Seeking Guidance After Ankle Injury Amid Language Challenges
Hello everyone, I hope you're all doing well. To begin with, I have consulted a physician, but there was a significant language barrier during the visit. For context: - **Age:** 27, female - **Height/Weight:** 164 cm and 100 kg - **Location:** Currently in China, originally from South Africa. - **Duration and Area of Concern:** The issue primarily involves my right ankle, and it has persisted since early Monday afternoon. **Medical Background:** I have been diagnosed with Axial Spondyloarthritis (AxSpA), Rheumatoid Arthritis, bipolar disorder type II, and high cholesterol. **Current Medications:** My medication regimen is extensive, including an antidepressant, mood stabilizer, and anti-anxiety medication. Specifically for AxSpA, I take methotrexate (six tablets per week), folic acid, and Etoricoxib at 90 mg. On Monday afternoon, I fell down the stairs, injuring both of my ankles and causing discoloration on parts of my feet. Initially, the pain was excruciating, making it impossible for me to stand for about ten minutes. Eventually, I managed to walk to work, taking nearly twice as long as my usual commute. I doubted the severity of my injury, which is why I continued to work that day. On Wednesday, I sought medical attention at a hospital. Unfortunately, the doctors spoke Chinese, and even with a coworker who accompanied me, communication was not very effective due to her limited proficiency in English. The doctor ordered an x-ray for my right ankle and later informed me that I had a ligament injury. He mentioned that the recovery period would be approximately one month and recommended that I use a moon boot while minimizing my walking. Currently, I feel uncertain about the next steps. Both ankles continue to ache when I move or walk in specific ways, although I can manage to walk—albeit slowly. There are moments when the pain is less severe while walking. Is there anything specific I should know about my situation? Additionally, considering my Rheumatoid Arthritis and Axial Spondyloarthritis, might there be lasting repercussions from this fall on my ankles? I’m also under pressure from my employer to return to teaching next week. Since my job requires me to be on my feet frequently, would it be wise to go back to work at this point? Thank you for your support!
Answers (1)
3/29/2025, 3:30:48 AM
OpenHealth AI
It sounds like you're dealing with quite a challenging situation following your ankle injury, especially with the added complexities of language barriers and your existing health conditions. You're right to seek clarity on your next steps. Here’s a structured approach focusing on your current circumstances and concerns.
Key Points
- Diagnosis and Recovery: You have a ligament injury in your right ankle, with an estimated recovery time of about one month, and you're advised to minimize walking.
- Pain Management: You are experiencing ongoing pain in both ankles, which may be influenced by your underlying conditions, including Rheumatoid Arthritis and Axial Spondyloarthritis.
- Return to Work Considerations: Given the physical demands of your teaching job, returning to work soon might not be advisable.
Explanation
A ligament injury can lead to pain, swelling, and restricted movement. Your experience with pain in both ankles is likely due to the recent injury and possibly compounded by your existing arthritis, which can cause stiffness and discomfort. The recommended use of a moon boot helps to stabilize the ankle, allowing it to heal properly while minimizing further stress.
Next Steps
-
Immediate Care:
- Rest: Limit movement as much as possible, especially of the injured ankle. This will help with recovery.
- RICE Method: Utilize the RICE method—Rest, Ice, Compression (if swelling persists), and Elevation. This can help reduce pain and swelling.
- Use of the Moon Boot: Continue wearing the moon boot as advised to protect the injury and aid in healing.
-
Pain Management:
- Manage Pain Medications: If you haven't already, consider discussing with your healthcare provider the use of appropriate pain medications that do not interfere with your current regimen. Over-the-counter options like acetaminophen (paracetamol) might be suitable for managing pain, but always check with a doctor or pharmacist.
-
Monitor Symptoms: Keep a journal of your symptoms, noting any changes in pain intensity, swelling, or mobility. This information will be valuable for future consultations.
-
Employer Communication: Given the physical demands of your teaching job, it may be prudent to discuss your situation with your employer. Explain your injury and recovery requirements, and consider requesting an extension for your return to work to safeguard your health.
