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Possible infection after closed ankle fracture?

Cleanly broken fibula, not displaced, no surgery advised, no cast, given boot.

By day 3 (Oct 9th) after fracture I could bear minimal weight on my ankle (as advised by orthos). I was walking around on crutches just fine. I woke up on day 5 (Oct 11th) with almost all of my swelling and inflammation down to nothing. However when I tried to prop myself in the upright position i felt an excruciating pinching sensation wrapping around ankle. Unbearable pain, worse than Day 1. Only relief from elevating foot (as i have been doing since day 1). But as soon as I stand or sit up (no weight bearing) I feel the heavy twisting, pinching, burning, fire sensation.


Update: Night of Oct/14th ended up in ER bc pain got worse, pain started to wrap around my toes, top of foot, and right side bone. Numbness and tingling started. Upon arrival was told it was a good thing I came in as the redness and inflammation was alarming. They struggled to find my pulse on the top of my foot so they pulled out an ultrasound to find it. Ortho in ER said nerve pain from a fibulae fracture should not occur as it is not where most of the weight bears. After 11 hours at the ER a blood clot was ruled out after a pelvis, leg, and foot ultrasound that concluded there was no clot. They prescribed me keflex as they suspected it was an infection, but were very honest with me that the possibility is bizarre because my fracture did not break through the skin. What is odd to me is that the pain is when I do not elevate my leg? Pain is not directly related to fibula. Toes are starting to get numb.
Elevated WBC, low potassium, and high D-dimer value from blood tests.
Is there any alternative explanation to this? Will give more details if asked.
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363281 tn?1643235611
COMMUNITY LEADER
Hi, I definitely would get a second opinion. I noticed that you stated that you had a high D-Dimer reading,well, that usually indicates the presence of a clot somewhere, it doesn't say where but it should the physician to do more tests to find out if a clot does indeed exist. Also, the high WBC indicates an infection.  It would be wise to get the second opinion.
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Avatar universal
What your condition sounds like to me is that, despite the recommendation by your orthopedist,  is that you have put too much pressure on your leg too soon after your break.  Usually elevating a break is not recommended - that is for a sprain.  I hate to advise you to spend more money on your injury but I believe a second opinion seems to be necessary.
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3 Comments
Could you explain why elevating it is bad for it?
I barely put weight on it at all, I can definitely rule out that reason for the increasing pain. and i haven’t for over a week now. The pain is now at the top of my foot and the skin feels tight
I stand corrected - your orthopedic assistant was correct in telling you to elevate it.   How long did you use your crutches?  webmd.com says you should use them for 6-8 weeks to give the break time to sufficiently heal so you can walk with the boot.  I think you might have stretched or torn some ligaments or tendons.  I would see a doctor to make certain that this is the case.
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