Question
Hi Dr. Katz
I jumped over a low wall last month around the 22nd of August, and did not correctly judge the impact. As a result, I sprained my right ankle and there was swelling. I did not take any action the first night, but the next day after the swelling had not subsided, I went to our family doctor, who diagnosed that the soft tissues had swollen, and she gave me some tablets to reduce the swelling. However, even after a week the swelling did not go away, and when I went back, she asked me to get an X-ray done. The X-ray did not detect any fracture and the doctor told me that some swellings take a month to go away. She then gave me the same tablets for reducing the swelling and prescribed an ointment Anaflam, which is an anti inflammatory cream, which I apply to the ankle area every night and cover with crepe bandage. I have been doing this for over 3 weeks now. The swelling has almost reduced to a considerable extent, however, there is still a little bit remaining. My question is does soft tissue swelling take so long to subside. Do I need to do anything more, or should I just continue with the treatment prescribed to me.


Answer
Hi Ahsan

Soft tissue swelling after an ankle sprain can be present off and on for months.  I would continue with the same treatment.  I would consider physical therapy if the area does not continue to improve.  If the ankle worsens the next step would be to get an MRI.

Sincerely,

Marc Katz, DPM
Tampa, FL
Advanced Podiatry
www.thetampapodiatrist.com
www.tampacryosurgery.com
www.cryosurgerypodiatrist.com


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