“Sprained ankle?”
I fell a week ago and severely sprained my ankle. I had an x-ray and was told it was not broken; no mention to me of a ligament tear either. I still have swelling but it's much improved over the course of the week. I have no pain when my ankle is raised on my chair but when I have to get up on my crutches it is painful and there it is impossible to walk. I know it is only been a week, but my question is: is there a time when I should see a specialist? Is there’s a time when I should say I should be able to put pressure on this ankle and improvement is not forthcoming? I usually walk 4 to 5 miles a day and go crazy not being able to walk.
Male | 77 years old
Complaint duration: 7 days
Medications: Chlorestoral
Conditions: None
15 Answers
Must do an X-ray to see Could be tendinitis or contusion of the joint and not a fracture Need AFO to stabilize the joint and anti-inflammatory.
Now
If you do weight-bearing without pain then you need to treat this with immobilization. Initially with a pneumatic boot cast covered by insurance If still painful to walk and not getting better need a below-the-knee cast Then if still painful MRI to see if there is a ligament or tendon tear and be non-weight-bearing in cast and crutches until you can walk without pain. See a specialist now as they will cover all costs including the surgery if necessary and if not treated properly it may become necessary.
Jan David Tepper DPM, FACFAS
CEO Family Foot & Ankle Center
984 West Foothill Boulevard, Suite B
Upland, California 91786
O 909-920-0884
F 909/920-9810
WWW.drtepper.com
JDTDPM@aol.com
Jan David Tepper DPM, FACFAS
CEO Family Foot & Ankle Center
984 West Foothill Boulevard, Suite B
Upland, California 91786
O 909-920-0884
F 909/920-9810
WWW.drtepper.com
JDTDPM@aol.com
Xrays are mainly used to identify bone injuries, not really for soft tissue injuries involving ligaments or tendons. Typically, clinical manipulation and palpation of the structures around the ankle can let the examiner know what may or may not be injured. If you still can not put weight on the ankle, then I would suggest you make an appointment with a podiatrist or orthopedist who treats ankle injuries.
A sprained ankle is a partial ligament tear to 1, 2, or 3 ligaments around the ankle joint. I would recommend seeing a podiatrist to evaluate your rehab potential and you may need some physical therapy and possibly a short-term ankle brace.
It can take a significant amount of time to heal a sprain particularly as we age. With that being said it sounds like you are healthy and active. You should follow up with a specialist to see about any ligament injuries or other issues. They may also be able to improve mobility through bracing and physical therapy.
Based on the severity of your pain and inability to weight bear, it is possible you might have torn one of your lateral ankle ligaments. I recommend an MRI.
Ligaments and other soft tissue structures cannot be evaluated or seen on x-ray. An MRI must be performed to evaluate those structures.
Soft tissue injuries can take longer than bones to heal.
But if it's been a few weeks and you're still in pain, you should see a specialist and have an MRI ordered to insure that nothing else is wrong.
Soft tissue injuries can take longer than bones to heal.
But if it's been a few weeks and you're still in pain, you should see a specialist and have an MRI ordered to insure that nothing else is wrong.
I recommend you make an appointment with a foot and ankle surgeon (podiatrist) for diagnosis and treatment options. Continue rest, ice, and elevation for now.
I believe without seeing the x-rays there is no fracture. Sprains are unpredictable. At this point you should see a specialist. You may need a brace. Therapy would help as well on the assumption it's a sprain.
Dr. Weiss
Dr. Weiss
Usually a bad sprain with soft tissues Damage takes 4-6 wks to heal. Usually require a short rehab physical therapy period. I would seek the help of orthopedic to assist with the course of treatment.
Immediately, my concern and should be eliminated is damage to the joint itself. seek medical attention.
If it's not better in 2 weeks, see a specialist.
I am very sorry I did not answer this question sooner. The answer to your question about the sprained ankle was it took an extended period of time to heal. Particularly at age 77, the ligament does take time to heal. I would check with your physician or get some physical therapy so that you can get back to doing your walking.
The problem with an ankle sprain is that it could cause an avulsion fracture on the outside of your foot. If the x-ray was only of the ankle it could have been missed. I recommend seeing a specialist, especially since your still having problems weight bearing after a week.
