Wearing high heels after a broken ankle
Can I wear heels after a broken ankle? This was one of the questions on my mind during my broken ankle rehab after a trimalleolar fracture.
Wanting to walk in high heels is not a matter of vanity. It’s the desire to be made whole again and is an important milestone on the path to full recovery.
The answer to that question is yes. But it requires training, just like learning to walk again required training. Because the ankle will wobble and the foot will hurt from bearing weight at different angles. And you’re going to be limping again, not a cute look in high heels.
The secret to walking in high heels post accident
A bit before the second anniversary of the accident that occurred in September 2015, I decided it was high time to get back into my heels. I had already gotten used to wearing stable shoes with higher heels such as my flat boots with 1 inch heels and my cowboy boots with 3 inch heels. But it’s a whole other thing trying to walk in skinny-heeled shoes that I wore prior to the accident.
The first time I put them on I felt like I was teetering on top of a very tall ladder. Actual height: 3½ inches. Of course my right foot was fine but the left one was hanging on for dear life. Once again it was like my left foot was a separate entity from the rest of my body.
Taking that first step was crazy for a few reasons:
It hurt
I had to hang on to the wall
I was limping
So what did I do? I got out my secret weapon…the crutch that helped me learn to walk without limping. Yes friends, I was walking around the house using a crutch wearing high heels. But you know what, it worked!
Soon the crutch was back in the closet and I was able to wear my tallest, skinniest pre-accident heels out in public. This triumphant moment happened on October 27, 2017!
High heel training program after a broken ankle
Below is an outline of the training program I created for myself to transition into high heels, followed by detailed explanations:
- Out with the old shoes
- In with the new shoes
- Sit, stand, walk around the house
- Don’t limp!
- Walk around the yard
- Take them for a test drive
Out with the old shoes
I decided to get rid of all my platform shoes. I love platform shoes and I had some really cute ones but I’ve always known they were unstable. They rock and it’s easy to fall off of them (hence, the broken ankle).
I even got rid of my wedge shoes because that solid bottom sole also feels a bit unstable compared to shoes with a separate heel and more flexible sole.
That left me with a few slides and sandals of varying heights and heel widths.
My high heels from lowest to tallest
In with the new shoes
I got a few pairs of block-heeled and chunkier-heeled shoes. Fortunately, they’re in style once more but I’ve always thought they were cute.
I recommend getting shoes with varying heel heights (1½, 2, 2½, 3, 3½ inches). My maximum is 3½ inches. Training involves working your way up from the lowest to the highest, and from chunky to skinny heels.
Stability and proper fit are important. Pumps, boots and shoes with straps are the most stable.
Make sure the soles aren’t slippery. If they are, scuff them up with a little sandpaper because the last thing we want is to fall again.
Sit, stand, walk around the house
Begin high heel training with the shortest, chunkiest heels and progress to the skinniest, tallest ones.
Slip on a pair and spend some time just sitting with them on, about ten minutes or so. Then stand up in them. That’s not going to feel too great but you need to get used to them gradually. Take a few steps if you can. Stop and try it again the next day but increase the walking time.
My house has carpet and tile, and I worked up to taking a few laps around the house, getting used to walking on different surfaces. I would try to go ten laps.
Don’t limp!
Before beginning high heel training, you should already be walking limp-free. If not, you can refer to these articles for tips on walking without a limp: Broken ankle recovery and Magic shoes.
I can’t emphasize enough the importance of walking correctly. As I said earlier, I needed to rely on a crutch while I was learning to walk properly in high heels. The crutch goes on your good side to support your bad foot during a step.
The goal is to have a measured gait, taking the same amount of time with each step.
When I mastered walking around the house properly without a crutch, I moved on to the next challenge, walking in the backyard.
Walk around the yard
Now it’s time to strut your stuff outside. My backyard is mostly concrete and I would do about ten laps around the yard in my heels. I did this for a few days before I felt ready to move on to the next undertaking, going out in public.
Wearing my high heels in the real world after a broken ankle
Take them for a test drive
After you’ve got walking in the backyard down pat, it’s time to wear your high heels out in real life. Go on a short errand or over to a friend’s house, some place where there’s minimum walking. Bring a pair of flats or your magic shoes in case your feet poop out on you.
Gradually you can go for longer trips, maybe even try a little dancing. Keep backup shoes on hand until you no longer need them.
Congratulations! You have now graduated to wearing high heels with confidence!
Its been a year, with my trimalleor break and I am now partially weight bearing even to the point of being able to do the Standing Crane stance in my tai chai.
am afraid to try on my hi heels yet, not sure i wont fall. Probably should start out in a pair of low pumps rather than some taller strappy types…….time will help no doubt
Nick
That’s exactly what I recommend, to start with low heels and work your way up.
THANKs lynda, to help me stop limping, taking equal steps, have to try on some new heels, cz i dont fit into my previous ones.
Nick
Thank you so much for all your detailed posts about your healing. They are so informative and helpful and give me a lot of hope.
