Ankle Hurts to Walk On; no Swelling or Bruising

by Angelica
(Australia)


Ankle Hurts to Walk On; no Swelling or Bruising


One week ago, I was walking on an even surface in platforms and fell, my ankle rolled outwards and my foot was bent towards my other foot (so inwards), I felt a sharp pain but just walked it off and all was good.

Fast forward exactly one week later; my ankle hurts to walk on. I have no idea if the pain is coming from that fall, but I haven't done anything remotely damaging to my foot in general since then.

It hurt too much to walk on continuously so I was limping and hopping to get to places. It is not bruised or swollen so I thought it would pass the next day.

Fast forward three days later and the pain is still here. I've rested, iced, compressed and elevated but the pain doesn't seem to want to go away for anymore than a few minutes after this process.

I have absolutely no idea what is wrong. It's not bruised or swollen, nor does the skin feel tender to touch.

Dr. Barrie Lewis

Hello Angelica,
The news is basically good; almost no likelihood of fracture, or sprain for that matter.

But clearly one of the small joints in the ankle has become subluxated; when you weight bear it causes the sharp pain.

Whilst there's nothing simple in health care, this is probably routine; you need to find a chiropractor who works a lot with feet. Shop around.

If you do nothing, immobilisation arthritis will set in, and it'll look like the enclosed scan in a few years time.

It's probably in the ankle mortise joint, or the subtalar joint, but could be any one of many. A careful, thorough examination is called for and, like I said, I think it's likely to be routine to fix. Don't sign up for thirty treatments! Not in this instance, nor ever.

Comments for Ankle Hurts to Walk On; no Swelling or Bruising

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Aug 23, 2020
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		I was dancing and fell
by: Mitch

I was dancing on my own on my carpet. (the song was "Tacky- Weird Al" or "Rasputin- Boney M." cant remember which) I was really into it and I saw my foot go inwards and I fell. It hurt to bend but tiniest pain comes when walking with no bruises, swelling, marks, or pain anywhere other than my ankle.

I think it should fix itself within 3 days because I had a similair incident when going on a field trip on a mountain 3 years ago. (I was walking and somebody pushed me) I am also double jointed. Any advice or diagnoses? Thanks in advance!

Obviously it is difficult to assess from afar, Mitch, but I would suspect a subluxated ankle mortise joint; excruciating pain when walking with no other signs is the hallmark.

Your three day rule is a good one. It may reduce of its own accord.

Sitting, wriggle your foot around making circles and other movements, non weightbearing.

If after three days this hasn't helped you will need a professional consultation. I hope this contributes.

Dr B.R. Lewis DC
Jun 30, 2020
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		ankle pain
by: Anonymous

I fell out of a tree and my ankle hurt real bad. I can sort of walk on it but it hurts.

I can move my toes fine but when I rotated my ankle it hurts really bad.

Hello Anon,
It's a clinical decision, needing an examination, but you should probably have an x-ray. Fractures are not uncommon after a fall like that and badly managed can affect the rest of your life.

Part of the problem is that subtle fractures are often missed. A scan would be better, but expensive.

See your GP or chiropractor and let them examine you and make the decision.

Meantime ice it, keep the weight off of it but using a crutch or stick, and generally keep it moving.

Take it seriously, this can be serious.

Dr B.R. Lewis DC
May 03, 2019
Rating
starstarstarstar 		Soccer
by: Anonymous

Yeah, cuz the other day I was at soccer practice and I kicked the ball badly and felt a sharp pain but then it went away. When I got home and took off my cleats I felt the pain in my ankle. It wasn't so bad but it still hurt a lot. Now the next day and my ankle hurt so bad I can't even walk it's almost impossible. So I am kinda in the same shoes she is in?
Sep 09, 2018
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Ankle Pain No Swelling or Bruising
by: Mike

I woke up yesterday with ankle pain. No idea where it came from. No swelling or bruising. But it hurts resting and putting weight on it. Walking hurts a little less after the initial 15 to 20 steps. Thank you in advance.
Aug 22, 2018
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		ancle pain as in artical above
by: den



extream pain ,no swelling or falls.ror 5 days now almost impossibale to walk.

Dr. Barrie Lewis

If you've had extreme pain with no known cause, no trauma, no sprain, then you'd better get to see your doctor. Meantime use alternating ice and heat, and use a crutch or stick to keep the weight off the ankle.

Dr B
Jul 28, 2018
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Constant pain since spraining my ankle with no bruising or swelling
by: Anonymous

Hi, I was doing some exercise and twisted my ankle. This has happened before. When it twisted I heard real loud cracks. I can walk on it normally enough. There's no bruising or swelling. It hurts a bit to move but there is a constant pain when am still...what should I do???

Dr. Barrie Lewis

If there's not bruising or swelling then it's unlikely you've ruptured any ligaments or broken a bone.

Those cracking sounds can be from bones within the ankle subluxating, but if you can walk, then I would think they were reduced and returned to the correct place on their own. If so, they pain will gradually reduce on it's own.

If at this stage you are still in pain, then it's definitely time for an x-ray and a thorough examination.

Dr B
Jul 24, 2018
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Ankle hurts but no bruising or swelling
by: Justine

Hi, about 2 weeks ago I hit my ankle; now I can’t bend it and it hurts when I try to; please help; what should I do?

Dr. Barrie Lewis

Apologies for the delay, Justine. If it's resolved by now, hopefully, then just a bruise causing some swelling and probably of no great consequence.

If it's still painful and hurts when you bend the ankle, then it's definitely time to have it assessed by someone who specialises in ankles. Don't be fobbed off by pill, you need a proper examination and a diagnosis.

Dr B
Jun 13, 2018
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Went for a jog
by: Keith

Went jogging at a longer distance than usual yesterday. No pain during exercise and no swelling, but ever since there has been a popping when I point my toe. The movement itself does not hurt, but when it pops there is a very sharp pain that is short lived. Bearing weight is not painful. The popping occurs less than 10% of the time. What do you think?

Dr. Barrie Lewis

Hello Keith,
Try and deduce where this popping sound is coming from; is it in the ankle, or down near the toe.

The ankle mortise and subtalar joints are the most common areas affected. I would recommend you start our alphabet exercises - non-weight bearing - and if they painful click continues not to run for the present, and see someone experienced in working with feet and ankles.

Avoid medication and in my book an orthotic should not be the first step in the treatment programme, but may help to prevent further occurrences.

Dr B
May 02, 2018
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		I think iI may have sprained my ankle but not sure.
by: Anonymous

I rolled the same ankle about four times at practice; it was while running and it isn't swelled or bruising but it hurts to walk on and i find my self limping when walking.

Dr. Barrie Lewis

Apologies for the delay.

If there was no swelling in the next few days then there was little likelihood of a fresh sprain, but highly likely you've had an old tear of the ligaments which are no lax and allow the joint to roll.

It's potentially quite difficult because one of the small joints in the ankle will subluxate each time, probably that between the talus and the calcaneus, causing pain and increased wear of the cartilage lining of the bones; that means future arthritis.

A proper assessment, an ankle guard when training and a daily set of exercises are vital if you want to continue with your sport.

Dr B
Apr 18, 2018
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Ankle Pain
by: Huey

I really have never sprained my ankle or hurt in any way before maybe just a a little bruising but thats it but recently, well like about a month ago, I was skating and I fell on my ankle like this

https://anklepro.files.wordpress.com/2015/12/mechanism-of-injury.jpeg?w=237&h=333

Clearly I’n not a doctor but I doubt I sprained my ankle because I didn’t have any bruising on my ankle but it was tender and a bit swollen. The thing that confuses me is that I can walk on it yet if I get on my board and ride for like 5 minutes it starts hurting like crazy. Like if my pain was from a scale of 1 to 10 it would be like a 20. Walking on it I feel no pain but if I sit down and my foot is just resting it starts hurting like crazy again and i’m just not sure what it is. I’ve tried resting it for like 2 weeks and it still hurts when i try to skate again.
Apr 09, 2018
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Ankle injury one month on
by: Anonymous

About 1 month ago, I caught my right foot in a wire from the ground as I was walking over it. I felt the ankle jolt, the wire was looped over the top of my foot, with me pulling the foot against it in a forwards/upwards step, if that makes any sense.

I was in the middle of clearing out a garage for a relative, felt no significant pain, and there was no obvious bruising or swelling at the time, to the extent that I thought nothing of it, and carried on lifting moderately heavy boxes etc to help out.

The next morning, I was surprised to find my ankle in a lot of pain, and remembered the incident with the wire, but still not much swelling or obvious bruising - I was having to strain to see anything obvious, although I thought I could see very, very feint and small bruising (maybe) on the inside of the ankle.

The pain quickly escalated, and I followed RICE, as well as trying to flex the ankle. But walking became really painful, and I found myself limping around in a lot of pain, mainly on the inside of the ankle and foot.

Unfortunately, I was on my own for the next two weeks with two children to look after, and a particularly difficult few days to get through, so given the lack of swelling or bruising, and wanting to keep the ankle mobile, I found myself limping around shops, and pushing through the pain as best I could, but had to signifficantly scale things back to just essential tasks.

After about 2 weeks, I felt the pain was reducing. No longer using pain relief or ice, but elevating the ankle now and then. But suddenly in the last 24hrs, the pain has escalated back to the initial levels, the ankle feels stiff, and a bit pins and needlesy.

I feel foolish contacting a doctor for an X-ray after 4 weeks, and am not sure what to do. I’m 38, a bit overweight and finding it difficult to function normally. Any advice on what kind of injury it might be and whether or not a relapse like this is normal would be great, as well as advice on what to do.

I’m terrrifed that my walking will be permanently effected - the ankle currently feels stiff and prickly, and sometimes also hurts in the heel and on the outside, which I’ve been attributing to walking strangely on it for the last month!

I wondered if an aircast or similar would help, as my daughter has one from a previous injury. Any help welcome - sorry so long, I’m just panicking a bit this evening as it’s so stif and sore!

Thank you for any guidance.
Apr 06, 2018
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Hurting ankle
by: Kinsley

I was at a track meet pole vaulting and the bar was on the mat and my foot landed on it and went down. I got up and it hurt really bad and felt like a snake was wrapping around it and squeezing and was really hot. I tried to walk it off but it feels the same but doesn’t hurt to step on it but to touch the ball of it and a the bone hat goes up and has hurt like a bruise ever since I fell, it hurts to move it and if I step on it and it moves it gives out. If I move it it hurts my whole ankle and really bad. There is no visible bruising or swelling.
Mar 28, 2018
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Ankle Pain
by: Anonymous

5 weeks ago, I twisted my ankle walking. It hurt for a split second, but I roll my ankles a lot, so my only thought was that it stung a little more than usual. I have very flexible ligaments and tendons, so I don't know what is wrong.

I have iced it, but I started soccer a week after I rolled it, so it hasn't had a chance to heal from whatever I did to it. However, I haven't done anything to my ankle after I rolled it, so the only reason I can think of that it would still hurt is because I haven't been able to rest it as much due to soccer. But I still feel like it has been hurting for too long. The pain is constantly there (even at rest), but is dull. Sometimes, it's a dull pain, and other times, it hurts really bad, but not like a stabbing pain.

Any ideas or recommendations? There's no swelling, bruising, or tenderness. Just pain on the outside of my left ankle, and sometimes by my big toe.

