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I sprained my ankle 6 weeks ago and it still hurts and swells

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jen90988
jen90988

Six weeks ago, I sprained my left ankle playing soccer. I heard it crack and felt it immediately begin to swell, but I had to keep playing because I was at a college camp and it was my chance at commitment to that college. I played on it for 3 more days after that, wearing a brace to keep it stable, but it continued to hurt during this time. After camp was done, I took 3 1/2 weeks off and did nothing, basically just laid on the couch. The swelling and pain decreased, but were still there. Even when I first injured my ankle, it was never extremely swollen, just enough that it is very noticeable compared to the right one. During this time, I iced it 3-4 times every day. After those 3 weeks, I began playing again, and would experience pain with rotating from the ankle with the foot planted and internal rotation with my foot in plantar flexion. Now, even 6 weeks post injury, my ankle continues to swell up to the same amount it did right after I hurt it, by just standing on it for a few hours or by playing. The pain is less than immediately after I hurt it, but not much. 

The pain is is located around the lateral malleolus, and it hurts to press on the area directly underneath it. The swelling mostly surrounds the front and bottom parts of the malleolus. I can make it hurt by inverting my foot while pointing it, or by planting my foot and turning my leg so my ankle rotates. 

There is slight bruising present around my ankle, but I don't know if that is from the ankle sprain or getting kicked by people while playing soccer. I am able to walk generally without pain, but sometimes I will step a little weirdly and I will feel a sharp pain that sticks around for a little while. 

Basically, I'm wondering if it is more than just a sprain, because I have sprained both ankles before, and they never took this long to heal (I was always back to playing in a week). I haven't been to a doctor because I thought it would heal by itself like my previous sprains have. 

Any advice/ideas of what could be going on is much appreciated. smile 

0 likes, 2 replies

2 Replies

  • supek99
    supek99 jen90988

    Posted

    There's no question I'd go to the dr.   You've given it ample time if still swelling and hurting... is sign that a professional needs to look at it.  Good luck and best to u

  • kpower
    kpower jen90988

    Posted

    Jen,

    Based on your ongoing symptoms that never resolved, if it were me I would beat a path to a competent foot doctor  (preferably one that specializes in sports ankle injuries).

    It's anyone's guess as to what soft tissue in your ankle was injured, how severely, and the treatment /prognosis for recovery. Good medical attention could help answer these questions.

    Fact is, you have sprained the ankle before so there could be some already-compromised ligament, muscle, tendon, etc. that is contributing to problem.

    My biggest concern if I were in your shoes would be that by taking a wait-and-see (procrastinating) approach you may risk adding further insult to injury to your poor ankle (by engaging in daily activities).

    I hope you get the answers you seek, and a complete lasting recovery.

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