ankle/shin/knee pains post sprain 4 wks ago

[jerree]

Hello,
I train 4 times a week with running/ hill walking with weights, high cardio, boxing and low weight training generally.
Four weeks ago i sprained my left ankle pretty severely. No weight could be beared on it for about an hour post initial injury then only with support could i walk. Swelling and bruising followed all over the foot and ankle on the outside area. I did not see a doctor but am considering it now...
Some swelling, occassional weakness and pain still remains around the ankle joint and below. I have continued to train but not to the usual level.
Over the past couple of days i have developed a tender shin on the same side, feeling like a burn when touched even very lightly. Along with this pulsing pain not sharp but more ache in sensation, when i am sitting or resting. I have now taken to walking with a slight limp to relieve the pressure / feeling of weakness on the left hand side.
The pulsing pain goes right from above my knee (injured many years ago in a skiing accident, leaving me with a folded tendon on the knee cap and occassional sharp pain, but continued swelling above the knee) right down to the top of my foot.
At present i am trying to rest my left leg, keeping it raised and using an "ibruprofen" type medication.

Does anyone have any advice on what the combination is..how to treat it...or is it a case of grin and bare it so to speak?

Many thanks in advance

[Heidi]

Hi
I think you should visit a Doctor for an assessment. After any ankle sprain with the severity of bruising that you describe you should get an x-ray to check for other damage. There may be a small fracture, or there could be damage to other soft tissue structures, such as nerves or tendons.
This should be your next step.

[jerree]

Thanks Heidi,
My doctor is away on annual vacation (one of the joys of living in Greece now) but when she returns next week i shall take your advice and go see her.
Thanks for taking the time in replying.
Jerree