Persistent Ankle Swelling After Injury: Seeking Solutions
Hello everyone! I have an unusual question, but bear with me. I’m a 30-year-old female, and I sustained an injury to my right ankle on June 1st. I was attempting to carry a suitcase down a flight of stairs after arriving on the east coast from Hawaii—a decision I now realize wasn’t the best. Afterward, I visited the emergency room, where they diagnosed it as a sprain. A follow-up with my orthopedic specialist, however, revealed an avulsion fracture alongside a mid-grade partial tear of the anterior fibular tibial ligament (AFTL) through x-rays and an MRI. Since that incident, I've been attending physical therapy sessions twice a week. While I’m managing to navigate around my apartment without much trouble, venturing outside has become quite cumbersome. I have a history of ankle sprains, but the severity of this injury has taken me by surprise—this time it swelled significantly, more than it usually does, which typically just results in some bruising. I’m worried about my slower recovery. Lately, I’ve noticed after sitting for extended periods, particularly during events like baseball games, my ankle tends to swell considerably. I try to stay active by walking around my apartment at least once every hour, even if it's just small trips to the kitchen. Despite propping my ankle while at the game and using a knee scooter to navigate the long walk, the swelling still occurred, accompanied by increased pain. I even took it out of the brace while seated and applied ice, but it didn’t seem to help much. Does anyone have suggestions for preventing this swelling? I would appreciate any advice you can offer!
Answers (1)
7/14/2025, 1:20:40 AM
OpenHealth AI
It sounds like you're dealing with quite a challenging recovery process after your ankle injury, and it's understandable to be concerned about the persistent swelling. Managing swelling after an ankle injury is important for your recovery, and there are several steps you can take to alleviate this issue.
Summary of Main Points:
- Persistent swelling and discomfort after an ankle injury is common, particularly when sitting for extended periods.
- You can take proactive steps to reduce swelling, improve mobility, and potentially enhance your recovery process.
Explanation: After sustaining an ankle injury, it's not unusual to experience swelling, especially if you have a history of sprains. The body responds to injury with inflammation, which can cause swelling that might last longer with more severe injuries like an avulsion fracture and ligament tear. While some swelling is normal, particularly after physical activities or long periods of inactivity, there are ways to mitigate its effects.
Prioritized Next Steps:
-
Elevate Your Ankle: Aim to elevate your injured ankle above the level of your heart for 15-30 minutes several times a day. This can help reduce swelling by encouraging fluid to drain back towards your upper body.
-
Compression: Consider wearing a compression wrap or sock (as recommended by your healthcare provider) which can help control swelling. Make sure it’s snug but not too tight—it shouldn't cause any numbness or increased pain.
-
Movement Breaks: Continue with your hourly movement breaks; however, try incorporating gentle ankle movements or exercises agreed upon by your physical therapist to help maintain circulation without overstraining the ankle.
-
Ice Application: Continue to use ice after activities or when swelling increases. Apply ice for 15-20 minutes, making sure to wrap it in a cloth to protect your skin, especially after moments of increased activity or swelling.
-
Pain Management: Use over-the-counter medications as directed, such as ibuprofen or naproxen, to help with pain and inflammation. Be sure to follow dosage guidelines.
-
Posture Awareness: When sitting for long periods, try to keep your foot elevated or change positions frequently to avoid prolonged pressure and improve circulation.
If your swelling continues to be significant or if you experience worsening pain or changes in color or temperature in your foot, it would be wise to reach out to your orthopedic specialist for further evaluation.
Remember, recovery can be gradual and it's important to be patient with your body during this time. Let me know if you need more specific tips or advice!
Related Questions
Understanding Cough and Congestion in Newborns: Possible Causes
Hello everyone, I'm seeking some advice regarding my little one. My 6-week-old infant has started to exhibit a concerning wet cough that appears quite chesty. I first noticed this issue two mornings ago. While the cough is not persistent and occurs just a handful of times throughout the day, it seems to be particularly pronounced after he feeds and upon waking from naps or overnight sleep. The only effective way to soothe his coughing is by holding him upright and gently patting his back. In addition to the cough, he has a stuffy nose and is sneezing more frequently. To alleviate this, I’ve been administering saline nasal spray and utilizing a nasal aspirator, which produces a significant amount of clear mucus. Sitting in a steamy bathroom also seems to provide temporary relief. There are currently no other indications of illness; he has not developed a fever, and we recently visited the emergency room where they assessed his oxygen levels—everything was normal. Tests for RSV, influenza, and COVID-19 all came back negative. Given that the cough often arises after feeds, I’ve been managing it as if it were related to reflux—maintaining an upright position during and after feeding, regular burping, and implementing pace feeding techniques. Nevertheless, the nature of the cough is worsening, evolving from sporadic coughs to more extended bouts. Living in a tropical environment where air conditioning is frequently used, we also deal with considerable dust accumulation in the room. I’m contemplating whether this may be due to post-nasal drip, mucus associated with reflux, or possibly an adverse reaction to dry or dusty air. Additionally, I wonder how long it typically takes for these symptoms to resolve if I’m following the right protocols?
