I sprained my ankle 4 months ago,and there's still scar tissue.Is surgery the only way to get rid of scr_tiss?

Question

I got the injury 4 months ago and did not i give it proper time to heal (micro tear of tendon in ankle). I continued to play basketball and run. A bulge of scar tissue protrudes out when I bend my foot down. Is surgery the only way to remove it at this point, or can alternative methods such as magnetic therapy, applying heat and arnica gel actually help in getting rid of or breaking up the scar tissue. How about a coritcoid steroid shot? Please help!!

Answer 1

Surgery is technically the worst way to get rid of scar tissue because no matter how good the technique or surgeon is, there will always be a new scar and consequently healing by fibrosis and a new scar tissue, if not bigger, will form over the previous one. In essence, scars can never be completely removed, although their appearce can be altered and improved by various means:

1) Creams:
a) Creams containing Vitamin E, taking vitamin E supplements, or including plenty of vitamin E in a diet from sources such as wheat germ, nuts, vegetable oils, eggs and green vegetables, can help speed up the healing process, and lessen the appearance of any scar afterwards. This is because in healing, fibrosis takes place and this involves laying down lots of collagen. Other research, however, suggests that applying Vitamin E to post surgical scars does not reduce the size, shape, or color of scars and can, in up to one third of patients, result in contact dermatitis, allergic reactions, or other irritation that can worsen a scar's appearance. This is especially true if the person has a tendency to develop "proud flesh" or keloids.

b) There is also a suggestion that cocoa butter cream can be used to help heal scars, and to prevent the formation of keloid scars.

2) Laser Surgery & Resurfacing
The use of lasers on scars is experimental treatment, the safety or effectiveness of which has not yet been proven. The redness of scars may be reduced by treatment with a vascular laser. It has been theorised that removing layers of skin with a carbon dioxide laser may help flatten scars, although this treatment is still highly experimental.

3) Steroid injections
Yes you are right, a long term course of steroid injections under medical supervision, into the scar may help flatten and soften the appearance of keloid or hypertrophic scars. This treatment is repeated at 4-6 week intervals.

4) Pressure garments
Pressure garments should be used only under supervision by a medical professional. They are most often used for burn scars that cover a large area, this treatment is only effective on recent scars. Pressure garments are usually custom-made from elastic materials, and fit tightly around the scarring. They work best when they are worn 24 hours a day for six to twelve months. It is believed that they work by applying constant pressure to surface blood vessels and eventually causing scars to flatten and become softer.

5) Radiotherapy: Low-dose, superficial radiotherapy, is used to prevent re-occurrence of severe keloid and hypertrophic scarring. It is usually effective, but only used in extreme cases due to the risk of long-term side effects.

6) Dermabrasion: Dermabrasion involves the removal of the surface of the skin with specialist equipment and usually involves a general anaesthetic. It is useful when the scar is raised above the surrounding skin, but is less effective with sunken scars.

7) Collagen injections: Collagen injections can be used to raise sunken scars to the level of surrounding skin. Its effects are however temporary, and it needs to be regularly repeated. There is also a risk in some people of an allergic reaction.

8) Other treatments: There are also a number of gel sheets available which are usually made from silicone, which can help to flatten and soften raised scars if worn regularly. Silicone, pressure, occlusion, topical cortisone and vitamin E have all been shown to decrease the collagen that forms scars. Patches and pads help but are unsightly so people tend to quit. A popular treatment among plastic surgeons is Kelo-cote, a patented silicone gel that improves the appearance of scars and prevents abnormal or excessive scar formation. Also chemical peels performed by a dermatologist using glycolic acid can be used to minimize acne scarring.

In conclusion, surgery can sometimes make the scar bigger, but improve its overall appearance. Surgery can sometimes be necessary to remove a scar on skin near a joint where it restricts movement, but it will leave another scar. In your case, if you feel that the scar is restricting the movement of your ankle joint, then surgery should be thought over. In the case of hypertrophic or keloid scarring, surgery is not recommended, as there is a high risk of re-occurrence of possibly worse scarring following surgery.

Hope this helps. :D

Answer 2

1

Answer 3

go see a massage therapist that specializes in sports injuries. Scar tissue can be broken up and the body re-absorbs it.

Answer 4

Your orthopedic doctor can help you determine that. As far as I know surgery is probably the only way to correct that.