Tight Feeling in Ankle

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About two months ago I sprained my ankle. I could not walk on it for the first day, but then it got better so I did not visit the doctor. It healed fine and the swelling went down, so I started back running. Now, two months later, it has a very tight feeling when standing up to walk after keeping it still. I don't have a problem with it during a workout or run, but it has been bothering me other times. The pain is not in a single spot, but rather on both the outside and inside of my ankle. It is a dull and tight pain, which I find to be more aggravating than it hurting in a specific spot.

Has anyone experienced something like this? I am holding out on going to the doctor, because I have read online that sprains can often linger. I am very athletic, and have had ankle sprains before, but never this lingering pain that I have now. Thanks!! 

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1 Reply

  • Posted

    Kaysie,

    As a fellow sprain (and fracture to boot) sufferer I know about persistent symptoms following a sprain. Less severe sprains usually heal without any drama and the patient resumes their previous life, including athletics.

    But you may have unwittingly found yourself with a more complicated sprain that involves compromised soft tissue like the ligaments, tendons, etc. If they don't heal properly (or never completely heal period) then one may experience chronic problems with pain, stiffness, restriction in movement, and so forth.

    The fact that your ankle has sprained before, and yet still you are engaged in demanding sport activity, makes me lean towards  the 'ankle never healed' theory.

    I know you don't want to inconvenience your athletic lifestyle for any period of time. However, your situation may be calling for a 'time out' with an opportunity to rest the ankle and avoid vigorous activity stress on it for a few weeks. Then reevaluate your ankle's symptoms and see if it improves.

    If your ankle doesn't improve no matter what then you should consider seeing a sports medicine practitioner that specializes in ankle injuries.

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