Dr. Barrie Lewis

Yours is a not unfamiliar tale with sportsmen, and women; returning to the field before an injury has time to heal. Sometimes you'll get away with it, other times not, but there is always danger of another injury now on top of the old one.

I think you need a professional opinion before returning to soccer; you don't want this to turn into a lifelong weak ankle, and it happens.

Around the outside of the ankle is where both subtalar and mortise joint injury pain is felt, plus there are ligaments there; and some tendons. Really it could be any one of the above, and even several.

You basically have two options; stop all sport and give it a chance to heal. Or, if you are determined to return to soccer as soon as possible, get an opinion on what is going on.

Meantime exercise and ice it.

Dr B
Mar 23, 2018
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Don’t know if sprain or not.
by: Anonymous

I don’t remember twisting my foot but I normally don’t exercise so when I went for a run I stepped wrong for a split second and stumbled a bit and there was pain for a second but everything was fine afterwards. 2 days later my foot starts to hurt in the middle and there was some swelling but it went away. A day after that (today) my foot feels worse and there is pain higher up my foot towards the ankle. I don’t know if I sprained it or not but does pain from a sprain show up two days later? I’ve been limping around for the past two days and the pain is getting worse.

Dr. Barrie Lewis

I'm sorry about the delay in answering.

As a joint, or ligament perhaps starts to swell, only then sometimes does the pain begin. If it did swell, even if just a little then certainly some tissue has been sprained; I think a fracture unlikely, so an x-ray probably wouldn't show much, but never a bad thing.

We are now a week later; if there hasn't been any improvement by now, then a professional opinion would be wise.

Meantime, gentle exercise (non weight bearing), roll your ankle and foot around in the so-called 'alphabet exercises'. And use ice.

It's difficult for me to make a diagnosis; probably a tendonitis or sprained ligaments; quite likely down in the midfoot around the cuneiforms.

Let me know what happens, and if a diagnosis is made.

Dr B
Mar 15, 2018
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Pain in inner ankle that started overnight
by: Anonymous

Yesterday morning I woke up with pain on inside of my ankle, very limited range of motion and tenderness to touch of the bony part of inner ankle. No swelling. Painful to walk or put weight on it. I have tried ice, heat, and ibuprofen with no relief. What could be causing this and how can it be treated?


Dr. Barrie Lewis

How old are you, and have you previously had any ankle injuries?

What's your weight like?

There are many possible causes; with this having started just a couple of days ago, I would recommend you continue to ice it as you have been doing, find the ankle exercises at Chiropractic Help and do the alphabets several times a day.

If it hasn't started to improve within say three days then you'd better see someone who works regularly with ankles and feet.

Dr B
Mar 04, 2018
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Ouch
by: lilia

Today me and my older sister decided to go to the new park trails behind our house so we decided to bring some skate boards.

We were there for a couple of hours until I tripped and fell and my foot twisted in a odd direction; my sister and I got home safely and for some reason it's not bruising but it hurts every time I put pressure on it.


Dr. Barrie Lewis

It's nearly two weeks now, Lilia. If it's still hurting to walk, then you'd better ask your parents to take you to the doctor.

Dr B
Feb 21, 2018
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Why ankle
by: Anonymous

I was just living my life, then one day, my ankle started hurting (when I walk on it) randomly. It's been doing this for a while, now I'm worried.

Thank God there isn't any swelling or bruising, but that just worries me more.


Dr. Barrie Lewis

Apologies for the delay in answering. It's now nearly a month; if it's still hurting you'd better get an x-ray of your ankle.

Dr B
Feb 07, 2018
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Ankle
by: Anonymous

Yesterday 2/7/18 I was practising a dance with my best friend and their was hole in the grass that I didn't see, and then I stepped in it and twisted my ankle and fell.
Now my my ankle hurts but no swelling and just a little bruising, not too bad; it's barely noticeable.

When I walk on it for too long my ankle starts hurting a lot and when i move certain ways or place it, it hurts idk if it's sprained or not.


Dr. Barrie Lewis

If there is bruising, then something has been damaged; it could be a ligament sprain, or a tendon, or even a fracture. If it's still hurting, you should have an x-ray.

Dr B
Jan 29, 2018
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Hurt Ankle
by: Anonymous

One week ago I twisted my ankle at school and I heard a few little cracks, and there was no swelling or bruising, so I told my teacher and she told me to take it easy. Right now it hurts all the time. I’m starting to worry that I pulled a tendon or something.


Dr. Barrie Lewis

Apologies for the delay in answering.

If you pulled a tendon or ligaments there would most likely be swelling. The cracking sounds were probably subluxations of one of the many joints in and around the ankle.

Often this will correct itself spontaneously, but if you are still having pain then it's time to see someone who works a lot with feet and ankles.

Dr B
Jan 21, 2018
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Basketball
by: Anonymous

I play basketball and my ankle started hurting near my achilles and is moving all over my ankle now and up the middle of my leg. Please help me figure this out; it is killing me.


Dr. Barrie Lewis

The large muscles that operate the ankle are to be found in the lower leg; at the back in the calf there are two large muscles and another smaller one that feed into the achilles tendon.

Ice, gentle stretching and then rehab of the tendone and muscles is the treatment; and of course staying off basketball long enough for it to heal; otherwise it will just happen again, and perhaps rupture.

Dr B
Jan 18, 2018
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		I don’t understand with no immediate pain after spraining my ankle
by: Anonymous

Yesterday afternoon I was running and I twisted my ankle inwards whilst running off a curb. No pain when I twisted it or for the rest of the evening. Right now it is 1 o’clock in the morning and my ankle HURTS.

I could not walk on it, there is slight bruising, my foot feels cold/numb, and I can’t even put the pressure of my blanket on my ankle without it hurting even worse. I don’t know if I should go to Urgent Care or ice it myself and hope it will go away?


Dr. Barrie Lewis

If it was not immediately painful, then a fracture is most unlikely. After injury, joints begin to swell and that's when the pain begins; there's nothing unusual about your story.

If it's still hurting, you'd better get an x-ray and then see someone who is knowledgeable about feet.

Dr B
Jan 11, 2018
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Fracture or break
by: Eden

Hi,
I fractured my talus bone about 15 months ago and it's been a long rehabilitation process. I finally got it feeling pretty good and today while snowboarding, I caught something while riding and rolled forwards over my front foot (the same one I broke).

Instantly I had pain in my ankle and I couldn't put pressure on it. Since then I've been doing RICER and some hot water treatment.

I cannot walk on it right now without lots of pain, however I can rotate it around slowly and do the alphabet exercises. There is no real swelling and no bruising.

The pain is sharp and located on the outside of my ankle just below my ankle bone.

What do you think I've done and what would you recommend for recovery.

Thank you so much for your advice.


Dr. Barrie Lewis


Hello Eden,
I'm afraid after a fractured talus, you should not have been snowboarding; it's a serious break and snowboarding would be tough on the best of ankles.

But that's history. Give your board away so it doesn't happen again.

On the outside of the ankle would you suggest the pain is to be located are several ligaments (but if torn there would be swelling) and one of the three parts of the subtalar joint.

If it's still hurting, you'd better get an x-ray.

Dr B
Jan 09, 2018
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Do you know any special exercises
by: Anonymous

I don't remember hurting my foot but it has suddenly been hurting quite a bit; I can put pressure on it and run but after or during walking it will give a twang and hurt or ache for 5 to 20 seconds when I move it around. So it isn't too bad but do you recommend any exercises for it.

At chiropractic Help you'll by using the site search function you'll find some ankle exercises.

It's still hurting after a week of the exercise then you'd better get professional help.

Dr B
Jan 09, 2018
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Turned ankle
by: Anonymous

I was walking down a hill the other day and my foot went sideways. I almost turned my foot but I caught myself and thought I had avoided a sprained ankle. The last two days though, there is pain. I can walk on it, there is no swelling or bruising that I can see.

I have had my achilles tendon reattached before and am wondering if maybe I did something there. From my ankle and around my heel there is pain, especially at night when I try to put my foot in a normal position. I really don't know how to treat it.


Dr. Barrie Lewis

It could be a sprain of that achilles again; if you sit on the floor with your foot flat up against the wall, and push against the wall with your toes, without movement in the ankle, does it hurt?

If someone else gentle jiggles your ankle to the extreme, with you doing nothing yourself, does it hurt? Then it's most likely one of the small joints in the ankle itself.

Dr B
Dec 31, 2017
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Can hardly walk on ankle, not broken
by: Jamie

Hello. I am 9 months pregnant and about 2 weeks ago I started feeling pain while walking on my ankle. I can not recall twisting it or doing anything to it. It has gotten significantly worse since that time. I went to an orthopedic urgent care and they took an X-ray and said there is no broken bone. They put me in a walking boot for 2-3 weeks and told me to ice 2-3 times a day. The boot doesn't seem to help much and my ankle is in extreme pain when I bear weight on it with or without the boot. The boot does help stabilize it a little bit. It is the top and inside of my left ankle. Please help! I'm about to have a baby and this ankle is a nightmare! Thank you!


Dr. Barrie Lewis

Hello Jamie, sorry I've been on leave.

Hopefully you are no longer pregnant. Has the loss of weight made a difference?

Non traumatic ankle pain in the younger person is usually caused by a subluxated ankle bone either in the mortise or subtalar joints.

Try our alphabet ankle exercises for starters.

This is now a month, if it's still so painful you need to find someone who works with ankles and feet. Good luck.

Dr B
Dec 30, 2017
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Rolled ankle doing flips and it's terribly swollen and bruised
by: Anonymous

I rolled my ankle while doing flips at defy gravity; it’s swollen terribly and my ankle is bruised pretty badly; there’s a constant pain but when walking there’s a sharp pain.

I rested it, ice and elevated it many times, but nothing seems to work. When putting weight on it I fall right down.


Dr. Barrie Lewis

Get an x-ray straight away. Use alternating ice and heat, and get a crutch; keep off the ankle until a diagnosis is made. When you've established there's no fracture, contact me again.

Dr B
Dec 30, 2017
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Ankle is in so much pain
by: Amanda

This happened 3 days ago; I hurt my ankle by sliding down a wall and when I got to the bottom my ankle was in so much pain I couldn’t move it for two to three hours because it hurt too much; I put ice on it.

I rested it but the thing is that there was no swelling or bruising and it’s gotten worse and worse every day.

But I don’t know what to do; please someone help me!!!😞😭😪


Dr. Barrie Lewis

Hello Amanda,
It's not certain what has happened. You didn't roll your ankle, and you didn't come down very hard at the bottom of the wall?

It's good there's no swelling or bruising; that means it's unlikely you've broken it, or torn ligaments; not certain, but unlikely.

I would start by using ice and heat on the ankle for three days, and doing our alphabet exercises that you can find at Chiropractic Help several times a day.

Meantime try and keep the weight off the ankle, and trying to work out exactly which movements cause pain. Or does it throb whilst lying in bed?

I think you're going to need to see someone who works with feet and ankles, but give it a few days for conservative home care.

Dr B
Dec 07, 2017
Rating
starstarstarstar 		No swelling and no reason
by: Anonymous

I didn't do anything to my ankle yet it still hurts when ever I move it. But there is also no swelling, what do you think is wrong with my ankle?
Dec 07, 2017
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Rolled ankle in basketball
by: Anonymous

I rolled my ankle playing basketball. I’ve done this in the past, however, this time there is no swelling, only severe pain. I also can’t bear any weight on my foot. The pain is located on the mid-medial side of my right foot. I believe having flat feet is adding to the fact that I can’t put any pressure whatsoever on my foot. What do you think?

