Suggest Treatment For Severe Leg Pain Caused By An Injury

Posted on Thu, 13 Apr 2017

Question: I broke my leg 10 days ago about an inch above the bone on my ankle
Hospital said it was a small clean cut.
It feels like my cast is crushing my leg & is very painful & comes in waves.
Yesterday day I went back to the hospital & there was no sign of any swelling
I had the choice of cutting the plaster or having a new one put on
I chose a new one because I also have an injury on the other leg &
can't weight bare on it. So if I have it cut to relieve the pain
I won't be able to weight bare at XXXXXXX & won't be able to Use the toilet myself!!
I am a 70 year old lady who is fit & healthy!! Hope you can help!! Much obliged
xxxxxxxxxxx

Answered by Dr. Mahaveer Patil (7 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Do not bear weight

Detailed Answer:
Hi Mrs. XXXXXXX

Thank you for posting the question.
I have gone through your medical history in detail.

I appreciate your decision of getting a new plaster on instead of cutting it.

Even if the fracture in your leg is a minor one and you have a new plaster cast put on it,i would still advise you to avoid weight bearing on it as far as possible.

The bones at your age are very weak and the minor fracture can get displaced leading to more complications.

Over it,the fracture may take a long time to unite if you weight bear on the fractured leg.

So,i would suggest you not to bear weight,keep the leg elevated over a pillow,use a walker to ambulate for activities of daily living.

Calcium and vitamin D3 supplements with calcium rich diet (milk,green leafy vegetables,fruits) will accelerate the healing process.

I hope the answer was useful.

Feel free to ask me any follow up queries that you may have.

Thank you.
Kind regards.

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