Ankle Injuries

[zoeken]

Let me tell you a little background first. I am the 30 year old mother of three girls. I work in retail management, so I am on my feet all day long, up and down latters and constantly lifting stuff. I have a degenerative disk disease and the disk is that is protruding onto my nerves. I am in the process of receiving a series of Epidural steroid injections - I have the 3rd injection next week.
Okay - now the problem - I fractured my ankle in January, but was not actually treated for a frature until mid Febuary. After finally having the correct diagnosis, I was put in a lovely black boot. It has now been over two months and my ortho says that the fracture is healing fine. I have had several different test because my ankle is still swollen, extremly painful, and my toes are numb. I have broken a lot of bones in the past (very clumsy), but I have never had this much pain or any complications. I had an MRI that shows no abnormalities, other than the fracture. I went today for a EMG to see if there is any nerve damage, but the nerves are fine, at least that is a relief. My ortho is now sending me to an ankle specialist. He said he has no idea what is wrong, but something is not right with my ankle. He tried to reassure me that I am not crazy or imagining the swelling and pain. I am just worried that it could be something serious. Has anyone ever dealt with anything like this before? Thanks for any help!

[footankledoc]

First off, I'm sorry to hear that you are experiencing such chronic pain and swelling. Without seeing the actual x-ray of the break, it's hard to say whether the walking boot was enough for treatment or whether a cast and crutches was needed. Ankle fractures do take a minimum of 6-8weeks to heal depending on the type of break and whether the break needed to be fixed or not. Plus, there's usually a long time of recovery associated with it - approximately 4-6months. After the fracture is healed, it's good to get a referral to physical therapy to help with rehab, swelling control, decreased pain, and increase range of motion. A second opinion by a foot and ankle specialist or podiatrist can help with additional insight to your problem. Hope this helps!

[zoeken]

Thanks. I have an appointment on Monday with a foot and ankle specialist. It is a fracture partically across the lower area of the tibula. The swelling and pain is not just in the original area anymore. It runs along the achilles/heel area and moves up the back of my calf.
It is just frustrating not knowing. Thanks again!

[snowbunny]

Well it sounds like we have alot in common. I am also 30, also in retial, up & down ladders all day, & also broke my ankle just over 3 yrs ago. In my case i was fitted w/ a metal plate & some screws. After 2 yrs of going back to my doctor off & on for chronic pain he diagnosed me with sinus tarsi syndrome. It involves a cavity in between the ligaments. I've been getting cortizone shots directly into that cavity & it helps a ton! The only problem is the shot only masks the pain.I have problems walking down stairs & on uneven surfaces. Although your case may not be as severe since you didn't need surgery, sinus tarsi syndrome can occur in something as small as a sprain. So, if you have this same type of instability, sinus tarsi syndrome could be the problem. Taking really hot baths & trying to move it around as much as possible helped me with the pain & maintaining good range of motion. In my case i developed arthritis which is causing my cartiledge to break down & my Dr says it may lead to another surgery. The arthritis comes hand & hand with a break like that so take good care of it, keep going to the Dr. & most of all try not to work too hard. Hope this helps...i feel your pain.

[zoeken]

I hope that you do not have to have another surgery. I do not know if I could even do the injections. I just completed the third of my epidural spinal steroid injections for my back and do not want to have to do anything like that again - probably since it has not really helped with my back pain. They only last a couple of days and they only do 3 injection a year, so the next option is live with it as long as possible then surgery.
I went to the ankle specialist on Monday and he decided to cast it. The boot was just not stabilizing it enough to heal properly. He wants me to where it for 3 more weeks to put me at 3 months of treatment. After that, if no improvement, then he wants to do ultrasound bone healing therapy before surgery - that is a last resort. Of course I am not supposed to be on it or any of that, but yeah right. With 3 kids and being a manager in retail, the last thing I do is sit. I really do not think I could stand that for very long anyway. I will try to do anything I have to to avoid surgery - that is just too much down time. It is kind of like I told my back doctor - you do what you have to do, I'll do what I have to do, but I will not stop or take it easy just because something hurts, I will just regret it later. I hope that the cast helps, I guess it is just a wait and see at this point. As of right now, the pain is still terrible, it feels like a hot knife stabbing into my ankle.
Anyway, now that I have rambled enough - good luck and I hope you find a solution to avoid another surgery.

[footankledoc]

To both posters, once the fracture is all healed and the pain has subsided, I'd recommend being fitted with a custom orthotic (insert). This will help support the foot and keep abnormal pressure off the ankle. Do get evaluated for one, please go see your nearest podiatrist. Good luck to both of you and I wish you both a very speedy recovery!

[zoeken]

Thank you very much! It is something that I will definatly consider doing that. First I have to get this cast replaced or something it has caused a huge bruise and knots all down my sheen, I can barely walk. I know, I know, I should be using crutches. Thanks again. Have a great day!