Ankle Swelling and Numbness After Motorcycle Accident: What to Do?

After a car accident, my ankle is swollen, and my foot feels numb when I sit down?

Hello Doctor, I had a motorcycle accident a few days ago, and I have a scrape on my right ankle.
It seems that I may have sustained a strain from being run over by the motorcycle.
I had an X-ray done in the emergency department, and there were no issues with the bones in my ankle or knee.
However, my ankle and the top of my foot are more swollen compared to my left foot.
When I walk, in addition to the pain from the scrape, I occasionally feel a strain-like pain on the outer side of my ankle.
Four days later, I started experiencing a slight numbness in my right foot when sitting down, but standing or stretching my leg alleviates the numbness.
I would like to ask the doctor what I should do in this situation.
Should I see an orthopedic specialist or a rehabilitation specialist?

Niming, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2019/11/17

Dr. Li Yongheng reply Orthopedics

Hello, based on your description, swelling in the ankle and experiencing numbness while sitting is likely a normal phenomenon.
After 2-3 weeks, the swelling should subside, and you can expect to recover.
Please do not worry.

Reply Date: 2019/11/17

More Info

After a motorcycle accident, experiencing ankle swelling and numbness can be concerning. Based on your description, it seems that you have sustained some soft tissue injuries, possibly involving the ligaments or muscles around the ankle, despite the X-ray showing no fractures. Here’s a comprehensive approach to managing your symptoms and determining the next steps.

Understanding Your Symptoms
1. Swelling: The swelling in your ankle is likely due to inflammation resulting from the injury. When soft tissues are damaged, the body responds with increased blood flow to the area, leading to swelling. This is a normal part of the healing process.

2. Numbness: The numbness you experience when sitting could indicate nerve involvement, possibly due to swelling compressing nearby nerves or due to the position of your leg. It's important to monitor this symptom, as persistent numbness could suggest more significant nerve irritation or damage.

3. Pain: The pain on the outer side of your ankle, especially when moving or bearing weight, suggests that you may have strained the ligaments or muscles in that area.

Immediate Management
1. Rest: Avoid putting weight on the injured ankle as much as possible. This will help reduce swelling and prevent further injury.

2. Ice: Apply ice packs to the swollen area for 15-20 minutes every hour as needed. This can help reduce swelling and numb the pain.

3. Compression: Use an elastic bandage or ankle brace to provide support and reduce swelling. Be careful not to wrap it too tightly, as this could impede circulation.

4. Elevation: Keep your ankle elevated above the level of your heart when resting. This can help reduce swelling.

5. Over-the-Counter Pain Relief: Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen or naproxen can help manage pain and reduce inflammation. Be sure to follow the recommended dosages.

When to Seek Further Care
Given that you are experiencing persistent numbness and swelling, it would be wise to follow up with a healthcare provider. You can consider the following options:
- Orthopedic Specialist: If you suspect that there may be more significant damage to the ligaments or if the swelling and pain do not improve, an orthopedic specialist can provide a thorough evaluation and may recommend imaging studies like an MRI to assess soft tissue injuries.

- Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (PM&R) Specialist: A rehabilitation specialist can help you with a tailored rehabilitation program to strengthen the ankle and improve mobility. They can also address any nerve-related symptoms you may be experiencing.

Rehabilitation and Recovery
Once the acute symptoms begin to improve, rehabilitation will be crucial. This may include:
- Physical Therapy: A physical therapist can guide you through exercises to restore strength, flexibility, and range of motion to your ankle. They may also use modalities like ultrasound or electrical stimulation to aid recovery.

- Gradual Return to Activity: As your symptoms improve, you can gradually return to your normal activities. However, it’s essential to listen to your body and avoid pushing through pain.

Potential Long-Term Considerations
While most soft tissue injuries heal well, some individuals may experience lingering effects, such as chronic pain or instability in the ankle. Following a structured rehabilitation program and adhering to your healthcare provider's recommendations can help minimize these risks.

In summary, while your symptoms may be typical for an ankle injury following a motorcycle accident, it’s essential to monitor your condition closely. If numbness persists or worsens, or if you have concerns about your recovery, seeking further evaluation from an orthopedic or rehabilitation specialist is advisable. Remember to prioritize rest and follow the RICE (Rest, Ice, Compression, Elevation) method to facilitate healing.

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