Ankle problem.

Hey guys,

Nearly three months ago, i fell down a flight of stairs and hurt my ankle. Apart from severe brusing and swelling, the doctors thought that i hadn't done any more than sprained it and told me to rest for 6 weeks. I followed their advice. I returned to sport after the six weeks and the minute i started playing a game of netball, my ankle went over and my foot, leg and ankle swelled up like crazy! Went back to A and E, where doctors did x- rays, scans ect and i was told that i had done the same strain again but that i had a leaking bruise above my ankle which was causing the pain above the ankle. This time, i was given crutches and the same advice of R.I.C.E.

However, its been another six weeks of so since i was last at the hospital or doctors and i am really concerned that things have not improved. My ankle is still noticeably swollen, and to touch the bone above my ankle (where the bruise is meant to be) brings me to tears. The swelling is accompanied by severe brusing too. However, the strangest thing of it all is that i can walk perfectly without pain! I should be off the crutches now, and i am so i am really confused!

Any medics got any ideas or advice?

Lou
xxx

OP

Anyone? Please help!

Ouch, I feel your pain.

I had a kinda samey experience after trying to trampoline when I was hammered about 6 months ago now (don't do it). Landed on it really badly- I felt a crunch and my ankle went floppy for a few seconds but after that it was fine to walk on, although absolute agony to touch. Went to A&E the day after (once I'd sobered up!!!) and the doc's said that I'd badly sprained it and so sent me away on crutches and told me to rest it etc.

Anyway, the swelling and bruising didn't go down after about a month so my mum rang up the hospital. They looked at the X ray again and told her that there was a actual fracture to my ankle. Was not happy.

Just saying, they make mistakes.

The swelling still hasn't gone down and still a bit awkward and stiff sometimes. But, I've spoken to doctors since (alot come in to the pub where I work) and they've told me that my swelling probably won't go down for months still. Apparently, the ankle is the easiest limb to swell. Dunno why?!?!

I'm not a medic though so...... Could be complete bull.

Hope you get better soon! X

Reply 3

sparkly_tiara

OP

2

SweetDreema

Ouch, I feel your pain.

I had a kinda samey experience after trying to trampoline when I was hammered about 6 months ago now (don't do it). Landed on it really badly- I felt a crunch and my ankle went floppy for a few seconds but after that it was fine to walk on, although absolute agony to touch. Went to A&E the day after (once I'd sobered up!!!) and the doc's said that I'd badly sprained it and so sent me away on crutches and told me to rest it etc.

Anyway, the swelling and bruising didn't go down after about a month so my mum rang up the hospital. They looked at the X ray again and told her that there was a actual fracture to my ankle. Was not happy.

Just saying, they make mistakes.

The swelling still hasn't gone down and still a bit awkward and stiff sometimes. But, I've spoken to doctors since (alot come in to the pub where I work) and they've told me that my swelling probably won't go down for months still. Apparently, the ankle is the easiest limb to swell. Dunno why?!?!

I'm not a medic though so...... Could be complete bull.

Hope you get better soon! X

Thanks so much for the advice! That has put my mind at rest a lot! I have had so many x rays, i doubt it is broken but the bit about the swelling taking months to go sounds most probable!

Lou
xxx

Reply 4

JackieS

11

sparkly_tiara

Thanks so much for the advice! That has put my mind at rest a lot! I have had so many x rays, i doubt it is broken but the bit about the swelling taking months to go sounds most probable!

Lou
xxx

fractures of the talus (articulating bone in the foot) are quite common in ankle sprains but are quite commonly missed as radiographers don't usually look for them and sometimes they need a certain angle to show up. Seeing as you're quite a while post injury I can suggest the following in order to help your swelling

instead of doing ice..........................do heat and ice....................get a bowl of hot (as hot as you can withstand sensibly but not boiling) water and some ice in a pack..................put your foot in the hot water for around 5 mins, followed by 5 mins of ice............do this 2/3 times...........................around 2/3 times a day

The alternation of hot and cold is good for encouraging drainage of swelling.

Do you have an ankle support? I suggest you get one if you don't and wear that - it won't give your ankle any more support but the compression will help with your swelling too..................or some tubagrip if you don't some. You can buy it from a chemist. Sit with your foot up when watching tv etc (hint - don't wear your tubagrip/ankle support to bed)

Ankle sprains take a while to heal and its common for residual swelling this long after injury particularly if it was a bad tear...................

The waiting lists are quite long but I suggest you get your doc to refer you to a physio (or if you're feeling flush pay for a private one) - inappropriate strengthening of the muscles around the joint after a particularly bad sprain will make the ankle weak and unstable making you more at risk of a further sprain.......................

Reply 5

sparkly_tiara

OP

2

I have just looked at your degrees and things- you certainly know your stuff! Thank you very much for the advice. I will book a doctors appointment tomorrow to sort out physio i think, and will do the hot/ cold thing, as suggested.

Can i just ask why you shouldn't wear the ankle support in bed? I have been known to do this from time to time and am just wondering why it is a bad idea?

Thank you for such useful advice- and positive rep is on its way!

Lou
xxx

Reply 6

JackieS

11

sparkly_tiara

I have just looked at your degrees and things- you certainly know your stuff! Thank you very much for the advice. I will book a doctors appointment tomorrow to sort out physio i think, and will do the hot/ cold thing, as suggested.

Can i just ask why you shouldn't wear the ankle support in bed? I have been known to do this from time to time and am just wondering why it is a bad idea?

Thank you for such useful advice- and positive rep is on its way!

Lou
xxx

I don't know an official reason for why but I would imagine its got something to do with your circulation........................for example if you're awake and you have tubagrip on then if its too tight then you would be able to feel your foot getting numb or pins and needles which may not be the case if you were ashleep so I think its juts for precaution.

Warnign though - I just referred to my l;ocal physio (ironic I know, being a physio student and all lol) and I'm now on a waiting list that is about 3 months long so I can't promise you;ll get seen anytime son, but its better to be seen than not at all :smile:

Ankle problem.

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