Hello Doctor,
I had an ankle ORIF surgery almost a year ago, and I recently started a new job that requires a lot of lifting and moving around for 12-hour shifts. Since I started working, I've been experiencing severe pain in my ankle, and it swells about a quarter to halfway through my shift. The pain gets worse as the day goes on, and by the end of my shift, it feels very stiff and sore. Is this normal after almost a year post-surgery, or could something be wrong? What can I do to manage the pain and swelling while working?
Hello,
Thank you for reaching out to Dr. Galen. Please find the below response to your query.
1. It is not uncommon to experience discomfort or swelling after an ankle ORIF, especially when engaging in prolonged physical activity. However, the severity of your pain and swelling, particularly during long shifts, suggests that further evaluation is necessary to rule out any complications such as post-traumatic arthritis, hardware irritation, or incomplete healing.
2. To assess your condition properly, I recommend obtaining a new X-ray of the ankle (AP and lateral views) to evaluate the bone alignment, hardware positioning, and any potential joint degeneration. Additionally, a blood test (CBC, CRP) will help check for any underlying infection or significant inflammation.
3. In the meantime, consider using compression socks, elevating your leg when possible, and applying ice after work to help with swelling. If the pain persists or worsens, further imaging such as an MRI may be needed to assess the soft tissues.
Thanks
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