Slow Healing Ankle Injury After Car Accident: Expert Advice Needed

Q: Slow Healing Ankle Injury After Car Accident: Expert Advice Needed

Hello, sir： The wound on your ankle does not appear to be simple. <br>It is recommended that you seek treatment at an orthopedic outpatient clinic as soon as possible. <br>The Hualien Hospital of the Ministry of Health and Welfare cares about your health.

After a car accident, the wound on the inner side of the left ankle has not healed for a long time?

Hello Doctor, in late November last year, I was involved in a car accident where I sustained abrasions and contusions on the inner side of my left knee and ankle.
I received two stitches on the inner side of my left ankle, with the wound approximately one centimeter deep.
Initially, the wound care was not very thorough, and the time for suture removal may have been delayed.
Consequently, the recovery has been very slow, and the wound has developed a dark (purplish-black) discoloration with swelling.
It is painful when pressed, and I experience pain when walking for extended periods, standing for long durations at night, and even sitting for too long.
Prolonged pressure on my thigh also causes pain in my ankle.
I subsequently consulted a doctor who prescribed antibiotics and medication to reduce bruising.
Now, over four months later, the wound has still not healed.
A doctor mentioned that there might be damage to the cartilage, making healing more difficult.
Could you please provide any recommendations regarding further consultations with general surgery, plastic surgery, or orthopedics? Thank you very much.

pao, 30~39 year old female. Ask Date: 2019/04/27

Dr. Li Qinglong reply Surgery

Hello, sir: The wound on your ankle does not appear to be simple.
It is recommended that you seek treatment at an orthopedic outpatient clinic as soon as possible.
The Hualien Hospital of the Ministry of Health and Welfare cares about your health.

Reply Date: 2019/04/27

More Info

It sounds like you are experiencing a challenging recovery process following your ankle injury from the car accident. Given the details you've provided, it is essential to address several aspects of your situation to help guide your recovery and ensure you receive appropriate care.

Understanding Your Injury
From your description, it seems that you sustained a significant injury to your left ankle, which involved both a laceration and possible soft tissue damage. The fact that the wound is dark in color and swollen indicates that there may be ongoing inflammation or even hematoma formation, which can occur when blood collects outside of blood vessels due to injury. This can lead to prolonged healing times and discomfort.

Importance of Proper Wound Care
Proper wound care is crucial for healing. If the wound was not cared for adequately in the initial stages, it could lead to complications such as infection or delayed healing. It’s important to keep the area clean and dry, and to follow any specific instructions provided by your healthcare provider regarding dressing changes and signs of infection to watch for.

Pain Management and Mobility
The pain you are experiencing, especially with prolonged standing or walking, suggests that the injury may have affected not only the skin but potentially the underlying structures, such as ligaments, tendons, or even the cartilage in the ankle joint. Pain management is essential, and you should discuss with your doctor the possibility of using non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) for pain relief, as well as any other medications that may help reduce swelling and promote healing.

Specialist Referrals
Given the complexity of your injury and the slow healing process, it may be beneficial to consult with multiple specialists:
1. Orthopedic Surgeon: They can assess the structural integrity of your ankle, including any potential damage to the bones or cartilage. They may recommend imaging studies such as an MRI to evaluate soft tissue injuries.

2. Plastic Surgeon: If there are concerns about the appearance of the scar or if the wound healing is complicated, a plastic surgeon can provide options for scar management and reconstruction if necessary.

3. Physical Therapist: Engaging in physical therapy can help improve mobility, strengthen the muscles around the ankle, and reduce pain. A physical therapist can design a rehabilitation program tailored to your needs, focusing on gentle range-of-motion exercises initially and gradually increasing intensity as healing progresses.

Monitoring for Complications
It’s crucial to monitor your symptoms closely. If you notice increased redness, warmth, or discharge from the wound, or if your pain worsens, you should seek medical attention promptly. These could be signs of infection or other complications that may require intervention.

Nutrition and Healing
Lastly, consider your nutrition as it plays a vital role in healing. Ensure you are consuming a balanced diet rich in vitamins and minerals, particularly vitamin C and protein, which are essential for tissue repair. Staying hydrated is also important.

Conclusion
In summary, your slow-healing ankle injury requires a comprehensive approach involving proper wound care, pain management, and possibly consultations with orthopedic and plastic surgeons, as well as physical therapy. Make sure to communicate openly with your healthcare providers about your concerns and progress. With the right care and attention, you can work towards a full recovery.

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