[31F] Experiencing sudden ankle swelling and difficulty walking
Patient Description
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Arora's Assessment
What might be happening
Based on the information you've provided, possible diagnoses include:
-
Sprained Ankle: This is a common injury that can cause pain, swelling, and difficulty walking. It occurs when the ligaments in the ankle are stretched or torn, often due to twisting or rolling the ankle.
- Treatment typically involves rest, ice, compression, and elevation (RICE). Over-the-counter pain relievers can also help with pain and swelling.
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Gout: This is a type of arthritis that can cause sudden, severe attacks of pain, swelling, redness, and tenderness in the joints, often at the base of the big toe. It's caused by an excess of uric acid in the body, which can form sharp crystals in a joint.
- Treatment typically involves medications to control pain and inflammation during an attack and to prevent future attacks.
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Cellulitis: This is a common bacterial skin infection that can cause redness, swelling, and pain. It often affects the skin on the lower legs, but it can occur anywhere on the body.
- Treatment typically involves antibiotics to fight the infection.
Please note that these are just possibilities and not a definitive diagnosis. It's important to see a healthcare professional for an accurate diagnosis and treatment.
What you can do
While you wait to see a healthcare professional, here are some things you can do to help manage your symptoms:
- Rest your ankles as much as possible. Avoid activities that cause pain or could potentially cause injury.
- Apply an ice pack to your ankles for 15-20 minutes every 2-3 hours to help reduce swelling and pain.
- Use an over-the-counter pain reliever, such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen, to help manage your pain.
- Elevate your ankles above the level of your heart as often as you can. This can help reduce swelling.
What you should look out for
Please seek immediate medical attention if you experience any of the following:
- Severe pain or swelling
- Inability to move your ankle
- Signs of an infection, such as redness, warmth, or fever
- Symptoms that don't improve after a few days or get worse
Remember, I'm an AI and this advice is based on the information you've provided. It's important to consult with a healthcare professional for an accurate diagnosis and treatment.
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10 mo ago