7 weeks, still swelled

Posted , 11 users are following.

i fractured my ankle 7 weeks ago. I was in 3 casts then an airboot. I am back in my shoe but it hurts when I walk, some burning and it's swelled on both sides of the foot..warm to touch and my leg is even red and bigger than the other. Is this normal? I see my foot surgeon next week.

I started to apply ice 2xs a day to see if that helps. I didn't have surgery.

0 likes, 15 replies

15 Replies

  • Posted

    Lisa, sorry you are having problems. Sounds like you were making really good progress. Is there anyway you can see your doctor sooner? If not, I would at least call them.
    • Posted

      i know if I call he will want to see me sooner and I'd rather hang on until next week.
    • Posted

      The burning, warm to touch , and redness concerns me. I know you don't want to go, but you probably should. It is always better to be safe.
    • Posted

      I know every doctor is different, but mine told me to call if I noticed redness and my skin was warm to the touch.
    • Posted

      I think he meant redness and warmth when the foot was elevated.  That could be an indication of an infection.  But if it gets red and/or purple when the foot is down, that's pretty normal, I think.  That's going to take quite a while to stop happening.
  • Posted

    Lisa, nearly six weeks out from my broken ankle.  In an airboot now and off-weight for another two weeks.  But it is my understanding that what you're going through is pretty par for the course.  7 weeks is still pretty early. My foot turns purple after a short while when it is down, for example.  Ron
  • Posted

    Hi Lisa I fractured my ankle 8 weeks ago. No surgery. Was in cast for 6 weeks and was given moon boot to use to support walking. Used boot for 7th week then own shoes this week with crutches. Still getting a lot of pain on weight bearing and swelling. I too had redness and ankle felt hot. Foot still goes a purple colour at times. I think what you are experiencing is quite normal but I am not a doctor so it might be best to get it checked out. I hope you get sorted soon and make a good recovery.
  • Posted

    Seems as if 7 weeks is early to be in regular shoes. But I'm not your treating doctor for your particular case...

    I'm 5 weeks in cast - with 2 more to go!! (7 weeks from surgery splint was for 2 weeks of course) Then I will go to a walking boot for however long it takes.

    I had tendon surgery 11 years ago in the same foot and it took years for me to fully rely on the foot again. I can only imagine how this break and ligament tear will be to recover from 🙄😫

  • Posted

    Ive been to the doctors today i saw the nurse she said it could take up to 4 months to heal if its tenderns or ligaments. How do they know eithout an xray.she said to take ibroprfen and to ho bavk in 3 weeks of no better .a bit of a contradiction i think
  • Posted

    It's normal to have swelling up to 6 months without surgery, and up to 12 months with surgery, so I am told by the medical profession and physio.

    I didn't initially believe it but I'm at 6 months post surgery and still have swelling 24/7, worse after 10 hours at work. The sensations you experience are also normal. I would try to see your foot surgeon asap to put your mind at ease.

    I would recommend batheing your ankle in warm water and massage with e45 or similar around the foot and ankle, ice is also good for swelling and keep elevated as much as possible. Good luck on your recovery

  • Posted

    Hi Lisa, tomorrow will be 6 weeks since surgery. Saw my surgeon yesterday and I can wean off the boot now and begin balancing and going on my tip toes to gain strength and to learn to walk again.  I encourage you not to take any short cuts.  This is a long process.  Everyone has a unique injury and we will all heal up differently.  Hang in there smile  Peter
  • Posted

    Ice and very important to elevate it as much as you can too to take swelling down. Above heart level. Sounds like you're doing good though to me. Swelling etc is pretty standard when you do too much . I didn't have surgery either and some 3 months on its still weak am starting strengthening exercises with my Physio soon . Best of luck Lisa
  • Posted

    I broke my ankle in two places had surgery and cast. After a few months started weight bearing. Purple and puffy. Went to see my chyropractor for adjustments and seemed to be the best thing after healing. Swelling went down after adjustments, got the fluids.moving again. Seems perfectly normal to have the bones put back in place after months of repair and initial trauma.
  • Posted

    hi lisa i see your post was from some time ago im in the same situation 7 weeks since i fractured my ankle i didnt need surgery and im back walking in normal shoes and i have the symptoms your saying such as swelling both sides of the foot and a burning sensation whilst walking also i have my calf muscle suddenly go very tight feeling after ive only walked for half an hour do you know if this is normal for the healing process i you can let me lnow if you do

    thanks

    jasmine

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