Fracture of the tip of the lateral malleolus

[Bunnie]

Hello,
I fractured my left lateral malleolus 3.5 weeks ago. The fracture is at the tip, and the tip is still attached (called unionized??). I train and compete show jumpers at the national level, and the injury occured during a competition. When i came off, the horse stepped on both of my ankles, just bruising one and fracturing the other. There is a lot of bruising, some black, some greenish yellow, very attractive! I need to get back to work as soon as possible. I have been going for Frequency Specific Microcurrent treatments weekly since the accident. Hoping that this would speed the recovery time, and allow me to start physio sooner.
I am wondering, should i still be having mild heat and swelling (as well as some acing pain) on the malleolus and surrounding area? The bone itself doesn't hurt, but is sensitive to touch, and looks quite bruised. I have been in the air cast for the whole time, taking it off to shower, ice and massage the soft tissue. The only medication i have taken is Advil, at a maximum of 2 in a day. I ice the area 3-4 times daily also.
Any input would be appreciated.
Thanks

[rnky_22]

you can expect mild swelling and warmth around the area for 3-4 weeks..what kind of fracture was it? was is associated with any torn ligament or tendon? In ankle fractures, RSD is a common condition to develop..you have to make sure that it is not unusually pale, cold and clammy..keep icing it 3-4 times, keep ur leg elevated for most of the time..hope it helps

[Bunnie]

Originally Posted by rnky_22

you can expect mild swelling and warmth around the area for 3-4 weeks..what kind of fracture was it? was is associated with any torn ligament or tendon? In ankle fractures, RSD is a common condition to develop..you have to make sure that it is not unusually pale, cold and clammy..keep icing it 3-4 times, keep ur leg elevated for most of the time..hope it helps

The fracture involved just the tip of the lateral malleolus, and it is still attatched to the main bone. The soft tissue injury seems to have been limited to sprains and bruising. What is RSD?
Thanks very much for your help.
Bunnie

[JonBlood]

Bunnie, you have an undisplaced fracture of the tip of the malleolus. As your ankle was pushed over by the horse, the ligament pulled a piece off the tip but it remained in place so should heal well.

With your symptoms I think there is no chance of you having RSD so don't worry about this rather unpleasant syndrome.

Normal healing time for this fracture is 6 weeks, and you can't really hurry it up however you try. Keep wearing the aircast and I am sure you will keep weight bearing on the ankle as you are keen to be active! As long as your ankle does not go over you should be fine. Overall you might find it takes 10 weeks from the injury for your ankle to feel fully good again.

Good luck!
Jonathan

J Blood-Smyth
HPC Registered Physiotherapist
Physiotherapy Site, Local Physiotherapists, Qualified Physio

[Bunnie]

Thanks very much for your help Jonathan.
Bunnie