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Slipped On Loose Gravel, Ankle Twisted, Painful, Numb, Swollen, Unable To Move. Is It More Than Sprain?

I slipped on loose gravel down a ditch last Saturday and twisted my ankle. There was immediate pain, numbness and I couldn't move. When I sat down my ankle was the size of a baseball. Since the swelling is down, my ankle on inside and out is black and on top of foot to my toes. The pain has not went away. I can walk some until it hurts, it stay numb all the time. The outside of my ankle has heat to touch. Could this be more than a bad sprain?
Tue, 20 Aug 2013
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Orthopaedic Surgeon, Joint Replacement 's  Response
Hi,

The early treatment of a ankle sprain is the "RICE" method of treatment. If you are unsure of the severity of your ankle sprain, talk to your doctor before beginning any treatment or rehab.REST, ICEING, COMPRESSION, ELEVATION.
You can take over-the-counter drugs, such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen, to relieve pain and swelling.

Once your pain subsides, gently exercise your ankle by rotating it in circles. Rotate both directions, and stop if it begins to hurt. You can also use your hands to gently flex the ankle up and down. These exercises will return your range of motion and help exercise your ankle, lowering your risk of re-injury.
A sprained ankle often swells and bruises for about 10 days to two weeks. However, it may take a few months for the injury to fully heal.

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Orthopaedic Surgeon, Joint Replacement Dr. K. Naga Ravi Prasad's  Response
Hi, thanks for writing to HCM.

Based on your description, you could have sustained either malleolar injuries of the ankle or an anke sprain.

An xray is mandatory to rule out a fracture.

The initial treatment of this condition is as follows -

* Protection in the form of a splint or support and avoid activities that put additional strain on the injured tissues
* Rest to the injured area
* Elevation of the leg
* Ice packing of the injured area every 2 hours
* Elastic compression bandage around the swollen area
* Analgesic medications as needed

If your symptoms are not resolving with the above measures, then you need an orthopedic surgeons consultation.

Hope this information is helpful. Good day
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Orthopaedic Surgeon, Joint Replacement Dr. Amit Kumar Jaiswal's  Response
Hello
Thank you very much to concerning us

As you say that you have got twisting type of injury of your ankle with swelling and black of ankle which could be occurred due to tear of ankle joint ligaments and also possible that it may be grade 2 or 3 tear.
I tell you about primary management as Rest to the your ankle, limb elevation, ice pack application 2 hourly and take some analgesics. After that you must concern orthopaedics surgeon so that he can evaluate grade of injury and treat accordingly.
Get well soon.
With best wish
Dr Amit Kumar Jaiswal
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1 Doctor agrees with this answer

Orthopaedic Surgeon, Joint Replacement Dr. Milind Merchant's  Response
Hello,

This looks like you have ankle ligament sprain, In addition a fracture still cannot be ruled out and a xray needs to be done.

I would advice you to take rest, elevate the leg on pillows, apply ice packs every 4 hours till swelling subsides, you can also take some pain medications and use a compression bandage.

I hope this helps you,

Regards,

Dr Merchant
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Note: For further queries, consult a joint and bone specialist, an Orthopaedic surgeon. Book a Call now.
Disclaimer: These answers are for your information only and not intended to replace your relationship with your treating physician.
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Slipped On Loose Gravel, Ankle Twisted, Painful, Numb, Swollen, Unable To Move. Is It More Than Sprain?

Hi, The early treatment of a ankle sprain is the RICE method of treatment. If you are unsure of the severity of your ankle sprain, talk to your doctor before beginning any treatment or rehab.REST, ICEING, COMPRESSION, ELEVATION. You can take over-the-counter drugs, such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen, to relieve pain and swelling. Once your pain subsides, gently exercise your ankle by rotating it in circles. Rotate both directions, and stop if it begins to hurt. You can also use your hands to gently flex the ankle up and down. These exercises will return your range of motion and help exercise your ankle, lowering your risk of re-injury. A sprained ankle often swells and bruises for about 10 days to two weeks. However, it may take a few months for the injury to fully heal.