Are we undertaking the right treatment for ankle injury?

Question

Hi doctor,

My mother had an ankle injury and she cannot walk. She fell down inside the house while walking and her leg is twisted. We have subsequently taken an X-ray and I have attached the X-ray for your reference. Please help me.

Answer 1

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

Your mother's x-ray grossly appears to be normal (attachment removed to protect patient identity). It appears as a case of ankle sprain. The standard treatment for this is RICE (rest, ice, compression, and elevation) therapy. It is to rest the limb as much as possible, apply ice packs to the ankle region, compression bandage after ice therapy, and if possible ankle brace to be applied. If an ankle brace is not available, then ask your local orthopedics for POP - plaster of Paris slab. Movement can be started after three to four weeks depending upon the examination findings.

Thank you.

Answer 2

Hello,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

Your doctor has not mentioned any fracture and has given the correct treatment. He mentioned tenderness in the region asked for limb elevation and refrained the patient from bearing weight. I have said in my first answer to go to an orthopedic surgeon for a slab and in your case he has seen and opted to cast. This decision is correct and depends upon the examination finding where he would have seen swelling to be minimal and gone forward with cast application. Even, if there is a minor undisplaced fracture, doubtful suspected fracture, or stress fracture that is not mentioned in the prescription, the treatment will remain the same. The doctor will require a reassessment of the injury with cast removal at four weeks.

Thank you.