Regards.


Dr. Barrie Lewis

If there's no swelling, or bruising, then most likely you subluxated one of the small bones in the ankle, most likely in the ankle mortise joint.

I've treated hundreds, and experienced it myself, so I can understand the pain you are experiencing; it hurts; a lot!

It's now two weeks since the injury; it may have resolved on its own by now. If not, reducing the subluxated talus is usually fairly simple and does not involve a lot of expense.

The trick is to give it time to heal before going back to basketball, or it'll roll again and probably be much worse.

Some therapeutic exercises are important now. Those you'll find at Chiropractic Help, and I'd add a wobble board once the pain has gone.

After injuring any joint you have to exercise it regularly, sometimes for the rest of your life, or you'll have recurring issues.

Dr B
Nov 28, 2017
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Ankle hurting after being tackled by a boy
by: Anonymous

So about 3 hours ago I was at school for recess and some of the boys threw the football and it landed to me so I was in the middle of throwing it back to them and one of them just tackled me to the ground leaving me with scratches, bruises and a couple bloody scratches.

I'm the type of lay it off girl so I didn't tell a teacher after it was finished. When I got up I immediately fell down due to a severe throbbing pain in my left ankle. I was able to walk, but I was limping and it hurt a lot.

Present 3-4 hours later it has gotten worse and there is some bruising. It's also reddish purple right around and on top of the ankle. It's also very hard to move it. Any opinions on what I should do?


Dr. Barrie Lewis

Apologies for the delay, I've been on leave.

It's now nearly a month so I hope the condition of your ankle has resolved by now.

If not, then it's definitely time to consult someone with experience in treating ankles.

Dr B
Nov 17, 2017
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Ankle pain
by: Tina

A glancing blow from my horse resulting in unable to bear weight and very painful, no swelling or bruising. Advice please.


Dr. Barrie Lewis

Most likely just a deep bone bruise which will pass over. Use alternating ice and heat and do the 'alphabet exercises' you'll find at chiropractic help.

If in ten days not really improving, better get professional opinion.

Dr B
Nov 15, 2017
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Ankle relapse?
by: Flavie

Two years ago, I went skiing and got into an accident; a ski fractured my tibia. The doctors debated giving me surgery and said that of the fracture was slightly bigger they would so instead I was in a cast for a month, a boot for 2, and an ankle brace for several more. About 10 months later i felt no pain except for an occasional little hurting and it has been a little fragile.

Now, a year after healing, my ankle has been hurting in the exact same place. It hurts almost all the time, it is a little swollen at times, no bruising. I have moved from houston to northern france and so it is very cold now, and my ankle will sometimes block itself so I have slight to no range of motion for about 2-5 minutes. It has only happened 4 times though. The sport I practice is crew/rowing. I am 14. Could you please give me maybe an idea of what it could be? Thank you so much I appreciate it!


Dr. Barrie Lewis

Hello Flavie,
After any injury to any part of the body, it's important to accept that you will probably have to exercise it for the rest of your life.

That 'blocking' suggests that one of the bones is subluxating. Whenever there's enough force to break a bone, you can be sure that some of the ligaments have been over stretched and possibly torn making the joint unstable.

I'd start with our 'alphabet exercises' that you'll find at Chiropractic Help, but you'll probably need something more. A wobble board and others.

I hope this helps.

Dr B
Nov 14, 2017
Rating
starstarstar 		Ouch
by: Amy

My foot hurts with no signs of bruising or swelling. What shall I do doctor?


Dr. Barrie Lewis

Do you some gentle exercises, ice and heat, and a large dose of common sense.

When you know that it's not getting better of it's own accord, you'd better get a professional opinion. You don't want a weak ankle for life.

Dr B
Nov 12, 2017
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Ankle
by: Anonymous

I don't remember doing anything to my ankle to hurt it. The problem is, there's a sharp pain when I walk on it. I was in gym one day, playing Box Ball, when my ankle starts throbbing with pain. I sat on the bench and it was hurting like crazy! My friend told me to tell the gym teacher but I didn't want a failing grade just because of my stupid ankle. Later that day, I realized that my ankle wasn't hurting anymore. So I ignored it. (Like I do with everything...)

Now, it's been about a week or 2 now it's starting to hurt again. What do I do?


Dr. Barrie Lewis

You no doubt strained the ligaments, and perhaps a tendon, possibly allowing the talus or calcaneus to subluxate.

Start doing some gentle exercises, wear an ankle guard when sporting, ice and heat wouldn't do any harm, and stop calling your ankle stupid! It obviously resents it!

Dr B
Nov 05, 2017
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Please help
by: Anonymous

I am 12 years old and I went go kart racing I was in my own car, then I saw a guy coming the wrong direction straight at me. So I tried to avoid him with my foot slightly on the gas pedal (so I wouldn't stop completely). And we ended up hitting each other directly. I was fine until I stepped out of the car. When I did it hurt every time I stepped on it so I ended up limping. I'm at home wondering what I should do.
Oct 24, 2017
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starstarstarstarstar 		Can I have a high ankle sprain?
by: Julia

I sprained my ankle about 5 months ago and had to wear a boot for about a month, but my ankle has stopped hurting for about 3 months. I exercise daily and play sports and the pain has returned but now in a different place; it's now on the right side of my right calf and before it was on the right side side of right foot.

I read up on this and it was said that it could be a high ankle sprain. There is no swelling or bruising whatsoever but the pain is sharp even when I'm not leaning on my right foot and when I walk the pain is very sharp. This has been going on for almost a month now and the pain doesn't seem to go away.


Dr. Barrie Lewis

Hello Julia,
It's different to the original problem, but is probably related because the boot allowed the ligaments to heal but wouldn't have corrected the subluxation of the ankle mortise than usually accompanies the conventional inversion sprain.

Now it would appear you are getting a tendonitis in on of the calf or peroneus muscles.

A resisted isometric contraction is the way to confirm this; putting the tendon under tension without moving the ankle; probably quite hard for you to do yourself.

Don't let it become chronic; a fixated joint becomes arthritic and then it's much more difficult; it's usually not difficult to fix in the hands of someone skilled with ankle adjusting.

Dr B
Oct 23, 2017
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Not sure what it is.
by: Anonymous

While standing on both feet, I turned very quickly around, but my left foot didn't move with me. I immediately felt a constant pain in my ankle, and over the last two days, the pain has been getting worse. However, there is no swelling or bruising.

It hurts even when I am not walking on it, but worse when I am. I have been limping whenever I walk, and I have to walk a lot everyday. I am trying to figure out if it is a sprain or not.


Dr. Barrie Lewis

With a sprain you would normally get some swelling and even bruising. Pulling the foot in various directions, but without movement, say against the other foot, would tell you if it is a tendonitis.

Perhaps there was a subluxation of one of the small joints in the ankle; try our alphabet exercises which you can find at the ankle pages.

If none of that helps, then you have to start hunting for someone who works regularly with ankles and feet. Don't waste your time with pills.

Dr B
Oct 17, 2017
Rating
starstarstarstar 		Pain in ankle with pressure but no swelling
by: Anonymous

I had a football game and a kid tackled me by the ankles, my foot ended up being pulled underneath him. I can walk with a limp now, but it still hurts when I try to walk bend it up, or move it side to side. It is a mild pain when I touch it, and the pain is coming from right above the bone that sticks out on the side of your ankle. What do you recommend that I do?


Dr. Barrie Lewis

There are many tiny joints in the ankle and foot, in your case it would appear to be the ankle mortise joint.

Small subluxations of these joints, which cannot be detected by normal scanning, can be incredibly painful. It's now three weeks since you wrote this, apologies. If you still have pain then it's time to start looking for a chiropractor who specialises in ankles.

Usually this is not difficult, not requiring expensive orthotics or scans, if treated soon rather than later; allowed to become chronic and it will become arthritic and difficult.

Dr B
Oct 12, 2017
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Intense aching ankles, no injury or swelling
by: Anonymous

For about 7 months now I have been having ankle pain, in both ankles but worse in the left; it's a dull aching pain, sometimes more intense than others.

The more I'm on my feet the more it hurts, I've had x-rays and bloods taken and all looks normal; a consultant recently examined them but didn't seem to know what's wrong.

I'm awaiting a mri scan but in the meantime does anyone have any thoughts?
Thanks in advance.


Dr. Barrie Lewis

The obvious first steps have been taken; I would await the results of the MRI before speculating further.

Meantime start the alphabet exercises that you'll find at Chiropractic Help using the site search function in the navigation bar.

And try spending less time on your feet.

A change to an anti inflammatory diet would do your overall health good, and will contribute to the solution for your ankle pain, even if it's not a cure.

Dr B
Oct 08, 2017
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		My Ankle Hurts But.....
by: Anonymous

My ankles aren't swollen or bruised, but they hurt a lot, especially when I run. When I rotate my ankle, there is a weird feeling, like my bones are rubbing together a bit. My mom says they are "clicking." I play field hockey, and it hurts a lot when I play sport. I have practice 4-5 times a week. What should I do?


Dr. Barrie Lewis

We don't get too excited about clicking ankles in the absence of pain, but if they are hurting, and it's been some time, then I would recommend a professional opinion. This could ruin your hockey.

If you are playing sport on consecutive days then you have to give special attention to both warm up and cool down, concentrating on the weak spots; your ankles in this instance.

I take it you're pretty serious about your sport, so a consultation with a biokineticist to build up a specific set of exercises and stretches, before and after games, would be advisable.

What does your coach have to say?

Then if it's not improving within a few weeks of the new routine, then a professional opinion is indicated.

Dr B
Oct 08, 2017
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Sudden ankle pain after waking up
by: Daniel

I did not injure my left ankle. When I woke up there was slight pain like I sprained it. As the day progressed the pain worsened while bearing weight on it. It has been a day now and the pain is there even with no movement. The pain is sharp and hurts more when pointing toes down and hurts more when I lift my leg without giving strength in my ankle.


Dr. Barrie Lewis

Hello Daniel,
To be honest, I'm not sure. Spontaneous onset with no known cause is always a bit mysterious, and I'm concerned the pain is continuous, regardless of movement.

Using the site search function at Chiropractic Help look for our alphabet ankle exercises. Do them for a day or two, but if there's no improvement and especially if it begins to throb you had better get a professional opinion.

Let me know what transpires. I'm curious!

Dr B
Oct 04, 2017
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Rolled ankle during cheer practice
by: Anonymous

Hi,
I was at my cheer practice and we were walking in a stunt and my foot rolled inwards and my ankle outwards; it hurt but then it was fine.

But a couple days later I was tumbling and it hurt a lot; now it it hurts (not unbearable) to walk or run or roll my ankle out. Also there is no bruising or swelling so what should I do help.


Dr. Barrie Lewis

Clearly something happened deep in your ankle; it's good that there was no swelling or pain initially; you didn't tear anything.

Like all injuries, it now needs rest and some gentle ankle exercises; find them using the Site Search function at Chiropractic Help.

Use an ankle guard for a week or two, and no running.

