Help--I'm new to this - Foot Problems Message Board

Cindyn2003 · 09-28-2004, 10:59 AM

Hello. I'm new to this board--thank god I found it.

I was injured (slip and fall) going into my job this past May. I severely sprained my left wrist, elbow and ankle. Did pretty extensive therapy on my wrist/elbow but its still very painful. I just recently received a cortisone shot in my ankle (one week ago today) and I still have pain and swelling. I'm taking Vicoden for the pain but it does nothing. I'm not one to take pain medication all the time but after 4 months of taking advil and motrin and tylenol with no relief I finally went to something stronger--still no relief.
My podiatrist said I had a severe sprain in the ankle and possibly ruptured some tendons.
I have no clue what any of this means but he's telling me that its something I'll have to pretty much deal with the rest of my life--he said we could see if surgery will help but its no guarantee.
Does anyone have any advice for me--what steps should I be taking??

Thanks,
Cindy P.S. Workmans comp is handeling my case.

eko · 09-28-2004, 11:09 AM

Welcome, even though it is unfortunate that you are in a position to having to write to the board, but we are here to help if we can.

Ruptured tendons - not a good thing. I'd request an MRI, if you have not had one yet, to see if there is any damage to your tendons. If there is damage, it may require surgery to repair. If surgery is called for, get a second opinion and educate yourself on the procedure and post-surgical recovery. Ankle tendon surgery is not pleasant and recovery can be long depending on the extent of your injury.

I had a Brostrom repair just over a year ago and there are others on this board who have had different procedures. The best advice I can give you is to be your own advocate, push for answers, even though working with workers comp can be a pain.

Take care and hope things get better soon.

-eko

eko · 09-28-2004, 11:11 AM

P.S. Don't do anymore cortison shots, you can end up with more damage.

Cindyn2003 · 09-28-2004, 01:04 PM

Thanks for the response. I've heard negative things regarding the cortisone shots--I'm supposed to be getting one in my wrist soon too--should I not do that??? I've had one in my knee before which did nothing--it appears that they never do anything for me.

thanks,
Cindy

kehorner · 09-28-2004, 01:16 PM

A few cortisone shots are okay, but too many in one joint (especially if they aren't doing anything for you) can weaken the tissues and cause further damage. So if this is the first one in your wrist, and the doctor thinks it will help, go ahead and try it.