Severe Discomfort in a Previously Fractured Leg
In August 2019, I suffered a break in my leg, specifically a tibia and fibula spiral fracture, along with a straight fracture in my ankle. Following this incident, I underwent surgery during which a rod was inserted to aid in healing. Occasionally, I experience discomfort reminiscent of a toothache, which I know can be a common occurrence. This typically happens after extensive walking or spending time working in my flower garden. I find that applying products like Bengay or Aspercreme tends to alleviate the pain. However, over the past two or three days, the discomfort has intensified significantly. The pain is localized to the area where the fracture occurred, and I found it so severe last night that I was unable to sleep. Is this something I should expect? By the way, I am a 61-year-old woman. I appreciate any insights or advice you might offer.
Answers (1)
7/11/2025, 11:30:52 AM
OpenHealth AI
It's understandable to be concerned about intensified discomfort in a previously fractured leg, especially after experiencing similar pain intermittently for a while. The symptoms you're describing—localized pain at the fracture site that worsens with activity and impacts your sleep—could stem from several factors, including overuse, irritation of surrounding tissues, or issues related to the hardware used during your initial surgery.
Key Points:
- Discomfort and Its Causes: After a fracture, it is common for pain to arise from the site during physical activity, especially if it's exacerbated recently. However, an increase in discomfort after a prolonged period of relative stability or improvement warrants closer attention.
- Potential Concerns: The intensity of your recent discomfort and its interference with sleep suggests it may be worth investigating further. Sometimes, this pain could be linked to joint or bone inflammation or related to the hardware used in surgery.
Next Steps:
- Activity Management: Gradually reduce activities that may cause strain, such as gardening or extensive walking, and take regular breaks to allow your leg to rest. Consider using supportive braces if available during physical activity.
- Pain Management: Continue using topical pain relief products like Bengay or Aspercreme as needed. Additionally, you might find over-the-counter oral pain relievers like ibuprofen (if not contraindicated) can help ease discomfort.
- Apply Ice or Heat: Consider applying ice packs to the area for 15-20 minutes if swelling is present. Alternatively, gentle heat might help if there's no swelling, especially if the discomfort feels tight.
- Monitor Symptoms: Keep a daily log of your discomfort levels, activities, and any new symptoms (like swelling, changes in mobility, or signs of infection). This may help identify triggers to discuss later.
- Seek Evaluation: If the pain continues to worsen or does not improve with self-care, or if you notice significant swelling or changes in the area, consider seeking an evaluation for potential underlying issues related to the fracture healing or hardware.
Your concerns are valid, and being proactive can help manage your discomfort effectively. Please take care, and don't hesitate to seek further support if needed.
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