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How To Treat Swollen Ankle Caused Due To Injury In An Elderly Person?
My 83 year old mom missed a step into sunken living room and twisted ankle badly at Thanksgiving. Went to ER, no broken bones. Went to Ortho and had MRI, no lig nor tendon problems, but she keeps swelling and ankle and top of foot since Thanksgiving and can hardly wear a shoe. Then it goes down and swells back up. What can we do?
Wed, 1 Feb 2023
Hi,
Treatment for a swollen ankle caused by injury in an elderly person may include the following steps:
* Rest and elevate the affected ankle: Keep the ankle elevated above the level of the heart as much as possible to reduce swelling. Use pillows or a footstool to prop up the foot when sitting.
* Apply ice: Apply a cold pack or ice wrapped in a towel to the ankle for 20-30 minutes at a time, several times a day to reduce swelling and pain.
* Compression: Use an elastic bandage or compression sock to help reduce swelling and provide support to the ankle.
* Medication: Over-the-counter pain relievers such as ibuprofen or naproxen can help reduce pain and inflammation.
* Physical therapy: A physical therapist can teach you exercises to help improve range of motion and strength in the affected ankle.
* Follow-up with orthopedic doctor: Follow-up with the orthopedic doctor who performed the MRI and discuss the swelling, It would be best to get a proper examination and diagnosis.
It's important to note that elderly people may take longer to heal and may be more prone to complications such as blood clots, so it is important to follow the doctor's instructions and take appropriate precautions.
Take care. Hope I have answered your question. Let me know if I can assist you further.
Regards,
Dr. Priyanka, General & Family Physician
Treatment for a swollen ankle caused by injury in an elderly person may include the following steps:
* Rest and elevate the affected ankle: Keep the ankle elevated above the level of the heart as much as possible to reduce swelling. Use pillows or a footstool to prop up the foot when sitting.
* Apply ice: Apply a cold pack or ice wrapped in a towel to the ankle for 20-30 minutes at a time, several times a day to reduce swelling and pain.
* Compression: Use an elastic bandage or compression sock to help reduce swelling and provide support to the ankle.
* Medication: Over-the-counter pain relievers such as ibuprofen or naproxen can help reduce pain and inflammation.
* Physical therapy: A physical therapist can teach you exercises to help improve range of motion and strength in the affected ankle.
* Follow-up with orthopedic doctor: Follow-up with the orthopedic doctor who performed the MRI and discuss the swelling, It would be best to get a proper examination and diagnosis.
It's important to note that elderly people may take longer to heal and may be more prone to complications such as blood clots, so it is important to follow the doctor's instructions and take appropriate precautions.
Take care. Hope I have answered your question. Let me know if I can assist you further.
Regards,
Dr. Priyanka, General & Family Physician
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