Desperate for Answers: My Foot is Red and Swollen After a Fracture
I'm a 27-year-old woman, standing at 169 cm and weighing 56 kg, residing in the Netherlands. I don’t smoke and I’m currently on lamotrigine—225 mg split into three doses of 25 mg and 50 mg—to manage my nighttime seizures. For the past 79 days since my injury on April 2nd, I've been battling escalating pain. The fracture affects my fifth metatarsal shaft, and it's healing improperly, resulting in deformity. To provide more context, medical professionals advised me to engage in light activities like walking and cycling, regardless of the discomfort I experienced. I’ve been feeling increasingly ignored regarding my concerns. Just recently, while attempting to ride my bike, I lost my balance. My casted foot absorbed the impact of the fall, leading to excruciating pain and leaving me unable to place any weight on it since the incident. Curiously, I initially felt little after hitting the ground, but within moments, the pain intensified dramatically. My dad tried to help as I collapsed. We rushed to the emergency room where an x-ray was conducted. Unfortunately, the fracture appeared unchanged, and they didn’t investigate my pain further. I was instructed to manage the discomfort with pain medication and told to return for a follow-up on June 24th for a second opinion. The pain feels like it's piercing right through the area. Now, I’ve noticed that my foot is slightly swollen and exhibiting a dark red hue. This situation is unacceptable. I’m considering going back to the hospital and firmly requesting that they examine my foot again, as I cannot endure this pain any longer. What could this indicate? How can I articulate my concerns in a way that compels the doctors to take me seriously?
Answers (1)
6/18/2025, 9:10:59 PM
OpenHealth AI
Main Points: Your foot's redness and swelling after a fracture are concerning and could indicate complications, such as infection or improper healing. It’s important that you communicate your symptoms effectively to ensure proper evaluation and care.
Explanation: Following a fracture, some redness and swelling are expected as part of the healing process. However, given your ongoing pain, notable swelling, and color change, these symptoms suggest that there could be an underlying issue. Potential causes for your symptoms include:
- Infection: Redness and swelling might indicate an infection at the fracture site or surrounding tissues.
- Poor Healing: Deformity and persistent pain could signal that the bone isn't healing correctly, leading to additional complications.
- Other Issues: Swelling could also relate to increased pressure or fluid build-up due to trauma.
Given the intensity of your pain and new symptoms after your recent fall, your concerns are valid and warrant further medical attention.
Next Steps:
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Document Your Symptoms: Keep a clear record of your symptoms, including when the redness and swelling appeared, the severity of your pain, and any changes since your last visit. This will help convey the urgency of your situation to healthcare providers.
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Prepare for Your Visit: When you return to the hospital, explain your situation clearly:
- Emphasize the duration of your symptoms (79 days) and the recent escalation in discomfort.
- Mention specific instances where you felt the pain worsened, especially after your bike fall.
- Describe the swelling and color change in detail, as well as any other symptoms (e.g., fever, increased warmth) if they apply.
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Be Assertive: Politely express your concerns, indicating that you feel your symptoms are being overlooked. Make it clear that the impact on your daily life and ability to manage basic activities is significant.
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Request Further Investigation: Ask specifically for additional imaging (like an MRI) or blood tests to rule out infection or other complications, rather than just relying on the initial x-ray.
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Follow Up with Pain Management: While you wait for further evaluation, continue to manage your pain with over-the-counter medications as advised. Rest your foot as much as possible to minimize pain from movement.
It’s important to advocate for yourself and ensure you receive the help you need. If necessary, consider bringing someone with you to support you during your hospital visit.
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