[31F] Experiencing sudden ankle swelling and difficulty walking

Patient Description

A 31-year-old female reports sudden onset of ankle swelling and sharp pain, making it difficult to walk. The symptoms started yesterday, with the swelling worsening when sitting down. The ankles are tender and sensitive to touch, with a pain severity rated at 7 out of 10. Additionally, the patient experiences a sharp, burning pain in the toes and itching in a specific area that began before the swelling. There is no history of recent travel, no known pre-existing conditions, and no current medication use. The patient has not sought medical attention for similar symptoms in the past and has no known drug allergies.

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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.
  • 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.
  • 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:

  1. Rest your ankles as much as possible. Avoid activities that cause pain or could potentially cause injury.
  2. Apply an ice pack to your ankles for 15-20 minutes every 2-3 hours to help reduce swelling and pain.
  3. Use an over-the-counter pain reliever, such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen, to help manage your pain.
  4. 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

People Also Ask


What are the common causes of sudden ankle swelling and pain?

Common causes of sudden ankle swelling and pain include a sprained ankle, gout, cellulitis, or other forms of arthritis. It can also be due to an injury or infection.


How can I differentiate between a sprained ankle and gout?

A sprained ankle typically results from a twisting injury and involves swelling, bruising, and pain around the ankle joint. Gout, on the other hand, often causes sudden, severe pain, redness, and swelling, usually at the base of the big toe, but it can affect other joints as well.


What are the signs of cellulitis that I should be aware of?

Signs of cellulitis include redness, swelling, warmth, and pain in the affected area. The skin may also feel tight and tender, and you might experience fever or chills. It's important to seek medical attention if you suspect cellulitis.


What home remedies can help alleviate ankle swelling and pain?

Home remedies for ankle swelling and pain include resting the affected area, applying ice packs for 15-20 minutes every few hours, using over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen, and elevating the ankle above heart level to reduce swelling.


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