If it's still not getting better, then it needs a professional evaluation. You probably subluxated an ankle bone and it's relatively simple to reduce; rest is still needed or it'll simply happen again.

Dr B
Sep 15, 2017
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Dull But Constant Ankle Ache
by: Momma Runner

Hello, I'd consider myself fairly sedentary until about 5 months ago. I started training for a half marathon in March, and completed it in August. Since then, I have been continuing to run 3-4 times a week, and just this week, I started a cross training program.

On Tuesday night 9/12/17, I did circuit training barefoot, which included jump roping, push-ups, and planks. It was about 20 minutes total, and no obvious moment of injury.

Starting Wed, I was limping on my right ankle. I feel the pain on the outside, right at the base of my ankle. It has been achy for three days now. Feels better in the morning, but I need to brace it and limp to get through my day.

My first thought was stress fracture in one of the tarsal bones. But it is just a constant dull ache, and I wouldn't think a stress fracture would have such a quick onset. Any ideas, or should I just keep resting it?

Thanks for your time!


Dr. Barrie Lewis

Hello Momma Runner,
I know cross training is considered important for serious sportsmen and women, but we so many injuries like this one, that I wonder about the merits of it frankly.

For the moment I'd just do our alphabet exercises (use the site search function at Chiropractic Help) and ice it if there's any swelling.

If it settles of its own accord, and I think it might, take your cross training programme and do it at home in the comfort of your own home. Go at your speed, on the surface of your choice; remember it's suppose to promote your running, not cause you pain.

If after a week it's not improving, then you need to start looking for someone who works with feet; probably not your doctor or the average chiropractor.

If you can find a chiro with a FICS post graduate sports qualification, that would be perfect.

Let me know how you get on.

Dr B
Sep 13, 2017
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Sprained ankle in Football game, or is it worse?
by: Worried Dad of 14 yr old boy

My son jumped trying to block a kick while being blocked and landed with his foot/ankle twisted to the inside. The ankle is swollen but no bruising.

He couldn't put much weight on it Monday night after the game. The trainer gave him crutches and we've been doing the RICE method. It is now Wednesday, and he can put some weight on it and walk with help of crutches.

Should I get an X-RAY? They did not recommend or think one was necessary. Just worried. How long should the treatment and rehab last? They are talking about 10 days, but is that enough? My son is really tough and won't complain much about pain and wants to play as soon as possible. I won't let him till I think he is ready. ANY ADVICE is appreciated. Thank you very much.


Dr. Barrie Lewis

It's the perennial problem, and why many doctors don't like treating sportsmen and women; they won't stop long enough for it to heal, and go through some sort of treatment programme; then they injure it again, it becomes chronic and the doctor is blamed.

If it's swollen, then obviously there's damage to some tissue; a fracture is possible, but less common; an experienced practitioner will no when to order radiographs, but even then gets it wrong sometimes.

Most common with an inversion sprain is some tearing of the ankle ligaments on the outer side; there wouldn't be bruising initially.

There are two options. Wait for a bit using home remedies, alphabet exercises, the crutches and stay away from sport. Get a wobble board and start rehabbing it at home; with torn tissue it will take a minimum of six weeks to heal, but he may be able to play before that.

If he's determined to be back on the field tomorrow, get professional help now.

My best suggestion is use your common sense. No matter how tough he is, a boy who is on crutches can't play football. A chain is only as strong as the weakest link; a bad ankle will ruin his career.

Dr B
Sep 09, 2017
Rating
starstarstarstar 		Ankle hurts but is not swellen
by: Anonymous

I twisted my ankle like a month ago and it stopped hurting and then now it's hurting again and it hurts to walk on it I don't know what to do if you know what to do please give me an answer or something thanks it would be kind of nice if you could do that it won't stop hurting I don't know what else to do but it's been 2 days so yesterday and we started to hurt again and now it's still hurting today please help me. my grandma thinks that I should get an x-ray but I don't know what to do.


Dr. Barrie Lewis

Unlikely to be a fracture, but the experienced professional will guide you in making that decision.

Dr B
Sep 09, 2017
Rating
starstarstarstar 		Ankle hurts but is not swollen
by: Anonymous

I twisted my ankle like a month ago and it stopped hurting; but now it's hurting again and it hurts to walk on it. I don't know what to do; if you know what to do please give me an answer or something, thanks; it would be kind of nice if you could do that it won't stop hurting. I don't know what else to do but it's been 2 days so yesterday and we started to hurt again and now it's still hurting today; please help me.


Dr. Barrie Lewis

If it's a whole month, then you need to consult someone who works daily with feet and ankles; your regular GP or chiropractor may not be the right person. Ask before making an appointment.

Clearly there's nothing fractured or ruptured, but something is going on, most likely in the ankle mortise or subtalar joints; usually it's not difficult to fix by someone able to adjust the ankle, but once chronic it becomes difficult and often arthritic.

Try our alphabet exercises for a week; the subluxation may reduce of itself if you're lucky.

Dr B
Sep 01, 2017
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Ankle pain worse after a sprain
by: Anonymous

I sprained my ankle yesterday and the pain is getting worse. One of my bones is slightly more noticeable than on the other foot. I have tried RICE but it has not helped. Should I see my doctor?


Dr. Barrie Lewis

Hello, I wouldn't be too concerned about a 'noticeable' bone; I take it there is no swelling, or bruising.

That means there is highly unlikely to be a fracture, or rupture of ligaments or tendons; so, what's left to cause pain?

Just as you can get a stiff neck from an entrapped meniscus between the facet joints, in the ankle it's not uncommon to subluxate one or more joints when your roll your ankle. The mortise and subtalar joints are particularly vulnerable, causing sharp stabs of pain, deep in the joint.

You many be lucky and this will correct with time and some gentle exercises, but often it's the beginning of misery; niggling pain that continues, and eventually becomes arthritic.

Like most other conditions, use common sense and home remedies for a week, or two perhaps; then you have to make a decision. Is it getting better? If the answer isn't an unequivocal yes, then it's better to get professional help.

Reducing a subluxated talus of calcaneus isn't difficult, or expensive, but once it becomes chronic, like everything else, treatment becomes more complicated.

Try not to let any condition become chronic; we live with too much that's really very treatable. Expensive orthotics are not the way to begin, but may be necessary if the adjustments and rehab exercises aren't adequate.

Dr B
Aug 30, 2017
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Ankle pain with cracking and popping
by: Anonymous

Hi, just 3 days ago I was sitting down and cracking/popping my ankle by moving my foot up and down with the heel on the ground. I have fractured this ankle in the past and rolled it as well. I have been experiencing pain but no swelling or anything at all. I'm confused on what it could be and when I went to the docter he didn't say much either just to get ct scan which could take extremely long. I have basketball tryouts in a week and I need to know if I will be causing further harm to it if I do run on it in a week. Thanks in advance!


Dr. Barrie Lewis

The mere fact that your ankle cracks and pops when you dorsi and plantar flex it, known as crepitus - suggests that there are loose bodies inside your ankle.

What's needed is a thorough evaluation of your ankle by either a sports chiropractor or orthopedist; someone who works with injuries like this on a daily basis, and that not your medical doctor, or a regular chiropractor either.

Certainly a scan - I think an MRI would be better than a CT, no ionising radiation, and views the soft tissues better - would be useful.

Sad as it may seem, I suspect your career as a basketball player is nearing its end. Near fear, there's life after basketball. I had similar issues and had to give up squash; after moping for six months I discovered gliding, and it's even better. There's another sport out there that just as exciting, perhaps more so, but less stressful on your ankle. Go find it. Just don't become a couch potato; that's very dangerous.

You might try our alphabet exercises; use the site search function at Chiropractic Help.

I hope this helps.

Dr B
Aug 27, 2017
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Sudden sharp pain in the ankle
by: Zalina

Hi! I have been breaking in new figure skating which involves bending the ankle forward forcing the leather of the skate bend and confirm. It never caused me any pain beyond just some skin irritating. A few days ago, I was walking my dog and stepped on the ball of my foot. All of a sudden there was very sharp pain in the area where the foot and ankle connect. I barely was able to walk home. What can it be? It has been a week. I can walk if I place my foot carefully, but cannot skate at all. The ankle/foot feels like it can give in any moment. Please help!
Aug 25, 2017
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starstarstarstarstar 		My ankle/heel hurts
by: Anonymous

I've been working really hard at basketball lately and I don't know what I did but then I got home and my ankle started to hurt. The next day the pain was stil there but it got worse and I almost fell down the locker room stairs at b-ball practice. It still hasn't gone away
Aug 23, 2017
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starstarstarstarstar 		Ankle Pain on the bone
by: Jenn

I don't remember hurting my ankle, but have been doing more running than usual. It started hurting one day and has been a month. It hurts right above the fibula bone that sticks out. No bruising or swelling from what I can tell, and when I press on the area it feels like I'm pressing on a bruise. Other than pressing on it, it hurts if I run or jump rope, so stopped doing that obviously. Any ideas or help is appreciated!
Aug 23, 2017
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Just above ankle pain after
by: Michelle

Hello. A few days ago I accidentally stepped on my son's arm and twisted my ankle trying to avoid it.

Well, by that night it started to hurt when I circled my foot. Most of the pain is just above my ankle but it hurts all the way into the foot. I can walk on it and there is no bruising or swelling, however it hurts even at rest and when not moving.


Dr. Barrie Lewis

Hello Michelle,
Ask your son for help with your grammar in future before submitting documents! I had to make eleven corrections for you; not my favourite.

The good thing is that there is no swelling or bruising, but the fact that it hurts at rest suggests there is deep swelling that may have by now come to the fore.

As with all such 'minor' injuries, use your common sense; ice it and do the gentle ankle exercises you can find using the site search function at Chiropractic Help. Stay off the foot as much as possible for a few days.

Then, after about a week you have to make a decision; is it getting better? If you're unconvinced, then it's time to get professional help. It is unlikely you've fractured anything but a subluxated talus, for example, causes a lot of pain and will become arthritic if not reduced; those exercises may restore the mobility.

The big thing is it must get properly better; give it time, or it will turn again in the next few weeks, and then there will be swelling and a lot more pain.

A wobble board would help, first with sports shoes and an ankle guard.

I hope it settles; you don't want to end up with a weak ankle.

Dr B



Aug 21, 2017
Rating
starstarstarstar 		Keep going over on my ankle
by: Anonymous

Hi I'll like some advis asap please, I'll explain later why. But a month or so ago I went over on my ankle at training (taekwondo) on Wednesday and i couldn't walk on it or anything I put ice and arnica on it for several nights, I went to school and they had to provide me with crutches then Saturday morning I went a&e and they said they don't know exactly but it's maybe just a sprain or ligaments but yesterday I was in a competition fight and I went over on it again but this one was worse. It's now the next day and I still can't walk on it and I'm going holiday in a week then I've got the nationals in about 3 weeks so I really need to do something about my ankle asap.


Dr. Barrie Lewis

Google will downgrade my site if I publish this; either you correct your grammar and resubmit or it goes unanswered.

Dr B
Aug 19, 2017
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Twisted ankle while running
by: Anonymous

It's been around 48 hrs since I twisted my right ankle outward while running. I heard a pop noise when it happened. I stopped running almost immediately and have been doing RICE for two days. There is no swelling either.

