Pain when pressing fibula bone from inner side - #29404
I am really worried because I've been having this pain when pressing fibula bone from inner side for a while now. A couple weeks ago, I tripped while running, and instantly felt this weird ache around my ankle. Thought I just twisted it, but now it’s like this dull pain just won’t go away. I keep pressing that area, because I can’t help but feel like I need to identify where the pain is coming from, but when I do, that’s when it really hurts! I mean, the pain when pressing fibula bone from inner side is pretty intense and scary! I went to the doctor thinking maybe it’s just a sprain or something, but they just recommended some rest and ice. But I can’t shake this feeling that it’s something more! Like, could it be a fracture or something related to my ligaments? I also noticed when I’m sitting for a long time, if I touch that area, that pain when pressing the fibula bone from inner side feels even worse. Anyone else dealt with this? I just wanna know if it’s normal or if I should push for an MRI or another test? It’s been really frustrating not knowing what’s actually going on.
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Doctors' responses
Pain when pressing on the inner side of the fibula, especially after an injury like a trip, could indeed be indicative of something more specific than a simple sprain. One potential concern is the possibility of a fracture, either of the fibula itself or involving the structures around it, such as an avulsion fracture where a small chunk of bone attached to a ligament or tendon gets pulled away. It’s also possible there might be issues related to ligaments, particularly the syndesmotic ligaments, which run between the tibia and fibula and can be stressed or torn during an ankle injury, commonly known as a high ankle sprain. Another possibility is the development of a condition called periostitis, which is inflammation of the tissue surrounding your fibula after trauma. If the pain is persistent, especially when directly pressing the area, and considering that rest and ice haven’t resolved the symptoms, it would be wise to push for further evaluation. Typically, an X-ray could initially help identify a fracture, but if the pain is ligament-related or in the case of a hairline fracture or bone stress that’s not visible on an X-ray, an MRI would be more sensitive. This kind of imaging can detect soft tissue injuries and minute bone fractures. Continue observing the area for any swelling, redness, increased temperature, or changes in skin color—these would be important details for a doctor. If your symptoms persist or worsen, particularly affecting your ability to bear weight or causing significant discomfort, then promptly consulting with an orthopedic specialist might be beneficial. They can provide a comprehensive assessment and help determine whether advanced imaging like an MRI is appropriate. In the meantime, limit weight-bearing activities and avoid pressing the area unless absolutely necessary to prevent further inflammation or damage.
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