Persistent Ankle Swelling and Pain After Fracture Surgery: Seeking Solutions
It has been over a year, and the ankle area is still swollen? Hello, Doctor: I accidentally missed two steps while going down the stairs and fell, resulting in an ankle fracture that required surgery. I had a metal plate and three screws inserted at my own expense. Post-surgery, ...
Dr. Shi Guozheng Reply:
If the fracture has healed, consideration can be given to removing the bone screws to see if there will be any changes.[Read More] Persistent Ankle Swelling and Pain After Fracture Surgery: Seeking Solutions
Understanding Rehabilitation After Ankle Fracture: Key Questions Answered
Fracture rehabilitation issues? Hello Dr. Hong, three months ago I fractured my right ankle. I have undergone internal fixation surgery and had my cast removed for a month now, but I find it difficult to go down stairs and squat. I would like to ask: 1. Is there a time limit for ...
Dr. Hong Ximing Reply:
Three months after an ankle fracture surgery, the fracture should be healed. It is recommended to strengthen the rehabilitation process as much as possible to restore joint and ligament function quickly, in order to prevent irreversible limitations in mobility.[Read More] Understanding Rehabilitation After Ankle Fracture: Key Questions Answered
Should You Remove Screws After Ankle Fracture Surgery? Expert Insights
Is it necessary to remove the steel pins for a closed fracture of the right lateral malleolus and fibula? Hello Dr. Lee, About two months ago, I sustained an injury to my right foot, resulting in a closed fracture of the right fibula near the lateral malleolus with displacement,...
Dr. Li Yongheng Reply:
Hello, due to the thin soft tissue around the lateral malleolus of the fibula, it is possible to palpate the bone screw through the skin. Wearing shoes that are too tight can easily cause discomfort. Therefore, I recommend removal after one year.[Read More] Should You Remove Screws After Ankle Fracture Surgery? Expert Insights
Understanding Numbness After Ankle Fracture: When to Seek Help
Numbness in the fractured leg? Hello, I would like to ask about my ankle fracture. I have had a cast for three weeks. Previously, I experienced numbness in my little toe, which led me to return to the hospital to have the cast removed. After that, the numbness seemed to resolve, ...
Dr. Li Yongheng Reply:
Hello, it has been three weeks since you had a cast for your ankle fracture. Your toes are slightly numb, but the color is normal. These are all normal occurrences, so there is no need to worry. The cast will be removed in three weeks, and typically the numbness will resolve by t...[Read More] Understanding Numbness After Ankle Fracture: When to Seek Help
Is Mild Ankle Swelling Normal After Fibula Fracture Recovery?
Three months have passed since the fracture, and there is slight swelling during exercise? Dear Doctor: I had a fibula ankle fracture and was in a cast for 6 weeks without surgery. After that, I used a single crutch for 2 weeks, and now I am walking without any assistive devices....
Dr. Shi Guozheng Reply:
It is normal for a fracture to take over three months to heal, and you can continue to engage in light activities. Typically, bone healing requires a solid foundation and takes about six months, so gradual improvement is expected. If the muscles are not trained, they may atrophy,...[Read More] Is Mild Ankle Swelling Normal After Fibula Fracture Recovery?
Recovering from Ankle Fracture: Concerns About Pain and Healing
Ankle injury Hello. I want to ask about my right ankle fracture due to a car accident. I am currently in the recovery phase and have started to walk slowly, but it is still a bit inconvenient. However, today I accidentally stepped on a threshold that I didn't see. Now, I fee...
Dr. Wang Shouji Reply:
Hello: As long as the fracture is properly stabilized, displacement should not be a concern. If there are any doubts or unusual pain, an X-ray can be taken for further evaluation.[Read More] Recovering from Ankle Fracture: Concerns About Pain and Healing
Complete vs. Incomplete Fractures: Understanding Your Ankle Injury
Doctor, does this X-ray show a complete fracture or an incomplete fracture? Hello Doctor, because I had an ankle fracture, the doctor mentioned that the bone above is slightly displaced inward and asked if I wanted surgery. Does this indicate a complete fracture with some displac...
