Ankle Dislocation Recovery: Persistent Swelling After Injury

I fell in the stairwell and dislocated my ankle, resulting in some swelling even after 22 days of rest?

Hi, I would like to ask about my situation.
At the end of last month, on April 28, I fell down the stairs, just two steps away from the bottom.
I saw a Western doctor who took an X-ray and confirmed that there were no bone injuries.
However, a few days later, I visited a Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) practitioner who diagnosed me with a dislocation.
After treatment, I went back to Singapore for work, but after two days, my foot started to hurt, and I took sick leave.
I then went to Malaysia to recover and saw another TCM practitioner who said my foot was injured again.
The next day, I visited an orthopedic doctor who advised me to rest for a week.
Overall, I rested for about 22 days, and the TCM treatment seemed to help.
I thought that resting for a week without walking would be beneficial, and since there was no swelling, I returned to work in Singapore.
However, after two days, my foot still had slight swelling.
Is this normal? The previous week, there was no swelling, and I am unsure if the swelling is due to walking and taking the bus while working in Singapore.
I apologize for the lengthy explanation, but I wanted to clarify everything in case there are underlying reasons for the persistent swelling.
Thank you for your response.

yeekoh, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2016/05/25

Dr. Zhou Jianwen reply Rehabilitation

It may be a soft tissue injury; it is recommended to visit the rehabilitation department for examination and treatment.

Reply Date: 2016/05/25

More Info

It sounds like you are experiencing persistent swelling in your ankle following a dislocation and subsequent injury. This can be a common issue after such injuries, and understanding the underlying reasons can help you manage your recovery more effectively.

When you experience an ankle dislocation, even if X-rays do not show any fractures, the surrounding soft tissues, including ligaments, tendons, and muscles, can be significantly affected. Swelling is a natural response to injury, as it is part of the body's healing process. However, persistent swelling can indicate that the injury has not fully healed or that there are other factors at play.

One possibility is that the initial injury may have caused some degree of ligamentous damage, which can lead to instability in the ankle joint. If the ligaments are stretched or torn, they may not provide adequate support, leading to further irritation and swelling, especially with increased activity. It is also possible that you may have developed some inflammation in the joint itself, which can contribute to ongoing swelling.

Another factor to consider is the impact of activity on your recovery. You mentioned that you returned to work in Singapore and had to walk and take public transportation, which could have placed additional stress on your ankle. Even if you felt that the swelling had subsided, returning to normal activities too soon can sometimes exacerbate the condition. It is crucial to listen to your body and allow adequate time for healing before resuming full activity levels.

In terms of management, here are some recommendations:
1. Rest and Elevation: Ensure that you are giving your ankle enough time to rest. Elevating the ankle can help reduce swelling by promoting fluid drainage away from the injured area.

2. Ice Therapy: Applying ice to the swollen area can help reduce inflammation and numb the pain. It is generally recommended to ice the area for 15-20 minutes every couple of hours, especially after activities that may aggravate the swelling.

3. Compression: Using a compression bandage can help control swelling and provide support to the ankle. Just be cautious not to wrap it too tightly, as this can impede circulation.

4. Gradual Return to Activity: If you are returning to work or other activities, consider doing so gradually. Start with low-impact activities and increase intensity as tolerated. If you experience pain or swelling, it may be a sign to reduce activity levels.

5. Physical Therapy: If swelling persists, consider consulting a physical therapist. They can provide tailored exercises to strengthen the ankle and improve stability, which may help reduce swelling over time.

6. Follow-up with a Specialist: If the swelling does not improve or worsens, it may be beneficial to follow up with an orthopedic specialist. They can perform a more thorough evaluation, including possibly advanced imaging studies, to assess for any underlying issues that may not have been detected initially.

In conclusion, while some swelling after an ankle dislocation can be normal, persistent swelling warrants attention. It is essential to balance rest and activity, use supportive measures, and seek professional guidance if needed. Your recovery is important, and taking the right steps can help ensure a better outcome.

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