pain after broken ankle

I broke my ankle on Dec 22, 2010. when I fell down three subway steps.  When x- rays were done they could not see the break but gave me crutches and pain killers. They also told me to get another x- ray if the swelling and pain continued. Since it was the Christmas holidays and my family Dr was away this didn't happen until Jan.
This time they saw the break and I was put in to cast and told to go to the fracture clinic. Since Jan 5th 2011 I have been under the care of an orthopedist. He had me remain in the cast until March 11. At that time I could put weight on my foot as I was comfortable. I saw him again in April and I asked if physio therapy would be of help. He said he think it was necessary so I didn't pursue it. He said he would see me in Dec and then we would deal with any problems I have. For the first months the pain was bearable and I could long walks. In August my knee and foot became more painful.I went to see him and he said I had arthritis in my knee and gave me a cortisone shot which helped but my foot pain continued to get worse. I have made another appointment even though my Dec appointment is only  a month away because the pain continues to get worse

Could you please let me know if this normal and do you have any suggestions of how I relieve this pain so I walk normally. This is especially important since I am to leave for Asia in Jan for six weeks

Thank you for your time and consideration
Jane330       l            

[Michael L Gross, MD]

This is not the normal state of affairs following a non-complicated ankle fracture that healed uneventfully.  It sounds like you may have an accelerated course of post-traumatic arthritis. Certainly, over the counter anti-inflammatories may be of assistance. I also thing Omega-3 fish oils and glucosamine/chondroitin sulfate products can be excellent anti-inflammatories. In some cases, visco-supplementation, with injectable lubrication can also be successful. Acupuncture is often useful to gain relief from PTA.