Hi,I am Dr. Gopal Goel (Orthopaedic Surgeon). I will be looking into your question and guiding you through the process. Please write your question below.
Swollen Ankle After Fall. Have Artificial Knees. How To Ease Swelling?
Hello. My mother who is 84 with 2 artificial knees fell backwards down some steps tonight and bruised her right side and ankle and right ankle is swollen. But because she has flight in 10 hours for holiday has not time to go to hospital or see doctor. Is there anything she can perhaps buy at airport or resort chemist to help ease swollen ankle? Am worried about her because am not on holiday with her.
Hi,
As she is taking a flight then wearing compression stockings would be advisable. These are tight and will help support her ankle and reduce the swelling to some degree. Simple pain killers such as paracetamol and ibuprofen may help. Elevate her leg whenever possible. Perhaps you could enquire with the airline whether she could have a wheelchair to transport her to her departure gate and prioirty boarding. Some airlines are very helpful with elderly passengers.
I hope she makes a speedy recovery.
Regards,
Dr K A Pottinger
MBChB FRCA
The basic treatment for your mother's ankle injury is PRICE - * Protection - in the form of a splint or ankle brace * Rest to the injured part * Ice packing to alleviate the pain * Compression elastic bandage over the swollen area * Elevation of the foot along with active toe movements
Analgesics like Advil or Aleve will temporarily give pain relief.
An xray of the ankle is needed to rule out any bony injury.
Hope this information is helpful. Good day
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Orthopaedic Surgeon, Joint Replacement, Dr. Saurabh Gupta's Response
Hi and welcome to HCM
It could be broken bone , soft tissue injury, ligament injury.Without ray it is difficult to differentiate fracture from others. As your mother is in flight for 10 hours, I suggest her to- Elevate the limb and put ice over the affected area to reduce the swelling. She can take anti-inflammatory drug like motrin to reduce pain and inflammation. After the flight get an xray done and consult an orthopaedecian for examination and proper treatment. Avoid putting weight and rest well.
Hope this will helps you. Take care. You can consult me again directly through my profile http://www.healthcaremagic.com/doctors/dr-saurabh-gupta/64132
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Swollen Ankle After Fall. Have Artificial Knees. How To Ease Swelling?
Hi, As she is taking a flight then wearing compression stockings would be advisable. These are tight and will help support her ankle and reduce the swelling to some degree. Simple pain killers such as paracetamol and ibuprofen may help. Elevate her leg whenever possible. Perhaps you could enquire with the airline whether she could have a wheelchair to transport her to her departure gate and prioirty boarding. Some airlines are very helpful with elderly passengers. I hope she makes a speedy recovery. Regards, Dr K A Pottinger MBChB FRCA