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Inverted My Ankle, Have Swelling. Should I Go To Doctor?

Posted on Thu, 17 Jan 2013

Question: I inverted my ankle 7 days ago now. It swelled instantly (like my ankle swallowed a tennis ball) and it hasn't gone down and is still very painful to move - wondering if I should visit the GP? I'm a paramedic I hate the thought of going to a doctor! The ankle is also a little unstable after I herniated L4/5 left me with numbness and weakness in the leg/ankle/foot anyway - so for it to be as sore as it is is surprising considering the lack of sensation I have post that back injury.... Thoughts?

Answered by Dr. Saurabh Gupta (1 hour later)

Hello,
Thanks for posting your query,

From the description and clinical photograph you posted, it might be a soft tissue injury, ligament injury or a fracture.

Soft tissue injury usually heals in 7-10 days. So there is more possibility of ligament injury or a fracture.

Without X-ray, it is difficult to differentiate a fracture from others. I would suggest getting this evaluated by an orthopedician for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate management. You may get the X-ray/MRI of the area affected under his/her guidance.

In the interim, You can take anti-inflammatory drug like Motrin to reduce pain and inflammation. Avoid weight bearing on the affected leg and rest well.

I hope this answers your query.

In case you have additional questions or doubts, you can forward them to me, and I shall be glad to help you out.

Please accept my answer in case you do not have further queries.
Wishing you good health.
Regards.
Dr Saurabh Gupta

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Shanthi.E

Follow up: Dr. Saurabh Gupta (2 hours later)

Thanks for the reply. I went and spoke to a GP and he thought it appeared quite severe and has ordered an ultrasound ASAP - what will that show??

Answered by Dr. Saurabh Gupta (6 hours later)

Hello,

Thanks for writing back.

Ultrasound will show soft tissue condition, any collection of fluid or blood (if any) after the injury.

I hope this answers your query. I will be available for further guidance if you needed.

Wishing you good health...

Regards
Dr Saurabh Gupta.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad

Follow up: Dr. Saurabh Gupta (6 hours later)

Hi yeah thanks again - just wondering if the ultrasound will show any sort of fracture if it exists (?avulsion or hairline etc) or do I need an xray to rule those out??

Answered by Dr. Saurabh Gupta (2 hours later)

Hello,
Thanks for writing back.

Ultrasound will not show any fracture if it exists. You need an x-ray to rule out any fracture.

I hope this answers your query. If you have no further query, please rate the answer after closing the discussion

Wishing you good health...
Regards.
Dr Saurabh Gupta.

Note: For further queries, consult a joint and bone specialist, an Orthopaedic surgeon. Book a Call now.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Shanthi.E