Recurring ankle ligament issue....
Discussion
So every now and then my ankle ligament plays up, I believe it all started from a time when I stepped off a pavement badly 6 years ago. Since then every year or so it goes. Plenty of weights, box pushing, lunges etc in the gym, with no problem, then suddenly for no apparent reason its buggered.
Its generally the same way each time. Starts with a mild throbbing, then builds over the next day or two. By the third day I'm totally unable to put any weight on the foot at all.
Doing the whole RICE thing, with limited benefit. Currently strapped, and now and then putting ice on it, and taking ibuprofen. Its all the ligaments around the ankle bone, if I tap the area it hurts like hell.
have seen 3 different physios, and all have been crap (one just spent every session just rubbing an ultrasonic machine over it...)
Any ideas? am I permanently screwed with weak ligaments now?
Its generally the same way each time. Starts with a mild throbbing, then builds over the next day or two. By the third day I'm totally unable to put any weight on the foot at all.
Doing the whole RICE thing, with limited benefit. Currently strapped, and now and then putting ice on it, and taking ibuprofen. Its all the ligaments around the ankle bone, if I tap the area it hurts like hell.
have seen 3 different physios, and all have been crap (one just spent every session just rubbing an ultrasonic machine over it...)
Any ideas? am I permanently screwed with weak ligaments now?
rog007 said:
Have you attempted full rest of at least 6-8 weeks before gradual return to normal activity?
If not, then this may be an approach. If you have, then it may need twice that. Be patient and you may reap the rewards later. Good luck!
I did the first time. But practically its impossible. Way too much travel at the moment, as well as doing a flat refurbishment etc etcIf not, then this may be an approach. If you have, then it may need twice that. Be patient and you may reap the rewards later. Good luck!
Everyone turns their ankle now and again. Some quite badly. It's a more complex joint than most people think and really important for any weight bearing sport (ankle flexion sets you up in the 'ready' position)
Once the ligaments have been torn/stretched, they usually lose their stretch detection for a while. This accounts for the ankle feeling 'weak' and that horrible experience of turning again with no warning.
I did a serious high ankle sprain last year (losing all the lateral ligaments) - the joint was unstable. The physic could actually pull the foot forward between the ankle bones. I also have a small avulsion of the ligament which has left a bony spur blocking the full range of movement. Nevertheless once the pain and swelling had settled, my physio advocated active rehab - couch to 5k running round the playing fields. I've rehabbed well and can run up to 20k off road. TBF my physio was cautious insofar as he would've had me straight off to a surgeon if y rehab hadn't gone well.
I wonder, after such a long time and intermittent problems, if you aren't developing secondary issues such as arthritis or a new problem not directly related to the original injury. You probably need a fresh assessment.
Ankles are tricky and need specialist imaging and experience to diagnose reliably. If mine goes backwards I'll be getting advice from an ankle surgeon.
Once the ligaments have been torn/stretched, they usually lose their stretch detection for a while. This accounts for the ankle feeling 'weak' and that horrible experience of turning again with no warning.
I did a serious high ankle sprain last year (losing all the lateral ligaments) - the joint was unstable. The physic could actually pull the foot forward between the ankle bones. I also have a small avulsion of the ligament which has left a bony spur blocking the full range of movement. Nevertheless once the pain and swelling had settled, my physio advocated active rehab - couch to 5k running round the playing fields. I've rehabbed well and can run up to 20k off road. TBF my physio was cautious insofar as he would've had me straight off to a surgeon if y rehab hadn't gone well.
I wonder, after such a long time and intermittent problems, if you aren't developing secondary issues such as arthritis or a new problem not directly related to the original injury. You probably need a fresh assessment.
Ankles are tricky and need specialist imaging and experience to diagnose reliably. If mine goes backwards I'll be getting advice from an ankle surgeon.
Actually now I think about it, one year ago, I had the same problem and I was sent for an MRI of the ankle. All great fun and everything, but didn't show anything to worry about.
Feels the same as every other time I've done it. Its just amazing that given the beasting I've been doing for the last 4 months that it would just go like that. I'm down 12kg too and thought I was well past this all!
Feels the same as every other time I've done it. Its just amazing that given the beasting I've been doing for the last 4 months that it would just go like that. I'm down 12kg too and thought I was well past this all!
[quote=oddman
Ankles are tricky and need specialist imaging and experience to diagnose reliably. If mine goes backwards I'll be getting advice from an ankle surgeon.
[/quote]
+1
There are surgical repairs for chronic (6 weeks plus) ankle instability. Nothing is 100% but a good Foot & Ankle surgeon can advise. MRI isn't the full story, as always you need to take a good history and examine.
Ankles are tricky and need specialist imaging and experience to diagnose reliably. If mine goes backwards I'll be getting advice from an ankle surgeon.
[/quote]
+1
There are surgical repairs for chronic (6 weeks plus) ankle instability. Nothing is 100% but a good Foot & Ankle surgeon can advise. MRI isn't the full story, as always you need to take a good history and examine.
The_Doc said:
+1
There are surgical repairs for chronic (6 weeks plus) ankle instability. Nothing is 100% but a good Foot & Ankle surgeon can advise. MRI isn't the full story, as always you need to take a good history and examine.
Cheers Doc, when I initially did it 5+ years ago I was screwed for a good 6 weeks, each recurrence however has been in the 1-2 week range. I'm currently at the 1 week point, and its quite a bit better.There are surgical repairs for chronic (6 weeks plus) ankle instability. Nothing is 100% but a good Foot & Ankle surgeon can advise. MRI isn't the full story, as always you need to take a good history and examine.
I'm seeing an osteopath on monday and see what he recommends.
HotJambalaya said:
well, osteopath is a bit perplexed by it, and referred me to an ankle specialist....
Another week or so before I'll be seeing him...
Hi HjAnother week or so before I'll be seeing him...
What you are describing is exactly what I had when I was 36.
Lots Doc's scratching heads and tests all blank
Turns out 5 years later [of pain], it was a form of Gout!!
mark.
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