2 years ago I tore the ligaments in my ankle, 2 years on and my ankle hasn`t really improved or healed. I had a xray done and just got told to rest and it should be fine within a week - Ok I eventually got back to walking. I then got referred to a specialist which didn`t really get far because he was far more interested in my high arches rather then my ankle and the whole reason I got referred in the first place was because of my plantar which has since healed on it`s own. I`ve also worn a ankle brace and I was given exercises to improve the ankle which i`m still doing to this day. However things haven`t improved, whenever I move the ankle whichever direction stretch, flex it`s painful, Sometimes the pain goes for a little while and then it returns and sometimes I can just be doing something and it returns to a more intense, excruciating pain. I`ve taken shoes off and the pain returns - Shoes are comfy and was not tight. The biggest issue of them all however is my instability, I`m just dodgy on my feet they have given away multiple times this year and I know it`s a dangerous situation to be in as it can cause more further injury and what`s more is i`m hypermobile. I also went to a chiro at the beginning of the year who basically said it takes years for a ankle injury to heal and get better and that`s it. So at the moment I don`t know if I am doing right or wrong with my ankle - I`m in pain, i`m in a dangerous situation with my instability and I do not want this for the rest of my life. Someone suggested I go back to my Drs and i`ve read that surgery is the next option. I don`t wanna go back to my Drs because i`m scared they will fob me off, send me round in circles I just want things to go straight forward. I`m also here because I will go to the doctors but I need as many opinions on this as possible as to decide what my next cause of action will be and if it`s the right one.
I have attached photos below, Please ignore the hair in the first photo and I know it`s not the best photo. I`ve got this red mark bruising around my ankle and bone. It doesn`t look like bruising to me and it`s more brown in RL but i`ve had this for a while now. I`m happy to take more clear photos of it...As you can imagine it`s not easy.
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emmaaaar18
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And again not the clearest of photos. This one shows you the bruise where my ligament originally happened...It`s that black circle you see. However I get pain from their all the way down to the bone joint bit. That yellow bit is also new to me - Not sure if that is bruising. Again i`m happy to take more photos.
I think you should go back to your doctor, sorry but there’s nothing else I can suggest, I can’t see the photo in the reply but they’re the best to advise you or refer you to someone who can help you.
This forum can't give you medical advice and I think that's what you need. I know it's tedious going through getting an appointment and then a referral, but that seems to be the next step.
You could ask a podiatrist for advice, but I think they would probably say the same.
I can't be helpful as I just don't know, the only other thing I can add is my very healthy and active son whilst walking along a local tow path tripped and slipped. He pulled his achilles tendon and it took months to heal. He was in agony but despite that we laughed ! Then realised he really was hurt and could not walk. I suppose it's why footballers roll around in agony on the pitch sometimes. He did recover but it took a long time. So best to go back to your GP to check all is well rather than risk more damage.
Definitely need to check with a doctor but just to say that I wringed my left ankle very badly at 17. I went to a GP when it was still sore months later and he said that tendons take at least a year to heal. Mine was weak and tender for years tbh and only really became completely painless when I started driving automatic cars years later; until then, using the clutch on long journeys always made it sore.
What is your age group? Because the older you are the longer ligaments and bones take to heal , my sister broke her ankle skiing and she has plates still in her ankle and she says it’s never going to be back to normal. . A physiotherapist might be useful to see . Good luck
thanks for the replies guys. At the moment I dunno what to do...I`ve got a feeling it will be a waste of time going to the doctors b.c as mentioned takes years.
Hi I’m sorry you’re still having problems with your ankle & am following your post as ive got similar issues & would be interested in advice. Mine didn’t bruise just swelled up. In 2017 Humira failed after 12 years & my ankle ballooned. Rheumy just said we need to swap your Biologics & was commenced on Rituximab but by the time it kicked in 10 months later the damage was done.
My GP had referred me a year earlier to Orthopaedics for toe surgery so at that appointment I asked about my ankle. He did an x Ray & said it’s a partial torn tendon but offered no help or advice as I’d been referred for my toe!!
I’ve hardly been able to walk in constant agony for 3 years when Rheumy eventually agreed to do an ultrasound in 2020 but then Covid happened & I’m still waiting for the ultrasound but promised it will be soon.
Please let us know what you decide & if it helps you. I’ve an appointment next week for pre op for that toe surgery but will have to refuse as I can’t weight bear in my other ankle.
To be honest I always think now that the only way I`ll be taken seriously and not pulled around is if I break the ankle. I`ll be uploading more photos shortly.
Well definitely try not to do that. My neighbour broke hers had surgery & now has a mobility scooter as can’t walk far at all. Not what anyone wants. Take care xx
Hello, I’m a podiatrist. You need an MRI. xray doesn’t give much soft tissue detail. Then your dr will decide if surgery is a viable option for you. Please seek consult with a board certified podiatrist/foot and ankle orthopedics surgeon.
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