Sprained ankle.. still bothering me after 3 months

[mepatrick]

Hello RFD,
3 months ago I sustained an ankle sprain while playing basketball.. as usual it swelled up pretty bad and I went to a doctor to get xrays and everything was fine. The doctor just said I need to rest it and ice and hot water cycle it. I've also went to massage doctor to get the swelling down. The injury wasn't severe enough for me to get a walking boot and the swelling subsided after a while.

So after 3 months, the swelling is all gone but it still hurts when I run, jump or even when I bend my ankle. Every morning when I wake up, I feel stiffness in my ankle and when I walk right after waking up, it will hurt a bit but go away from a few minutes. Is the ankle not healed yet and should I go see another doctor? Or did my ankle stiffen up from lack of exercise for 3 months, and that I should jog/light exercise to loosen it?

I really want to get back to basketball and this ankle is really bothersome. I've had various ankle sprains before but usually goes away after 2 weeks..

Any opinions?

[Tijuana]

Welcome to your new life. Very rarely if ever will your ankle feel the way it did before.All I can advise is using a brace and trying to strengthen your ankle. I sprained mine one time too many, kept me out of basketball for over a year now.

[Rehan]

I sprained my ankle several years ago... I didn't walk on that foot for a couple of weeks, and I never really did any rehab exercises for it either. For the first year or two, it still wasn't 100% back to normal...after carrying and moving heavy things like big luggage, I could feel a bit of pain in my ankle afterwards. But gradually, that issue went away. I haven't returned to volleyball, but I've been playing soccer and badminton off and on for the past few 3 years and I haven't had any problems at all with that ankle or foot.

Three months isn't a lot of time to have it fully heal, I think. But it sounds like it would be worthwhile for you to go see a doctor to get proper advice specific to your situation. (I don't know what you mean by "massage doctor"... Physiotherapists and massage therapists aren't medical doctors. Go see a real doctor for this issue.)

[poedua]

I sprained my ankle several years ago... I didn't walk on that foot for a couple of weeks, and I never really did any rehab exercises for it either. For the first year or two, it still wasn't 100% back to normal...after carrying and moving heavy things like big luggage, I could feel a bit of pain in my ankle afterwards. But gradually, that issue went away. I haven't returned to volleyball, but I've been playing soccer and badminton off and on for the past few 3 years and I haven't had any problems at all with that ankle or foot.

Three months isn't a lot of time to have it fully heal, I think. But it sounds like it would be worthwhile for you to go see a doctor to get proper advice specific to your situation. (I don't know what you mean by "massage doctor"... Physiotherapists and massage therapists aren't medical doctors. Go see a real doctor for this issue.)

+1

[backsplash]

Recurrent / multiple ankle sprains doesn't bode well for your future athletic life. In other words, if you have sprained your ankle more than once, chances are you have some laxity in that joint and some kinesthetic deficiencies. Try this - do a one-legged stand on your good ankle...now do the same on your bad ankle (if you can)....notice the difference in ankle control from side to side?

You can let it go without therapy and most likely the pain will eventually go away but I would not recommend it. Go see a reputable physiotherapist or a chiropractor who treats these injuries. Don't worry about seeing your MD unless your extended health benefits requires that you have a note. A good ankle rehab program needs someone to look above and below the ankle and should include scar tissue work, balance training, and overall ankle strengthening.

Caveat lector - Without seeing your ankle, this is only - of course - general advice.

Good luck!

Ian

[inmyturret]

I was in the same situation and ignored the pain when bending (e.g. squats) or jumping. It got worse and worse until I couldn't even walk. I was diagnosed with Achilles tendinitis. It has been five years now, and tons of physio, and it still isn't better. It has become a chronic injury and I had to give up lots of my favourite activities.

However, I was told that if I had treated it when the pain first started, they could have easily treated it. Get yourself to a doctor and physiotherapist to strengthen it ASAP. (Also to get a correct diagnosis!)

For now, you could also try some heel lifts in your shoes to take the pressure off of it. I got mine at a store on the south east corner of Davisville and Yonge. I think it was CIMS home health care.

[mepatrick]

Yikes this doesn't look good for me..

