Need Advice - Bad Ankle Sprain

[Atlantis50 10]

Hi Guys

 

I slipped on the ice on 04/01 earlier this year and fractured (spiral fracture) my fibular, and I think I've sprained the ligaments in my lower leg and across my ankle. Although I am walking again I cant walk properly down steps or run. It does seem to be getting better but I need more info about what I have done to the ligaments.

 

Initially I had Xrays at A&E where the fracture showed up and I have since been back to the fracture clinic and it was healing up well but my ankle and lower leg keep swelling periodically.

 

Can anyone recommend a foot/ankle consultant in Sheffield? I'm getting worried about the time it's taking to heal.

 

Thanks in advance.

[singo 10]

Hi Guys

 

I slipped on the ice on 04/01 earlier this year and fractured (spiral fracture) my fibular, and I think I've sprained the ligaments in my lower leg and across my ankle. Although I am walking again I cant walk properly down steps or run. It does seem to be getting better but I need more info about what I have done to the ligaments.

 

Initially I had Xrays at A&E where the fracture showed up and I have since been back to the fracture clinic and it was healing up well but my ankle and lower leg keep swelling periodically.

 

Can anyone recommend a foot/ankle consultant in Sheffield? I'm getting worried about the time it's taking to heal.

 

Thanks in advance.

 

Can't you go to your GP?

 

They should refer you to a specialist given what you'll already have on your records, plus the stuff you are saying has been happening since.

 

A few years ago, I broke my ankle and dislocated it and repairing the fracture was the easy part. The ligament damage was the bigger problem and it took some sorting out because I persisted in telling them something wasn't right. Eventually I was referred to a consultant who got me booked in for an MRI scan from which he concluded I needed significant reconstructive surgery to put it right.

 

Keep at 'em and they will get you sorted.

[Blue Day 10]

Get to your GP.

 

You also need pysio sorting too - I did my ligaments years ago and ddn't do the pysio properly. My ankle is still week as a result.

[SILLY 10]

I had trouble with my ankle swelling went to GPs and they sent me for an x ray but nothing showed up so I had pain killers. Then a few months later my ankle got worse and all my foot collapsed and went flat, got sent back to see foot specialist and I had torn my posteria tibial tendon and all the foot ligaments had gone.I had an opperation to transfer a tendon as that one was beyond repair and was unable to walk for 6 months. Go to your GP and ask to see a consultant an x ray wont show tendon and ligament damage you will need an MRI scan.

[squeezy 10]

definately go to your gp and request a referral to see a specialist, they should be able to get you in through the choose and book system with a choice of hospitals and appointments, some gp's believe painkillers and ibuprofen are the cure to everything but tell them you want to be seen at a hospital.

 

Ive had years of physio on my knees and back and finally had enough and asked to be referred to a specialist, i'm due to have an op on my knees at easter for something that can't be rectified by physio.

 

good luck, hope you get it sorted.

[medusa 16]

Yep, I'm with ^^^them.

 

Your GP and a referral is the way to go. You need physio, further tests and some more medical help.

[Daven 10]

If you sustained the injury only 2 months age then it's very early days in the healing process to be honest. I agree, go to your GP who will refer you to the appropriate specialist if necessary - but I think that you are being a previous in expecting things to be back to normal after only 2 months.

Good luck.

[Atlantis50 10]

Thanks everyone for your replies. I am going to my GP (for the second time) tomorrow and I will insist on being referred to a Consultant. I asked for this last time I went and they told me to 'come back in two weeks if it didnt get any better'. No offense to young people but the doctor looked about 18 and didn't seem to know much about ankles. She seemed to think it was ok if I had some flexion in it. My problem is I don't have the full range of movement and therefore can't walk down steps or run. I definitely need an MRI scan to see what damage has been done.

 

I know from reading about ligaments that it takes longer than 3 months to heal but the healing seems to have reached a plateau and the swelling returns fairly frequently. I'm sick of taking anti-inflamatories!! Anyway, thanks again everyone.

[Becky B 31]

As Daven said, I wouldn't be too worried after only 2 months. Especially if you fractured your fibula also, the loss of movement may be due to stiffness in the joints following immobility rather than damage to the ligaments.

Don't get hung up on getting a scan - they may not feel it's appropriate at the moment, and it may not give you the answers you want, either.