Swelling After Fibula and Ankle Surgery
A 26-year-old male, measuring 5 feet 10 inches and weighing 215 pounds, shares his experience. In 2021, he fractured his fibula and suffered an ankle dislocation. Recently, he's noticed swelling near the top of his scar after engaging in high-impact activities. Although he isn’t certain whether this is a typical occurrence, he describes the swelling as feeling like soft fat lumps, which eventually reduce in size over time. Having taken up kickboxing for the past two years, he has experienced relatively few issues. However, after accidentally colliding with an elbow, the area swelled significantly more than before. He wonders if this reaction is due to scar tissue, or if it could be indicative of a more serious concern.
Answers (1)
9/5/2025, 4:50:31 PM
OpenHealth AI
You're experiencing swelling near the top of your scar after your fibula and ankle surgery, especially following high-impact activities. This can be concerning, and it's understandable to want clarity about what's happening. Let's break this down.
Main Points:
- Swelling after surgery can be common, especially with activity.
- You might be experiencing normal changes due to scar tissue or inflammation.
- Monitor the swelling and take steps to minimize it.
Explanation:
After surgery, it’s normal to have some swelling as the body heals. When engaging in high-impact activities like kickboxing, the stress (especially after an injury) can lead to increased swelling. The “soft fat lumps” you’re describing could be localized swelling or a buildup of fluid around the scar tissue, which is not uncommon after surgeries involving bones or joints. The collision with an elbow might have aggravated the area, leading to more significant swelling.
That being said, pay attention to the symptoms. If it's merely swelling that reduces over time after activity, it's usually not a concern. However, if the swelling persists, becomes painful, or is accompanied by symptoms like fever or changes in mobility, it’s essential to seek further evaluation.
Next Steps:
- Rest the Area: Limit high-impact activities that could exacerbate the swelling for a few days. This will give your body some time to recover.
- Ice the Swelling: Apply ice to the swollen area for 15-20 minutes at a time, several times a day, to help reduce inflammation.
- Elevate the Limb: When resting, keep your leg elevated to minimize swelling.
- Monitor Symptoms: Keep track of the swelling. Note if it worsens, if it becomes painful, or if you have any other symptoms like redness or warmth, which can indicate infection.
- Gentle Stretching: If your doctor agrees, consider gentle range-of-motion exercises to maintain flexibility, but avoid anything that causes pain.
If the swelling continues or you notice changes in your condition, seeking professional medical advice would be beneficial. Your health and safety during activities like kickboxing are important. Feel free to reach out if you have more questions or need further guidance!
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