8 months now!

Posted , 3 users are following.

Hi,

I sprained my ankle 8 months ago playing football, and it wasnt too bad back then and there was a bit of swelling on my lateral malleolus or 'ATFL' area.

Its been 8 months now and I still have the swelling, which is noticeable when compared to my left foot. I still play football now but I dont feel as if my ankle is 100% althought it has been this long..

I havent had an xray or MRI, just been to the GP and they just said to use the RICE method, which I did.

When ever I strike the football, I get some pain in achilles and some in my ATFL. I have been iceing and using heat to treat my ankle but im not sure how to get rid of my bump on the lateral malleolus or atfl area.

What can I do now?

Thanks.

0 likes, 7 replies

7 Replies

  • Posted

    I'm no expert but after 8 months would have thought that you should be back to normal, especially as you appear to be physically fit.

    If you still have swelling, then after 8 months there is something not right.

    I would go back to your doctor and insist that you get a referral to a specialist.

    The other option is to go to A&E and tell them that you have injured your ankle whilst playing football, they will check it over, and if they are in any doubt will send you for X Ray.

    It's not ideal but leaving things means it will only get worse with time, and may result in you requiring an operation at a later date.

    • Posted

      Hi Paulusdw,

      Thanks for your reply.

      I mean between the time from when I sprained it and up till now I have been playing football regularly, and havent had any serious injuries.

      The swelling is only a slight bit and its more on the ATFL area, so I may think the ligament may have some inflammation?

      My range of motion is 100% and can move it in many directions with no pain, but I do feel some pain inside my lateral malleolus when I overstretch for examle doing a calf stretch whilst holding onto a wall, so meaning overstretching with dorsiflextion causes slight pain.

      Im not sure whether it is too late to get xrays now as it has been 8 months. 

      Also, I do get a slight pinch in the back of the achilles when I strike a football, but not so much, and there is a little bit of redness in the achilles as if it has internal bleeding maybe.

       

    • Posted

      Hi. Please get X-ray ASAP. My late father was playing football and went over on his ankle thinking it was a sprain. It swelled up and my dad carried on with life and with swelling. Many years later he decided to get it checked out. He had in fact broken it and had to have fused ankle surgery. The ankle recovered well and my dad could walk without a limp. Please get an X-ray ! I'm post op 10 weeks plates and screws and the swelling on my ankle and foot is shocking. I can't get any of my shoes on and I get very worried. I am in pain too. I was told I am the worse end of the spectrum to ankle breaks and really did a good job to my ankle. I would be very worried if I was told I hadn't broke anything and had swelling for 8 months. Again please get that X-ray. All the best.
    • Posted

      Hi Sidd91,

      Sorry for the misunderstanding on my part.

      I still would go back to your go and stress that you are not 100% and that you want a referral to a specialist.

      It is not too late for an X-ray, as it's obvious that there is something still not quite right and needs investigating fully.

      Whatever the problem, after 8 months, you should not still be having discomfort.

      Good luck 

    • Posted

      Hi Susan,

      Thanks for the reply.

      I'm glad your father has recovered well after his injury and surgery.

      In my opinion, I don't think I have a broken ankle or any broken bones within, as I am able to fully sprint and run without pain, however I do have slight pain when striking a football or really over stretching my ankle and slight swelling on anterior talo fibular ligament as it seems.

      Taking your suggestion into account, I will re book another appointment with the GP and hopefully can get referred for an x Ray as soon as possible, and hopefully it is not as serious as it may be although 8 months and still bothering me could be a sign of career over as far as football goes.

      Thanks for your reply again.

    • Posted

      Hello paulus,

      Many thanks for the replies.

      I think that sounds like a good idea and will have to re book an appointment with the GP.

      I insisted that I needed an x ray as soon as I went to the GP months ago but they just told me to keep doing the RICE method ice elevation etc and it should be alright in 3-4 weeks.

      8 months down the line, I've been screwed over by the GP and now it looks like I will not be able to play football again, ATLEAST not at 100% that's for sure.

      Thanks for your reply again and I will be sure to check in with the GP, only for the 4th time....

    • Posted

      Hello Sidd91.

      Mate your Gp sounds an idiot.

      Go back & insist on being referred to a specialist, more importantly it's essential to have an X Ray.

      At the end of the day, it's your future, and your career.

      Good luck

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