The only visible feature of the injury is some of the nerves on the outside of my right ankle are showing, but very lightly. It hurts to walk down stairs the most. The outside of my ankle feels a tinging pain when I walk. What is going on? Is it a strain or a sprain or something else? How long until I can run again?


Dr. Barrie Lewis

If there is no swelling, or bruising, you can be fairly sure nothing is broken or seriously torn; it may yet turn purple however. If it does take it more seriously.

Is there any pain up the outer side of the leg.

It's unlikely you can see any nerves showing up.

Most likely you subluxated one of the bones in the ankle; the mortise and subtalar joints are the most commonly affected. The pain is incredibly sharp; I know because I've treated thousands, and done it myself.

Start by doing our ankle exercises which you'll find using the site search in the navigation bar at Chiropractic Help; you may be lucky and able to reduce the subluxation yourself.

If it's not improving within three or four days, you have to start looking for someone knowledgeable about feet. Your local chiropractic association will help you find a person with a FICS qualification; a postgraduate course specialising in sports injuries.

Some ligaments will have been stretched and it will now be weak for at least a month; rush back into running and it will just happen again.

Dr B
Aug 17, 2017
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Ankle starting hurting from running
by: Jack

My ankle started hurting yesterday from running. It hurts on the outside of my right foot. It's like a pounding of pain. It hurts to walk on. But it doesn't look like it's swollen or bruised to me; I can't tell. However I have been putting ice on it and following the RICE. It is only the second day since the incident. Should I be worried? If so, what should I do?


Dr. Barrie Lewis

Hello Jack,
You should only be worried enough to make you stop sport until you know it has healed, and you've been through a rehab programme. It's now vulnerable and if you strain or sprain it again in the next weeks, then there will be trouble.

If in a week or ten days it's still painful then you'd better get professional help.

This is all said not having you examined you; use your own wisdom if it dictates otherwise.

Dr B
Aug 17, 2017
Rating
starstarstarstar 		Ankle hurts after soccer but no swelling or bruising, and could not weight bear the next day
by: Anna

Just yesterday I had soccer practice. I remembered my ankle hurting but I walked it off. When soccer came to an end my ankle starting hurting again. At first I thought maybe I bruised it for it hurt a little when I walked.

Then the next day I can't even walk on it a little without pain. It is like a pounding of pain from the ankle. But I can't tell if it is swollen or bruised. It doesn't look like it but I don't know. What should I do?


Dr. Barrie Lewis

Hello Anna,
First, assume the worst and don't play sport for at least a week, and perhaps three; meantime get into some active ankle exercise programme and be sure it has healed before returning to football; further injury will likely mean you miss the rest of the season. Wear an ankle guard for the first few weeks of play.

Ice your ankle for pain, even though there's no swelling, and do our ankle exercises several times a day. Get a wobble board for use in a week or two, first with guard and tightly fitting sports shoes.

If in a week or two of ice and exercise, if it's not at least 50% less painful, you'd better get a professional opinion.

Mostly you have subluxated the ankle mortise or subtalar joint; it's extremely painful but may resolve with the alphabet exercises if you are lucky. It's most unlikely that a bone is fractured so an x-ray is not indicated in my book.

I hope this helps.

Dr B


» » Ankle hurts after soccer but no swelling or bruising, and could not weight bear the next day
Aug 12, 2017
Rating
starstarstarstar 		Inner ankle pain after wacking it on a gate!
by: Anonymous

Earlier today I whacked my ankle on a gate we keep at the bottom of the stairs to keep the dog from wandering upstairs. I cut part of it and I thought nothing of the rest of my ankle until I got up from the ground. It hurt to walk on and it still hurts but there is no bruising. What am I supposed to do about this?


Dr. Barrie Lewis

Clean the cut up, and give it a few days rest; it's probably just bruised. Alternating ice and heat would be good, and generally keep it moving or it'll stiffen up.

If it starts to swell, or you start to think that you might have broken something, unlikely, then an x-ray might be a good idea.

Likewise if weight bearing is severely painful.

In short treat it conservatively at home for a few days, unless you've got good reasons to consult someone.

Dr B
Aug 02, 2017
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Ankle Hurts to Walk On; no Swelling or Bruising
by: Anonymous

Hello, good-day, for about a week now i jave been having very bad ankle pains. The ankle wont bend or go in a circular motion and it hurts so much to some point it prevents me from walking. I took some tremadol and other pain killers, the has subsided, however it still persists around the area of my tibia,fibula, talus and also my posterior malleous. It feels like sharp needles and sometimes a pulsing sensation. My foot doctor gave me diclofenac sodium ER 100mg and told me to do foot excercise, i dont honestly think that would remedy my issues as i need to get back to work soon. Any ideas? Thank you in advance.

Please write in English, and I'll be happy to reply. Submit again; on a computer.
Jul 21, 2017
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Rolled My Ankle Again
by: Emma

So far this month I have rolled my right ankle twice. (Both times with my foot going inwards and my ankle outwards) The first time it swelled and I did the normal things for it, but today when I rolled it, it felt worse when I landed on it.
I was doing a leap when I landed on it and fell. The pain was intense enough for me to cry a little but then I got up, walked a little and it hurt. After resting for a bit I walked on it again and it was fine.
Now the problem is that from my ankle to thigh, there is a lot of pain, especially from my ankle to knee. Could this be something like a shin splint and if it isn't good in the morning, should I be worried?


Dr. Barrie Lewis

Hello Emma,
When your sprained your ankle the first time, the ligaments were stretched making it unstable; hence the second time.

Was there no bruising, known as ecchymosis in medical language, on the side of your ankle on either occasion?

The pain going up the leg is probably a strain of the peroneus group of muscles; their function is to prevent inversion, exactly what happened. They were overloaded because of the previous strain.

You must take it seriously now; next time the ligaments will rupture and you probably have surgery and be in a caste for months. Wear an ankle guard, and alas you have to stop your sport.

There is probably also a subluxation of the ankle mortise or subtalar joints; that's what causes the 'tears in the eyes' pain; I've done it myself, so I know what you are talking about. You may be able to reduce it by doing our alphabet exercises, but it may need professional help; it's not difficult, nor painful in the hands of a skilled chiropractor who is knowledgeable about ankles. Ask around before making an appointment.

All in all, it's potentially a serious injury requiring rehab, most of which you must do; strengthening exercises, and patience whilst it heals. A third time in the next months could end your sporting career.

Good luck, and work hard at those exercises.

Dr B
Jul 13, 2017
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Hurt ankle and couldn't walk but no swelling
by: Jonathan

I was playing basketball in sandals over the 4th of July and I jumped off to get the ball and I landed on my left ankle and it went in towards my right foot; I had to be lifted of the court and couldn't walk for 2 days but I had no swelling on my ankle whatsoever

It hurts below the ankle and it is tender; it's been a week and a half and it's getting better but I still have trouble extending it; should I wait it out or see a doctor?
I first thought I sprained it but I had no swelling and it is right below my ankle any thoughts on what it is?


Dr. Barrie Lewis

Hello Jonathan,
With no swelling or bruising, it's unlikely you broke anything, but I can tell you there are plenty of missed fractures in the ankle. If you want to be sure, get a picture.

More likely you have subluxated the talus in the ankle mortise; I've done it myself and have treated hundreds; it hurts! A lot.

When you invert the ankle like that the talus become malaligned and causes that very sharp pain. Generally, it's very simple to reduce, but it will be unstable now for at least a month; ligaments will have been stretched. No sport for a bit.

My suggestion is that you ice it, do our alphabet ankle exercises and try to keep the weight off as much as possible for a week.

If it's not improving, then look for a chiropractor with a FICS sports injury qualification; it's usually relatively straight forward and shouldn't need expensive orthotics. You know not to play in sandals again!

Let me know how you get on.

Dr B
Jul 07, 2017
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Ankle Pain, No Swelling nor Bruising
by: Anonymous

Hey, a couple days ago I was playing baseball and I slid into a base quite roughly, and hurt my ankle. A couple minutes later it felt stiff, and then I couldn't walk on it without a sharp pain in the outside ball of my left foot.
It's been a few days and there is still no swelling or bruising. I'm not sure if I broke my ankle, but I can't walk without major pain. The skin around my fibula and lateral malleolus is tender, but I don't want to pay a large hospital bill for something that may not be broken. Can you help me out?


Dr. Barrie Lewis

If there's no swelling or bruising then the likelihood of a fracture is relatively small, but not zero; likewise for ruptured ligaments.

More likely you have subluxated the ankle mortise joint between the talus and the tibia; walking on it causes exquisite pain. Fortunately it's relatively easy to fix, if you can find a chiropractor who works with feet. You won't need an expensive orthotic.
Then you will have to rehab it properly before returning to sport, or it'll simply happen again.

See if you can find a chiropractor with a FICS postgraduate sports qualification; phone your local association.

I hope this contributes.

Dr B
Jun 17, 2017
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Rolled ankle, no swelling or brusing
by: Anonymous

Hi, about 3 weeks ago I was skateboarding and ended up landing in the grass. I hit a ditch and landed on my right ankle, (pointed inward, towards my left foot). I felt a pop and initially felt pain when moving it.

A day after that it was fine to walk on, no swelling, no bruising.

It only hurts when I turn my ankle inwards, and hurts way more than when I usually hurt my ankle. The pain has been the same since then, getting no better nor worse. Any tips on what I could have done to myself? I'm only 16 and I haven't had any sprains or more serious injuries in the past. I have twisted it like this many times before, although it only lasted a day or two. What kind of injury could I have and what can I do to help myself recover quickly? (Thanks for the help in advance).


Dr. Barrie Lewis

Apologies, I missed this.

Each time you twist your ankle, the supporting ligaments are stressed and stretched; this time it's obviously a bit worse, just no tearing, so no bruising or swelling; the ankle is becoming unstable. Wear a guard when skateboarding in future.

There are a number of possibilities, but you have probably subluxated one of the small joints in the foot or ankle. That causes sharp pain with movement, especially if weight bearing.

Start with our ankle exercises; use the site search function to find them.

It's now six weeks since the injury; if it's still painful, you shouldn't leave it much longer; get a professional opinion.

Dr B
Jun 15, 2017
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Severe ankle pain periodically after construction work since sprain ten years ago.
by: Chase

I'm 31 years old and I've worked in construction since I was 15 years old. Every so often (a month, or so) my right ankle will start to hurt when I put weight on it. It usually only lasts a day or so, sometimes a few days, then everything is back to normal.

This week my ankle has been hurting very badly. It usually starts around 2:00 (6 hours into the work day) and doesn't stop hurting until the next morning. Normally it only hurts when I put weight on it, but this week it's been hurting long after I get home from work. It's hurting way more than normal also, throbbing pain, almost like a migraine but in my ankle instead of my head and not quite as bad as a migraine but pretty close.

I did sprain my ankle years ago in my early 20s but it's never really given me problems until the past 2 years. I've noticed it's hard to find shoes that don't make my right ankle hurt, but I've been wearing the same shoes to work for at least a month and haven't had any problems until this week.


Dr. Barrie Lewis

I could speculate, Chase, but clearly what's needed is a professional examination of your ankle; old untreated sprains certainly do leave their mark. Quite likely jumping from scaffolding and the like has an effect too.

Start hunting for someone who knows about feet; not just expensive orthotics. And I think an x-ray would probably we wise too.

