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Suggest Treatment For Ankle Pain Post Injury
Posted on
Tue, 9 Sep 2014
Medically reviewed by
Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team
Tue, 9 Sep 2014
Answered on
Tue, 7 Oct 2014
Last reviewed on
Question : Hi Doctors!
3 days ago, I slipped and fell while wearing high (very high) heels. My ankle is just fine, but my right foot hurts very, very badly. The pain is in the 3rd & 4th metatarsal area, on top. There is no bruising, but just swelling.
Initially, there was so much pain, I could bear zero weight on it. After 2 solid days of rest, ice and soaking in epsom salt, I can now put some weight on it, and walk but very, very slowly and with a huge limp.
I can rub the top of the skin, manually move and very slightly wiggle my toes without any pain. But if I squeeze or press down in the metatarsal area on top there is a lot of pain.
What are the chances of it being a tendon tear v.s being a fracture (without knowing from xrays)? If it is a small fracture, can it heal without cast and surgery?
Any other suggestions for a fast recovery? (I'm a server and unfortunately need to be on my feet)
Thank you for your help!
3 days ago, I slipped and fell while wearing high (very high) heels. My ankle is just fine, but my right foot hurts very, very badly. The pain is in the 3rd & 4th metatarsal area, on top. There is no bruising, but just swelling.
Initially, there was so much pain, I could bear zero weight on it. After 2 solid days of rest, ice and soaking in epsom salt, I can now put some weight on it, and walk but very, very slowly and with a huge limp.
I can rub the top of the skin, manually move and very slightly wiggle my toes without any pain. But if I squeeze or press down in the metatarsal area on top there is a lot of pain.
What are the chances of it being a tendon tear v.s being a fracture (without knowing from xrays)? If it is a small fracture, can it heal without cast and surgery?
Any other suggestions for a fast recovery? (I'm a server and unfortunately need to be on my feet)
Thank you for your help!
Brief Answer:
It could be metatarsal fracture.
Detailed Answer:
Dear Madam,
Thank you for posting your query .
Well looking into your problem, I would like to tell you that most likely it could be metatarsal fracture as your ankle is not affected. In ligament tear ankle movements are also painful generally . Fractures give rise to localised pain and swelling . But then X ray is required for the same to be confirmed.
If its a hairline fracture it will heal on its own but if its more then that it will require a cast. You should keep moving your toes plus need to take an antiinflammatory like naproxen 500 mg twice daily for 3-5 days , it will reduce the swelling and accelerate healing . Weight bearing should be avoided till the swelling subsides . You should get an X ray done and see a doctor for the same so that we can determine whether its fracture or ligament tear.
Take care.
Dr. Shruti
It could be metatarsal fracture.
Detailed Answer:
Dear Madam,
Thank you for posting your query .
Well looking into your problem, I would like to tell you that most likely it could be metatarsal fracture as your ankle is not affected. In ligament tear ankle movements are also painful generally . Fractures give rise to localised pain and swelling . But then X ray is required for the same to be confirmed.
If its a hairline fracture it will heal on its own but if its more then that it will require a cast. You should keep moving your toes plus need to take an antiinflammatory like naproxen 500 mg twice daily for 3-5 days , it will reduce the swelling and accelerate healing . Weight bearing should be avoided till the swelling subsides . You should get an X ray done and see a doctor for the same so that we can determine whether its fracture or ligament tear.
Take care.
Dr. Shruti
Note: For further queries, consult a joint and bone specialist, an Orthopaedic surgeon. Book a Call now.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Bhagyalaxmi Nalaparaju
Answered by
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