Ankle sprain with unusual bruising

[emmdee]

Hello,

I have repeatedly sprained my left ankle (never my right), all fairly severe (swelling, pain, significant bruising). I did it again about a week and a half ago, while on a run over an uneven field. It's a pretty standard sprain for me - swollen around the outside ankle bone and bruised - except for two things: 1) I feel some numbness or perhaps tingling; and 2) the bruising has spread from my ankle to about halfway up my calf/shin. I went to see my GP but she didn't have much to say other than referring me to a physio (I've left the previous sprains untreated as I was then living in the US, without health insurance). The bruising and tingling has me a bit worried because I've never experienced it before. Is this something I should investigate further with a doctor?

Also, this ankle has never quite healed properly - always hurts a bit in the morning on the outer side of my heel bone and the tissue just in front of my ankle bone (where the swelling is usually worst), and this tissue has remained slightly larger than the same area on my uninjured right ankle. It's obviously weakened, as this is a repeated injury over about 5 years.

Any advice you might offer on healing and preventative measures would be greatly appreciated!

[Alex D]

Hi

The bruising and swelling is normal and common with ankle sprains, I also wouldn't worry too much about the tingling but this does indicate some nerve involvement. With regards to treatment rest, ice and compression is needed. If the swelling is persistant perhaps try contrast bathing, you may find this uncomfortable but it works really well (I'm sure Heidi has a page on the website of how to do this). Sports massage to the calfs will encourage the swelling to reduce as well. If you don't see any improvement over the next couple of weeks then I would see a Physio or Sports Therapist.

With regards to prevention you will need to properly strengthen the ankle and work on improving proprioception, again I'm sure there will be a web page on this site with exercises to help achieve this. Maybe consider using an ankle brace to offer added support when running.

Regards,

Alex

[emmdee]

Alex,

Thanks for the reply. I worried about the shin bruising and tingling because I've never had either before, and I've sprained my ankle far more severely than this in the past, but perhaps I just did something different this time. So glad to hear it's not unusual. I will look into the recovery methods you mentioned!

Thanks again!