How long should I be in pain after sprained ankle?

Posted , 6 users are following.

On 19th January my dog came running up and didn't stop! The result was a spiral fibula fracture and severe tissue damage to the ankle and top of my foot. I was in plaster for 2 weeks and then given an an airboot.  He said expected to see me at the next appt in 6 weeks time walking without crutches. 4 weeks later I was still in a lot of pain when putting weight on the foot that I went back to the consultant . .He took another x-ray and said the fracture had healed and I had severe soft tissue damage which woud take another 6 weeks to heal. It's now 2 weeks later, my ankle is still very swollen and I am still suffering the same degree of pain as I was a month ago whilst trying t walk. I am unable to go out as can't walk and have now been housebound for 2 months. My question is - should I still be in so much pain, what should I be doing or not doing to help it heal or should I go back to the consultant? I would appreciate hearing from anyone who has had a similar problem.

0 likes, 5 replies

5 Replies

  • Posted

    I also had severe soft tissue damage, with multiple fractures and dislocation. It has been 9 weeks since my fall and I still can not walk. I don't think there is a time frame for this because everyone's body heals different. You know your body, if you feel something is wrong please call your doctor.
  • Posted

    Hi.

    I was 5 MONTHS post op before I walked without any aids. I am now nearly 7 months and still in pain. I have since found out my breaks etc are due to having osteoporosis. I'm sixty in May.

  • Posted

    I am now 4 months post op and only just started to walk. Where these consultants and doctors get their timeframes from is beyond me. Each and everyone have a different healing and pain level. 

    Now I am back on my feet, I know about the swelling so many on here have spoke about.

    Of course if you have any concerns go back to your consultant. Good luck

  • Posted

    Hi. I'm 5.5 months post op and still unable to walk without a limp, cannot squat,and am still having physio 30 minutes every 3 weeks. I think the hospital have given up on me, these "professional" people are a joke, I don't know where they get their facts from. There is definitely no time scale on recovery times, I think, as with us all, it's just a waiting game. If you are in any doubt though, go back to your gp
  • Posted

    I'm 11 weeks post op. after dislocation and fractures.  I am able to walk unaided but if I exercise too much one day I suffer the next.  I have been told by my physiotherapist to continually take paracetamol for the pain but the best thing is to elevate the foot above hip level, put ice on the ankle for 15 minutes at a time. and sit down for at least half a day. That reduces the swelling and thus the pain.  I also sleep with 3 pillows at the bottom of the bed to elevate the ankle and in the morning the swelling is a lot less.

    I will be asking my consultant when I see him in 2 weeks how long I can expect the pain to continue because it is so wareing.

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