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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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What Causes Painfully Swollen Ankle?

WhaHi Three months ago I fell for reasons I do not know. The outer side of my left ankle swelled up with so much pressure I was unable to walk or even touch it. The first though from my GP was gout. The test levels indicated it was not. I was issued a steroid regiment (six the first day, five the next and so on) the next morning the swelling had gone down so much I was able to walk and the pain was gone. Six weeks ago coming down stairs my left ankle gave out. I fell down the stairs breaking my heel in three places. The pain and swollen is in the side of my foot again. I spent three days in the hospital when it happened. On the third day I had the worst pain attack on the side of the foot. I had enough of the doctors and nurses not listening to me that the pain was not from my heel it was from the same place as in March. I finally convinced the doctor what took care of the pain the last time and he prescribed me the same steroid regiment.The next morning the pain was now tolerable and I was able to be released from the hospital. It is two days short of six weeks now. I am unable to do any thing verticle for long periods of time. My ankle and pain is still on the outside of the foot and swollen. It resides all around that bone that protrudes out of the ankle. The ortho dr. doesnt seem concerned. I believe some of it comes from the insurance I have and me being indigent. Ido not thik that after six weeks that I should have the pain and swollen that I have. What are your thoughts? David
Mon, 16 Oct 2017
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General Surgeon,  's  Response
In all probability, the initial fall with pain and swelling of the ankle was due to a fracture of the bone at the ankle region. Later you also had a fall with fracture of the heel bone at three places. Please get an X Ray and C.T Scan of the foot and ankle area to diagnose the situation. Since it has been 3 months since the initial fall, I suspect the fracture could have malunited, or is non united. Once these findings are certain with the scan, you must consult a Podiatric Surgeon, or an Orthopedic surgeon who has good experience in foot and ankle surgery.In all probability, you will require surgery to fix the broken ankle bone in the correct position. In the meantime, to prevent further bone injury, and relieve pain, please do not weight bear on the left foot. Please use a Walker and be ambulant with your right foot.
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What Causes Painfully Swollen Ankle?

In all probability, the initial fall with pain and swelling of the ankle was due to a fracture of the bone at the ankle region. Later you also had a fall with fracture of the heel bone at three places. Please get an X Ray and C.T Scan of the foot and ankle area to diagnose the situation. Since it has been 3 months since the initial fall, I suspect the fracture could have malunited, or is non united. Once these findings are certain with the scan, you must consult a Podiatric Surgeon, or an Orthopedic surgeon who has good experience in foot and ankle surgery.In all probability, you will require surgery to fix the broken ankle bone in the correct position. In the meantime, to prevent further bone injury, and relieve pain, please do not weight bear on the left foot. Please use a Walker and be ambulant with your right foot.