HealthCareMagic is now Ask A Doctor - 24x7 | https://www.askadoctor24x7.com

Get your health question answered instantly from our pool of 18000+ doctors from over 80 specialties
159 Doctors Online

By proceeding, I accept the Terms and Conditions

Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

HCM Blog Instant Access to Doctors
HCM BlogQuestions Answered
HCM Blog Satisfaction

Suggest Remedy For Ankle Swelling

I broke my ankle in Sep 2013. I had 2 screws and a device similar to a sling put in it. I began walking on it in Dec and had no pain until I started Cardiac rehab in Apr 2014. A recent xray says On the present examination metallic screws noted at the medial malleolus and the Union is incomplete at the medial malleolar fracture. Degenerative changes of right ankle noted with overlying soft tissue swelling . What can be done to help this ankle heal?
Wed, 27 Apr 2016
Report Abuse
Physical Therapist or Physiotherapist 's  Response
hi,

thank you for providing the brief history of you,

As you mentioned you had a fracture at the ankle joint and for which the surgery was performed, till now i feel the healing is not completed as the callus is not formed at the fracture site, also, this is completely a physiological process and a body's call for healing. Taking an oral calcium supplement prescribed by your physician must be taken and also some exercises advised. Since the location of the bone is weight bearing there will be changes in the joint structure, and function. So now the question is of swelling here, as you mentioned you have a degenerative changes in the right ankle, it is needed to allow the venous return to happen and reduce the swelling for which, dipping the feet in hot water and performing ankle toe movements while placing the feet over the pillow above the level of heart. Post this, some lower leg strengthening exercises are also needed to make the muscles of the lower limb stronger. As we do not know your age yet, if you are having any hypertension, then swelling is because of slow cardio, so the cardio rehab has to be performed but without weight bearing. And there are cardiac rehab protocol for non weight bearing as well.

Also, the xray shows, non union, that means, you may need a graft of bone to be placed to ensure the healing, this is your call and you can discuss with the surgeon, as healing of the weight bearing joints is utmost importance.

Also, taking an Ultrasound therapy and TENS therapy from a physical therapist will help you further.

Regards
Jay Indravadan Patel
I find this answer helpful
Orthopaedic Surgeon Dr. Ntambue's  Response
Hi there
If your ankle is still swelling 3 years after injury there is a problem and It can be solved
If the medial malleolus(small bone in the inside of your ankle) has not fully healed it needs to be revised and fixed again. Main concern is degenerative changes in the ankle joints. I suggest that you see an orthopaedic surgeon or a foot and ankle surgeon for an assessment and further investigations to determine the right course of actions. Yes there is hope for your ankle to be pain free.
I find this answer helpful

Note: For further queries, consult a joint and bone specialist, an Orthopaedic surgeon. Book a Call now.
Disclaimer: These answers are for your information only and not intended to replace your relationship with your treating physician.
This is a short, free answer. For a more detailed, immediate answer, try our premium service [Sample answer]
Share on
 

Related questions you may be interested in


Recent questions on Bone fracture


Loading Online Doctors....
Suggest Remedy For Ankle Swelling

hi, thank you for providing the brief history of you, As you mentioned you had a fracture at the ankle joint and for which the surgery was performed, till now i feel the healing is not completed as the callus is not formed at the fracture site, also, this is completely a physiological process and a body s call for healing. Taking an oral calcium supplement prescribed by your physician must be taken and also some exercises advised. Since the location of the bone is weight bearing there will be changes in the joint structure, and function. So now the question is of swelling here, as you mentioned you have a degenerative changes in the right ankle, it is needed to allow the venous return to happen and reduce the swelling for which, dipping the feet in hot water and performing ankle toe movements while placing the feet over the pillow above the level of heart. Post this, some lower leg strengthening exercises are also needed to make the muscles of the lower limb stronger. As we do not know your age yet, if you are having any hypertension, then swelling is because of slow cardio, so the cardio rehab has to be performed but without weight bearing. And there are cardiac rehab protocol for non weight bearing as well. Also, the xray shows, non union, that means, you may need a graft of bone to be placed to ensure the healing, this is your call and you can discuss with the surgeon, as healing of the weight bearing joints is utmost importance. Also, taking an Ultrasound therapy and TENS therapy from a physical therapist will help you further. Regards Jay Indravadan Patel