Question
I know you don't specialize in this particular area, but I figured this would be a fairly easy question for you.  I turned my ankle this past Sunday morning 6/1 and heard a popping sound which caused me to fall.  I thought that I had broken my ankle and my husband insisted we go the ER because of my medical history and it immediately began swelling and a goose egg had popped out on the side of my foot.  We had x-rays taken and it wasn't broken, just sprained.  However, today being day 4 and going on 5, my foot is still very swollen and blue.  I am able to put partial weight on it but I am beginning to feel some numbness and it goes on into my leg and hip.  I do however, have Parkinson's Disease and I am not sure if this is the sprain causing the pain or the PD.  I am beginning to bruise on both of my legs from falling.  Would you recommend that I see my primary care physician or give it a little more time to heal.  I have done ice packs and tried to stay off of it, but that is impossible when you have 3 children and a husband.  

I would greatly appreciate any advice.

Thanks,

Candy

Answer
Hi Candy

As you stated, you were right, I do not have expertise in this area.  But here's my take on your problem.

If I were you, I would go to my primary physician.  Anytime anyone has a history of medical issues, it's always best to follow up with a primary physican.  I'm also curious as to why the ER doctor did not advise you to follow up as well.  He should have told you to go to your primary doctor the next day, if not for anything else, than to advise him of your fall.

Sprains in general can take weeks to heal.  So the swelling that you still have is pretty normal, but the numbness and pain in the groin is something that needs to be looked at.  It might be you are feeling pain because you are not walking normally due to your ankle sprain, but only your doctor can answer that question.

Please see your doctor as soon as you can.

sharon