Ankle Issue

[loverofgreen]

So earlier today I had a moment of brilliance and decided to wear my flip flops in the snow. I know super smart of myself! lol. Any way, I slid when I got out of my car and my ankle got stuck/slammed into the metal part of my seat, right on the side of the ankle and the achilles tendon. It hurt pretty bad for about 5 minutes then seemed to be ok, I can bear weight on it, but as soon as I did that it blew up like a balloon and now I am in pain, not severe pain, I think I may have sprained it. But I have had multiple sprains before and this does NOT feel like it at all, I can tell something is not right, but I dont know what.

I have swelling on the outer ankle.
red/purple orange tinge to the ankel
pain in my toes and top of my foot.

I HAVE been using my crutches to help walking, and I have iced and elevated it, BUT the symptoms have gotten worse with that, slowly but they have.

I dont know if this is worth a trip to the ER or not?

Suggestions?

[Dr J Singh]

Hi,

This is definitely a trip worth ER as it maybe a fracture, a dislocation of the joint or a ligament tear. I think you should consult an orthopedic surgeon and get an xray of the ankle joint and maybe an MRI to rule out the soft tissue injury.

You may also need a plaster cast to support your foot and to avoid excessive movements of the foot.

I hope that helps. Please do keep me posted. Kind Regards.

[Dr. Kokil Mathur]

Hi
Thanks for writing to the forum!
Generally following the RICE treatment is enough—Rest the joint, Ice-apply ice pack, Compress with the help of an elastic bandage and Elevate the joint. Taking anti-inflammatory drugs will also help bring down the swelling.
However since there is a lot of swelling, you must visit the ER for X-rays. You could have broken a bone or have a torn ligament or tendon which would need expert care.
Hope this helps. Do let me know if there is any thing else and keep me posted. Take care!