-
Follow-Up Consultation: Since language was a barrier in your initial consultation, look for a medical translator or bring someone more proficient in both languages for clarity. Understanding your recovery expectations, potential limits, and exercises (if any) is crucial.
Additional Considerations
- Long-Term Effects: It's possible that this injury may affect your joints due to the underlying arthritis, but most injuries improve significantly with adequate rest and rehabilitation.
- Physical Therapy: Once the initial healing is complete, see if a physical therapist can assist with strengthening exercises that accommodate your arthritis.
By following these steps, you can ensure the best care for your injury while managing your existing health conditions effectively. Take your time with recovery and prioritize your health above all. Let me know if you need further clarification or assistance!
Related Questions
Experiencing Medical Adhesive for the First Time
I apologize for the awkwardness of this message, as I’m typing with my non-dominant hand. I'm a young woman, and an incident occurred while I was drinking. To keep it brief, I managed to accidentally slice the tip of my thumb off about two hours ago. Thankfully, it wasn’t an extensive injury, but enough to cause bleeding that lasted for roughly 30 minutes, even with pressure applied and my hand elevated. (For context, the cut extends a few millimeters deep, penetrating beyond just the surface layer of skin.) Following the accident, I visited the hospital where they applied medical glue, wrapped it up, and discharged me. As I was leaving, I began experiencing some pain, which persists. Upon returning home, I noticed some blood on the gauze covering the injury, which appeared roughly an hour after I got back. Is this typical? The hospital did not provide any pain relief, which I’m not overly concerned about since it is only my finger, but my tendency to be a bit of a hypochondriac is making me anxious. This is my first experience with such an injury. What’s the recommended method for cleaning it once I change the dressing? Thanks in advance!
Seeking Guidance on Long-Term Shoulder Muscle Loss After Dislocation
I am a 25-year-old male, and five years ago, I experienced a dislocation of my left shoulder. While the joint has healed well and I have regained a good range of motion, the muscle in my shoulder has not recovered. There is a noticeable difference in muscle mass when compared to my right shoulder. Additionally, I have lost sensation in the area where the muscle has atrophied. When I touch that spot, I feel almost nothing at all. I recall being informed that sensation might return within six months to two years, but unfortunately, that hasn’t happened. In the gym, I've also realized that my left shoulder functions improperly during workouts. While performing chest and shoulder exercises, it seems as though my triceps compensate excessively, rather than the shoulder muscle engaging as it should. This leads to a very frustrating and unbalanced training experience. At this juncture, I’m concerned that the issue may stem from lasting nerve damage caused by the dislocation. I’m curious whether it’s still feasible to rebuild the muscle or regain sensation after such a lengthy period, or if this condition is likely permanent. Have others found themselves in similar situations years later, and did they manage to make any progress or uncover the root cause of their issues? I’m not seeking a diagnosis; I simply wish to understand if the muscle damage is irreversible or if there remains a possible pathway to recovery. What steps should I consider taking next? I would greatly appreciate any advice or insights regarding my situation. Thank you!
Urinary Retention and Lower Back Discomfort
A 38-year-old male weighing 237 pounds has been experiencing urinary issues over the past five days, noting significantly reduced urine output with a very feeble flow—occasionally just a dribble. Yesterday, he began feeling discomfort in his flank region, near where he suspects his kidney is located. Today, that discomfort continued but intensified. He sought help at a prompt care facility where a urinalysis was conducted, revealing no abnormalities. The medical advice he received was to increase his fluid intake. While at the facility, he began to experience severe pain in the lower part of his back, right in the center, making bending a challenge. Currently, he is applying ice to the affected area; however, it's uncomfortable for him to lie down or stand. He wonders if the urinary issues and the back pain are connected and is reluctant to visit the emergency room due to financial concerns. Additionally, he recalls a couple of relevant incidents: last Saturday marked the first time he had gone roller skating in many years, during which he noticed some discomfort in the perineum. He has also been dealing with a cyst in his pubic region for a month, which is gradually improving.
