Ankle Fracture 1.5 yrs late..still in pain

[brl615]

I broke my rt. ankle in Jan. 09....non-displaced fracture, no surgery....was in a boot then aircast, out of work for 4 months....and went to physical therapy. My problem is, to this day, my ankle is still swollen (mostly on the side and through the top - but occasionally on both sides), I limp every morning - and periodically throughout the day, still have pain (both sharp and dull), my foot cramps up - like a charlie horse, and I feel like I need to crack it, but it's painful.  Any advice? What is the problem?

Pls help!

[OrthoFootAnkle]

I would recommend checking out AOFAS.org.  It's the American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society.  This website will allow you to find an orthopaedic surgeon who specializes in the foot and ankle and practices in your area.

Your doctor should start with up-to-date, high quality weight-bearing xrays.   Make sure you bring all prior xrays (and office notes) to your first appointment.  

If you're in the DC area, we can help.  www.footankledc.com

Good luck!

[geminigirl1963]

I, too broke my ankle and still have daily pain (and swelling) from it - my break was almost two years ago (will be two years in September).  I did not have surgery for my break - was in a  hard cast for 6 weeks and did PT after cast removal.

I did have x-rays done of my ankle about six months ago to make sure that there wasn't either a new or still unhealed fracture in the ankle.  There wasn't.  However, they did discover that I now have HORRIBLE arthritis in that ankle (I also have it in most of my other joints) and still a good bit of unhealed soft tissue damage.  Unfortunately, the docs told me that the only "cure" now for my ankle pain is either an ankle replacement or more likely, an ankle fusion.  I'm trying to hold off as long as possible for this type of surgery, as, because I'm "onlly" 46, the docs also say that there's a higher chance of me needing revision surgery down the road than if I waited and had the original surgery done later in life.

So, basically, I agree with Dr Vinod about getting new x-rays to make sure that there isn't either a new or unhealed break.  The xrays could also show whether you also have developed arthritis in the joint.

Best of luck!

-- A fellow limper

[Dr Vinod]

Hello!

It is very difficult to comment without seeing your present day scans and comparing with the previous ones.

Go for some X-rays and confirm proper healing and rule out any unhealed soft tissue issues in consultation with an orthopedician.

Based on the present day diagnosis you may need physiotherapy or surgical correction.

Take care!