Ruptured calf tendon related to swollen ankle weeks later?

[kis95]

I ruptured a tendon in my calf a month ago. The Dr at the walk-in clinic I went to said it was a complete rupture of the (if memory serves) soleus tendon. She said it was the tendon the has a "hook" at the top. It has since healed with no real attention. The pain was on the inside, middle portion of my calf, and when I tore it, it made a very clear, very disconcerting ripping sound. About a week ago, my ankle began to hurt, especially when my foot is turned. From what I can tell, I am having issues with my peroneal tendon(s). The pain is around (mostly underneath) my ankle bone, on the outside. It's been noticebly swollen for about two weeks now, although the Dr I saw at the walk-in mentioned some swelling around my ankle then, but figured it was from my torn soleus (if that's the correct tendon). The pain feels like I'm trying to stretch something that has no give, if that makes any sense. My ankle feels alright when my foot is straight and when I'm walking, but as soon as I turn it, the pain starts, especially when I put it in an ?inverted position (outside edge of foot touching ground). It seems to 'crunch' (for lack of a better word) when it's moved, too.

What I'd like to know is whether or not this pain and swelling is from my original calf injury, and if so, how? There was no ankle pain whatsoever when I hurt my calf, and it didn't seem involved at all. I was limping for a few days (could only walk on my toes), but I don't believe my new gait did anything detrimental. A couple of weeks passed between limping and my ankle issue. What I'm wondering is whether I should now have my ankle looked at, and if so, what to expect? I have three small children (I was chasing my youngest when my calf tore) so I don't really have a lot of time to spare unless it's absolutely necessary. Of course, I can't really afford to have an injury get any worse, either!

Any help would be appreciated.

ETA: The swelling seems to be getting a bit worse, and the only time it seems to have gone down at all is when I get up. It's quite puffy around and under my outside ankle bone, and the back of my ankle and upper, outside part of my foot is beginning to feel sore, too. I'm hoping to get to the walk-in (hobble-in?) clinic this week, but if it's just part of my original injury, then I won't bother. I'm already trying to RICE it, and it's not doing much.

[Heidi]

Hi

definately get it looked at if you can. Peroneal problems may be correct, the pain and swelling you describe is certainly in the right area.
I presume this just came on gradually and there was no incident that sparked it?
If not, then my guess is that its related to tightness in your calf muscles following the tear. If the muscles are tight then it causes changes to the gait cycle - usually to increase pronation. This makes the peroneal muscles have to work harder to control this overpronation - I believe they work eccentrically (i.e. they contract but lengthen rather than shorten) to control the pronation.

So my initial suggestion is to stretch the calf muscles - Gastroc and Soleus - 3-5 times a day and see if this makes any improvement.

Good luck!