Sprained ankle - advice?

Question

Hi,

I badly sprained my ankle about a year ago playing football. Its still a lot more swollen than the other ankle and aches occassionally (particularly after exercise).

Am looking to get back into football this winter, but am worried about aggravating it, any advice?....has anyone else experienced the same thing?

Also, anyone know of any astro footie boots with good ankle support to minimise the chance of this happening again?

Answer 1

Occasionally an ankle will continue to ache and seem swollen after a sprain, but usually this is a sign that it needs re-evaluation and probably some rehabilitation prior to returning to active sport.

I would recommend a 3 view x-ray of the joint and if not satisfied with the information obtained would probably obtain an MRI. You could have sustained enough ligament damage that in addition to fracturing the malleolus you have cause enough damage that at least physiotherapy and rehabilitation or possibly surgery by an orthopaedist.

As far as bracing. If cleared to start sports I would recommend a medial/lateral splint by Aircast which would give you the support and still fit into most athletic shoes.

Hope this helps

Answer 2

Years ago I did the same thing, I sprained my ankle playing football. It turns out I had torn ligaments and tendons. The first thing the doctor told me to do was to stay off it for a few days, ice it and keep it wrapped with a tensor bandage.
Have you seen a doctor? If not, mak an appointment right away, a year is too long for this injury.
Have you been playing any sports that involes running? If so, stop and let your ankle rest.
Hopefully this advise helps. Your doctor may send you for am MRI, as tendons are difficult to see in X-RAYS.
Good luck
David

Answer 3

stay off of it. shop it extra desirable. placed ice on it. Take some anti-inflammatories like Motrin or Aleve. that's priceless to to get an x-ray too basically in case you probably did wreck something. i presumed I basically sprained my ankle one time, yet my scientific expert took an xray besides just to be secure. specific sufficient, I cracked somewhat bone in my foot. sturdy success to you! the line to restoration after a bad sprain could be worse than a wreck sometimes.

Answer 4

i just pulled my achilles about two weeks ago and it is so frustrating. I tend to gym every day and i cant for at least four weeks, more likely eight. i cant even walk on it for too long. I have been advised to apply deep massage (best to get it done pofessionally, as no matter how much pressure i apply its never as deep as the proffs) and alternate ice packs and hot water bottle on the area - five mins each for at least half an hour.
i know this is not strictly the same injury as you, but its the same kind of area, so p'haps the hot/cold thing will work - it does stop me limping after a day at work...
hope it gets better!
X

Answer 5

Unfortunately, this happens a lot of the time with sprained ankles. Something i use after dance class is putting ice water in dixie cups, freezing it, and then rolling it around my ankle where its tender. Eventually, the ache-ness will stop. Good luck!

Answer 6

Did you ever have the first sprain x-rayed? Sounds like you had a fracture the first time. It will always be swollen now!!!
I would see an orthopedic - I work for one!! You need to have it xrayed! They will give you a prescription for any type of boot or brace you might need to play.

Answer 7

Use an ankle support and do lots of warm up exercises before hand. Speak to your coach or a doctor to find out what strengthening exercises you can do between training too.

Answer 8

you do need to wear the correct footware for sports i have sprained both my ankles twice. it takes a long time for the ligaments to repair themselves also depending how badly you sprained it you could have nerve damage thats what i have, but dont worry they do repair themselved eventually!