Also walking isn't really an issue as I feel no pain at all.. few days ago I was trying to catch a bus and I felt sharp pain when I tried to jog. Right now, I'm doing some light foot exercise every night before I sleep, but the stiffness comes back every morning. I might have to go see a good doctor then.. My family doctor was pretty useless and simply did xrays to make sure my bones didn't fracture. Hopefully it's not that expensive. My only concern was that the swelling has already disappeared, but the pain is still there.. which got me worried.

[Tijuana]

Yikes this doesn't look good for me..

Also walking isn't really an issue as I feel no pain at all.. few days ago I was trying to catch a bus and I felt sharp pain when I tried to jog. Right now, I'm doing some light foot exercise every night before I sleep, but the stiffness comes back every morning. I might have to go see a good doctor then.. My family doctor was pretty useless and simply did xrays to make sure my bones didn't fracture. Hopefully it's not that expensive. My only concern was that the swelling has already disappeared, but the pain is still there.. which got me worried.

Is your ankle still slightly bigger than your good ankle? I'd take it easy for at least another few months. Get a brace if you want to play, it really makes a difference and just be more aware if you play. Also in a few months get an MRI and see if everything is al right.

[Breakfast_Lover]

Your family doctor could order an MRI and refer to a specialist. Generally speaking, MRI should be considered in ankle sprains that are still painful after 8 weeks of standard therapy (which includes physiotherapy). Referral to an MD specialist (sports medicine or physical medicine physician, or an orthopedic surgeon) could be useful for those with chronic ankle instability. For prevention of re-injury, one could start proprioception and strength training, possibly with a physiotherapist.

As a general rule, follow-up with your family doctor if you're not getting any better - the diagnosis, further investigations, treatments, and referral will be re-considered. It's their job and you don't even have to pay them. And BTW, as long as your family doctor refers you, you don't have to pay for a specialist consult either (when I say specialist I mean an MD or Medical Doctor - not a chiropractor/homeopath/osteopath/naturopath/reiki/accupuncturist/etc).

As someone else appropriately stated, caveat lector. Without actually performing a medical history, physical exam and reviewing investigations, this is only general advice and does not necessarily apply to your specific situation.

[poedua]

Yikes this doesn't look good for me..

Also walking isn't really an issue as I feel no pain at all.. few days ago I was trying to catch a bus and I felt sharp pain when I tried to jog. Right now, I'm doing some light foot exercise every night before I sleep, but the stiffness comes back every morning. I might have to go see a good doctor then.. My family doctor was pretty useless and simply did xrays to make sure my bones didn't fracture. Hopefully it's not that expensive. My only concern was that the swelling has already disappeared, but the pain is still there.. which got me worried.

Or, if you ever find yourself in the Brampton area ( Davis Campus ), drop by the Sheridan Sports Injury Clinic.

http://www.sheridancollege.ca/Servic...%20Clinic.aspx

Sheridan College in Oakville also ran a Sports Medicine / Injury clinic on campus ( not sure if it's still there or if it moved to the Davis campus ) where they allow students to do supervised assessment and treatment of patients as part of their studies ...it's a clinic where you simply call ahead for an appointment and I think I paid only $10 per session quite a few years back for my PCL knee injiry. Went there for a back and shoulder & groin athletic injury problem as well over the years. They're excellent - the Sheridan program is reputed to be the best in the country and lot of their grads work in some of the best clinics in the GTA. A buddy of mine who did triathlons also went there for a couple of months to rehab a nagging shoulder injury and loved it....with great results. He liked it so much he drove to Oakville from the Beaches in TO.

Worth a call if nothing else........if they can't help ...maybe they may have some other suggestions or referrals for something closer to your area.

[dreaderus]

i have a bad ankle i didnt properly do treatments on when i pulled the ligements out on a bad sprain and now i wear a brace.

if i go on an uneven surface without a brace it drops out of the socket, and i then have to (in pure agony) bang it back into place.

Thankfully i have it wrapped tightly up in a brace when running or otherwise.

I have gone to my doctor who pretty much provides fairly high level assessments but i think id likely need some form of surgery to help more (it won't be the same)

advice: take it very seriously ensure you get all medical advice possibly.

[mepatrick]

Thanks guys, guess I'll arrange to see a doctor soon.
Hope I can resume play soon. I'm getting fat.

[multimut]

I've had various ankle sprains before but usually goes away after 2 weeks..

Any opinions?

Like others have suggested... see a sports medicine doctor.

