While the aim of any injury is to return the individual to their pre-injury level of function, patients who have dislocated their ankle may not be able to do so. In this article we talk about dislocated ankle, its recovery and how our home GP in Sotogrande can support you on your dislocated ankle recovery.
What is ankle dislocation?
When a significant force forces your ankle bone out of place, you have an ankle dislocation. To cure this, the bone is repositioned. This is referred to as decreasing the dislocation.
Ankle dislocations are painful and swollen. The ankle might get discolored at times. The affected region will seem distorted. Ankle dislocations are frequently associated with sprains and, on rare occasions, with breaks or fractures.
A dislocation must be realigned as soon as possible, as a bone that is out of place for an extended period of time may cause long-term nerve or blood vessel damage. Before a reduction, IV or intravenous pain medications are frequently used. In most situations, bones can be readily repositioned. In more severe situations, surgery to realign the joint may be required.
Dislocated ankle recovery
It will take 6 to 8 weeks for the ligaments and bones to recover once the joint is replaced. Early in your rehabilitation, mobility exercises or physical therapy may be suggested. This is done to keep the joint from stiffening. Strengthening workouts may be added later.
Your joint may not recover full range of motion or heal completely after a dislocation. You are also at risk of developing arthritis in that joint. You will almost certainly be sent to an orthopedic or bone specialist for examination and follow-up.
A stabilizer will be used to hold your ankle in place depending on the severity of your damage. This restricts joint mobility, allowing your ankle to recover.
The type of stabilizer to be used will be determined by our home GP in Sotogrande. A cast, bandage, splint, or boot may be used.
You could also be given crutches to help you keep your weight off your damaged ankle.
Home care
- Raise your leg to minimize pain and inflammation. Place a pillow beneath the affected leg when sleeping. Keep your leg above the level of your heart when sitting. This is critical throughout the first 48 hours.
- Follow our home GP in Sotogrande recommendations for when to start bearing weight on your damaged leg.
- Apply an ice pack to the affected region for no more than 20 minutes. For the first 24 to 48 hours, repeat this process every 3 to 6 hours. Continue to apply ice packs 3 to 4 times a day for the following two days. Then, as required, apply to relieve discomfort and swelling.
- To create an ice pack, place ice cubes in a plastic bag with a top seal. Wrap a clean, thin towel or cloth around the bag. Never apply ice or an ice pack directly to your skin. Place the ice pack immediately on top of the cast, bandage, or splint. As the ice melts, take care not to get the cast, bandage, or splint wet.
- If you have a boot, open it to apply an ice pack unless our home GP for dislocated ankle recovery in Sotogrande instructs you differently. Wrap a clean, thin towel or cloth around the ice pack. Never apply ice or an ice pack to your skin.
- Maintain the dryness of the cast, bandage, splint, or boot. When bathing, wrap it in two huge plastic bags. Wrap one bag around the other. Tape the top of each bag with duct tape or rubber bands. Even if your foot is covered, water can still get through. As a result, it's preferable to keep the cast, bandage, splint, or boot out of the water. If a fiberglass splint or cast becomes wet, use a hair dryer on a cold setting to dry it. A vacuum cleaner with a hose attachment can also be used to draw air through the cast for fast drying.
- After showering, immediately remove the plastic bags and duct tape or rubber bands.
- Unless additional pain medication has been prescribed, you may take over-the-counter pain relievers to control your discomfort. If you have chronic liver or kidney illness, or if you've had a stomach ulcer or GI (gastrointestinal) bleeding, see our home GP in Sotogrande before taking these medications.
Follow-up care
Consult our physician within one week, or as directed.
You will be informed of any new results that may impact your care if X-rays were taken.
Home GP support for dislocated ankle recovery in Sotogrande
Get home GP support for dislocated ankle recovery in Sotogrande right away if any of these occur:
- The cast has a foul odor.
- There are cracks or breaks in the cast.
- The plaster cast or splint becomes moist or squishy.
- The fiberglass cast or splint remained moist for longer than 24 hours.
- The splint or cast is either too small or too large.
- The wounded foot is swollen or in extreme discomfort.
- You are experiencing greater tightness or soreness beneath the cast or splint.
- The toes of your wounded leg's foot are chilly, bluish, numb, or tingling.
- The wound does not appear to be healing.
- You can't move your toes on your damaged leg's foot.
- The skin is discolored (blue, purple, or gray), blistered, or inflamed.