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On Cast For Fractured Ankle. Swelling Inside The Cast, Severe Pain. History Of Change In Diet. Thoughts?
hi my grandmother fractured her ankle or fibula and has a cast which has been on for about two weeks. But now its starting to swell inside, she does elevate it and doesn't let it hang but it still swells to the point it makes it tight in her cast. The pressing against the cast when it swells causes her pain but then the swelling will go away and come back out of no where. My family and I are not sure whether we should be concerned or just not worry because her diet has changed as well so we're wondering if maybe that's the cause also.
Thu, 26 Sep 2013
Hi, thanks for writing to HCM.
Diet has nothing to do with the swelling occuring in a plastered leg.
Inorder to prevent the swelling in the foot, it is advised to keep the foot end in elevation most of the time in a day. As the dependent oedema is more common especially in elderly age groups, limb elevation and active toe movements will definitely help in reducing the swelling.
Also, check for the snug fit of the cast just enough to provide support but not too tight to cause a vascular compromise, which might also causes swelling of the foot.
Hope this information is helpful. Good day
Diet has nothing to do with the swelling occuring in a plastered leg.
Inorder to prevent the swelling in the foot, it is advised to keep the foot end in elevation most of the time in a day. As the dependent oedema is more common especially in elderly age groups, limb elevation and active toe movements will definitely help in reducing the swelling.
Also, check for the snug fit of the cast just enough to provide support but not too tight to cause a vascular compromise, which might also causes swelling of the foot.
Hope this information is helpful. Good day
I find this answer helpful
Hi,
I don't think change in diet would cause swelling of the fractured part.
Welling is a normal body response to plaster cast,because it tightly holds the broken bone together so as to allow a good linear healing.
Still, looking at your grand mother's age,I would advice you to consult your Orthopedic surgeon for excluding possibility of gaping /displacement.
Thanks.
I don't think change in diet would cause swelling of the fractured part.
Welling is a normal body response to plaster cast,because it tightly holds the broken bone together so as to allow a good linear healing.
Still, looking at your grand mother's age,I would advice you to consult your Orthopedic surgeon for excluding possibility of gaping /displacement.
Thanks.
I find this answer helpful
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