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What Causes Swelling In Ankle After Twisting It?
I fell last Thursday due to twisting my ankle. I immediately fell down in pain and my ankle immediately swelled up. I figured it was just a sprain. However, it is still very swollen and the bruising is below the ankle, on the ankle, and on the other side of my foot. I can walk on it fine, but it is numb. I have kept it elevated and can use ice for long periods of time because I can t really feel the ice. Is this normal for a sprain?
Wed, 31 May 2023
Hi,
Swelling in the ankle after twisting it is a common symptom of a sprained ankle. A sprain occurs when the ligaments, which connect bones and provide stability to joints, are stretched or torn. In the case of an ankle sprain, the ligaments that connect the bones of the ankle joint may be damaged. Swelling is the result of an inflammatory response that occurs in response to injury.
Numbness in the ankle after a sprain can occur due to nerve compression or damage. This may be due to the swelling putting pressure on the nerves, or due to the ankle joint being immobilized for long periods. It is important to keep the ankle elevated and apply ice to reduce the swelling. Pain medication can be taken to manage pain, but it is important to avoid nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen, naproxen, and aspirin, as they can increase the risk of bleeding.
If the ankle is severely swollen and painful, or if there is a deformity or severe bruising, it is important to seek medical attention. An X-ray may be needed to rule out a fracture, and a healthcare professional can recommend the best treatment plan.
If you require a personalized response, kindly use the Ask A Doctor service and post a follow-up. Take care. Hope I have answered your question.
Regards,
Dr. Priyanka, General & Family Physician
Swelling in the ankle after twisting it is a common symptom of a sprained ankle. A sprain occurs when the ligaments, which connect bones and provide stability to joints, are stretched or torn. In the case of an ankle sprain, the ligaments that connect the bones of the ankle joint may be damaged. Swelling is the result of an inflammatory response that occurs in response to injury.
Numbness in the ankle after a sprain can occur due to nerve compression or damage. This may be due to the swelling putting pressure on the nerves, or due to the ankle joint being immobilized for long periods. It is important to keep the ankle elevated and apply ice to reduce the swelling. Pain medication can be taken to manage pain, but it is important to avoid nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen, naproxen, and aspirin, as they can increase the risk of bleeding.
If the ankle is severely swollen and painful, or if there is a deformity or severe bruising, it is important to seek medical attention. An X-ray may be needed to rule out a fracture, and a healthcare professional can recommend the best treatment plan.
If you require a personalized response, kindly use the Ask A Doctor service and post a follow-up. Take care. Hope I have answered your question.
Regards,
Dr. Priyanka, General & Family Physician
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