What Causes Swelling In The Left Leg While On Advil?

Posted on Tue, 25 Apr 2017

Question: Jumped off boat and landed hard on left leg I had swelling that night and with Advil it went away after a day. I tried to stay off of it for about 3 days, limping. In about a week, I was walking again but not sure I should run. A week went by and at my grandkids 5th birthday party, in order to take a good picture, went up to stand on a chair. Going up was a strain and coming down on the top of the chair, I felt like a rubberband in my outer calf had either snapped or popped. It was hard to walk without help. 3 or 4 days went by and again I felt better and was careful walking. Yesterday, I had a lot to do around the house and probably lifted boxes, etc. and did too much standing all day long. Last night my ankle swelled and today I can't put weight on it. I guess I'm expecting it to heal again as fast as before if careful. Thought maybe I snapped my hamstring but if that is it, why the ankle now? As I said before, Im very active and rode 2 horses a day up to a year ago. Am I on the right track, resting and not re injuring myself again. Or is something else possible?

Answered by Dr. Mahaveer Patil (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
Not just a simple sprain

Detailed Answer:
Hi,

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

I do not think it is a simple sprain.There can be a underlying injury to the achilles tendon or there may a avulsion fracture of an underlying undetected calcaneal spur.

In my opinion,you should take rest and get a Xray of the affected part done to come to an exact diagnosis.

Take anti inflammatory analgesics,apply local gel.

Ice packs,compression bandage around the swollen area and leg elevation will help.

Do let me know once the Xray is done so that i can guide you further.

I hope the answer was useful.

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

Thank you.
Kind regards.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Nagamani Ng

Follow up: Dr. Mahaveer Patil (1 hour later)

Thank you for your evaluation. If an x-ray detects these problems, what can be done to correct it other than what I am trying to do with rest and Advil? I know an x- ray may detect something worse, but would that also dictate the same? I try to avoid xrays unless they may show something that requires surgery.
My husband said, "I should also include that I have a lot of spider and varicose veins". Again, Thank you. I will do as you recommended and give it a couple more days. If not better, x-rays.

Answered by Dr. Mahaveer Patil (36 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Xray may just diagnose

Detailed Answer:
Depending upon the Xray report, a decision whether to continue conservative line of management or whether to put a plaster can be taken.

But as you said,we will wait for a couple of days and then decide the further line of treatment.

Do let me know the improvement status after 2 days.

Thanks

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

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Nagamani Ng