Meantime start our ankle exercises; alternating ice and heat until that throbbing stops would help.

Let me know how you get on.

Dr B

» » Severe ankle pain periodically after construction work since sprain ten years ago.




Jun 09, 2017
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Outside of my foot hurting to walk on since wearing flats
by: Jess

Hi there,

I was wondering if you could shed some light on whatever it is going on with my foot.

Recently since I came back off holiday (I was wearing flats all the time) the outside of my foot, particularly in between the little toe and heel, is really hurting to put pressure on it; when I'm standing, running, or even when I'm lifting my foot up and down when walking.

It's giving me pain even when I rest it. However I went to the A&E department and they said that the x-ray didn't show anything. So I left; fast forward two days and my foot is in agony.

I don't know if I have done anything if the x-ray didn't show it? I have no bruising or swelling, but I don't know why it's still hurting if nothing looks to be wrong? Could it be my shoes?


Dr. Barrie Lewis

Hello Jess,
Yes, it could have been your flats that stirred it up; I'd be inclined to avoid that pair of shoes at present.

There's plenty that can happen in any joint that doesn't show up on x-ray; remember it shoes only the bones and, in the foot, there are so many small bones overlapping that it's quite difficult to read.

In this area is a bone called the cuboid; it articulates with six other foot bones; when it becomes fixated or subluxated it upsets the biomechanics of the whole complex.

Start with our ankle exercises for a week, and meantime start looking for a chiropractor who works with feet; just checking the lower back and pelvis is not sufficient. And don't accept expensive orthotics initially.

Usually a few adjustments of the foot and some exercises will suffice.

If you're overweight get it off; the obese always suffer with foot and knee pain.

Dr B

» » Outside of my foot hurting to walk on since wearing flats
Jun 03, 2017
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		I don't know what to do about my ankle pain
by: Josh

About 5 years ago, I somehow managed to hurt my right ankle. I have no idea how, but I was laying down and when I got up, my ankle just hurt. From what I remember, it wasn't red or swollen or anything. Over time, my ankle would get really stiff and I would have to walk on the outer edge of my foot until my foot would act like nothing had happened to it; no pain or anything.

Over time, my ankle was never stiff but in the evenings and especially after a workout that included the foot it would hurt to put my weight on it. Sometimes I can't put any pressure on it and sometimes I can. Also, I'm not sure if this means anything but there is an audible pop whenever I evert my foot outwards to the right.


Dr. Barrie Lewis

Hello Josh,
The ankle mortise joint controls the up and down movement; known in anatomical terms as dorsi and plantar flexion.

The rolling ankle action of the foot from side to side however is where your problem appears to lie, and in particular eversion. That occurs largely in the subtalar joint. It lies between the talus bone and the calcaneus or heel bone.

The subtalar is a complex joint, really consisting of three joints; when it becomes fixated the whole biodynamics of the ankle and foot changes and it can be enormously irritating and painful.

Normally it's a very simple subluxation to reduce, often fixed in one or two treatments; but after five years that's another story.

You make no mention of what other treatment you've had. If none, this is an awfully long time to live with such a treatable condition.

Obviously, I'm speculating about what's happening; what's needed is a thorough examination and an x-ray.

See if you can find a chiropractor with a FICS qualification, and don't accept that an expensive orthotic is the solution.

Let me know how you get on. Oh, by the way, you could start our ankle exercises.

Dr B

» » I don't know what to do about my ankle pain
May 31, 2017
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		What should I do?
by: Chloe Bowman

A few weeks ago around May 11th we were practicing for track and field, while I was waiting to do triple jump I did a practice one on the grass. While I did the practice one my lower right leg kinda gave out and I almost fell but I didn't, and it felt like I pulled something or even torn something. But on May 10th I was complaining to my mom that my lower leg was hurting and it really hurt to walk on it. Ever since May 11th at school I wear a tensor badge on my foot and up my leg by only to my knee it hasn't really gotten better. Lasts week in class m friend pointed out that my foot was swelling up and turning purple, but my tensor badge was really loose so it couldn't I couldn't of been loosing circulation to my foot. Now ever since that day last week everyday my foot swells up and ever so often it will turn purple. But just Tuesday the swelling got really bad and now ever time it swells up I can't see my ankle bone and yesterday I couldn't even feel my ankle bone. I haven't went to the doctors yet because my mom said she will call but she never has. I do take the tensor off when I get home from school, then put it on a hour later but then I take it off again before I go to sleep. My questions are, should I go see the doctor? What could it be? What should I do? And what could of caused it?
May 26, 2017
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		ankle sprain pain but none when walking or running
by: Rohit

Its been two weeks since my ankle sprain. It hurts when I turns it inside or outside but no pains in walking as well as running. Should I apply heat after the RICE method?


Dr. Barrie Lewis

Hello Rohit,
The subtalar joint controls those movements; it's really a complex of three joints that manage inversion and eversion of the ankle. Provided it's in neutral it would seem to can move fairly normally.


If there's no swelling or bruising then you probably have subluxated the calcaneus, but I'm hazarding a guess.

Try the alphabet exercises and it may reestablish its normal orientation, otherwise you need to consult someone who works with ankles; this is normally very simple; no expensive orthotics.

Give it a chance to heal properly; serious sequelae develop if you reinjure it in the next month.

Yes, you can apply heat after ice.

Dr B
May 21, 2017
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Hit ankle, no fall or roll.
by: Sarah

Yesterday I was walking inside and I accidentally hit the outside of my ankle on a large squared leg of a buffet table. It definitely hurt initially but I just walked it off.

Today I woke up and I have difficulty walking/putting full weight on that foot. The ankle is sore to the touch but there is no swelling or bruising. It especially hurts (stabbing feeling) when I extend my foot down or away from my leg. I'm going to start icing it but I don't know if I should get a checkup or take time off work.

I work at a university so I do about 9 'minutes of walking on street, sidewalk, hills, stairs just to get to my office. Would that be bad potentially? Thanks.


Dr. Barrie Lewis

Hello Sarah,
Although the lateral malleolus, the bump on the outside of the ankle is a common fracture site, I doubt somehow that you have broken anything. A hairline fracture should be considered if it doesn't settle. Ice would be good in any event.

There are two joints in the ankle that control the up / down and away movements; the ankle mortise and the subtalar joints; these need to be examined should the pain continue. What's important is that it should get properly better. Don't let it become chronic.

You probably has some deep inner bruising and swelling that is restricting the movement; along with the ice, see our ankle exercises page. Start the alphabets.

Have a bicycle to get to the university?

If walking is really sore, and remains sore, then you'd better get professional help.

I hope this contributes.

Dr B
May 12, 2017
Rating
starstarstarstar 		Ankle pain no swelling or bruises
by: Andrew

I play lacrosse and we had 2 games in the same day. I showed up 5 Minutes before the game started but I didn't stretch till half time; after I stretched I ran faster then I ever had in both games.

After that I had Boy Scouts and we did a 10 mile hike. After all that in the same day my feet still didn't hurt but 2 days later (Monday) I had a moderate pain in my ankle so I went to lacrosse practice thinking I could walk it off; and now I can barely walk; I limp around school and can't run or walk fast; do you know what's wrong?


Dr. Barrie Lewis

Hello Andrew,
If the pain started two days later there's no question of sprain or fracture; there are a lot of small bones in the ankle and foot, as well as ligaments; something in there has been affected.

Ice it and do some gentle exercises and stay off sport until it's better; if it's not improving in a few days then you'd better ask your parents if you can consult someone who specialises in ankles and feet. It's not likely to be serious, but if you allow it to become chronic then it will give you a lot of trouble.

Don't rush to the doctor, and don't delay either if you know it's not getting better.

Dr B
May 12, 2017
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		ankle injury?
by: Anonymous

I had a tournament for school lacrosse in Missoula and I believe I rolled it the wrong way when I tripped over my own feet.my left ankle immediately started to hurt afer the game when I walked, my mom told me I must have twisted it wrong. one week later when I would walk in the halls of my school I would walk and then I would get a sharp and painful feeling in my ankle and I would have to limp for a few minutes tell it stopped hurting,this went on all week. one week later I'm practicing and went I got home I got tge same painful feeling in my other ankle. It hurts after every time I run and sometimes walk on my ankles. my ankles aren't swollen but they hurt off and on,irs still happening to this day.
May 08, 2017
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		I rolled my ankle but no swelling or bruising
by: Anonymous

I rolled my ankle while I was walking; I had a sharp pain shoot up my leg but I was able to keep walking so I went back to work.

About five minutes later it was unbearable; previously I have have broken five ribs, shattered my forearm so I can handle pain.

So I raised it up, wrapped and iced it and it was fine; then the next day it started hurting when I walked but I kept walking.

I can bend it forward like normal but when I bring it back to the regular position I have a sharp pain right around the joint area; what can I do because I have barrel racing practice coming up and I can't miss it.


Dr. Barrie Lewis

Hello Anonymous,
I afraid you are going to miss your barrel racing, not that I've ever heard of it.

You have almost certainly subluxated the subtalar joint; it's not serious, and easy to reduce, but it will be weak for a few weeks at least; do nothing and there's a good chance it will become arthritic in a few years.

See a chiropractor with a FICS qualification; sports chiropractic, and take a break from the barrel and spend it instead with the family.

Otherwise there's misery ahead.

As we say in Holland, those who will not hear, must feel.

Dr B
May 01, 2017
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		I'd like to know what the injury is to my ankle
by: Harrison

It was a nice Thursday evening playing soccer and I'm very skilled at it so I'm just getting past lots of people with the ball, then one defender takes the ball; I knock him over; he gets back up then I kick the ball between his legs; he is confused and, as I pass the ball to my teammate, he falls on the outside of my ankle.

It took six days but it healed a bit and I could kind of walk then today my Mom told me to put lots of weight on it by walking to school but when I get halfway down our street I fall and land in between the outside and front of my ankle but there is no swelling or bruising; my mom thinks I'm soft and it's just a sprain but I think not.


Dr. Barrie Lewis

Sometimes, Harrison, usually I would say, parents are older and wiser, but not always.

I never realised, being a rugby fan, that you were allowed to knock a player over in soccer. That's news to me.

If it was a sprain, there would be swelling and bruising; sorry, Mom, but you're out of your depth.

Depending on what's happened in the last week, it needs to be assessed by someone who examines and treats ankles on a regular basis.

I take it you're still in school; pay particular attention to your grammar courses. It took me longer to correct your grade 3 English than to reply to the question!

Dr B
Apr 26, 2017
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Tripped over a fence
by: Anonymous

I was walking yesterday when I tripped over a fence onto some uneven ground. I landed on my ankle and I can't walk on it since the accident. There is no swelling but a bit of bruising around the area I landed on. What do you think it could of happened to it? Is it just a sprain or maybe a stress fracture?


Dr. Barrie Lewis

Mm, my usual rule of thumb is not to rush off to the doctor or chiropractor with every little snivel or pain, but I'm not sure in your case.

If you still can't walk on it, then yes, I think it's time to have it assessed. If there's bruising, then certainly something has happened; most likely a torn ligament but an avulsion fracture is certainly one of the things to keep in mind.

Use your common sense; certainly you don't want to end up with a chronically weak ankle that becomes arthritic in time.

At least begin by icing it, perhaps strapping the ankle, taking weight off it and doing some simple exercises.

