Why Your Broken Ankle Pain Might Be Getting Worse
Visiting a podiatrist is common when seeking medical advice for foot and ankle problems. One of the most common issues people seek podiatrists for is ankle fractures. While an ankle fracture can be traumatic, it is important to seek proper diagnosis and treatment as soon as possible. If not treated correctly, ankle fractures can worsen pain and further complications. In this article, we will discuss why broken ankle pain might be worsening, how to understand the symptoms, and the treatment options available.
Understanding Ankle Fractures and Pain
Ankle fractures are caused by bone breaking in the ankle joint. The severity of an ankle fracture can range from mild to severe, depending on the location and extent of the fracture. Symptoms of an ankle fracture may include swelling, bruising, tenderness, and an inability to bear weight on the affected foot. It is important to have a proper diagnosis from a specialist with experience treating foot and ankle fractures.
Reasons Why Broken Ankle Pain Can Get Worse
Inadequate Initial Treatment
If you have a broken ankle, seeking medical attention as soon as possible is important. If the initial treatment is inadequate or incorrect, it can worsen pain and further complications. Inadequate treatment can include not immobilizing the ankle, not properly aligning the bones, or not prescribing the proper medication.
Failure to Follow Treatment Plan
It is important to follow the treatment plan prescribed by your doctor to ensure proper healing of the ankle fracture. Failure to follow the treatment plan can worsen pain and further complications. Patients might fail to follow the treatment plan, including not understanding the importance of the treatment plan, not having access to necessary medical resources, or not having a support system to help with recovery.
Infection
Infection can occur after a broken ankle if the wound is not properly cleaned or if the skin is broken. Symptoms of an infected ankle fracture may include redness, warmth, tenderness, and fever. If you suspect an infection, it is important to seek medical attention immediately.
Delayed Healing
Delayed healing can occur if the ankle fracture is not properly treated. Factors contributing to delayed healing include smoking, poor nutrition, or an underlying medical condition. Detecting and treating delayed healing immediately is important to prevent further complications.
Treatment for Worsening Broken Ankle Pain
If you are experiencing worsening pain after a broken ankle, seeking medical attention as soon as possible is important. The treatment options for worsening pain after a broken ankle depend on the severity of the injury.
Mild Cases
In mild cases of ankle fracture, treatment may include rest, ice, compression, and elevation of the affected foot. This can help reduce pain and swelling. Rest is crucial for the healing process, and avoiding activities that may stress the injured ankle is recommended.
Ice is also important in reducing swelling and inflammation. You should apply an ice pack to the affected area for 15 minutes daily. Protecting your skin by wrapping the ice pack in a cloth or towel is important.
Compression can also help reduce swelling and provide support to the injured ankle. You can use an elastic bandage or brace to compress the affected area. However, avoiding wrapping the bandage too tightly is important, as this can cause additional pain.
Elevating the affected foot above the level of your heart can help reduce swelling and pain. This can be done by lying down with your foot on a pillow or cushion.
Severe Cases
In more severe cases of ankle fracture, surgery may be necessary to align the bones and prevent further complications properly. Surgery is typically recommended for fractures that are displaced or unstable. The bone fragments are repositioned and held together with screws, plates, or rods during surgery.
After surgery, you must wear a cast or splint to immobilize the affected area. You may also need crutches to help you walk. It is important to follow your doctor's instructions for recovery and rehabilitation.
Physical Therapy
Physical therapy is often recommended after an ankle fracture to help recover. A physical therapist can help you regain strength, range of motion, and stability in the ankle joint.
Your physical therapy plan may include exercises to improve flexibility, strength, and balance. You may also be given stretches and movements to help improve circulation and promote healing. It is important to follow the physical therapy plan prescribed by your doctor to ensure a full recovery.
Medication
Your doctor may also prescribe medication to help manage pain and inflammation. Over-the-counter pain relievers, such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen, may be recommended to help manage mild to moderate pain. For more severe pain, your doctor may prescribe stronger pain medications.
It is important to follow your doctor's medication instructions and avoid any activities that may exacerbate your pain. If you experience severe pain or swelling, you may need to seek medical attention immediately.
Conclusion
In conclusion, a broken ankle can be a traumatic injury that requires proper diagnosis and treatment to prevent further complications. If not treated correctly, ankle fractures can worsen pain and further complications. It is important to seek medical attention as soon as possible and follow your doctor's treatment plan. Remember to rest, ice, compress, elevate the affected foot, and seek physical therapy as prescribed. If you experience severe pain or swelling, you may need to seek medical attention immediately. It is important to take care of your ankle fracture and to follow the recovery plan to ensure a full recovery.