Understanding Injuries: Distinguishing Between Tibial Stress Fracture and Anterior Tibial Tendonitis
Recently, I've ramped up my workout regimen significantly since early December, but I keep facing setbacks with injuries. During December, my routine involved daily outdoor walks and a brief incline walking session, complemented by 30 to 45 minutes of exercise. I noticed a bony protrusion appeared at the back of my right heel, and a similar one started to develop on my left heel as well. When I returned home over the holiday break, my mom arranged for me to see a podiatrist, who diagnosed the right heel bump as a pump bump. On the other hand, the left heel had become a source of greater discomfort and noticeable swelling, to the extent that my Achilles tendon was not visible. The diagnosis for that was Achilles tendonitis. The podiatrist recommended a change of footwear, a steroid treatment plan, anti-inflammatory medications, and a course of physical therapy lasting 4 to 6 weeks. Upon returning to college and anticipating starting physical therapy, I noticed improvements in my ankle discomfort with the new shoes. As a result, I delayed my therapy sessions and resumed a more regular workout routine. Since then, I have been free from significant pain, and both heels are feeling better. My regimen over the last two to three weeks involves about an hour of strength training followed by a two-hour treadmill session—beginning with an incline of 10 at a speed of 3.5, progressively lowering the incline and raising the speed every 10 to 12 minutes. During this treadmill time, I generally study, so I remain engaged. On days when I don’t use the treadmill, I aim to walk several miles outdoors, taking advantage of the hilly terrain on my campus. Sundays serve as my primary rest day, but I still try to complete my fitness rings and take longer walks. Just this past Sunday, I undertook a 10-mile walk that lasted around 2.5 hours, and I noticed the following day that I had discomfort in my right shin. Initially, I assumed it was shin splints and continued my usual activities throughout the week. However, by yesterday, I recognized that the pain was persistent and not improving. Upon closer examination, it seemed like it wasn’t typical shin splint pain; instead, I have localized pain the size of a quarter on the front area of my shin that is tender to the touch and during movement. Mornings tend to be slightly better, but the pain worsens at night after a day spent on my feet. Routine activities aggravate it, and when I walk, it feels akin to a hammer striking my shin. Moreover, if I walk normally and push off with my toes at the end of my stride, a sharp pain radiates up my shin. I have also noted moments where my gait has altered slightly, and I’ve started limping without realizing it, though I can correct my stride when I concentrate. The most discomfort was felt last night after I returned home to my apartment. While lying on my stomach with my legs hanging off the bed, I could still sense the pain even without any movement. Although the pain escalates with weight-bearing activities or when walking, I also experience pain if I sit down with my feet flat and then lift my leg. Driving is particularly challenging as switching between pedals causes significant discomfort. In trying to pinpoint the issue online, I found that my symptoms seemed more closely aligned with a stress fracture rather than the shin splints I initially presumed. I read concerning accounts of stress fractures evolving into full breaks and potentially leading to longer recovery times. Not wanting to prolong my downtime unnecessarily, I decided to visit urgent care today for a professional evaluation. They conducted x-rays but found no visible abnormalities. The doctor performed a few movements and suspects I might have anterior tibial tendonitis, as there was some crepitus noted. However, fears of a stress fracture still linger. This pain feels distinct from the previous Achilles tendonitis; whereas that felt like a stretching tension, this current sensation resembles a hammer striking my leg when I walk. In contrast, I experience a pulling feeling only when rotating my ankle without weight. I'm uncertain if this all articulates my situation clearly, but I am planning to attend physical therapy soon and will limit incline walking for the time being. Still, I am left wondering if my concerns about a potential stress fracture are warranted, or if this seems more characteristic of tendonitis?
Appropriate Use of Athletic Tape for Swimmers
To provide some background, I’m a 17-year-old female and currently competing in high school swimming while dealing with a knee injury. Essentially, my knee joint is unstable, and it will take several months for recovery. Both knees are affected, and I experience a constant pain level of around 7 out of 10. I've been advised to undergo physical therapy and to utilize athletic tape while swimming during my recovery, along with having to rely on knee braces for long-term support. However, the issue I face is that the tape tends to come off during school hours, and I can’t use my knee brace while I’m in the water. I’m looking for suggestions on how to better secure the tape or if I should consider wrapping it entirely around my knee. Any advice would be greatly appreciated!