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Fractured my ankle 3 months ago but ankle keeps swelling and is painful.

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susan60212
susan60212

I had fractured my ankle in July this year. Had it in plaster for six weeks, had a review with consultant yesterday. Had another x ray and consultant confirmed the bone had healed,but I explained to him that I my ankle keeps swelling and is painful. Can't walk very far and he said it could be the soft tissue area may have fragments of cartilage init, but because I have a pacemaker can't have a MRI scan. He has told me to come back in 3 months time.I have to have psyiotherapy . what do i do if it keeps on swelling.I don't have much faith in the consultantbreally

2 likes, 383 replies

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  • christine09539
    christine09539 susan60212

    Posted

    I am in the same boat the ankle is not so painful, but swelling continues as yourself. My problem is its affected my knee which is now very painful, and a sore back. Uneven gait I feel sure, seeing physio again on Thursday she thought I might need to see consultant again, I hope not.
    • TenaciousD
      TenaciousD christine09539

      Posted

      I thought about your this morning Christine, because I remember you saying you had knee pain, my knee began to hurt this morning.  

      That's not good about having to see the consultant again, keep us informed on how it goes.  

      Denise

    • christine09539
      christine09539 TenaciousD

      Posted

      Seeing doctor on Friday as physio wants an X-ray done on my knee, will let you know. The ankle is getting better though, but the knee impedes the progress.
  • heidi61201
    heidi61201 susan60212

    Posted

    Hi, I would love to know how you are all doing some months later. I am also 4 months post surgery. No particular pain, but with foot and leg swelling, especially on the outside of my calf where it swells and goes hard when overworked. I am only really pottering around, but any standing around for any time seems to create problems. Physio tells me off for overdoing it, but at the same time encourages me to do as much as possible, ie exercises. Walking much appears to be out. Like many I guess I thought once I was walking it would be all OK, but the warnings of around 12 months before settled are starting to look realistic - sadly. So any updates, good and bad, would be appreciated.
    • TenaciousD
      TenaciousD heidi61201

      Posted

      Hi Heidi, four months post fracture for me and I still get pain and swelling.  There's even some dark patches like brusing along the side of my ankle.  I'm still doing my physio, only been off both crutches for a couple of weeks.  
    • christine09539
      christine09539 TenaciousD

      Posted

      Hi Denise 6 mo the after fracture I am still limping a little, the foot still swells but not so much. The swelling is more prone around the top part of my foot near the toes, my doctor also said 1year to fully heal, can walk about 5000 steps now but it's sore when I get home.  It's amazing how many of us there are.
    • TenaciousD
      TenaciousD christine09539

      Posted

      Yeah, I believe that ankle injuries are becoming more common due to the increased activity levels of the more mature woman.  

      I hope you get some relief soon Christine.  

    • heidi61201
      heidi61201 TenaciousD

      Posted

      Hi, thanks for replying. I get the bruising below my ankle bones as well. Brown rather than purple, not sure what triggers it. Foot swells across top but think this may be due to more bone formation, as both ankle bones damaged, and top of foot/front of ankle seems more boney than other foot. Fortunately no pain, and walking fine provided I don't do too much. I seem to need orthotics and very sensible shoes to be comfy. As above, the main problem is in the calf muscle, but it has improved if I am conscious of not doing too much. Not very good at being patient but when I look back at a month ago it is so much better.
    • patti123
      patti123 heidi61201

      Posted

      I would love to hear an update from you because I'm in the same boat, but just 5 weeks out.
  • fiddlehound
    fiddlehound susan60212

    Posted

    There is a herbal oil available in India called ALAMPAL THAILAM . Extremely effective in fractures and ligament damage. If you apply this oil you will be cured within 2 weeks
  • heidi61201
    heidi61201 susan60212

    Posted

    Hi, hope everyone is starting to improve. After getting really fed up with the swelling,aching and limited mobility I followed a friend's recommendation and went for myofascial release treatment. What a difference! Non-invasive, non painful treatment that has really helped free up my ankle and get the mobility back. As the practitioner said, how can you get more mobile when everything is locked up? Had 4 sessions now, ankle looks and feels much more like normal and it has also helped stiff neck, tendonitis in shoulder and stiff back when sat down for any time. Still can't walk much distance without aching but the rock hard muscle that was a nearly permanent fixture running along the surgery site has very nearly gone. Worth looking at for those that feel they have got stuck.
  • janeymooli
    janeymooli susan60212

    Posted

    Thank you all for the reassurance that I am not pathetic. I had my cast removed 10 days ago and my ankle kills now. Your comments have been great as I realise I am not meant to just get up and walk. I have swelling and pain and now I know that is just normal. My physio is a mean woman! It does not help that I live in a second floor flat with a dog who looks at me as if to say - get a grip! Should I rest it or move it?....the ice packs help but I know I need to keep moving...aaarrrrrggggggghhhhh! Still thanks for the help and advice...any further advice????
    • patti23776
      patti23776 janeymooli

      Posted

      Hi Im hoping you can help me out....I like you am having alot of swelling and pain...my fracture was 8weeks post with surgery and metal gear involved.Now that  its been 3 months hows your ankle doing better?Im checking out the myofascial see if this will release my ankle some ...I am very positive but not as patient with healing as I could be.Im not complaining as I have walked on it twice now with no pain after 8 weeks....so Im thankful for the small advances I see...hope everyone heres doing better!
  • tiggi55050
    tiggi55050 susan60212

    Posted

    I have read this discussion with interest - as at 9 weeks post fracture I have some pain & swelling now that I have started walking again. I was concerned about this, particularly as I had very little pain whilst in the cast, even at the beginning. I was 6 weeks in a cast & 2 further weeks non weight bearing in a boot, so it's early days for me; but my physio says some pain is normal & suggests ice packs, stretching exercises using therabands & controlled weightbearing eg cycling, & walking in the pool. All of these help. The problem with the boot is that there is a height difference between good & bad leg, which can cause back pain - but this is rectified by using an 'even up' shoe cover on the good foot. I can also recommend the Aircast A60 ankle brace which gives great support, and fits easily inside a trainer.

    As a masters swimmer, I was back in the pool as soon as my cast came off in order to regain fitness asap, and I know I would say this as it is my sport - but I would heartily recommend water based exercise for rehabilitation - start with some gentle walking and leg exercises, & slowly build up with advice from your physio or consultant.

    Wishing everyone a speedy recovery. Best wishes, Tiggi

    • Pippie
      Pippie tiggi55050

      Posted

      Hi tiggi I am new to this forum I ve just read your post I know it was months ago and wondered how you are doing? I am two months post op with plate and screws in ankle. Cast was taken off three days ago. Like you I am a swimmer how did you get on back in the pool and what exercises did you do? Thanks x
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