I am looking for some advise

[Katie T]

About 7yrs ago I sprained my ankle very badly. It healed just fine and would ache when the weather changed or it was rainy, but for the last 2 yrs or so it hasn't even done that.

Then about a month ago it started hurting, not like a sprain, but I can't put it into several positions without it instantly hurting to the point of having to move. (kneeling position then go down onto your feet, that hurts- Also laying on my belly with my ankle laying flat on the ground so it is extended).

I thought at first that I must have done something to bother it, though I don't recall doing anything to it. I also have thought that it will just go away, but now a month later it isn't getting any worse or better.

I don't like going to the Dr but will if I must. I was just wondering if this is normal so far out after a bad sprain or if I just need to be seen and have it checked out. Thanks so much.

[Ravenlunatic]

No I don't think is normal. If you have insurance I would go get an xray to see if there is something going on (like you could have done something to it unaware) or have a DO check it out for ligament or cartilidge issues. If you don't have insureance I would let it go and see what happens.

[Peacemamalove]

I agree if it is not getting better than it is probably best to go and have it looked at.

[proudmamanow]

I have terrible ankle joints & have sprained both of them multiple times. Neither of them is ever really 100% pain free, and I can relate to what you are describing. I have found that a really good brace during exercise helps, but I would really recommend seeing a physiotherapist if at all possible. They can prescribe exercises for you to do that should really improve things. They can also use ultrasound, TENS machines etc. to help improve.
You could also try acupuncture which anecdotally I've heard good things about.

[lunamegn]

Yoga. Find a good teacher and start going to yoga. What could be happening is that the fascia, or tissue surrounding the joint, might have shrink wrapped around it which can limit mobility and cause pain.

I know a girl who was in my teacher training program who had a really similar experience to you and that was what actually brought her to yoga. Now she can't tell which ankle was the one that was hurt.

[mbbinsc]

I agree with stretching and strengthening. You may be experiencing problems due to carrying more weight (ie kiddos) than usual.

[Katie T]

Thanks everyone! I do have insurance so I will go have them check it out to see what is going on. I live in a tiny town and would have to drive 30min each way for a yoga class (which I would really enjoy taking) so maybe will have to settle for vidio's.

I am a little heavier now than when I sprained it in the first place (2 more pregnancies 12m apart does that I guess) and I am constantly carrying one and ever now and then 2 children.

I have a feeling this won't go away, I am thinking it is something with the ligaments.

[lunamegn]

Go to the Yoga Journal website and see if you can search any information on what would be good for your situation. Even if you could get to a yoga class once or twice a month, that would be beneficial - a teacher could show you exercises that you can do on your own at home.

[flg mama]

Sorry to hear about your ankle. I hope you find relief and a cause for your pain soon.
I just recently posted about my 3yo who hurt his foot last December and did not walk on it for several days. We did get an x ray and there were no broken bones, so I assume it was a sprain. Every once in a while, after a long day, he will insist on being carried because his feet hurt. That did not alarm me too much since I figure little feet do get tired after playing at the park, walking at the zoo, etc. Recently though, he has woken in the night crying that his foot hurts, not both feet. He points to the foot that was injured 5 months ago. I rub his feet and put socks on him to keep them warm and I've given him Motrin if he seems like it is really bothering him and he can't go back to sleep.
Today we made an appointment to see an orthopedic specialist and hopefully get some answers. Like you, I am concerned that it will become a chronic pain, especially since he is still growing so much. I have never had a sprain or a break so I'm not sure about what the typical time frame is for healing. But he runs and plays during the day like any other kid and then every once in awhile he is in so much pain at not. I'm very concerned. The doctor we saw at the ER did not confirm that it was a sprain or mention anything about ligaments or cartilage. He just did xrays up to his hips and said to give him Motrin.
Anyway, hope you feel better.

[Katie T]

Originally Posted by flg mama

Sorry to hear about your ankle. I hope you find relief and a cause for your pain soon.
I just recently posted about my 3yo who hurt his foot last December and did not walk on it for several days. We did get an x ray and there were no broken bones, so I assume it was a sprain. Every once in a while, after a long day, he will insist on being carried because his feet hurt. That did not alarm me too much since I figure little feet do get tired after playing at the park, walking at the zoo, etc. Recently though, he has woken in the night crying that his foot hurts, not both feet. He points to the foot that was injured 5 months ago. I rub his feet and put socks on him to keep them warm and I've given him Motrin if he seems like it is really bothering him and he can't go back to sleep.
Today we made an appointment to see an orthopedic specialist and hopefully get some answers. Like you, I am concerned that it will become a chronic pain, especially since he is still growing so much. I have never had a sprain or a break so I'm not sure about what the typical time frame is for healing. But he runs and plays during the day like any other kid and then every once in awhile he is in so much pain at not. I'm very concerned. The doctor we saw at the ER did not confirm that it was a sprain or mention anything about ligaments or cartilage. He just did xrays up to his hips and said to give him Motrin.
Anyway, hope you feel better.

Your poor little guy, I hope they get his pains figured out as well. I remember for a couple yrs after my sprain that if the weather temp changed drastically or it was rainy/snowy it would hurt. Don't know what the weather has been where you live but thought I'd throw that out there.

[sunnysandiegan]

I'm all for yoga!

I also recommend a ballet class. That is what worked for me.

I actually sprained my ankle very badly as a child (first grade) and was on crutches for a few months. It eventually healed. Then, as a young adult (22-23), I sprained it again. Ironically, I was exercising when I sprained it. I went through the typical doctor, physical therapy, sports therapy route and it never fully healed.

I ended up needing an extra credit in college and decided to take whatever fit into my schedule. Ballet fit. WOW! That was the ticket!!! It was just a typical ballet dance class, not for ballet students, but for college students just wanting to try it out and/or for exercise. I felt self-conscious and let the teacher know in advance of my injury. She was kind, but insistent I keep up. She said it would be the best thing for my ankle and she was right. The way the class progressed, it just slowly built up the muscles and ligaments and other smaller parts of the ankle. My ankle was strong again!