Really struggling for guidance with my ankle, what should I do?

Posted , 3 users are following.

3 days ago I was playing soccer and unfortunately after jumping in the air I landed awkwardly on my left ankle, feeling a sort of snap sensation. I initially believed my ankle had broken, due to the sound, the pain and being completely unable for any weight bearing, I rushed straight to the hospital.

An X - Ray was done straight away which ruled out a break and was told there could be fractures as these sometimes dont show right away on X-Rays straight away, but due to swelling pain and my description I was advised this is most likely a grade 3 sprain, explaining the crack I heard was most likely the feeling of the ligament tearing. I was sent away with no crutches as was told I am encouraged to walk if I can (Even though Id been told this is a complete tear most likely)

Unfortunately 3 days later, the pain is still agony, virtually my whole ankle is dark purple and it is easily the size of 1.5 tennis balls. There is also bruising on the foot itself. I rang NHS 111 this morning for advice as still unable to weight bare with awful pain. I was told to go to the hospital as soon as possible. I explained I had already had an XRay but was told on the phone they would most likely do another XRay to see if fractures had appeared. When I arrived at the hospital the nurse said she was extremely surprised no fractures in the ankle due to the swelling and bruising, however she had access to my previous XRay and told me she would not be doing another one, as nothing will have changed. So again I have been sent home (this time with crutches after I explained I literally cannot walk) and on my way.

Does this seem right? Why am I being told to just 'rest' a suspected torn ligament, with no walking boot, crutches offered etc.? According to many websites on google, walking boots seem to be a method of treatment for severe sprains? Why have I been told by one hospital fractures can appear later but told by another that they wont? If anyone can offer support on treating this so I can at least get back to walking, any help would be much appreciated. It just seems odd that treatment for a suspected completely torn ligament is take painkillers?

Thanks for reading, and thanks for any guidance offered.

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1 Reply

  • Posted

    Two words...MRI and CT....x-rays can't see everything even in the world of bones. I would insist on more imaging if your still having such intense pain.

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