Is it normal for my ankle & entire foot to still swell months after injury?

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I fractured my ankle (weber type A fracture) & tore “deep fibers” & sprained ligaments in it back in January, I wore the boot for 8 weeks & moved to a soft brace with side supports. Is it normal for my ankle & entire foot to still swell, to almost twice the size it normally is, this long after those injuries?

Disclaimer: Please note, this reply is for informational purposes only. It’s not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician, physical therapist, or other qualified health provider with a medical condition.

Things to Know

  • Swelling for several months after a significant sprain is common.
  • Compression socks can help with swelling.
  • A physical therapist is an optimal choice for assessing your situation.

Thank you for your question! Without doing an examination of your ankle, we are limited in our ability to provide specific information regarding your symptoms. However, we can give general recommendations regarding ankle and foot swelling following a fracture.

Swelling in the foot and ankle due to a fracture and significant sprain is common, even several months later. Increases in activity and switching into a soft brace can lead to an increase in swelling and is normal. 

Many patients benefit from utilizing an over-the-counter compression sock during the day to help keep the fluid from building up in the foot and ankle. Ice, elevation, and ankle pumps – moving the foot up and down like working a gas pedal – after being active can also be helpful in combatting swelling.

We do suggest mentioning the difficulty you are having with swelling to your orthopedist, as well as getting an evaluation by a physical therapist to get specific suggestions, exercises, and treatment to help improve ankle function and return to normal daily activities. Ankle rehabilitation typically involves strengthening, mobility exercises, and functional training to improve the balance and stability of the ankle.

Please note, this reply is for informational purposes only. It’s not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician, physical therapist, or other qualified health provider with a medical condition.

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