@tweet Yes, I understand. You are still early in your recovery and the swelling is likely contributing to your pain. Every time you walk with crutches, it probably hurts. I could not allow my foot to be lower than my body. I spent my time on the couch laying down with my legs elevated. Ice helps on and off. Time is your friend. I remember thinking I would never be able to walk any distance and hike again, but eventually I did and it was only possible 4 years after my injury. I found crutches to be very awkward and instead used a walker and I fashioned some webbing straps to make a sling for my knee of the injured leg so I could get around and put weight onto the knee. I also had a rolater and could sit on it and scoot backwards. I had the rolater upstairs and the walker downstairs. I navigated the stairs by scooting on my butt and could stand up from that on the good leg which got bigger and more muscular. It still is bigger, but not so much that anyone notices.

I think my foot would swell after walking when I was able to do that for a long time. I was always taking off my shoes and elevating my feet above my body on the couch and really just lived on the couch for a couple years. While I elevated my foot, I also moved it around and that is just a habit now as I check how well it moves.

I also had a podiatrist make custom orthotics. I used a lace up brace for a long time. I found that driving with it on my right foot cause horrible cramps because I was pushing against its resistance. I got supportive high top shoes to replace the brace and still wear them a lot.

Your recovery is going to take a long time, but you will get better. It will teach patience. I feel a slight ache in my ankle now as I write this. Remember to celebrate each small improvement as you recover. This is baby steps and each small step of improvement is a victory.