you don't have a syndesmotic screw. That's a screw that connects the tib to the fib and greatly limits the ankle motion. Here is...
Most importantly you don't have a syndesmotic screw. That's a screw that connects the tib to the fib and greatly limits the ankle motion. Here is a picture of my right calcaneus. I am proof, along with many others in this thread, that there's lots of good moto to be had after being screwed.

Looks like you had a subtalor fusion, I had one on 5 months ago. How long did it take before it felt pretty good, I am full weight bearing but have a lot of pain most of the time.
Titan1
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Titan1 4/2/2022 6:36am
4/2/2022 6:36am
MX252 wrote:
Good for you if can ride in another month, I have a lot more hardware and I was NWB for 10 months couldn’t ride for two...
Good for you if can ride in another month, I have a lot more hardware and I was NWB for 10 months couldn’t ride for two years, Tech 7 is comfortable and feels stable, Pilon fracture is a devastating injury good luck.
Well, its at least another month before I can even think about it…I should-hopefully-be weight bearing (in some capacity) in another couple weeks (if it heals correctly), then the surgeon said he’d make a judgment on riding. I figure once I can start putting weight on it, I can get back on my mtb bike for some light low impact riding…but who knows?

10 months NWB is a LONG time! How long after that did it take to get your strength back in your leg?
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Titan1
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Titan1 4/2/2022 6:38am
4/2/2022 6:38am
Titan1 wrote:
Thanks for the feedback on this...Very much appreciated! Rabbit Run 41, holy smokes bro!... I've been worried that my beloved sidi's would be uncomfortable since they...
Thanks for the feedback on this...Very much appreciated!

Rabbit Run 41, holy smokes bro!...

I've been worried that my beloved sidi's would be uncomfortable since they are more narrow...and if they are, Sounds like the Gearne SG12's seem to be recommended...or maybe the Forma's (my brother has been using those for a while and really likes them).

Thanks again for the feedback...

Any other tips/experience on coming back from an injury like this?
ACBraap wrote:
Start moving as quick as you can. Push on your range of motion, trying to increase it back to normal. Aerobic exercise is good, blood flow...
Start moving as quick as you can. Push on your range of motion, trying to increase it back to normal. Aerobic exercise is good, blood flow helps the bone heal. It’s amazing how quickly you can be back on your feet and walking when fixed with hardware. We’re accustomed to waiting for bones to heal, but with hardware, its more like the swelling and bruising need to dissipate, and then you’re able to get moving (within reason…don’t reinjure yourself). My last was a tib/fib break with plates, screws, and a tibial nail. Broke it mid December, was on a stationary bike about Feb 1 and MTB outdoors in April. By the next winter I did some running, which I didn’t even do before the break. No lingering effects that I can notice. Now, if there was an easy solution for knees that are bone to bone.
Thanks for that advice.

Right now (1 month post-op) it’s still swollen and stiff, and even a little bruised. I’ve been working on range of motion, but I never know how hard to push it? I go slightly past resistance and just before pain…hold it for 5-10 seconds, then release it…and do the same the other direction. Then side to side…then spell out the alphabet with my toe.

Titan1
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Titan1 4/2/2022 6:40am
4/2/2022 6:40am
Titan1 wrote:
Seeing all you guys back to "normal" and doing all the fun things again after your injuries sure is motivating...my ankle is so stiff and swollen...
Seeing all you guys back to "normal" and doing all the fun things again after your injuries sure is motivating...my ankle is so stiff and swollen right now, hobbling around on crutches, everything is way harder...sometimes its easy to forget its not permanent.
Leave Us To wrote:
Hang in there as better days are ahead. As a crutch option, have you seen the knee stroller for around 130 on Amazon?
Thanks!

And I have seen those…and I will pick one up. Thanks for the tip!
Enduro_Malcolm 4/2/2022 7:05am
4/2/2022 7:05am
Definitely a good idea to think about, after trying on and riding with many boots for the same reason I found that things like strap placement or the shape of the boot parts can be the difference of riding for a few hours or needing to remove the boot for relief every 45 minutes.

I have ankle joints fused in both ankles, mid foot fusion's, nerve damage and daily pain caused by some pretty gnarly shattering and surgeries.

I didn't want to give up the SG12 level protection. I ran sidi for a bit but after doing my left side the permanent swelling/general size increase of my mid foot wouldn't allow them to fit. And then the SG12 would cause so much pain I couldn't ride very long.

I finally settled on the Leatt 5.5 last year and it has been a game changer for me. The comfort level for me is much, much higher. And now that I've got around 50 hours on them and have taken some good hits to test impact I am very happy with them. I even bought a second pair now.

Your results may vary, but for me the change has allowed me to enjoy riding in less pain.

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