Dr. Li Yongheng Reply:
I'm sorry, but the X-ray files you sent do not include lateral views. Based solely on the frontal image, there is no significant displacement. You may consult another physician for a second opinion before deciding whether to proceed with surgery. Wishing you a speedy recover...[Read More] Complete vs. Incomplete Fractures: Understanding Your Ankle Injury
Managing Ankle Fractures: Addressing Numbness, Blisters, and Muscle Atrophy
Closed fracture of the right ankle - numbness in the sole of the foot - formation of blisters? Hello, Dr. Shi: On June 17, 2017, I suffered a fibula fracture and tibial displacement in my right ankle. I underwent surgery to install a plate and six screws, and I have a splint (whi...
Dr. Shi Guozheng Reply:
Elevating the foot and performing up-and-down movements of the ankle can help improve slight muscle atrophy. After rehabilitation, this condition will improve. Once the fracture has healed, weight-bearing activities can be resumed, and gradual recovery will occur.[Read More] Managing Ankle Fractures: Addressing Numbness, Blisters, and Muscle Atrophy
Can I Walk Without Crutches After Ankle Fracture Surgery?
The steel plate for the fracture near the outer side of the lower leg close to the ankle has not been removed? Hello, doctor. I would like to ask, I fractured my leg in a car accident in April. As of today, May 4th, it has been a month. I had my cast removed at the end of April a...
Dr. Shi Guozheng Reply:
It is advisable to wait three months before putting weight on it; otherwise, there may be issues with the metal plate.[Read More] Can I Walk Without Crutches After Ankle Fracture Surgery?
Why Are Toes Left Exposed in a Cast for Foot Fractures?
Foot cast Hello, doctor. Recently, I fell and fractured my left foot while walking down the stairs, and I had to have it immobilized with a cast. I would like to ask why the toes are left exposed when the foot is casted, instead of covering the entire foot?
Dr. Shi Guozheng Reply:
The area of plaster immobilization should encompass the joints above and below the fracture. Therefore, for a tibial fracture, the immobilization should extend to the knee joint and the ankle joint. In the case of an ankle fracture, it is sufficient to immobilize just above and b...[Read More] Why Are Toes Left Exposed in a Cast for Foot Fractures?
Managing Swelling and Discomfort After Ankle Fracture Recovery
Fracture with persistent swelling? I have had an ankle fracture for over three months and have started rehabilitation, but the sole and dorsum of my foot are very swollen. The swelling is painful and causes numbness when I sit for too long, making it difficult to fit into my shoe...
Dr. Chen Yongxue Reply:
After a fracture, swelling is often a common issue, particularly in the lower extremities. This occurs because blood circulation to the lower limbs relies on muscle activity to push venous blood back to the heart. When an injury occurs in the lower extremities, the ability to mov...[Read More] Managing Swelling and Discomfort After Ankle Fracture Recovery
Managing Ankle Fractures: Pain, Recovery, and Exercises to Prevent Muscle Atrophy
Ankle fracture exercise issues? If someone has a fibula fracture on the outer side of the ankle and has been in a cast for three months without removal, and the ankle is still not completely reduced in swelling, it is normal to experience pain on the left side of the ankle when a...
Dr. Shi Guozheng Reply:
It is normal to perform up and down movements of the ankle joint after the cast is removed, as well as eversion and inversion exercises. You can try putting weight on it; if there is no pain, you can gradually increase the load.[Read More] Managing Ankle Fractures: Pain, Recovery, and Exercises to Prevent Muscle Atrophy
Understanding Ankle Fractures: Why Is My Heel Still Hurting After Surgery?
Medial malleolus fracture Hello, why does the heel hurt when walking after an ankle fracture? It has been over two months since the surgery, but I still have heel pain and cannot walk. Is the pain due to the bone not healing properly? Will the pain gradually disappear as the bone...
Dr. Hong Ximing Reply:
Heel pain may be related to your weight distribution while walking. If a fracture has healed, practicing proper walking posture can help improve the condition.[Read More] Understanding Ankle Fractures: Why Is My Heel Still Hurting After Surgery?
