I was on a push scooter going down a hill and turned and put my foot out to stop and I broke my ankle through the growth plate and then I broke the other bone a little higher up. I was told to have no weight on it for 5 weeks. I used a wheelchair for school and crutches at home. Last week I went in and I got a big, black, walking boot. My doctor didn't say much, just that my leg was doing very well and to go from crutches and boot, to boot, to no boot in the next 2 weeks. It will be a week tomorrow since then and I still need the crutches to walk. I have a walker at home to help me, but when I get off of the walker on my own, I always hop with instinct on the good foot instead of walking normally. I try so hard and think over and over again, don't hop, don't hop, but then I take that step and I hop, no matter how hard I try. It doesn't hurt at all really, I'm just so scared to walk on it without my crutches or walker. My family is starting to get mad at me now, claiming I'm being a wussy about this and that I'm fine, when none of them have gone through this. I'm to the point that I just shut down and feel like I'm going to cry when ever I try to take that step without a walker and end up hopping. Does anyone have any help for me so that I can walk without crutches? I'm so upset with myself, and I feel shame every time I take a step with the crutches or walker. Please help me I would really appreciate it! Thank you so much for helping me and taking the time to read this!

First off what you are feeling is normal! I went through the exact same emotions when I had to start walking in my walking boot without crutches. First off what I did was that I walked while having my crutches under me for that reinforcement and for emotional reasons as well. You may feel scared and nervous but just think that your doctor would not let you do this unless he felt it was not the right time and your foot was not ready. I know, also if it helps talk to a good and trusted friend about what you are feeling they may be able to give you some insight on how you can start walking and can be their to help support you through this! Relax! If you feel nervous or upset you may just frighten yourself more! I know you said that you walk with crutches and that you feel bad but don't you are afraid that you may re-hurt your ankle. A lot of people go through this after having been in an accident. So it is completely normal! Then try walking with 1 crutch and slowly ween yourself off of it to the point when you feel comfortable walking with out crutches.

Good Luck and trust me a lot people have felt the way you do it is normal!