What Actions Should I Take?
I'm a 22-year-old woman, and last night I experienced a rather unsettling incident. After getting up abruptly from my seat, my leg went numb, and when I tried to stand, my ankle twisted awkwardly. Experiencing this is not unusual for me due to my hypermobility—resulting from double-jointedness—as well as my ability to tolerate pain, which is affected by my fibromyalgia. However, my main worry lies in the sensation I felt when my foot bent in an alarming manner just before I lost my balance, coupled with the audible crunching noises I heard. Should I be alarmed about this? While my foot is painful, it appears slightly swollen without any bruising. Walking is possible, albeit painful, and even though my ankle doesn’t hurt much, my foot is quite sensitive to touch. Thankfully, I can still move my toes and other parts of my foot despite the discomfort. What steps should I take next?
Answers (1)
3/24/2025, 9:10:40 PM
OpenHealth AI
It sounds like you experienced a concerning incident with your foot and ankle, especially given your history of hypermobility and fibromyalgia. While it's positive that you can still move your toes and that you're able to walk, the numbness, pain, and crunching noise may indicate an injury that requires attention.
Explanation
When you mention your leg going numb and the awkward twisting of your ankle, it suggests that there could have been stress on your ligaments or joints, common in individuals with hypermobility. The audible crunching could be related to the movement of joint surfaces or irregularities due to the hypermobility. Swelling and sensitivity are signs that inflammation may be occurring and that your foot may be injured, even if there is no visible bruising.
Next Steps
Here are prioritized actions to consider:
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Rest & Elevation: Limit activities that put strain on your foot. Keep your foot elevated above heart level to reduce swelling. Resting will also help prevent further injury.
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Ice Therapy: Apply ice to the swollen area for 15-20 minutes every hour as needed. This can help reduce swelling and numb pain. Remember to wrap the ice pack in a cloth to protect your skin.
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Compression: If possible, use a compression wrap or sock to help manage swelling. Be careful not to wrap it too tightly, as it can restrict blood flow.
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Gentle Movement: While rest is crucial, perform gentle movements and stretches if they are comfortable and pain-free. This may help maintain circulation and flexibility.
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Pain Management: Over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen or acetaminophen can help manage pain and inflammation. Follow the recommended dosing instructions on the package.
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Monitor Symptoms: Keep track of any changes in your symptoms, particularly if the pain increases, you develop severe swelling, or if you experience new symptoms like numbness or discoloration.
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Seek Further Evaluation: If your symptoms do not improve within a few days, or if you notice significant worsening, consider seeking medical evaluation for potential imaging tests (like an X-ray) to rule out fractures or severe ligament damage.
Taking these steps will help manage your symptoms and support recovery. If you have specific concerns as you monitor your condition, please feel free to ask.
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