MRI shows fluid on ankle?

Question

To make a long story short... I had 2 injuries on my ankle! 1 terrible injury and another, not as bad. I have had problems with it every since, and the Dr. always said it's arthritis. For a month my ankle has not stopped hurting, and now has started to swell in my lower leg, on the side. I finally couldn't suck it up anymore and went to the Dr. She spouted all kinds of "thoughts" of what it could be without being able to know for sure. "Torn muscle, torn ligament, I actually broke it 17 years ago and no one caught it" that sort of thing. But as you know no one could know for sure without an MRI. So I went for the MRI today. I will not be able to get the results until Tuesday, because my Dr is going to be off for the rest of the holiday weekend. I am impatient, and wondered if any of you had any idea what causes "fluid on my ankle?" Don't ask how I got this information, but I do know that is one thing the MRI has shown... (I'm a little sneaky, nosy, have friends in the right places, whatever you want to call it! LOL) So why would my ankle have fluid on it? From the injury 17 years ago? The other 6 years ago? Could it have been on there the entire time? I was young when the first injury took place, but I felt it was broken then, and gone untreated. I was on crutches for 5 months!!! For a sprain?? It never seemed to stop hurting, from the very first time! Didn't sound right to me, but I AM NOT Dr., that's why I'm asking today.

Thanks :)

Answer 1

Being on crutches for five months for a sprain is a longer time than normal. Two months maybe. They say that a sprain is worse than a break, because it takes longer to heal. Are you sure you haven't slightly hurt it again by running or jumping or exercising. Injuries do cause fluid buildup, but so does a host of other things. The first thing you need to do, is see a Podiatrist or foot Doctor. You didn't say what kind of a Doctor yours is, but if she isn't a Podiatrist, I would see one, like for a second opinion. For now though, you need to elevate that leg and foot and rest it as much as possible. If someone is there to help you, while elevating your leg, have them soak a towel in hot water, ring it out then apply it to the ankle. This will help remove the fluid and make it feel some better. Stay away from a lot of salt, retains water in your body. When walking, wear an ace bandage wrapped around your ankle for support. You can also purchase an ankle support from the Pharmacy or a store like Wal-Marts (Cheaper) that slips on like a sock. I don't believe your ankle has fluid in it because of what happened 17 years ago, 6 maybe, but still not likely. For now though, try the elevation, moist heat and a brace, and don't do any strenuous exercises or jumping until you get the full results of the MRI. I wish for you the very best young lady, and good luck. I certainly hope you find the cause and your foot heals back to normal.

Answer 2

Fluid in a joint area is the body's way of putting extra padding there  most likely you have lost cartilage and bone is rubbing on bone. i hope it is as simple fix as getting your tendents stronger to keep it from rubbing but they may have to go in and fix it