1. Community
  2. Bones, joints and muscles
  3. Ankle Problems

Swelling?

Posted , 5 users are following.

marymollie
marymollie

I have been walking without boot for about a week now and am noticing a lot of swelling near/on ankle in the evening. ORIF surgery done Aug 18th and non weight bearing until the beginning of Oct. I know some is expected, but was wondering when I should expect this to start to decrease a bit. It seems like it has increased over the last few days. I am icing and elevating as much as possible in the evening, but that is tough to do at work during the day.

0 likes, 4 replies

4 Replies

  • MurphyNZ
    MurphyNZ marymollie

    Posted

    Hi Marymollie

    I'll look forward to hearing the replies to this post. I've had the same surgery one month later than you so I've only been out of a cast for about 10 days. Mine became quite swollen the last few days too, gets hard across the top and is quite warm. It doesn't hurt but is achy and gets pretty tired. Getting it above my heart is definitely the thing that makes the most difference.

    I believe the swelling can happen for quite some time after. Good luck with your recovery!

  • maggie08507
    maggie08507 marymollie

    Posted

    Ibe been told it could last a year or two. Sometimes it never goes away. Ibuprofen helps alot
  • ihavenonickname
    ihavenonickname marymollie

    Posted

    Hi All

    All ofvour weight is carried by out anklrs and feet...and when we walk, that weight is multipled by force, and then the whole gravity thing has to be considered..

    Get those feet up real high and consider using frozen gel packs which you can purchase at the pharmacy...I suggest four and using them two at a time.

    I also suggest a pair of compression stockings at least to the knee...measure around your ankle so you can choose the proper size. Before you put your legs over the side of the bed in the morning, put one stocking on the bad leg.

    This will hold the swelling down, it should help reduce pain as well. When you get back home, keep the stocking on, super elevate, and ice.

    Do not take the stocking off until you are in the bed with your legs up.

    Kind regards

    judith

  • jan30278
    jan30278 marymollie

    Posted

    I had ORIF surg for bimalleolar fx on 7/27 and I have swelling in the evening- esp. on the inner ankle.  I ice and elevate at night when i get home until i go to bed.  I am told this is normal and could last 12-18 mos.  It does not swell as bad as it used too- but now I am finding that my big toe - the joint is really sore after being on it all dday and it swells more than it used to.  PT showed me how to massage it as that joint is very tight- seems to be helping to loosen it up for a bit.  The posterial tibial tendon is also painful- moreso in the morning but no swelling with that.  This is just a tough injury and we all heal differently and at different rates.  My swelling has definately decreased from what it was- I have found that the compression socks really help- my OS suggested them and I am glad that he did!
Back to top

Report or request deletion

Thanks for your help!

We want the community to be a useful resource for our users but it is important to remember that the community are not moderated or reviewed by doctors and so you should not rely on opinions or advice given by other users in respect of any healthcare matters. Always speak to your doctor before acting and in cases of emergency seek appropriate medical assistance immediately. Use of the community is subject to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy and steps will be taken to remove posts identified as being in breach of those terms.