Right Ankle Pain After an Accident: Is It a Fracture?

Right ankle pain?

I had a car accident yesterday, and I suddenly noticed that my right ankle hurts a lot whenever I try to walk, to the point that I feel like I'm going to fall.
It feels like something is stabbing me, and any movement causes pain.
When I lie down and turn to my right side, my ankle also hurts.
Could this be a fracture? Right now, I can only walk by hopping, and even gently placing my right foot on the ground causes pain.

Yabi, 10~19 year old female. Ask Date: 2017/05/08

Dr. Chen Yongxue reply Orthopedics

Hello, it is recommended that you visit an orthopedic outpatient clinic for an examination.
Thank you.

Reply Date: 2017/05/08

More Info

Based on your description of the right ankle pain following a car accident, it is important to consider the possibility of a fracture or other significant injury. The symptoms you are experiencing—severe pain when moving, difficulty bearing weight, and pain even when at rest—are concerning and warrant further evaluation.

In the context of an ankle injury, there are several potential causes for your symptoms:
1. Fracture: A fracture in the ankle bones (such as the fibula or tibia) can occur due to trauma, especially in a car accident. Fractures can be either displaced (where the bone ends are not aligned) or non-displaced (where the bone remains aligned). Symptoms of a fracture typically include severe pain, swelling, bruising, and difficulty bearing weight.

2. Ligament Injury: The ankle is supported by several ligaments that can be sprained or torn during an accident. An ankle sprain can cause significant pain, swelling, and instability. If the ligaments are severely damaged, it can lead to chronic instability and pain.

3. Tendon Injury: The tendons around the ankle can also be injured during trauma. Tendon injuries can lead to pain, swelling, and difficulty moving the ankle.

4. Soft Tissue Injury: In addition to bone and ligament injuries, soft tissue injuries (such as contusions or hematomas) can occur, leading to pain and swelling.

Given the severity of your symptoms, it is crucial to seek medical attention as soon as possible. An X-ray is typically the first step in evaluating an ankle injury to determine if there is a fracture. If the X-ray results are inconclusive and your symptoms persist, further imaging studies, such as an MRI or CT scan, may be necessary to assess soft tissue injuries or subtle fractures.

In the meantime, here are some general recommendations:
- Rest: Avoid putting weight on the injured ankle as much as possible to prevent further injury.

- Ice: Apply ice to the affected area for 15-20 minutes every hour to help reduce swelling and pain.

- Elevation: Keep your ankle elevated above heart level to help decrease swelling.

- Compression: If possible, use an elastic bandage to provide support and reduce swelling, but ensure it is not too tight to avoid cutting off circulation.

It is understandable to be concerned about the possibility of a fracture or other serious injury, especially after a traumatic event like a car accident. Prompt evaluation by a healthcare professional is essential to determine the extent of your injury and to initiate appropriate treatment. Delaying treatment could lead to complications, such as chronic pain or instability in the ankle.

In summary, based on your symptoms, it is advisable to seek immediate medical attention to rule out a fracture or other significant injury. Proper diagnosis and treatment are crucial for optimal recovery and to prevent long-term complications.

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