Any point in going to GP with this?

[iloveeverykindofcat]

I have severe hypermobility syndrome and week ago I sprained my ankle. It's still swollen, bruised and painful. Several people have told me to go to the GP, but is there anything they can actually do about it? I already have painkillers on a semi-regular prescription because of the HMS, and I've got a bandage on it, so I'm not sure there's anything the GP could actually do? I still have to walk on it because I haven't got a car, so I don't think there's anything worse than a sprain wrong with it.

Are you sure it isn't broken? It might be worth getting a medical opinion on whether it should be x-rayed or not.

A broken ankle can sometimes still be walked on.

I'd think it was worth an x-ray if still swollen after a week (assuming you've been RICE-ing it - rest, ice, compression, elevation). But GP wouldn't be able to do much there and then - is there a minor injuries unit near you?

I once thought I had sprained my ankle but it was actually a torn ligament. I would seek advice if I was you.

Yes go to your Gp they can send you for an xray if they think it is needed.

Thanks, I guess I will go tomorrow then! There is a minor injuries but its miles away. I have been doing RICE when I can, but as I say don't have a car so still have to walk places. Wouldn't a break be incredibly painful though? I think I have quite a high pain threshold because I've experienced acute pancreatitis but still, I was under the impression that if you broke a bone you'd definitely know about it.

I was told that a broken bone in the foot is not the most painful thing you can have.

I walked for four weeks on a broken ankle!

Wouldn't a break be incredibly painful though?
Not necessarily. Sprains can be worse

OMG Wolfie! Were you in agony or was it not so bad? (PS I love your puppy )
Of course I forgot today is a bank holiday. I will get it looked at tomorrow if its still bad. Starting to think its improving though - swelling is going down after having it strapped most of yesterday and the bruise on the top of my foot is fading.

Rest, ice, elevate and analgesia.

A simple sprain can take four to six weeks to settle down, a bad one much longer than that.
Swelling is a really poor predictor of broken bones - if there is loads of bruising or pain on pressure to the bony prominences of you ankle it is more likely to warrant an x-ray.

Minor Injury Unit/A+E will decide on the need for an x-ray using Ottawa rules - you can look them up.

Sounds like it is going the right way