“What’s up with my ankle?”
Yesterday evening (as of posting this) I had leaned a quite heavy folding table up against a fence and it fell on the inside of my right ankle. The very end of the table landed right on the bump on the inside of my ankle. I have a pretty big bruise and a good amount of swelling. Most of the bruise doesn’t hurt to touch, but a small area right where the impact was hurts very much. My ankle is a little stiff, and while I can walk just fine, every once and a while I move my foot in a way that causes pain. I’m only concerned because of the way the table fell on my ankle. Could it be broken (probably just a chip if it is) or is it most likely just a deep bone bruise? How should I treat it?
Male | 18 years old
Complaint duration: 2 days
17 Answers
Looks like you have a deep tissue injury or bone bruise. I recommend a visit to the podiatrist or orthopedic doctor for an exam and xray, and maybe an mri when the bruise or swelling calms down a little.
The only way to tell if it is broken, a chip or otherwise, is to have it x-rayed. Once that is done and you have a diagnosis, then you can appropriately treat it.
Have x-rays to rule out fracture
Most likely it’s just a contusion ,which is a deep bruise affecting the posterior tibial tendon. The worst thing it could be is a rupture of that tendon which is not very likely from the way you injured it.
Well depending on the weight of the table and the amount of swelling and bruising in the picture you clearly have bleeding beneath the skin which is in contained area and cause pain. By your own description it is unlikely that you broke a bone. However, there is a large tendon (Posterior tibial tendon) in that area and the hematoma in a confined area over the tendon will cause pain on pressure. Ice over the area (every 4-6 hrs. for 30 min.) for 2 days and then local dry heat for 5-6 days should resolve the swelling and bruising. If your symptoms do not resolve in 7-10 days then consult with a Board Certified Podiatric Surgeon who is Board Certified by the American Board of Foot & Ankle Surgeons.
In all likelihood from the photo you are dealing with a bone bruise which can take 6 to 8 weeks to heal, if you feel any instability in your ankle you need to have it seen by a podiatrist. I doubt there is a break because there is just not a lot of bruising, or at least not what you would see with a fracture. You can ice the area for 48 to 72 hours and put an Ace wrap on it. The stiffness is likely due to the swelling which should subside shortly (few days to a couple of weeks) depending on the level of injury. If you have nagging pain go to a podiatrist and get it evaluated with a clinical exam and x-ray, from the picture it looks like it should heal without much issue. Good luck.
The best way to treat any injury is to have a thorough evaluation by a specialist. X-rays will be taken to determine if there is a fracture. Even if there isn't a fracture, a soft tissue injury can linger for quite some time due to the amount of force going through your foot/ankle on a daily basis.
If you are not able to see a physician, I would recommend icing the area and staying off of it as much as possible. You should ice 20 minutes every 2 hours. Do not ice longer as it can cause damage to the skin. If your pain has not improved within 7 days, I would definitely see a foot and ankle specialist to evaluate the area in more detail. With out a thorough examination it is difficult to determine the extent of injury based on a picture or description.
If you are not able to see a physician, I would recommend icing the area and staying off of it as much as possible. You should ice 20 minutes every 2 hours. Do not ice longer as it can cause damage to the skin. If your pain has not improved within 7 days, I would definitely see a foot and ankle specialist to evaluate the area in more detail. With out a thorough examination it is difficult to determine the extent of injury based on a picture or description.
I hope you had this looked at. Looks like a really bad ankle sprain or even a possible fracture. Did you see somebody for this?
Ouch!
From the location of bruising it looks like you may have injured not only your medial malleolus (inside ankle bone), but also potentially the tendon that runs behind this.
I say this because this tendon pain is typically induced with specific motion and if irritated can be symptomatic when you point your toes down and point your foot inward.
If this continues an injection, or boot can be helpful in the acute setting to decreased inflammation
From the location of bruising it looks like you may have injured not only your medial malleolus (inside ankle bone), but also potentially the tendon that runs behind this.
I say this because this tendon pain is typically induced with specific motion and if irritated can be symptomatic when you point your toes down and point your foot inward.
If this continues an injection, or boot can be helpful in the acute setting to decreased inflammation
Recommend rest, ice and elevation and seeking medical attention as soon as possible to rule out a fracture.
It looks like only a soft tissue bruise. I suggest putting ice on it for 20 minutes per hour 2-3 times/day, elevate the foot and, maybe rub some Aspercream (OTC) on it to reduce the swelling. If it’s still swollen or pain after 5 days, have it checked out by a doctor.
Good luck!
Good luck!
It is best to see a podiatrist or orthopedic surgeon for an evaluation and x-ray. The amount of bruising isn't always related to the type of injury.
Good luck!
Good luck!
Ice several times a day and a light compressive dressing. If the pain persists have it checked professionally
You had a contusion/trauma to the ankle. There is swelling and bruising, which is normal after an injury. For this type of trauma, you need to ice, elevate, rest and compress the ankle with an ACE bandage or similar compression device. You can also take NSAIDS (Naproxen, Ibuprofen, or other Non-Steroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs) for the pain and swelling. If the pain persists for more than 2-3 weeks, or if there is significant pain with ambulation and activity, visit your local foot and ankle specialist. He/She can order imaging studies, if necessary, or prescribe stronger medication for the pain.
I would definitely seek a medical professional. An x-ray is needed to rule out a fracture of the medical malleolus (the bony prominence of the inside of your ankle). In the meantime, you may treat with ice, an over the counter anti-inflammatory such as ibuprofen, an ankle brace or ace wrap to provide some compression and rest your foot/ankle. Hope you feel better!
Get an X-ray to rule out fracture. If no fracture, then treat as bone bruise. Elastic compression to control swelling, ice pack in the evening when swelling may be worst. Extra-strength Tylenol for discomfort. Will probably take a few weeks to resolve.
I recommend you make an appointment with a foot and ankle surgeon (podiatrist) and get an X-ray for the appropriate diagnosis and treatment.
