Sprained my ankle 2 years ago, doctors did nothing and I'm still in pain, what should I do?

Posted , 7 users are following.

Hi everyone, around 1 1/2 to 2 years ago I fell down some stairs and injured my ankle, it was swollen and I couldn't walk on it. Everyone was telling me it would be fine if I just rested it, but I thought it might have been broken so I went to A&E a few days later. They did an x-ray and said there was no fractures and that it's probably just sprained, they told me to just walk on it and it will be fine - no cast, no walking boot - nothing. So that's what I did, I walked on it and it was still swollen for a long time and I can still see some slight swelling now. But the main problem is that my ankle still hurts when I walk on it, not as bad as it did at the time of injury, but enough to make walking uncomfortable. Lately it has been also been 'going from under me' a few times a day when I'm walking, especially when walking down steps/stairs. It just feels really weak and it should be healed by now but it hasn't. What should I do? I don't want to go to my GP to just be fobbed off and for nothing to happen, but the fact that it's started to basically collapse from under me when I'm walking //at the age of 20// is quite concerning to me. 

0 likes, 10 replies

10 Replies

  • Posted

    Hi James...ya, I'm learning that doctors are so misaligned and/or inefficient they cause more harm then good. Have you seek an orthopaedic surgeon? Had an MRI? Recommended immobilization with a cast? Engaged in Physiotherapy? These are all things I'm trying, 4 months post injury. I'm in a cast now, four weeks ago with two weeks to go, then 6 additional weeks of Physio. Trying to maintain hope...for all of us 🙏

  • Posted

    Hey James, I suggest that without further spending any more time, see an ortho. Your concern is absolutely right that even if it was a sprain it should have healed by now. Sprain also takes 4 - 6 weeks to heal. I hope it gets sorted soon. Take Care.
    • Posted

      Question: if a "sprain" doesn't heal in 4-6 weeks, has firrhwrdamage been done by walking on it and moving it and going to Physio? Does scar tissue and edema develop and become a chronic issue?

    • Posted

      *further damage...
    • Posted

      Hey Aly, an ortho or physiotherapist can answer your question well and I am neither. But the answer is yes as per my research. I am post op 5th week, had an open ankle fracture and dislocation. So I keep reading and researching. 
    • Posted

      Thanks Nidaa...I see my orthopaedic surgeon tomorrow. That's one of many questions. Feel better 🙏

    • Posted

      I hope you feel better very soon 😊. Take Care.

  • Posted

    I would see your GP  and ask for a referral to an orthopaedic consultant, they will hopefully do CT and MRI scans of your ankle.

    I had a very similar injury when I was about 13/14yrs old and I have been through it with my ankle. I had the chronic pain that wouldn't go away, the swelling and the ankle giving way.

    I won't worry you with the details, but I was diagnosed with something called an osteochondural defect which is basically a hole in part of the bone; it's usually the talus that is effected.  

    There is treatment for it the defects, physio, pain management and also surgical options too. If your in the UK, there is really good treatment on the NHS too.

    I'm not saying that it's is a defect that is causing your symptoms but at least having that expert input from an Ortho Consultant will hopefully and ultimately  give you some answers. 

    I would say be firm but nice with your GP (having him or her on your side is always a bonus!) maybe take someone along for moral support too. 

    Let us know how you get on too. 

    Claire. Xx

  • Posted

    Hi James,

    Obviously there is something going on there -- after all this time, it should be long healed.

    I would go to my GP and ask for a referral to an orthopedic specialist.  You should not have to endure pain or discomfort, there has to be an answer and a solution.

    I would not let it go and just expect it to eventually be ok, clearly, that is not happening.

    I wish you good luck in finding an answer -- and solution!

  • Posted

    Hi James! I am sorry about your situation. Maybe you could use some crutches or an air cast, so your foot has a chance to heal. Using these aids certainly can't do any harm. Maybe you could ice it as well. Here's hoping your foot is back to normal very soon.

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