I sprained my ankle quite bad several months ago - before winter started. I didn't go see a doctor because I dont have insurance right now, but my ankle is still somewhat swollen, and although I have free range of motion and can stand and walk, there is pain when i move it suddenly or sit with my legs crossed for too long. I am mostly concerned about the swelling. Should I go see a doctor or just shrug it off as i have been doing?
2007-03-27 13:38:36 · 12 answers · asked by Rynn 1 in Health ➔ General Health Care ➔ Injuries
The fact that your ankle is swollen means that there is continuing inflammation there. It sounds like you've injured one of the soft tissue supporting structures in your foot such as a ligament or tendon. If you can walk on your leg it's extremely unlikely that you've fractured it.
It's reassuring that you have full range of movement and can weight-bear fully. I'm afraid that (contrary to popular belief in which fractures are held to be the worst injuries) damage to ligaments and joints can take even longer to heal.
I suggest doing basic stretching exersizes regularly and warm up your ankle in the morning and whenever you plan to use your foot. Physical therapists also use something called a 'wobble board' - these look a bit like flying saucers or the planet Saturn and standing on them, trying to balance, helps to strengthen and re-orient the supporting structures of your ankle again. There are plenty of online physical therapy guides which may help you but the best therapy will of course be provided by physios themselves. Oral anti-inflammatory medications such as ibuprofen and diclofenac (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs or NSAIDs) are good for these types of injury and may reduce pain and swelling - however avoid this if you are asthmatic, take warfarin or suffer from gastric upset (they can cause ulcers and GI bleeds). Make sure you check with the pharmacist before buying these.
If you keep moving the ankle gently (nothing strenuous but not resting it completely either) the joint will heal over time but it may be several months before it feels completely better.
If, however, your ankle gets more painful or swollen or doesn't improve at all over the next few weeks I suggest you do see a doctor just to make sure there's not something else going on with your joint such as an infection or a form of arthritis. They may also be able to refer you to physical therapy or a sports medicine specialist if necessary.
Hope it gets better soon.
Dr C Klinger MA(Oxon), MB BS.
2007-03-27 14:41:44 · answer #1 · answered by ck_medic 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
My sister had a MAJOR sprain 5 yrs ago and was treated (at basketball camp and when she got home) and did physical therapy and she still has problems. You can feel scar tissue there and she had a partial tear to some ligaments but didnt want surgery because she wouldnt have been able to play that season. Sometimes you just have that scar tissue , but if is causing you that much discomfort then go for a consult with a orthopedic surgeon.
2007-03-27 13:46:16 · answer #2 · answered by GAjen 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Insurance or no insurance, go see a doctor. Your health is priceless and any care provider will work out payment plans for the uninsured. Always error on the side of caution.
2007-03-27 13:42:35 · answer #3 · answered by PhoenixSmiles 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes, if it's been several months and you haven's seen any changes, you must see a doctor.....I know you have no insurance so I recommend a free clinic in your area or near your area...Also, there are ways to get affordable health insurance....go to this website, put in your zip code and see what you can find... http://www.aeclp.org/
2007-03-27 13:45:53 · answer #4 · answered by trvlbug 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I know this might be an issue of cost, but it's more worth it to make sure your health is in good order.
Make an appt at a doctor you want and see them. If you need further treatment, see about making payment plan to pay at least your initial office visit and go from there.
You need good working body and need to take good care of yourself.
2007-03-27 13:44:15 · answer #5 · answered by dmh7593 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You should, for your own safety. Who knows? You might have an injury after all. If you don't visit the doctor right away, your ankle could get even worse.
2007-03-27 13:43:33 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
See a doctor.
2007-03-27 13:42:20 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Go see a doctor or you may end up with arthritic condition
2007-03-27 16:04:12 · answer #8 · answered by Katz 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
see a doctor, or at least set an appt.
until then, ice and compress it. that should help with the pain part.
2007-03-27 13:46:44 · answer #9 · answered by firephotodude 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
you need to see the doc because you might have a small brake or have riped a muscle
2007-03-27 15:21:11 · answer #10 · answered by steven z 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