Should I go to ER for swelling after a ligament tear?

Question

Hello doctor,

I tore my MCL last week and the ER doctor told me to stay off of it for at least three days. I did so, starting to use it three days later for about three hours. The swelling my foot has encountered since then has been extreme. If I elevate and do not use it for four to six hours, the swelling recedes, but if I use it at all, my foot and ankle puff back up. I have been elevating it, icing it, and trying to stay off of it. What should I do? Should I go back to the ER?

Answer 1

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

In general, an MCL (medial collateral ligament) tear, even it was small, requires at least one to two months of rest if you do not bear any weight on the injured leg.

If the injury was small, it heals without any requirement for surgery.

If the tear was large enough to cause pain and a delay in healing, it will require a surgical correction.

A diet rich in protein will help you heal faster.

Until then, I suggest taking tablet Diclofenac twice daily for five days and tablet Chymoral forte (Trypsin and Chymotrypsin) twice daily for five days for the swelling.

For more information consult an internal medicine physician.