Understanding Discomfort After Ankle Fracture and Cast Treatment
Questions about discomfort after a foot fracture and casting? Hello Doctor, I recently suffered a closed fibula fracture near my ankle. I have been in a cast for a week, and the doctor has instructed me to use crutches for walking. I have a couple of questions: 1. When I am lyi...
Dr. Shi Guozheng Reply:
1. Yes. 2. The difficulty in blood return when the affected limb is lowered is due to gravity; raising it or placing it flat will restore normal circulation.[Read More] Understanding Discomfort After Ankle Fracture and Cast Treatment
Managing Increasing Ankle Fractures: What to Do Next?
The bones are increasingly fractured and separated? A little over a month ago, I sprained my ankle. I performed basic first aid at the time and saw a doctor the next day, where an X-ray revealed a fracture in the distal fibula on the outer side of my left ankle. The doctor indica...
Dr. Li Wenhong Reply:
Hello: If it is just an avulsion fracture of the lateral ligament at the fibular distal end, using a brace for protection for 6 weeks, along with rehabilitation therapy, is recommended. After 3 months, if there is no severe pain, instability, or high demand for activity, conserva...[Read More] Managing Increasing Ankle Fractures: What to Do Next?
Do You Need Bone Graft for an Ankle Fracture? Costs and Insurance Insights
Fracture-related issues Hello doctor, I would like to ask if bone grafting is necessary for a fracture in my left ankle? Also, what is the approximate cost of surgery, and will health insurance cover it? I am concerned about potential fraud since the liability for the accident ha...
Dr. Ye Qingnian Reply:
The general out-of-pocket expense for hospitalization is one-tenth of the medical costs. Bone grafts are covered by health insurance, but they must meet the criteria for insurance reimbursement.[Read More] Do You Need Bone Graft for an Ankle Fracture? Costs and Insurance Insights
Managing Ankle Stiffness After Fracture: Surgical Options and Recommendations
Ankle fracture followed by contracture? I would like to ask about the issue of joint mobility after a fracture. Due to internal fixation, my ankle is now contracted and cannot move. The screws have already been removed, but I still cannot move it. Can orthopedic surgery be used t...
Dr. Shi Guozheng Reply:
The likelihood of joint stiffness after an ankle fracture is generally low, and it usually improves with rehabilitation unless there is intra-articular adhesion; in that case, surgery may be necessary.[Read More] Managing Ankle Stiffness After Fracture: Surgical Options and Recommendations
Dealing with Persistent Bruising and Tightness After Ankle Fracture
Joint fracture Hello, I was involved in a serious car accident where I fractured the knee and ankle joints of my left leg. The bones have healed, and I can walk now, but there is still a bruise on the inner side of my left ankle joint that hasn't faded away. The faint bruise...
Dr. Chen Yongxue Reply:
Hello, fractures usually require stabilization, which may involve surgery or casting depending on the situation. Once the stabilization period is sufficient, rehabilitation should begin to restore the joint to its original range of motion as quickly as possible. It is normal for ...[Read More] Dealing with Persistent Bruising and Tightness After Ankle Fracture
Post-Surgery Recovery for Ankle Fractures: What to Expect
Post-operative recovery after ankle surgery? Hello Doctor: I had a car accident a month ago, and a small piece of bone in my ankle fractured, requiring surgery and the insertion of a screw. Currently, my foot arch and the first three toes have reduced swelling, but the last two t...
Dr. Hong Ximing Reply:
After a steel nail fixation for an ankle fracture, the affected area may experience increased swelling and some compromised circulation. These issues should improve after the removal of the nail. For more details, it is advisable to consult the surgeon.[Read More] Post-Surgery Recovery for Ankle Fractures: What to Expect
Understanding Ankle Fracture Healing: What Does It Really Mean?
Closed ankle fracture Could you please explain the definition of fracture healing, doctor? Does the presence of bone fragments in the joint still count as fracture healing? Thank you, doctor.
Dr. Shi Guozheng Reply:
The continuity interruption of a fracture is referred to as a fracture, and its continuity restoration signifies healing. In other words, it means that no visible cracks remain, and the presence of fragmented bone is also considered.[Read More] Understanding Ankle Fracture Healing: What Does It Really Mean?