Suggest Treatment For Pain In The Ankle After A Fall

Posted on Wed, 16 Nov 2016

Question: outer ankle pain after a bad roll stepping down onto an uneven floor board. rolled outwardly, intense nerve pain at the time. unable to bare weight the next morning due to stiffness and swelling. ice elevated and rest the first 36 hours.
1 week out , good range of motion in small circles, good heal drop with minimal pain at front on ankle foot joint. pain on outer area near bone and forward into side of foot when trying to point toes. with small amt of pain in heel area.
some bruising and swelling noted. unable to feel the same distinct bone structure as opposite leg.
wondering if treatment would be different if small fracture vs sprain. I don't want to pay for X-ray if no treatment change.

Answered by Dr. Naval Mendiratta (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
Is it sprain

Detailed Answer:
Good evening

Thank you for writing on health care magic

Well, it is a bit difficult to say without examining the joint if it is fracture or ligament sprain...But yes, X Ray is a must....You dont need any MRI or anything beyond it...

REason being: We need to rule out minor fractures...If it is a fracture, then you will need a cast/Plaster( Hard one) to immobilize that part and give it time for recovery...If there is no fracture in the X ray, you just need a crepe bandage on walking to avoid any further stress on it...The healing does take around 2-3 weeks...

Meanwhile , try some anti inflammatory or pain killers to reduce the swelling as well...Since a week is gone, you can switch to hot water bottle instead of the ice..And use some local Gels for pain relief..

But yes , I would recommend an X RAy as you dont wanna delay the healing process any further

Hope the information was useful

Regards
Dr Naval

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad

Follow up: Dr. Naval Mendiratta (4 hours later)

The question was not to diagnose sprain or fracture. I am aware of the outcome of an X-ray. My question was , how would the treatment be different with a hairline or minor fracture versus a sprain.

Plaster and fiberglass casts seem extreme for a full weight bearing person with a minor fracture, would an immobilizing boot be a more suitable treatment?

Answered by Dr. Naval Mendiratta (15 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Fracture vs Sprain

Detailed Answer:
Good evening

Well, even with Hair line fracture one needs to have a cast...Reason, is for speeding up the recovery or continous weight bearing delays the healing of it...Yeah walking boot is a good option as well for minor fractures as long as you are comfortable wearing it...It lets you move the rest of the leg with immobilizing the affected part...

You already know quite a lot about it...Guess you can make the correct choice now

regards
Dr naval

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

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. REMY KOSHY