ankle growth plate

My son is 7yrs old, I took him to the ER tonight and was told the Dr. cant really say for sure if his ankle is broken or not. He actually first injured his foot 3wks ago, and everytime he walks or runs especially he says it hurts pretty bad. (He tolerates pain VERY well) The dr says he cant see if the growth plate is broke or not, and he said the long bone looks fractured but he said he doubts it is due to the fact that my son said he doesnt hurt there. His ankle is swollen now..if it has been swollen this whole time I dont know though, I would have taken him in sooner if I had known. My question is, do I need to get him to the orthopedist ASAP, or is it a strain or sprain like the ER Dr. has said, since its still very tender 3wks later? Thank you for the help!!

[geminigirl1963]

You need to take him to the ortho doctor for comfirmation whether it is or isn't a fracture.  Especially if the growth plate is involved, it's very important not to let this go to see if it will get better on it's own.

Just because your son is able to bear weight on the affected leg/ankle does not mean that there is not a break.  I broke my ankle/tib/fib a couple of years ago and walked around on it for a week before getting it xrayed and discovering it was indeed broken, not just badly bruised as I had thought being that I was able to walk on it, even though it hurt to do so.

But yes, definitely take him to an ortho doc - get copies of the xrays done in the ER and take them with you (most hospitals/clinics ask for 24 hours notice before you pick these up) - the ortho doc may also take his/her own films, but if you have the ones taken in the ER, they will have something to compare the new ones to - could show if there's been any change in the time between the ER visit and the ortho visit.

Best of luck and keep us posted on how he's doing.  I would suggest trying to limit his activity a little until you find out exactly what's going on - certainly don't want him doing any further damage.  Even if it's a sprain or strain, it very well could need some sort of stabilization (such as an ace bandage or splint) for a while until it heals.

[Phill614]

you could go to a sorthpedist but i'd go to a  podiatrist  that specializes on feet.  and yes go ASAP  good luck   Phill       ps sometimes just show up until your seen even if theres no appts available