HELP PLEASE? My tattoo is so swollen I can't walk?

Question

I got my first tattoo on 8/23 (two days ago) on the inside in my ankle

and its a fairly big tattoo, but it is so swollen and sore I can't even walk.

The ankle bone is not visible.

My tattoo artist said it would swell but I didn't know I couldn't walk!!

Is this normal? what should I do?

Answer 1

a little swelling or pain is normal but not to the point where you cant walk! it very well could be infected. you can either go back to the place where you had it done and see what they suggest or you can go see your doc but either way, something should be done. that just doesnt sound normal, even for a large piece.

Answer 2

You should call your doctor, just to be safe!

Feel better!

Answer 3

Swelling is perfectly normal. Plus, you have a bigger tattoo so it's going to cause a lot more swelling than if you got something small. I have a big tattoo on my foot and it was swollen pretty badly for about a week. Not to the point where I couldn't walk but I basically had to limp or walk funny because my foot was pretty heavy.

Don't put any weird lotions on it like an anti-inflammatory. Just keep it clean, keep it moist, and let it heal. There's no real need to spend the money and see a doctor. If you're really that concerned about the swelling, just go talk to your artist and have him/her look at it to see if there is anything wrong.

Answer 4

You realy should be able to walk.  Soreness and a little swelling might happen in thin areas, but it shouldn't hurt to the point of not being able to walk.  You might want to contact the tattoo parlor and see if he has any ideas, or even call a doctor and let them know.

Answer 5

Put an anti inflammatory lotion on it and put a rag with some ice on it, the swelling should go down pretty fast....but it will remain sore for a little while!

If it doesn't start feeling better, you may have an infection, and need to go to a doc. right away!

Answer 6

please go to the hospital, sounds infected!