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A 53-year-old female asked:

How long can swelling last with a sprained ankle? it's 6 weeks and still swollen. had x-rays and no breaks or fractures.

3 doctor answers4 doctors weighed in
Dr. Thomas Deberardino
Orthopedic Surgery 34 years experience
See Ortho Surgeon: You may have something else going on in your ankle such as instability (looseness), loose bodies, a cartilage lesion, or scar tissue that is causing swelling and flui accumulation within your ankle joint. Further or initial orthopaedic evaluation is warranted.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
Dr. Tracey Leaver-Williams
Obstetrics and Gynecology 20 years experience
Months: Especially if you are not resting your ankle! also on occasion fractures do not show p on early xrays but can be seen later, if you are still having pain consider re-evaluation.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
Dr. Payam Rafat
Podiatry 24 years experience
Have it evaluated.: Swelling may last a long time following a foot or ankle injury. An x-ray can show if there is an underlying fracture. The x-rays may be falsely negative initially in cases of small stress fractures. You may have a soft tissue injury if it is just a sprain and may have damaged the muscle, tendon, or ligaments in the area. Have it evaluated by a professional and get the appropriate treatment.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
Last updated Oct 12, 2020

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