HomeAnswersOrthopedician and Traumatologyankle trauma

Is it fine to have ankle fracture surgery after three weeks?

This Premium Q&A, reviewed and published, features a real conversation between an iCliniq user and a physician.

Patient's Query

Hello doctor,

I recently broke my ankle playing soccer. I went to the hospital right away and the doctors set me up and place me in a cast and told me I will have to do surgery. Six days later they told me that the next available surgery date is in the next three weeks. Is it fine to wait that long to do the surgery? Also, when I am lying down I am not in any pain, only numbness in a big toe but as soon as I stand up I start feeling an intense burning pain even though there is no weight on the feet.

Answered by Dr. Atul Prakash

Education:

MBBS

Professional Bio:

Dr. Atul Prakash is an Orthopedic Surgeon specializing in the diagnosis, treatment, and surgical management of musculoskeletal conditions. His expertise includes joint replacement, fracture management, sports injuries, spine disorders, and arthroscopic procedures. He is committed to providing patient-centered care, advanced treatment planning, and optimal recovery outcomes.

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I am thinking that the ankle may have been too swollen to operate and that is why they delayed the surgery to allow the swelling to go down which can take a week to 10 days. Did they not clearly say so? Three weeks itself is a long time I think. It may be a systematic issue rather than swelling. Yes, it is still safe to be operated on three weeks post-injury. The pain that you experience when the leg is down but not weight-bearing is from the blood rushing into the leg and the resultant swelling makes the tissues tense and painful. Again, this should settle with time or may persist even after the leg comes out of the cast for some time.

Medically reviewed by Dr. Divya Banu M
Published At August 28, 2019
Reviewed At July 17, 2024

Education:

MBBS

Professional Bio:

Dr. Atul Prakash is an Orthopedic Surgeon specializing in the diagnosis, treatment, and surgical management of musculoskeletal conditions. His expertise includes joint replacement, fracture management, sports injuries, spine disorders, and arthroscopic procedures. He is committed to providing patient-centered care, advanced treatment planning, and optimal recovery outcomes.

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

Education:

BDS

Professional Bio:

Dr. Divya Banu M is a dedicated Dental Surgeon with valuable clinical experience. She specializes in the diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of various diseases and conditions affecting the oral cavity. With a gentle and patient-centered approach, she is committed to promoting oral health and enhancing smiles through quality dental care. Her areas of expertise include restorative dentistry, preventive dental care, and cosmetic dental procedures.

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

Same symptoms don't mean you have the same problem. Consult a doctor now!

default Img
Dr. Atul Prakash

Orthopedician and Traumatology

Education:

MBBS

Professional Bio:

Dr. Atul Prakash is an Orthopedic Surgeon specializing in the diagnosis, treatment, and surgical management of musculoskeletal conditions. His expertise includes joint replacement, fracture management, sports injuries, spine disorders, and arthroscopic procedures. He is committed to providing patient-centered care, advanced treatment planning, and optimal recovery outcomes.

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

Listen to related tracks in our music library
Comprehensive Second Opinion

Read answers about:

ankle trauma

Ask your health query to a doctor online

*guaranteed answer within 4 hours

Disclaimer: No content published on this website is intended to be a substitute for professional medical diagnosis, advice or treatment by a trained physician. Seek advice from your physician or other qualified healthcare providers with questions you may have regarding your symptoms and medical condition for a complete medical diagnosis. Do not delay or disregard seeking professional medical advice because of something you have read on this website. Read our Editorial Process to know how we create content for health articles and queries.