Still pain in ankle one year after surgery

Cassie, Sorry to just now post. I just got finished reading everything. And yes, if you had your injection a week ago, still have bruising and still painful then, you do need to call your doctor back and make an appt. to be seen. He may want to do xrays or an mri to determine what exactly is going on. Please call an make a appt.I think it will make you feel better. And besides that, you will know what is going on and why. Good luck to you. Keep posting here in the meantime. We will be here to offer support and encouragement. I also want to welcome you to this forum. I am sorry for your pain. But you have come to the right place.
anice

Cassie how is the ankle looking? Have you been back to the dr yet? Susie

Hi Cassie,

Yes, I have had more steroid injections than I can possbily count. I have had both knees injected, back and neck and right shoulder. Never one time did I ever bruise as you have. I am going to suggest that you go ahead and make an appt with the dr so he can take a look at this. If I were in your shoes this is what I would do. I am not a dr, but it almost sounds like you have a hematoma on that ankle, so please call and get an appt and let us know.

Cassie, if it were me I would call the dr and schedule an appt to be seen ASAP. You should not have all this bruising going on this late. If you have a digital camera go ahead and take a pic of the ankle in the event you have to wait some time for the appt. I think you have have done enough of the wait and see routine. Let ua know what you find out.

Cassie call your PCP ASAP and get an appt. Like I told you before, I have had numerous injections in various joints and I never have done any of this before.

Cassie first off I would stop talking to nurses over the phone. Just call and get an appt from who ever asnwers and schedules appts. If asked why you need to be seen simply say continued ankle pain, offer up no further explanation, end of story. I would get this appt with either who ever did the surgery or my PCP. They will see Iyou feel certain , but with the PCP I would not go into all the detail over the phone again.

You may have a hematoma, hope that is spelled right.  I developed swelling and bruising on my cheek after a shot from my dentist.  It developed soon after I got my tooth worked on.  Can't remember if I iced first then heat or the other way around.  A hematoma can occur anytime you get a shot.  The way I understand it is a blood vessel gets nicked by the needle.  I looked like someone had punched my in the face and it lasted quite long.  Started out dark purple then faded to yellow just like any bruise.  Still check with your doctor but I'd guess a hematoma.  Flipped me out when I got mine too, I didn't know what was happening.

I've had surgery for torn meniscus twice on my left knee.  If I use it too much like running or riding bike it will swell up and get sore.  Sometimes I think that anytime we have surgery we also develop arthritis at a later date.  The metal allergy is also a good possibility, I know I am allergic to alot of metal.  I've also got metal in my neck and back but no problems with it as far as allergic reaction.  It doesn't even set off the metal detector at airports.

Good Luck and hope you can find some relief.

Jag

Does anyone know how one can ease the deep throbbing pain that starts in the ankle and shoots up to the knee. I do not have insurance, but did at the time I had surgery to repair my broken ankle. It is being held together with hardware. Any advice would be appreciated

I came to this thread while researching recovery from ankle surgery/ankle fracture. Wanted to share my story because it is a positive outcome. I am a 39 year old female, 4 months out from a complex ankle fracture sustained during roller derby practice. Many fractures, tib & fib along with dislocation to the front. I have a plate and 12 screws. This was the most painful experience of my life. The ER staff was left speechless at first sight of my ankle, and some even looked away. Had surgery 24 hours after injury and was lucky to get a talented surgeon. Post operative was a horrendous and painful time, physically and psychologically, it was very difficult. Hard cast and crutches for six weeks, out of work for four weeks, down to one crutch and walking boot for another two months. I lost the boot two weeks ago, and I am walking pretty slow with a limp, but I can walk and I drive (standard transmission). I can do the stationary bike. I do the stairs (7 flights) to my office twice a day. I do PT once a week, and everyday on my own. Doctor said I would suffer from chronic pain and arthritis, due to the complete lack of cartilage in my ankle now (was literally scraped off). He said I most likely would never have full mobility back. Progress is slow, but it is steady and every day I am stronger. Some days the pain is worse than others. I tire easily, and the swelling can get intense by the end of the day but rest, elevation & ice always takes care of that. There is a challenge in finding comfortable shoes (so I just wear sneakers for now) I needed oxy for the three weeks after the surgery, but then I quit because I needed to return to work. I sometimes take aspirin or tylenol every couple of days now, but that's all I need.

Patience is key here, when you're frustrated just know tomorrow most likely will be better. Time heals.

I am not back to running, skating or playing roller derby but...my attitude is one of "defy the odds" and "you are an athlete" so I am strong and determined to do better than what doctors tell me I will. It is hard, but I always try to stay positive. Mental attitude gets you far. Hang in there. You can heal!