What Does Swollen Right Leg After Injury With Normal X Ray Indicate?

Posted on Thu, 31 Jul 2014

Question: I missed 2 steps and landed upright on my concrete patio one week ago My left ankle rolled severely. Extremely swollen and purple. My right leg stayed upright and I heard a snap on the right side just below the knee. I immediately sensed a weakness in that leg.No swelling or bruising. Went to the ER. Doc says no fracture in my left ankle or right ankle(they xrayed that because I had a bruise on the ankle). I have difficulty walking because of both legs involved. I have an ankle brace on the left and a knee brace on the right and that helps. Will this heal on its own or do I need to see an ortho. I have an extremely high deductible on my insurance and not sure I can afford the MRI.

Answered by Dr. Pavan Kumar Gupta (2 hours later)

Brief answer....must get an MRI done and meet orthopedic
Dtailed answer...
Hello,
Thanks for the query.
Although X-rays have ruled out any fracture but still it is always best to get the MRI done as it gives a complete picture regarding the bones,muscles and tendons around your joint.Hopefully everything should be allright but the point is not to miss anything.
Ideal situation would be to definitely consult your orthopedic and a MRI review.
Till you meet him,you can take ibuprofen 400 mg three times a day as it would help in reducing the pain and inflammation.
I hope it helps,however you may revert to me for any further query.
Best of luck
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. Chakravarthy Mazumdar