Fibro and torn ligament in ankle

Broreb1981

I have fibromyalgia. On Sunday I went over on my ankle and I have torn the ligaments down the left hand side of my left ankle. I am in severe pain, I can't even bare the skin been stroked. It's very swollen still. I cannot walk on it at all or even move my toes. The hospital were very un helpful and basically told me I have to walk on it, I had to demand a pair of crutches. Painkillers are not taking the pain away. But nobody seems to care about how much pain I'm in. Could the pain be worse due to fibromyalgia 

Alex_Alumni

Hello there @Broreb1981 and thanks for reaching out today, I'm really sorry to hear about the torn ligaments in your ankle, that must be a nightmare!

It's always advisable to seek information from your GP about health and medical conditions, as I'm no expert I could only guess at whether the pain is worse due to fibromyalgia, and I'm sorry to hear that painkillers aren't taking the pain away.

Perhaps you could approach your pharmacy for information and advice as well as your GP, and explain what's happened, and see if they can recommend particular things to help manage the pain as your ankle heals. 

Can I ask if you have anyone to help support you with managing things day to day at the moment?

SueHeath

I am also sorry to hear about your ankle @Broreb1981 if it was me I think I would talk to my Doctor as well.
The hospital did xray your foot didn't they.?

Broreb1981

Yes I have my partner who leaves me drinks and food out while he's at work and yes they did x ray it and said its not broken so walk on it. I'm going to see a physio tonight who specialises in this sort of injury they will tell me if I need a scan or more treatment 

SueHeath

That's sounds good @Broreb1981 fingers crossed all goes well for you.

Alex_Alumni

Okay that's good @Broreb1981 let us know how you get on with the physio

Broreb1981

Been to physio. I have torn the ligament in the ankle. It's now very bruised and still very painful. I have asked for more painkillers from the doctor which they have given me and he would expect the fibro to heighten the pain I'm feeling. The physio said to use the crutches until I feel able to walk without them and rest it and move it gently, also if I can tolerate putting weight on it then it's OK to do that too. It's going to take time to heal that's all 

Tori_Scope

How are you feeling about that outcome @Broreb1981? Thank you for updating us Fingers crossed it'll heal well with time. 

Broreb1981

I'm OK with it just got to be patient now. I'm going back to work on monday. It's very painful, I'm more concerned people will think I'm going over the top for a sprained ankle but I know what I'm feeling, they don't, so why should I worry what they think

Alex_Alumni

I'm sure a sprained ankle is very painful indeed! It's a good idea not to worry about what other people think, as most of the time what they think is different to what we imagine anyway. 

I hope you recover smoothly, and focus on getting the rest you need when you need it, it's not a race after all

Let us know if we can help with anything, and I hope work goes well for you today!

Broreb1981

It's not going too well actually. Work told me yesterday not to come back unless I can get and lift or taxi and work my normal contracted hours. So it looks like I'm stuck at home for a couple of weeks. The pain is still intense and I still am having trouble moving it, it's swollen. I don't know what to do or how long this is going to take to get better 

Alex_Alumni

I'm sorry it's so painful It will take at least a few weeks I'd reckon @Broreb1981, months if it's a severe sprain. If you're especially concerned then please speak to your GP as soon as you can. 

Do you have any ice or frozen peas, that should help with the swelling? The NHS has an information page on sprains and strains, and what to do to ease the pain and help aid recovery:

How to treat sprains and strains yourself

For the first couple of days, follow the 4 steps known as RICE therapy to help bring down swelling and support the injury:

1. Rest – stop any exercise or activities and try not to put any weight on the injury.
2. Ice – apply an ice pack (or a bag of frozen vegetables wrapped in a tea towel) to the injury for up to 20 minutes every 2 to 3 hours.
3. Compression – wrap a bandage around the injury to support it.
4. Elevate – keep it raised on a pillow as much as possible.

To help prevent swelling, try to avoid heat (such as hot baths and heat packs), alcohol and massages for the first couple of days.

When you can move the injured area without pain stopping you, try to keep moving it so the joint or muscle does not become stiff.

You can also speak to your pharmacist about treatments for the pain, such as gels or creams, paracetamol and ibuprofen gel. After 2 weeks, most sprains and strains will feel better.

I hope that helps a little, and it sounds like it's a case of waiting a resting where possible, which I know is frustrating, but it will help you recover. 

If you feel we can do anything further to support you, please just ask    

Tara_Y

Hi, I know this was posted ages ago but hoping you will still read this! How long did it take for you to recover? I also have Fibro and badly damaged my lingaments in my left ankle.

Just wondering how long it took to recover and what helped?

Many thanks,

Tara

chiarieds

Hi @Tara_Y - & welcome to the community. Hopefully I can answer your query. Ankle sprains usually become less painful in 2 - 3 weeks (if not less), but it does depend on the severity of the sprain. You should try to remain active (tho do rest up the first couple of days), & weight bear as normal; it's better to walk that bit slower at first, but walk as correctly as you can, & build up gradually.

The above info is relevant, i.e. 'RICE.' A bag with some frozen peas in, well wrapped in a towel placed on the side of your ankle where you feel pain (usually the outer side) can help reduce any swelling, & help with pain too. Compression isn't always needed, tho it may feel comforting. When elevating your ankle, lie down & use pillows/cushions ensuring your foot is higher than your heart. When you can, gently try circling your foot clockwise, then anti-clockwise, & gently pull your foot up (the aim being to eventually get your foot so it's at a right angle to your lower leg). This helps the 'muscle pump' in your calf to return blood to your heart, which also helps reduce swelling.

Do all movements within your pain-free zone; anything that worsens your pain is counter-productive, so go easy.

I have a condition which has some similarities pain-wise to fibro; I've also previously strained my ankle.; not much fun on top of everything else. I hope the above may help, & your recovery is quick.

Broreb1981

Hi, unfortunately it is not the outcome I wanted. I still need crutches, can't wear a shoe so I'm still in a boot. It's a nerve condition with a lot of other symptoms including severe pain that may never get better. I'm doing everything I can to try and reset my nerves and I'm trying to live a normal a life as I can.