Ankle trouble for 7 years. Any advice appreciated

[Jdeelfc]

Hello All,

I wonder if anyone could help me get to the bottom of my ankle troubles.

7 Years ago I injured my ankle playing football. I never broke it and never got a proper diagnosis. The pain was horrendous and there was only minor swelling.

The pain I experience is: A sharp pain each side of my Achilles when kicking the ball and extending my ankle (I cant seem to reproduce this pain via stretching normally), it seems like its the fast sharp movement? Also for days later I have an ache in the aforementioned area and also the the top of my ankle where my foot bends. Walking is fine apart from the aches after playing.

4 years ago I went to the doctor, who sent me for a scan and for physio. I was told the obvious, stretch a lot. I went to see a private physio at a price of £30 for 30 mins. She just stretched it for me. I spent over £500 with her.

I continued to play 5 a side football for 3 years, competitively and socially and just basically put up with the pain...

This year my friends asked me to play for their 11 a side team, which I couldnt wait to do. Only thing holding me back? the fear of playing on grass and twisting it. I decided to pay for physio at a recommended practice and he also cannot put his finger on the exact issue but believes flexibility is to blame.

He gave me plenty of exercises, one of which is kneeling down, sitting on my heel and lifting my knee. This hurts really bad and when lifting of my heel is when the pain is worst, unbearable in fact. The other one was putting my foot flat on a raised surface and leaning forward keeping my heel on the surface.

Over the next 4 weeks I did the stretches and the pain from the exercises became less. I decided to train with the team. first 20 mins was great but I had a powerful shot and OWW! the pain again.

I went for an ultrasound today and the Dr couldnt find any issues with my achillies or anything obvious with my tendons or ligaments.

I recently went private health BUPA so feel free to throw expensive ideas at me.

Heres hoping someone can help.

Thanks,

Joe

[Heidi]

Have you had an MRI scan? I wonderif the problem is actually deeper in the ankle joint - which wouldn't show up on u/s of the tendon.

[Jdeelfc]

Hi Heidi,
I am going to request one once my doc has seen the U/S results. I have had X-rays before now but they shown nothing.

I shall keep you updated.

Joe