Ankle sprain

[simonrl]

I sprained my ankle more than 6 weeks ago and it still looks swollen. The swollen area is on the outside of the anky and at the top of the foot where that little bumpy bone sticks out.

When it happened it hurt quite a lot, but I iced it and after the first day I could walk on it without any pain. It only hurt when I tried to extend it. Since then I haven't done any sports, but have ridden my bike regularly. That didn't cause any problems.

At the moment I can extend it fully and there is very minor pain but I don't understand why the swelling hasn't gone away. Could this be scar tissue from a torn ligament or something like that? Is it dangerous to get back on my ankle and start doing sports again?

[Heidi]

Hi

Ankle sprains can take time to heal fully and often don't recieve the treatment they require. In order to reduce the swelling you can apply ice 3 times a day, perform range of motion exercises, keep it raised when possible and wear a compression type support.

I would also highly recommend seeing someone who has experience in treating ankle sprains. There will be a certain amount of scar tissue develop where the ligament was torn, this is normal. However, it is inelastic and not helpful so treatment such as massage and ultrasound will help reduce this. The calfs may also have tightened up to protect the injury. These will therefore need some massage and regular stretching to return to their normal length.

Use a wobble board too. These are very valuable in ankle injuries as proprioception or the sense of balance is often distorted following injury. Have a look here for some exercises:
http://www.sportsinjuryclinic.net/cybertherapist/front/ankle/wobble_board.htm

I would avoid anything too strenous on the ankle at the moment because it is obviously still weakened. Anything involving quick changes of movement and sideways movements should be avoided. Cycling should be fine.