Ben Parkes Broken Ankle: A Timely Update

Three weeks have passed since Ben Parkes suffered a broken ankle, and the journey from accident to rehabilitation is now being documented in detail. While the exact cause of the impact remains unclear, Ben is committed to sharing every step of his recovery so that others facing similar injuries can learn from his experience.

Week 1–3: The Accident and Immediate Aftermath

After the initial trauma, Ben spent the first four days confined to his flat, unable to move without assistance. The isolation was challenging, but it gave him time to reflect on the sudden change to his daily routine. On day five, he finally ventured out of the house and met with fellow runner Scott Newton. The catch‑up session served two purposes:

Returning to Lewisham Hospital for follow‑up appointments became a regular part of his schedule. The final hospital visit before discharge was especially nerve‑wracking because it involved reviewing the x‑ray images of his injured ankle. Seeing the fracture lines and the upcoming surgical plan can be “super scary,” but Ben expressed gratitude for the support he received from family, friends, and medical staff.

Surgery and the Metal Plate

Thirteen days after the initial operation to stabilize the fracture, surgeons placed a metal plate to reinforce the broken bones. The procedure was described as routine, yet the presence of a foreign object in the ankle required careful post‑operative monitoring. Ben’s post‑surgery plan included:

  1. Keeping the leg elevated to reduce swelling.
  2. Using crutches to avoid putting weight on the ankle for the first two weeks.
  3. Following a prescribed pain‑management regimen to stay comfortable while the incision healed.

By the end of the first month, the surgical site showed signs of proper healing, and Ben was cleared for gentle range‑of‑motion exercises under the guidance of a physiotherapist.

Month 2: Early Rehab and Mobility

Two months after the accident and surgery, Ben began the “rebuilding” phase of his recovery. The primary goals during this period were to restore ankle stability, regain strength, and prevent long‑term stiffness. A typical rehab session now looks like this: