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Suggest Treatment For Swollen Painful Ankle In An Obese

Posted on Thu, 15 Oct 2015

Question: Its my ankle. Yes I'm a bit overweight, 5'55" and 180 lbs. I realize thats more than a bit but...moving on.so We are moving, I've been on my feet too much, wearing the wrong shoes and probably not drinking enough water. However, my left ankle is really swollen, and very painful. No bug bites, no falls. Maybe some wrong turns in flip flops. I really don't remember what the initial cause of the discomfort was. Occasionally, my ankle sorta 'gives out' and I nearly go all the way down. I've been packing ice at the end of the day. and I bought a good ankle brace by Schouls (sp.), but it doesn't seem to be going away. Is there anything else I should be doing? Also money is very short. I think I have Medicaid, but no other insurance. Currently unemployed. Part-time care-giver for my 93 yr-old aunt. Starting to sound pretty pathetic here. So I'll close. Please let me know what you think if you can. There are boxes calling my name Thank You for your time and consideration. XXXXXXX XXXX

Answered by Dr. Dr. Alokkalyani (6 hours later)

Brief Answer:
xray and blood test needed

Detailed Answer:
Hi
I understand your concern, but before making a diagnosis or to find out the cause, we need to have a Xray of your left feet to rule out any trivial fracture which is very common in your age group without even trauma. second possibility is chronic gout which can happen in any joint especially toes and ankle.

So just an Xray of left ankle and serum uric acid level will help to make a diagnosis. meanwhile you can continue ice packs and paracetamol on SOS basis.

Hope this will help

Take care
If you need further help, please donot hesitate...

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Yogesh D

Follow up: Dr. Dr. Alokkalyani (20 hours later)

I really appreciate your input. I hadn't considered Gout...? What exactly is Chronic gout? Is it internal? You mentioned 'serum uric acid level', does that mean urine?
I'm really concerned. Is this from something I ate or didn't eat enough of??
Again Thanks so much for your input. I have never so much as called a Doctor with questions. In addition you said, "..paracetamol on SOS basis". Is that a medication? I'm sorry to be such a bother.
Until we speak again, XXXXXXX

Answered by Dr. Dr. Alokkalyani (8 hours later)

Brief Answer:
gout is a possibility

Detailed Answer:
Hi
sorry for all confusion...
Chronic gout is a disease which is caused by high uric acid in blood, these uric acid deposited in the joint and cause pain. Most common cause of high uric acid in blood is high sea food intake, more alcohol, more smoking and genetic factors. Its diagnosis is made by joint x ray and blood uric acid level and if required dual CT scan test.
paracetamol is a medicine which can be take in case of pain (SOS means as and when required). This medicine is available over the counter. Th eusual dose for pain is 650 mg (maximum 3-4 times a day).

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vinay Bhardwaj

Follow up: Dr. Dr. Alokkalyani (3 days later)

Just a Thank You to Dr. Alokkalyani.
I am currently on Medicaid, and am unemployed. So the x-ray and other tests may have to wait. At least until something escalates further. I will look into the paracetamol if the pain gets worse.
Again Thank You and I will try to take care of things.
Sincerely, XXXXXXX

Answered by Dr. Dr. Alokkalyani (2 hours later)

Brief Answer:
thanks

Detailed Answer:
thanks and take care

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

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vaishalee Punj