You say you have had ankle sprains before. With each sprain, you become more susceptible to getting new sprains. After getting through this period of pain, you will need to work on rehabilitation of your ankle to make it stronger, or you will easy get another sprain. Wobble boards can be a good way to strengthen your ankle. Make sure someone shows you how to use it, and start off with an easy one (not too high).

[fenrus]

I've had a history of ankle sprains, and I just sprained my ankle too in mid July. Playing volleyball, I was blocking, the attacker's foot slightly crossed the centre line, you know the rest.

I decided to take extra care this time and did some physio. From what I read and what my guy said, go with ice all the way. Heat only relieves pain but doesn't really help with the healing. Fill a bucket with cold water, throw in some ice packs (or actual ice) and plunge your foot in for 15 mins. Of course, you're way beyond this stage so maybe in the future.

I'm a little over 2 months since the injury and I can still say I don't have full jumping, sprinting, and range of motion. My foot was feeling really stiff lately and my physiotherapist really did help loosen it in my last session. He started with a calf massage as I complained my Achilles heel was bothering me, and boy did I have a lot of knots. Then pushing, pulling, tugging of my foot with massages in painful parts of my ankle. By the end of the session, I did find my injured ankle had almost equal range of motion as my good ankle. I think I had a lot of scar tissue that was limiting my mobility.

A medical doctor is useless here. And yes, your ankle did get soft and stiff after 3 months of inactivity. Heck, my ankle got soft and stiff after 2 weeks of inactivity (I got lazy with my rehab, my bad). Doing general exercises (jogging, light exercise, more basketball) isn't going to help. You need to do things that target the ankle.

Stretches
-point toes forward as much as you can, and hold
-point toes backward as much as you can, and hold
-calf stretch, where you push against a wall or where you use a step. If you do it deep enough, you should feel it in your ankle.

Balance: just balance yourself on one foot. Put one foot in front of the other and hold that position. Trying doing it with your eyes closed.

Strength: Inversion & Eversion with an elastic. Pushing forward while you resist with a towel.

And if you gave your ankle a good workout, giving it a 15 min ice bath isn't a bad idea.

[mepatrick]

I've had a history of ankle sprains, and I just sprained my ankle too in mid July. Playing volleyball, I was blocking, the attacker's foot slightly crossed the centre line, you know the rest.

I decided to take extra care this time and did some physio. From what I read and what my guy said, go with ice all the way. Heat only relieves pain but doesn't really help with the healing. Fill a bucket with cold water, throw in some ice packs (or actual ice) and plunge your foot in for 15 mins. Of course, you're way beyond this stage so maybe in the future.

I'm a little over 2 months since the injury and I can still say I don't have full jumping, sprinting, and range of motion. My foot was feeling really stiff lately and my physiotherapist really did help loosen it in my last session. He started with a calf massage as I complained my Achilles heel was bothering me, and boy did I have a lot of knots. Then pushing, pulling, tugging of my foot with massages in painful parts of my ankle. By the end of the session, I did find my injured ankle had almost equal range of motion as my good ankle. I think I had a lot of scar tissue that was limiting my mobility.

A medical doctor is useless here. And yes, your ankle did get soft and stiff after 3 months of inactivity. Heck, my ankle got soft and stiff after 2 weeks of inactivity (I got lazy with my rehab, my bad). Doing general exercises (jogging, light exercise, more basketball) isn't going to help. You need to do things that target the ankle.

Stretches
-point toes forward as much as you can, and hold
-point toes backward as much as you can, and hold
-calf stretch, where you push against a wall or where you use a step. If you do it deep enough, you should feel it in your ankle.

Balance: just balance yourself on one foot. Put one foot in front of the other and hold that position. Trying doing it with your eyes closed.

Strength: Inversion & Eversion with an elastic. Pushing forward while you resist with a towel.

And if you gave your ankle a good workout, giving it a 15 min ice bath isn't a bad idea.

Thanks a lot for your suggestion.. we seem to have similar issue. My achilles is the only thing bothering me now.. when I stand and extend my kneecap forward, it will cause pain in my heels. Right now I've resumed my basketball play but with a heavy ankle brace and it doesn't hurt when I play.. but it does afterwards. I think I'm at 60-70% of the power I had before.. I guess I will have to look for physiotherapy.