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PT Health Care Solutions is one of the fastest growing health care companies in Canada. We offer our patients more then 75 Orthopedic Physiotherapy clinics, Occupational Therapy, Chiropody, Sports Medicine, Athletic Therapy, Massage Therapy, and more, throughout Ontario, Nova Scotia, Alberta and British Columbia.

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Tripped Down The Stairs - Hurt Ankle - Any Suggestions?

September 18th, 2009 • Related • Filed Under

Question:

I had tripped down the stairs at my work about 6 days ago and hurt my ankle really badly. The outside of my foot was on the floor and my leg was left completely straight. And all I heard was a loud crack! I went to the hospital with in the first 2hrs after the accident. Had it x-rayed and all they said is it don’t seem to be broken.

Now 6 days later there is still a lot of swelling and bruising, basically I still have a hurt ankle. I was able to start walking on it after 4days. Now at day 6 I can’t walk on it really at all. The pain has gone further up my leg. Any suggestions??

Answer:

This sounds like a potentially serious sprain.  The loud crack may have been one of (or all three) the ligaments that support the outside of your ankle tearing.  I think your most important move right now is to find an exact diagnosis.  If the ligaments have been torn it may be prudent for you to aircast your ankle for up to 4 weeks. 
During this time the ligaments will scar and hopefully heal.  Further, the boot will allow you to walk with limited pain and discomfort.  After that period you will require rehabilitation to gain range and restore strength and proprioception (balance).  You definitely should have it compressed with a tensor bandage as this will greatly reduce the swelling.  The typical swelling rules apply: Rest, Ice, Compress, Elevate.  To sum up.  Start with compression and ice.  Go see your physiotherapist for a specific diagnosis.  If it requires casting (with an air cast), do so.  Then follow up with your physiotherapist for rehabilitation.  Very important for future injury prevention.

All The Best,
Andy B. RPT

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