I’m almost 2 months into my recovery from a trimalleolar fracture and so disturbed by the thick hard layer all around my ankle joint (which I now realise is scar tissue). I have serrapeptase coming in the mail, thanks to your blog!
I have always been extremely active, running, dancing and lifting weights. And I love getting dressed up and wearing beautiful heels. Even though it’s hard to imagine all these activities right now, I have so much hope from reading stories like yours. I’m also using castor oil to massage my scar tissue several times per day, but I do feel like I’m at risk of causing more inflammation with my vigorous massage so I’m trying to find the right amount of pressure for my body to assist in breaking down the scarring without triggering more.
I almost feel like I should start a blog to share my experiences to give other’s hope in their recovery. Yours and other blogs have been so much more informative than my surgeon, whose silence on matters of returning to full functioning is deafening!
Thank you again <3
You’re welcome, Thea! You should blog about your experience as many people will be encouraged by it. Surgeons just do what they do and don’t go beyond that. We alone are the masters of our fate.
I did various kinds of self-massage and now believe it’s not beneficial for breaking down scar tissue. That’s why I wrote about serrapeptase. In recent months I’ve discovered that Nobel Prize winning ivermectin is a more powerful way to break down scar tissue. It’s great for overall health and I’ve been taking the liquid form for several months. Anyone who wants to learn more about the benefits should visit Dirt Road Discussions on Telegram.
I believe you have a bright future and will be wearing your high heels again. Best of luck to you!
I am nearly at my 1 year anniversary post surgery and have just 2 weeks ago started to be able to walk in 3 inch heels without limping or pain (still contantly fighting the limp even with no pain). So guys keep the faith, start small and practise. I came across this blog at the start and the tip of practicing (esp with the crutch) was a gem. Thank you!
Glad to hear of your success! Thanks for sharing!
Hi. Broke ankle end of May last year. Started physio in September. Still very stoll n painfull. Doing exercises, calf raises, standing 1 legged on tiptoe, walking on toes. But can’t balance in a low skinny heel! Frustrating, as I’ve been living in pumps n low heels. Wanna wear dresses n my high heels. So frustrated I wanna cry 😢
All in due course. This is a long process and you have to be patient. It sounds like you’re doing very well.
I broke my ankle April of last years and it is still painful for me too. My ankle is in pain as I type this just laying on the couch. This really sucks. I love my heels!!!!
were you able to wear Mules with heels if so how long after
Hi Julie, I could wear them but choose to wear heels that have straps. Offhand I don’t remember how long after learning to walk that I started my high heels training.
Hi Lynda, please can you give us an update about how your ankle is doing now? Do you still experience pain and discomfort?
Hi Dee, thank you for asking! I’m doing well. No swelling, pain or discomfort. I’d also like to add that I recently turned 66 and have no pain or mobility issues, unlike many people my age and younger. I really believe the healing of my ankle, and my general good health, is attributed to making my own food from scratch, avoiding seed oils and pharmaceuticals. Inflammation causes pain and disease so keeping that in check is key. And positive affirmations are important.
So there you go, much more than you asked for! Hope you are having a great day!
Thank you so much!
Hi, I was wondering what type of food did you avoid or what food did you focus on to avoid inflammation ?
Vegetable oils are highly inflammatory. Next on the list, processed foods, sugar and preservatives. I eat real food that I cook myself from scratch. I use real fat (bacon grease or butter). I eat a lot of meat (especially grass fed hamburger), eggs, cheese, plain greek yogurt and green vegetables. Hope that helps!
Just put of a cast do you thing it’s possible to wear sandals now ??
The most important thing to do right now is to wear shoes that support your foot. Please read my post about my magic shoes. Good luck with your recovery!
I broke my ankle 4 months ago. The doctor said it wasn’t a bad break as I didn’t need surgery nor rehab. However, I tried to walk in heels yesterday and got really sad, because I was limping and it felt like the back of my ankle was solid and couldn’t move. I got really scared thinking I’d also torn my Achilles and they didn’t see it in the X-ray. Has anyone had this problem? I feel hopeless, but this article makes me feel better.
You’re fortunate that you didn’t need surgery or rehab. It just takes time to fully recover and I think you’re going to be okay. Try my tips and see if that helps you. Good luck!
I’ve tried your tips and I’ve seen a difference, thank you so much!
I’m so happy to hear that, Dee!
Thank you so much, you’ve given me so much hope. I live in heels and broke my ankle in three places three weeks ago. I kept getting very sad after the surgery as don’t want to never wear my heels or dance. I read your article every time I feel low. Thank you so much!
You’re welcome, Salma! Keep dreaming of the day you will be dancing in heels for it will happen. Stay strong!
Thank you for posting this I fractured my ankle in 8 places and a dislocation and tendon damage the drs at the hospital thought I’d jumped from a high distance and I did it going to the bathroom half asleep I managed wedge shoes for summer but I need to get back in my heels for work and hopefully I’ll be on my way
I hope it works out for you Denise!
