My 9 yr old broke his tibia and had the cast removed last wk, after being on for 6 wks. Now he's in a boot for 3 more wks, still no weight bearing. So here's my question: I've noticed his "bad" ankle (the one that was in the cast) is bigger than his good one. It's not the whole leg, just the ankle area. And it's not something you would necessarily notice unless he's holding up both feet side by side. Why is this? I was expecting the broken one to be smaller, if anything, than the good one.
Just FYI: he's a very cautious kid, I know he hasnt beared any weight on it. And he's not complaining of any pain, just the stiffness you would expect after being in a cast for a while.
Thanks a bunch for any thoughts/facts/info!
2007-07-05 06:28:00 · 6 answers · asked by Anonymous in Health ➔ General Health Care ➔ Injuries
could be water/fluid retention since it wasn't bearing any load... fluid may build up since there was no "pressure" to force the liquid out and reduced circulation due to the cast and boot.
Could be the remains of a sprain if it contributed to the break?
It's hard to really say... Ask your doctor.
2007-07-05 06:37:25 · answer #1 · answered by Dave C 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The joint could still have swelling in it from the injury. Just because he broke the leg bone dose not mean that the ankle was not injured too ( (sprained). Also it could just be fluid build up do to not being moved for a long time.
2007-07-05 06:45:55 · answer #2 · answered by melissa p 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I know the same thing happened to me. I think it's because the leg is inactive for such a long period of time and the muscles weaken. Actually the leg that I broke is still a little smaller than the other.
2007-07-05 06:36:39 · answer #3 · answered by tifanie o 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Chances are the pressure the cast placed on your body--forced blood to stay in your foot vs. flowing up & down the leg like it would normally. Chances are you are just a little swollen. I'd wait a few days & follow your doctor's instructions. Chances are it will calm down & go back to normal in a few days.
2016-05-18 23:25:23 · answer #4 · answered by ? 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If the leg is hot or red there is a infection. the swelling may be due to lack of blood flow . Have him elevate the leg and see if the swelling goes down. I would also call your doctor to see if a office visit may be necessary
2007-07-05 06:37:48 · answer #5 · answered by Patrick M 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You really need to call your dr on this one.
2007-07-05 06:31:11 · answer #6 · answered by Cristina C 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