When I was young my mother accidentally parked her car on my foot for a few seconds. Since then my ankle pops and cracks loudly when I walk often enough to notice... pop,crack,snap,pop,crack.
I missed the last step in my house a few months ago and the same ankle became swollen and it was sore for a few weeks. It was painful to sit on my knees since my ankle does not like to bend down any more.
So anyways 9 days ago I gracefully hopped out of bed to answer the door and I landed... well fell on the very same ankle. It hurt pretty bad. My two little toes went numb (sort of a tingly sensation)for the first two days. It is still swollen. There is bruising above my ankle, below my ankle and down the side of my foot all the way to my two little toes. I have lost more mobility in my ankle. I do not have insurance. I am wondering if there is any way to tell if there is any real damage that will keep me from hiking this coming year.
Hey Ruth, this stinks since you don't have insurance, but...if I were you I would get it checked out by a good foot and ankle specialist ASAP (and nothing against podiatrists but I would try to find a board certified surgeon). Research the doctors beforehand so you don't waste your money. Get to the best one you can afford. If I had gone to a Dr. when I was first injured instead of waiting 6 months (and then done what he told me to do), I most likely wouldn't be in the situation I'm in now (3 1/2 months post op). You don't mention how old you are now, but one of the things that sucks about getting older is that things don't just snap back like they do when you are in your 20's and 30's.
Good luck,
Ginger
The Following User Says Thank You to ginger62 For This Useful Post: Ruth743 (12-31-2012)
Thank you for responding. I am thirty-one years old. I have four children and my husband is the sole provider for the family. Needless to say our budget is very unforgiving. At this point I do not have any option to seek medical attention. I just hope that I do not hurt it again in the future. Is there a comfortable ankle guard that is affordable that I can wear on a daily basis to help prevent further injury? There is still swelling and it is painful to put on and take off my shoes. I have to drive my daughter to school every day and lucky me it is my right ankle. I hope it gets better before school break is over. I really feel stuck.
You can pick one up at just about any drug store. However, if there is a smaller, independent pharmacy in your area I would go there and ask the pharmacist what they recommend. They very often have better quality stuff than the chain stores. I really, really wish you could go for at least a consultation with an ortho. They might be able to give you some exercises that could help. Can you find one with a sliding fee scale or a payment plan? It can't hurt to ask.
Ginger
The Following User Says Thank You to ginger62 For This Useful Post: Ruth743 (12-31-2012)
Sweetie. It really sounds like you need to be seen. I know how tight money can be, but it you wait too long to get checked out, you may be ruining your foot and you are too young for that! I have two young boys - 5 and 7 - and my dearest wish is to keep up with them.
What about Medicare or a free clinic in your area? At least get yourself seen. Crossing my fingers!
I have/had ligament and tendon issues and the pain can be sharp to achy. It can hurt only while using it or even when resting it when I overdo it. There's no way to tell from the type of pain you are having what it is... Ice it... Elevate it... Rest it... And get seen.
__________________ Peroneal brevis debridement; peroneal longus transfer to brevis: tenosynovectomy, 11/20/12
I really hope you guys have a happy new year.I thank you all for taking time to console me. I am afraid if I go to the clinic they will just tell me to ice it and send me a large bill for their expert advice. I am in the process of getting hired at a grocery store that will offer med coverage. Probably not right away but as soon as I get coverage I will get seen. I guess I was just looking for somebody to relate to. Thank you again for your support. I will let you guys know how it goes.
Ruth---you really need to get that checked out. A lot of surgeons will take payments if you cannot afford the cost. My surgeon does. Another option would be to go to the ER. Once you get that bill you can apply for financial assistance through the hospital. I had two CT Scans paid for 100% from that. Definitely something to look into. I think all hospitals have plans for that.
Good luck to you!
~Kimberly
The Following User Says Thank You to LadyKanner For This Useful Post: Ruth743 (12-31-2012)
They do. You just have to set up a payment plan and stick to it faithfully. Even if it's $10 a month. And very often they will refer you to an ortho and make the appointment for you. Really try to get checked out now. You could be at a critical point where intervention now could make a huge difference. Doctors really want to help (haha, most anyway) but with the way things are right now with their insurance issues (malpractice premiums are HUGE) their hands are very often tied.
Please, do your best to get to a doctor soon. If not for yourself, for your kids. Cuz if this goes south... I can't stress how important it is.
Ginger
The Following User Says Thank You to ginger62 For This Useful Post: Ruth743 (01-01-2013)
Snowrunner, I see in the notes at the bottom of your posting it says that your perineal tendon repair failed. My perineal tendon repair was December 14, 2012, and I am very concerned that it did not work. I get my stitches removed tomorrow, January 12, 2013. I guess they will put on a new cast after the stitches are removed. My foot has been about 50% numb especially the bottom of the arches since before the surgery. I was hoping the surgery would fix this. I also can feel my foot get really warm at times and then normal temp again. I need to return to my desk job in a couple of weeks and I am somewhat concerned about that. How did you know surgery failed? Kenny
Hey Kenny, personally I think you are worrying way too early. Your foot is going to be numb in places for quite a while and you are only 2 weeks out. Ask your doctor about it, but it's probably perfectly normal. Good luck with the stitches.
Ginger
Ankle 