Thank you for writing this. I fractured my ankle in January 2018 and was told I couldn’t wear heels nor flat sandals. Are you able to wear flat sandals? Thanks
You’re welcome, Sandy! Yes, I wear flat sandals or slides all the time. Are they saying you have to wear orthopedic shoes for the rest of your life? Well I think that’s nonsense and trained myself to wear heels again. Hope my tips are helpful. Good luck!
Thank you very much for this post and your inspiration! Similar to many people on this thread, I suffered a trimalleolar fracture of my left ankle which required surgery. I’m not even to the weight bearing or physical therapy stage yet but I have been skeptical about ever wearing my high heel wardrobe again because of this injury. I know it’s going to take a while but you gave me hope. Thank you!
Hi Vicki, you’re welcome! I want people to know there is hope. Wearing high heels again is a good goal to have and will motivate you during rehabilitation. Best of luck to you!
I just broke my ankle in 2 places last week. I have surgery next week. I’m so afraid I’ll have to wear orthopedic shoes for the rest of my life!
This post and all you have explained is absolutely magnificent and sooooooooo helpful I had a Potts complicate fracture of my ankle with 5 fractures and this post of yours gives me soooooo much hope and joy…I am still in the recovery process….I was told it would take close to a year…stay blessed and thank you sooooo much once again
Hi Deepthi, you are most welcome! I’m glad you’re finding my posts useful. Best of luck with your recovery!
It will be a year on 5/5/20 since my break and surgery and I’m still having a difficult time. I tried just the other day putting on a pair of heels and then a pair of wedges, both caused me sheer agony.
Hi Roxyann, this is something you have to work up to. Please try the tips I posted and just do a little every day. Good luck!
Hi I got a Car accident September This Year…I have a operation on my Foot, Ankle,even on my Leg they putted lots of Screws…they said I won’t wear Heels anymore💔it hurt😥….
Well guess what. They don’t know everything. I was told I would be lucky to walk again and now I go dancing in my high heels. Believe it and you will achieve it. Best of luck with your recovery!
Omg!! I’m so glad you wrote this. I was feeling sad about comments I had read where women were saying they could not wear heels again. I love my heels. I know I have to trust the process and be patient. But your article definitely gives me hope!!! Thank you for sharing!!!
Awww, you’re so welcome Tonette. There definitely is hope!
Hi Lynda, I had a severe open left Trimalleolar fracture in September 2017, just shy of 2 years ago. Currently I am able to wear up to 3 1/2″ heels, but it is a bit uncomfortable. Mind over matter all in the name of vanity. However, the majority of my heels are 4″ to 4 1/4″ and I’m not able to wear those yet, and I don’t know if I’ll ever be able to wear them. I’m curious…Is your maximum of 3 1/2″ heels because you can’t walk in heels higher than that or because you don’t have heels higher than that? Thanks!
Hi V, I have never chosen to wear heels higher than 3 1/2″. I’ve always thought they would be extremely uncomfortable. But if that’s what you were used to, you can give my tips a try. Practice wearing them around the house every day for a few minutes. Good luck!
Oh my God there is hope.😍😍😍😍
Yes there is!
Thank you!! I broke my ankle in 2017. I use to wear heels all the time. I wear heels in my friend wedding 2018 I had to take them off right after. A year late I can’t even stand in heels. I see practice is key. I love my heels I hope to walk in them again
Yes it is, Ki. Try wearing them a few minutes every day. Good luck!
Thank you for this article!! I severely sprained my ankle 6 months ago and just barely healed from the bone contusion. I am currently in physical therapy. It feels silly to express my concerns about potentially never being able to wear heels again to others but high heels have always been a part of my identity and its been hard to deal with amongst the other inconveniences and difficulties of the injury. My physical therapist knows its a part of my goal but it just seems so far off right now and I get so frustrated. I am happy to see I am not alone in this and that other people like yourself have overcome their injury in this capacity!
Hi Melissa, there’s nothing silly about wanting to get back to normal. If I can do it, you should be able to as well. Good luck!
Hello Melissa – were you able to go back to wearing heels after your ankle sprain? I have had a second grade sprain .. in rehab now… but super depressed about the possibility of not being able to go back to my heels :(.
Thank you for much for this! I broke my fibula, tibia and ankle wearing platform high heels and I am scared to transition back. Your tip about using the crutches was mind blowing and I feel so much better knowing someone else has overcome this. These tips are all so helpful and I will be using all of them!
Thank you <3
Thank you! I’m glad you’re finding them useful.
Thank you for this article Lynda. I broke my ankle in 3 places two years ago this month. My consultant told me it would be 2 years before it would be fully recovered. With that in mind I searched for information about wearing heels and if it would be possible. Using a crutch is a great idea, I will try this out tomorrow. .I have always worn heels and never feel dressed up without them. So thank you for your help .
You’re welcome and good luck, Fiona!
Thank you so much for this! It’s been almost 7 months since my surgery for my trimalleolar fracture (left ankle) and this has been a question I’ve always thought to myself and was very worried about. This gives me hope, haha.
Yes, Jas, there is hope! It may take a while but you can do it!