As long as you are confident that it's improving of its own accord, then you can go with the flow; just remember that torn ligaments will take at least six weeks to heal. If you sprain it again in the next few weeks, then there will be drama.

Dr B
Apr 23, 2017
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Can't walk on ankle, no swelling
by: Emily

I stepped out of a pizza place today and missed a step, ending up with me rolling my ankle inward. I collapsed at that moment in pain, but was able to get up and walk fine after that all the way home. However, about 20 minutes later, the pain became so unbearable I could hardly walk without wincing. There's no swelling, just a small bruise on top of the foot near the ankle.

Its been a few hours and I can't walk three steps without having to sit. I also can't move my foot sideways without severe pain. Still no swelling. Is this just a mild sprain?
Apr 13, 2017
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Painful ankle no swelling
by: Anonymous

I stepped down a set of stairs and felt a searing pain like my ankle buckled now I have no swelling and no bruising but I am not able to put any weight on it
I have it raised and strapped
Should I get a X-ray, deep tissue massage, or use some deep heat on it??
Apr 13, 2017
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Ankle fracture causing much pain twenty years later
by: Andy

Hi I was in an RTA twenty years ago, which left me with a broken tibia, fibula and a fractured ankle; fast forward to six years ago,and I ended up with osteoarthritis in the same place, on top of my foot; now I still get swelling, pain, and at times am unable to put much weight on it; I have to wear push on shoes not laced ones as tying laces is too unbearable.

Do you have any advice?


Dr. Barrie Lewis

Hello Andy,
I guess not a lot. Accidents of this nature invariably leave their mark, but yours is worst than most; at least it wasn't your neck. You ankle may have to be fused.

Having said that, if you're willing to go for a series of say six to ten chiropractic treatments, and then once a month, you would probably get about 50% relief; there's no hope of a 'cure'.

But remember I haven't seen your x-rays or examined your leg, so that's a thumb suck.

You need to start hunting for a chiropractor who works with feet; not expensive orthotics, but actually does hands on stuff. A FICS qualification would be a great help; phone your local state association.

Then I'd start doing the alphabet exercises which you'll find using the search function at Chiropractic Help. Do you them faithfully several times a day; they're simple.

I hope this helps; let me know how you get on.

Dr B
Apr 03, 2017
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Jessica , ankle
by: Anonymous

Hi, I jumped down about 2 feet yesterday and rolled my ankle; there was an instant sharp pain and I couldn't bear any weight; it is swollen but no bruising and hurts even when immobilized; should I go to the doctors?


Dr. Barrie Lewis

Hello Jessica,
It's always a difficult question as to when one should rush off to the doctor or chiropractor; if you feel you've had a significant injury, then, yes, you probably should.

The fact there's no bruising suggests there are no actually torn ligaments or fracture, but rather a strain, and the sharp pain is usually caused as the talus bone subluxates in the ankle mortise joint. That should be reduced as soon as possible, and is a very simple procedure for an experienced chiropractor.

I would recommend icing the painful, swollen area twice a day, bind it in a compressive bandage and stay off it if every step is still causing that sharp pain. See our ankle exercises page.

Don't allow it to become chronic; if it's still sore, clicking then certainly see someone in a couple weeks.

Dr B
Mar 18, 2017
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		ankle pain when walking
by: Lisa

About 4 days ago I was walking down my stairs and I rolled over on my ankle (as in my ankle outer side was parallel with the stairs and my foot was inwards) I heard a very loud crack and instant pain; there is no swelling I can really notice and no real bruising to it, but every time I put weight on it there's a sharp pain shooting up to my kneecap.


Really any movement is intense; if I touch my tibia the pain is ten times worse; I have been wrapping it, icing it, and elevating it to no difference; the only time there is no pain is when it's immobilized and I'm off it.

Is this a strain, break, fracture, or muscle/nerve problem? I hate doctors so everyone's suggestion please.


Dr. Barrie Lewis

Hello Lisa,
Whilst I understand your dislike of doctors in general, and perhaps chiropractors too, don't allow this attitude to cause you to become chronically ill or disabled; it happens.

If you read this column regularly you'll find plenty of folk who have done just what you have, and in two years are still in pain, unable to walk easily and with a grinding sound starting.

An x-ray would be advisable; a fractured lateral malleolus is a distinct possibility. Or that loud crack may have occurred as the talus or calcaneus subluxated as your ankle went over.

Dr B
Mar 16, 2017
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Haven't injured yet foot is painful
by: Liz

Hi.
I haven't injured or hurt my foot or ankle in any way and it doesn't hurt to touch, but for the last 3 days I haven't been able to weight bear at all and the pain (only when walking) is awful.

Have you any ideas please?


Dr. Barrie Lewis

Hello Liz,
As with any severe pain, it's better to have it assessed sooner rather than later. Certainly as soon as you know it's not improving of its own accord.

Meantime, ice and gentle exercises. See our ankle exercise page at Chiropractic Help.

Dr B
Feb 25, 2017
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		What's wrong with my ankle?
by: Brie

I'm only 13 and I pointing my right foot the after that there was a sharp pain and it hurt too much to walk on.

I've iced it and raised it, even if I slightly move it, it hurts a lot. There's no swelling but a tiny bit of bruising; I stay off of it as much of I can but my family is always on the road for my brothers' hockey so it's kinda hard.

When I am walking on it I limp a bit so all my weight isn't on it and like I said if I move it a tiny bit it hurts.


Dr. Barrie Lewis

Hello Brie,
By 'pointing' do you mean you hurt it in ballet? If there's some bruising it means that you've torn something; it's bleeding under the skin.

That doesn't usually cause severe pain when walking, but often at the same moment that it sprained, you subluxated one of the small bones in the ankle; then it's very painful to walk on.

Fixing a subluxated talus bone for example isn't usually difficult but your folks may have trouble finding a chiropractor who works a lot with feet ankles; you shouldn't need an expensive orthotic.

Dr B
Feb 24, 2017
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Is this a ligament problem or a possible fracture?
by: Anonymous

I fell over about four weeks ago and my ankle turned inwards so it's the outer part of my right ankle that hurts. I'm used to spraining my ankle often because of playing netball but haven't sprained it in a few years.

So I get used to just walking on it and using it as normal afterwards; therefore not usually painful after the first day.

However this time the swelling only lasted like two days and it is actually slightly painful to do some movements with that ankle. So I went to the doctor two weeks ago and she said to rest it etc and not play sport but walking should be fine - which I had been doing anyway.

However it feels worse now than it did two weeks ago as it is actually slightly painful when I'm sitting or lying down - the outside of my ankle where the bone ends feels tender when I touch it which it didn't really before - it also makes a clicking sound every time I flex it.

Is it a possible minor fracture? Or is it possible my sprain has just got worse?


Dr. Barrie Lewis

Hello,
The ligaments attach to that bone on the outside of the ankle, called the lateral malleolus, which is why it's tender; it can fracture off, but that seems unlikely in your case; you wouldn't be walking on it.

At the same time that you sprained it, called an inversion sprain, what often happens is that the talus or calaneus bones in the ankle subluxate; hence the clicking sound and why walking on it increases the pain.

Look for a chiropractor who works with feet and ankles; it's usually quite simple to reduce although after this length of time it's getting more difficult. Don't leave it; it will become arthritic.

I doubt a fracture but your chiropractor might want to have it x-rayed just to be sure.

Dr B
Feb 18, 2017
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Something New
by: Anonymous

I'm 59 yrs old. I'm just getting over a cold/flu and finally felt well enough to take a walk on a paved trail. Walked about 3 miles, nothing happened. Home, I moved about for 2 hours then sat with my feet elevated watching TV. My ankle began throbbing and when I stood, I got a sharp pain and could not bear weight fully on the right foot. I can put wt on my heel, but not fully on the foot. Throbbing throughout the night and again this morning. Same situation, can't put full weight on the foot. What now? I've never broken or sprained anything.
Feb 18, 2017
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Not able to walk after I fell
by: Abby

Hi, i'm a gymnast and today at gym i was walking off two 8 inchers and when i did i rolled my ankle and leaned forward when i did, i heard something snap/pop and i couldn't take a step 30 seconds after it happened, i iced for about 15-30 minutes and it hurts to move it at all, when i walk i have to have something to hold me up also the ankle isn't swelling, it looks way flatter than normal though, is there anything wrong with it? by the way i can't walk on it
Feb 16, 2017
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Inner ankle hurts
by: Anonymous

Hi,

A few days ago I went to sleep and when I woke up I tried to walk and I felt a pain in my inner ankle. I sort of walked it off during the day, but as the day went on started to limp. I decided to sleep it off and hoped day 2 it would be better. When I woke up on day two I took a few steps out of bed and heard like a knuckle crack on my inner ankle. Like the sound when you crack your knuckles. It was a sharp pain and I fell to the floor. Basically, anytime I put any weight on that foot my inner ankle hurts. It's day 3 now and it still hurts, but it seems like it's getting better. I can walk slowly but still can't walk fully flat because of the pain in the inner ankle. I have no idea what's going on with my ankle. Did I somehow sprain it while sleeping? There is no swelling, bruising or redness at all. I'm really confused. The days prior to the ankle pain I was walking perfectly fine no issues at all. I'm in good health, and not overweight. If anyone has any info that can help me get better, I'd appreciate it.
Feb 11, 2017
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Can not weight bear on ankle
by: Gary

Last night I stood up to go upstairs and felt a sudden sharp pain from my ankle joint area; it was so painful I nearly fell over; there was no warning at all.

I'm 40 years old, relatively fit; I regularly use ladders whilst working but do not remember falling or anything significant that may be the cause; a few days ago I remember lying in bed and feeling pain from the same ankle but it soon went. I've suffered with achilles pain for months from the same ankle, could this be linked?

The pain is around 8-9, I have to go back to work on Monday and worry I won't be able to do my job, any ideas what it could be; thank you.


Dr. Barrie Lewis

Hello Gary,
The chronic achilles tendonitis tells you that something is going on in your lower leg; without examining you, I can't be sure what exactly.

Most conditions in the body start by warning you that all is not well in the state of Denmark. If you do nothing, then it may heal of itself, but often it progresses to the next level of pain.

Be careful up a ladder; or you may have a broken hip to go with your ankle pain!

Simply stretching your achilles tendon every morning would have been my recommendation before this happened, but now it's time to consult someone who works specifically with the lower leg.

Dr B
Feb 09, 2017
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Ankle hurts to walk on but no bruising or swelling
by: Ben

Two weeks ago I was playing football and I went to kick the ball with a lot of force but sombody stuck their foot out and I kicked it with full force.

I felt my foot go back and a sharp pain through my ankle; so I sat out for the rest of the game and got told to rest it; however the following day I could not walk on it without having a sharp pain in my ankle so I was limping around all day.

I tried to just use deep freeze but it would not work at all and it still caused me pain. I iced it off and on for the first day and have been resting it for about 3 days but whenever I seem to walk or run I have an intense pain in my ankle; it has been nearly 3 weeks since it had happened and it still hurts.

But to the eye there's no swelling and bruising at all even when it originally happened and if I touch it I can't feel pain. What shall I do?


Dr. Barrie Lewis

Hello Ben,
Clearly, after three weeks it needs professional attention. Since there is no swelling it's unlikely that you've broken anything, but that needs to be considered.

