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A 53-year-old female asked:

I sprained my ankle 6 weeks ago. x-rays taken, no fractures. the outside is swollen by bone, how can i tell if its fluid or swelling for sure?

3 doctor answers4 doctors weighed in
Dr. Gerald Mandell
Nuclear Medicine 54 years experience
Ultrasound: Musculoskeletal ultrasound is being used more often for detecting soft tissue abnormalities such as tendon tears, joint effusions, and cellulitis. Ultrasound would show fluid in tendon sheaths and joint vs subcutaneous soft tissue swelling. Radiographs show better abnormalities affecting bones such as fracture, tumor, and bone infection.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
Dr. Ahmad M Hadied
Orthopedic Surgery 51 years experience
MRI: If you want to know it is free fluids or swelling of the tissue, MRI is the best test for that.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
Dr. Payam Rafat
Podiatry 24 years experience
Swelling is fluid: The swelling results form the accumulation of fluid in the area. An MRI can show soft tissue swelling and soft tissue injuries.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
Last updated Mar 25, 2022

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