Seeking Insights on Unexplained Body Pain After Negative ANA Test
I am a 32-year-old Asian female who has been managing depression and anxiety since 2020. Recently, in 2023, I was also diagnosed with ADHD. My current medication regimen includes Cymbalta (60mg), Ritalin (10mg twice daily—previously on Concerta 18mg), Seroquel (25mg), Ativan (0.5mg), and Glucophage XR (500mg). In late 2017, I began experiencing severe discomfort in my scapula that radiated to my clavicle, accompanied by debilitating headaches and occasional breathing difficulties. Over time, this localized pain evolved into widespread body aches, making me feel as though I have exerted myself through strenuous physical labor every single day. During my monthly visits to my psychiatrist, I consistently reported these issues, prompting her to refer me to an internal medicine specialist. She ordered an ANA test, suspecting potential autoimmune conditions, hypothyroidism, or PCOS due to my long history of irregular menstrual cycles (only three in the past year), acne, significant hair thinning, and my struggles to lose weight despite being in a calorie deficit. Since beginning Glucophage in March, I have managed to shed 9kg (20lbs), reducing my weight from 88kg (194lbs) to 79kg (174lbs). However, when the ANA test results came back negative, the doctor stated there were no further tests necessary, and he referred me to a gynecologist for further evaluation scheduled for next week. I mentioned that my psychiatrist, who is also of Asian descent, has a diagnosis of ankylosing spondylitis despite her negative ANA test results, but the doctor suggested my issues might stem from poor sleep quality instead. This persistent pain has significantly impacted my social life; I often decline invitations from friends, leading to a decline in social interactions and exacerbating my feelings of depression. My headaches, bodily pain, fatigue, and low energy can persist for weeks, even with medication adjustments including amitriptyline and Topamax. At times, I question whether my experiences are legitimate or if I’m simply being lazy, as my lifestyle has turned largely sedentary due to the pain I endure. To the doctors of Reddit, what recommendations can you offer? Do you have any insights into what this might be?
22-Year-Old with Neck Lumps for Over a Decade
Hello everyone! As my title indicates, I've been dealing with small, mobile lumps under my neck for roughly a decade now. I struggle significantly with health-related anxiety, and I often find myself overanalyzing the smallest details, so I appreciate your understanding. Life has been quite hectic lately with school and financial commitments, which has prevented me from seeking medical advice about this issue. I first noticed these lumps when I was around 10 years old. I've always had a habit of touching things out of boredom, so I would frequently poke and prod at these lumps. Over the years, as I matured, I stopped fiddling with them, but they've remained constant. Initially, I noticed three lumps on each side of my neck. Now, I have just one lump on the left and two on the right side—two of which are located under my jaw, while the other is at the end of my jawline. On a positive note, they have shrunk in size as I’ve gotten older. They were noticeably larger when I was younger, but their size has significantly decreased; they are now approximately 1 cm in diameter. Nevertheless, they are still present, and with the increasing reports of cancer and tumors in younger individuals, I can't help but feel concerned. Does anyone have any insights about what these lumps might be? Could they pose a problem in the future? I did some online research and found mentions of lipomas, but I've also read so much alarming content that it often makes me feel like I have only months to live, which I should clarify is just a joke! That's why I'm turning to Reddit for support instead. Thanks in advance for any help you can provide!
Unusual Green Poop in My Toddler
My three-month-old toddler, who weighs 40 pounds and takes a multivitamin, experienced an unusual bowel movement today. Both times, his stool appeared a striking green, reminiscent of playdough. He showed no signs of discomfort, such as straining or belly cramps, and he is maintaining good hydration levels. However, the color is quite alarming. The last time he went, the stool was a mix of two different green shades—one lighter and one darker. The only potential dietary change I can think of was a family gathering yesterday where he indulged in a few small cookies topped with rainbow sprinkles. He doesn't usually consume sprinkles, but he only had a small amount. I'm feeling anxious about this situation, especially since his pediatrician is unavailable right now.
Dealing with Shoulder Tendonitis After a Decade of Roller Derby
Hello everyone! I’m reaching out for some guidance as I've been dealing with a medical issue for the past year. I have been suffering from persistent tendonitis in both of my shoulders, and my experience with it has been quite challenging. My practitioner in traditional Chinese medicine suggests that my first rib might be misaligned, and this could be contributing significantly to my discomfort. Having played Roller Derby for ten years—starting from the age of 17—I’ve often used my hips and shoulders aggressively, which makes me suspect that the repeated impact has caused some shifting in my body. Each week, my doctor performs adjustments, but unfortunately, the pain in my first rib has not completely subsided, and it seems I have yet to achieve full recovery. Could anyone advise me on the type of specialist I should consult for further assessment? Also, should I aim to have a more definitive correction, or is it better to continue with the gradual adjustments I’ve been receiving? Thank you very much for your insights! 🙏🙏