ankle joint pain...what is it? HELP!!!

[ahsdc]

I have had some ankle sprains throughout the years. I stay active with things like basketball, running, P90X, etc... I actually last sprained my ankle while swinging a golf club from a sidehill stance. It wasn't that bad at all. I barely roled it over. In the past several months my ankle really hurts specifically in the joint, or so it seems. I have limited dorsi-plantarflexion. I can not roll my ankle over towards the outside either like I can with the other one. And at times it just unexplainably starts hurting. I can move it wrong in a direction and then I can walk on it. Then out of nowhere I move it again I can run all day. i have had some slight swelling around the joint. I am concerned as to what could be wrong. It just doesn't seem to get better. I don't want to be laid up for several weeks though. Guess that's why I have put off going to the doctor. Any thoughts on what it may be? Thanks!

[Heidi]

Hi

Even the most minor of ankle sprains can cause long term issues, especially if this is a reoccuring problem.

Have you tried any kind of treatment or rehabilitation?
If not then I would suggest that this is where you start. Try to increase the range of motion at the ankle joint by stretching the calf and shin muscles regularly (3 times a day or more!). Ensure that this is pain-free though, you should just feel a gentle stretch and hold this still for 30 seconds.

Yous should also try to strengthen the ankle. Calf raises are the obvious place to start, although using a resistance band can be very effective, especially to strengthen into dorsiflexion, inversion and eversion.

And don't forget using a wobble or balance board!

You can find more info here: http://www.sportsinjuryclinic.net/cybertherapist/front/ankle/anklesprain.htm