Calf pain after ankle fracture

[iparadisecityi119]

I fractured my ankle (a weber A) 8 days ago. I have a cast about to my knee. The past 3 days, more in the morning when I first get up, I've had pain pretty similar to a cramp in my upper calf muscle. It is also tender as well. The pain from initially getting up starts when I use my crutches. My ankle hurts and the leg does as well. After 10 minutes or so, the pain subsides. It is not this painful throughout the day. If I have my leg sitting a certain way it will start but if I elevate the foot and move my toes around it goes away. There is usually no further tenderness either. I was just worried it may be a blood clot. Or is this typical of an injury like this? I try to move my toes around a lot and when I get up, I move my knee as well for a few minutes. The calf doesn't feel swollen to me.

[S. Kaul, MD]

Hi there!

Though not typical for an ankle fracture, the symptoms do not specifically indicate the development of a clot. The symptoms are more likely to be neuro-muscular related and are expected to improve with movement after the cast comes off. If the discomfort continues or gets aggravated, it might be a good idea to consider a review with your treating orthopedician to rule out possibilities such as infections, nerve impingement etc.
Hope this is helpful.

Take care!

[iparadisecityi119]

Also, during the day the only time I feel discomfort of the lower leg is if I put pressure on the lower leg when resting it. It feels like a dull ache in places from near the ankle up to the upper calf. it usually persists for a few hours after waking up. Then I don't really notice anything.