It's been 4 weeks since I had ORIF (open reduction internal fixation) on my ankle. I am still not putting weight on it and still have a cast, my question is, I still have swelling off and on, sometimes when my leg gets warm it tends to swell and make the cast tight, or when the leg is hanging down, which I don't do very much, but even if I am sitting and my leg is elevated at times it swells. I don't believe it is inflammation that is causing this. The ankle is sore, feels more like a bruised feeling, and that is off and on as well. Any suggestions as to why my leg is swelling? I am headed to the doctor tomorrow but still feel pain, I thought maybe she would xray it and possibly put a boot on and remove the cast, but I don't want to injure it again. Any suggestions or answers. Thanks.
2007-02-22 16:49:13 · 5 answers · asked by slwe03 2 in Health ➔ General Health Care ➔ Injuries
I have been watching my salt intake, since this, and I have 3 screws, on is on the outside, 2 on inside and a metal plate.
2007-02-22 17:07:05 · update #1
It may take your ankle up to a year to be totally back to normal,perhaps longer.The joint will continue to have those symptoms because of the extensive repair you had.When you feel the ankle swelling ,you can always apply an ice pack,to help that to go away etc. Take care. SW RNP
2007-02-22 17:48:00 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
You ankle is still healing. The swelling is from your body getting use to the screws and plates. It is treating it as an infection, that is causing the swelling. It should go away. Good luck to you! Take your time to recover.
Peace
2007-02-22 17:18:41 · answer #2 · answered by Massageman 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The injury disrupted some of the circulation, and it'll take a while for it to heal. New veins will grow, and it'll work out.
2007-02-22 17:14:53 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
You may be having a reaction to the hardware. Do you have pins or screws?
2007-02-22 16:59:16 · answer #4 · answered by J W 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
could be water retention...do you eat a lot of salt?
2007-02-22 16:53:29 · answer #5 · answered by kitkat00860 1 · 1⤊ 0⤋