fracture or not a fracture ??

[jas]

hi am new here but looking for advice 9 weeks ago i fell n landed awkwardly twisting ankle i was unable to move ankle went straight to a & e two doctors said their was a break on or near talus bone was put in plaster went back to clinic to be told oh i cant see a break on x ray by another doctor n took leg out of plaster saying its a sprain . well here we are 9 weeks on am still in constant pain walking or even resting and still getting swelling went back to docs was told takes time to heal n was given even stronger painkillers , my issue is how come first two docs spotted a break but third didnt n what are my options i just want normal pain free ankle again any help/advice much appreciated .

[Heidi]

Hi,

If you are in this degree of pain over 2 months later a fracture is very possible. Also, given that 2 Drs said there was a fracture and only one said there wasn't I would go with the majority! Did you get to keep the x-rays? If so, take them to another Doctor for a fourth opinion, or contact the hospital to see if you can have them. Many places let you if you request them.

It may only be a hairline fracture (which can be difficult to spot) or an avulsion fracture which is a common injury in injuries thought to be 'just a sprain'. This is where a tendon pulls a small part of bone away from the rest of the bone.

[jas]

hi i went back to the hospital they said i should agree with the 3rd doctors opinion is best because hes a consultant anyway they done further x ray today no fracture shown which is hardly surprising anyway since been 9 weeks after injury they say its the ligaments i have problems with but didnt offer any form of treatment so i really dont know what to do now seen 3 different docs no fracture yet still in pain and using painkillers everyday just to do normal things like walking without pain any further suggestions other than just keep taking painkillers n hope it sorts itself out soon so called professionals dont seem to wanna help with a solution .

[Heidi]

Ok, if there is definately no fracture and the problem is ligament damage I would get yourself to a physiotherapist or sports therapist etc.

The kind of treatment I would be giving you is massage to the calf, peroneals, shin muscles and friction massage to the damaged ligament(s). In addition to this I would ultrasound the ligament and give you stretching exercises for the calf. This would progress, all being well to strengthening in the form of calf raises and lunges and using a wobble board.

If you want some further ideas, have a look at this page:

http://www.sportsinjuryclinic.net/cybertherapist/front/ankle/anklesprain.htm