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Suggest Treatment For Swelling And Pain In Ankle After Treated Fracture
I am almost 39, female with Spina Bifida. I am considered high-functioning for having SB because I walk with a cane, that said I have reduced feeling in my lower limbs and about 2.5 months ago I slipped and fractured my cuboid bone in my left foot, my good foot actually. So I was in a wheelchair and cast for 7 of those 8.5 weeks and a splint before that for 1.5 weeks. I just got out of my cast and started using my cane again and exercising as well on a treadmill and elliptical machine, the docs said I had thin bones due to SB, and I am now experiencing a dull ache and terrible swelling in the foot and ankle. Is this normal and a part of the healing process? The x-rayed the foot, w/o contrast as well, about two wk ago and said the fracture was healed...but the swelling is disconcerting to me. I hope I didn t re-fracture, my pain tolerance btw is high due to my reduce feeling so I usually have to go by sight with me lower limbs.
Wed, 22 Jul 2020
Hi,
You have said that you have spina bifida with decreased sensation of the lower limbs and weak bones structure.Now the broken bone has healed but you are left with this swelling and ache of the foot and ankle. Now any fracture is associated with swelling and this will be all the more in the lower limb as its suspended down while walking and sitting. Plus you have reduced sensation and weak bones all related to the neurological problem. In addition in some cases there is a condition called chronic regional pain syndrome where swelling and pain persists long after the fracture has healed.
You have to do everything to reduce the swelling by compressive bandaging, anti DVT stockings,elevation while sitting and at rest.exercise the ankle and toes to get the venous return back to normal. Use creams for pain and swelling,pain patches. You may need specific medications like Pregabilin, pain medications. Also medications to strengthen the bones. You will need your doctors help for this part.
Take care. Hope I have answered your question. Let me know if I can assist you further.
Regards,
Dr. George Verghese, Orthopedic Surgeon
You have said that you have spina bifida with decreased sensation of the lower limbs and weak bones structure.Now the broken bone has healed but you are left with this swelling and ache of the foot and ankle. Now any fracture is associated with swelling and this will be all the more in the lower limb as its suspended down while walking and sitting. Plus you have reduced sensation and weak bones all related to the neurological problem. In addition in some cases there is a condition called chronic regional pain syndrome where swelling and pain persists long after the fracture has healed.
You have to do everything to reduce the swelling by compressive bandaging, anti DVT stockings,elevation while sitting and at rest.exercise the ankle and toes to get the venous return back to normal. Use creams for pain and swelling,pain patches. You may need specific medications like Pregabilin, pain medications. Also medications to strengthen the bones. You will need your doctors help for this part.
Take care. Hope I have answered your question. Let me know if I can assist you further.
Regards,
Dr. George Verghese, Orthopedic Surgeon
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