Mostly likely you've subluxated one of the small bones in the ankle; it causes very sharp pain when weight bearing.

After 3 days I would have suggested ice and exercises, but now it's time to see someone knowledgeable about ankles.

Reducing a subluxated talus for example is usually pretty straight forward.

Dr B

Dr B
Feb 01, 2017
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Multiple ankle issues after rolling ankle in volleyball
by: MND

My daughter was playing volleyball. She dove for the ball and a teammate stepped on her ankle. Felt a pinch above the back of the ankle a few times over the next couple hours. She iced it and rested it that evening. Then it was back to normal.
At practice three days later, a teammate went under the net and she landed on her foot after blocking, slightly rolling the same ankle. Felt ok. Pushing off for a pass she slightly rolled again and had some pain.

There is little to no appreciable swelling but some pain when you touch the ankle bone. Mild pain going down stairs but not up stairs. No pain when walking. Had a very mild ankle sheath tear 5 years ago, same ankle. Just had a doctor reevaluate 6 months ago and he said there was no obvious weakness or "play" in the ankle. Thoughts? Thanks so much!


Dr. Barrie Lewis

Hello MND,
Clearly there's something going on, though obviously with be able to assess her ankle, it's impossible for me to make a diagnosis.

With it having rolled several times over the last weeks, there's now the potential for a full blown sprain. An ankle guard as an interim measure might help.

The fact that going down stairs hurts, but not up, suggests that it is probably ligamentous in nature, or a subluxated ankle bone.

If she was simply able to take three weeks break from training it would probably resolve of itself. Continue with the ice and begin with our ankle exercises, and something rather more vigorous like a wobble board.

Before continuing with play now is not without danger; I'd recommend you see the doctor you saw six months ago; he knows her and what is normal for her.

I hope this contributes.

Dr B


» » Multiple ankle issues after rolling ankle in volleyball
Jan 26, 2017
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Sore ankle
by: Anonymous

I don't know what happen to my ankle; it don't hurt to touch or move side to side; it only hurts when I'm standing and walking; pain can vary from 3 to 8 sometimes; this being going on for 2 weeks now.


Dr. Barrie Lewis

Any pain that persists needs to be examined; or you risk having it for the rest of your life. Don't allow it to become chronic.

Start the ankle exercises which you can find using the search function in the navigation bar at Chiropractic Help.

It may need to be x-rayed.

Overweight? Then it's probably arthritis. Get it off; or suffer.

Dr b
Jan 24, 2017
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Why does it hurt?
by: Anonymous

My ankle hurts when I walk or move it around; I have no swelling or bruising. What should I do?


Dr. Barrie Lewis

As with most conditions, do some exercises and be kind to it for a week; if the pain still hasn't gone then you'd better see someone knowledgeable about ankles.

It's probably a subluxated talus or calcaneus but really could be many things; it needs to be examined if the pain persists.

Dr B
Jan 19, 2017
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Both ankles hurt
by: Anonymous

Hi. Both of my ankles hurt a lot from the inside especially when I stretch them or go down the stairs. I think it may have happened from wearing high heels almost a week ago because i hadn't worn heels in nearly a year.

I didn't fall or roll my ankles or anything but they started hurting a lot the day after like a sore feeling.

They are a little swollen but not too much and not bruised. Is there anything I can do to help the pain?


Dr. Barrie Lewis

I suspect this is something that will resolve of itself. Perhaps in a month test those shoes again and, if you get the same reaction, dump them.

I would ice the painful area, alternating with heat in the bath.

And then, using the search function at chiropractic help, find and do our 'ankle exercises' daily.

I hope this contributes.

Dr B
Jan 18, 2017
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Ankle hurts but no swelling
by: Anonymous C

Have been having ankle pain for the past 4 days but no swelling; however when I move it ard or stretch it, it hurts quite badly. I tried to ice it but didn't work. It's weird how it isn't swelling; but I sprained that ankle before so I'm wondering if it's my old injury?


Dr. Barrie Lewis

Yes, it's almost certainly from your old sprains. Go on with the ice, and do our alphabet exercises. If after a week or ten days it doesn't settle down, then you'd better get professional help.

Dr B
Jan 16, 2017
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starstarstarstarstar 		I rolled my ankle but its not too bad, just need info on what to do
by: Anonymous

So in gym today we were playing handball and I jumped up and came down fine it was when I went to run I rolled my left ankle, the pain at first wasn't bad as I was able to play on it the rest of the hour, although when walking up stairs at the high school I would get moderate pain, and now it has been about 7 hour since and I don't get much pain when I walk on it and there is no swelling or bruising what can I do, and how long might it last.
P.s. when i point my toes forward as if I were steering that is where I gut the most pain, almost the only pain now, also I rolled it outward
Jan 15, 2017
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starstarstarstarstar 		I fell in color guard my ankle rolled but there is no swelling. .
by: Anonymous

Hi,
so i fell over my flag in color guard on Friday. It is now Sunday and it really started hurting on Saturday. I have a lot of competitions coming up and practices i hope i didn't do any thing really bad. I have hurt my ankle about 3 times before in dance. I have been doing the R.I.C.E method. But it still hurts i think it is a sprain. My dad is probably going to scheduled at doctors appointment do you have any advice?
Thanks
Jan 10, 2017
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starstarstarstarstar 		Not sure if ankle injury is serious or not
by: Anonymous

I rolled my ankle to the outside during basketball after someone stepped on it. There is no swelling or bruising, but it is irritating to walk and quite a bit of pain when I run. I'm not sure how serious this is, or if I need to sit out for a while or can I go back to playing?


Dr. Barrie Lewis

You don't say how long ago this happened; if it's several weeks and is still this disabling, then it needs to be examined; if was yesterday, then so some exercises and ice it.

Talk to your trainer; going through some rehab is always important after injury, otherwise it just happens again, and is often then worse.

Dr b
Jan 10, 2017
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Rolled ankle outwards and feels like it will give way
by: Anonymous

Rolled ankle outwards and feels like it will give way means there may be ligament sprain.


I'm 14; I rolled my ankle outwards yesterday and it is really sore. I play soccer and was training when I did it; I limped over and sat down but as I was walking it felt like it would give way. It's not swollen or bruised but it is so painful to walk on.

My mum thinks it's fine but it's so sore. When I'm walking I feel pain on that bone that sticks out on the outside of your ankle and up about four fingers. I also feel pain on the bone that sticks out on the inside of your ankle. They are both very tender.

My mum keeps telling me to walk on it but it really hurts. I have a soccer trial in 9 days I need to be able to run but it hurts too much.

Dr. Barrie Lewis

Hello,
It's a good sign there is no swelling or bruising. Like most injuries, it's not unwise to do a few of the basics; ice your ankle, do the gentle ankle exercises that you can find below and see what develops.

I don't mean to put your mum down, but she has no clue; nor do I for that matter. Until your ankle has been examined by someone knowledgeable, we have no idea what damage has been done; obviously something and I regret your trial in a week's time is probably out of the question.

Rolling your ankle outwards is less common; there may be significant injury. Do those basics for a few days, and if it's not progressing well, then ask your football coach what he suggests.

I hope it turns out well. Let me know.

PS. At 14 you have to work with your mum; she is concerned and has some of the wisdom of the ages, believe it or not!

Dr B


» » Rolled ankle outwards and feels like it will give way
Jan 03, 2017
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Easiest way to get this away fast
by: Anonymous

I fell off a chair two days ago; I hurt my ankle. I'm a swimmer. I want the answer quickly and I want this to go away easy the pain started a day after I fell off the chair.😢😢😢

Dr. Barrie Lewis

Hello Anon,
I have no quick answer, nor will anybody until your ankle has been examined. You've given me almost no details so I'm afraid I have almost no suggestions.
Except that the pain started the next day; it's probably not fractured.

Look for a chiropractor who works with feet; or your regular doctor.

Remember, I am unable to examine you; so you have to give met a lot of data to make up.

Dr B
Jan 03, 2017
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starstarstarstarstar 		Is this the same thing?
by: Anonymous

My ankle hurts but I hurt it 2 days ago and it started to hurt yesterday; I want this to go away easily. I don't want my mom to find out.😢 Please fix it; hurts so much but I can walk.

Dr. Barrie Lewis

I'm afraid I haven't a clue because you don't give me any details. How did you hurt it? Where is the pain? What increases the pain? And you'd better tell Mom!

Dr B
Dec 25, 2016
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Extreme ankle pain when walking
by: Anonymous

I am having severe pain from the inside of my left ankle when I walk. I have not fallen or tripped to cause this to be in pain. I do have back and leg problems due to bulging disc surgery and have sciatic nerve damage in my left lower leg. Could this also be causing so much pain in my ankle now. There's no swelling or bruising at all.

Dr. Barrie Lewis

Hello,
The question is whether movements of your back, or your ankle provoke the ankle pain. Try bending slowly forwards, backwards and then to the side; any ankle pain?

Now, sitting, wriggle your foot about; any pain? Prod around your ankle; is there any obvious tenderness?

The next step would be to do femoral and sciatic stretch tests. The Slump test is relatively straight forward, but for the femoral nerve it's rather more difficult.

My gut feeling is that this is an ankle problem, but obviously not able to examine you, I'm really guessing.

You need to see someone knowledgable about both backs and ankles. I hope this contributes.

Dr B
Dec 15, 2016
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Sharp ankle pain after jumping down stairs
by: Anonymous

Sharp ankle pain after jumping down stairs

Hello, My name is Katy.

I'm a fourteen year old and have recently jarred my ankle. In my school there are small stairs, so I usually take them in pairs. Yesterday I was doing just that when a kid hopped in front of me. My right foot caught the back of his shoe, and I jumped forward so I wouldn't hurt him. I cleared about 4 stairs so maybe a foot or so fall. As I landed, both of my ankles rolled inward. I heard a small pop but nothing more. My left ankle was weak and buzzing slightly as I walked in pain, but my right was ok. (Years before I had sprained my left.)

When I got home I elevated and iced it. I can put pressure on it, but the second I go to turn or walk it is excruciating. I can't roll it in any form and can slightly bend it downward. There is no bruise nor swelling.

Thanks!

Dr. Barrie Lewis

Goodness, it's a brave new world. Fancy a fourteen year old taking responsibility for her health like this! But do keep mum and dad in the loop.

Katy, just to be sure, you'd better get an x-ray of that ankle; you may have fractured one of the small bones, and then it's imperative that it go into a boot of some sort, even a POP cast; otherwise it'll grieve you for the rest of your life.

In all probability you've subluxated one of the small joints in the ankle, probably the talus; it causes incredibly sharp pain, and is usually easy to treat by someone who knows what he's about. Or she. Have you thought of becoming a chiropractor? Just a thought.

If your folks know a sports oriented chiropractor then consult him or her; otherwise your medical doctor would perhaps be your best port of call.

Let me know how you get on.

Dr B


» » Sharp ankle pain after jumping down stairs
Nov 18, 2016
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Ankle
by: Rolled my ankle extreme pain walking

Hello. My name is Kaili. Yesterday in gym when we were running I rolled on my ankle. It really hurts. It is not swollen or bruised but it hurts extremely when I walk on it. My mom won't take me to the doctor and I can't take myself since I am only 13. I am like 95% sure that I need crutches because the pain is unbearable. What should I do?


Dr. Barrie Lewis

Hello Kaili,
When you roll your ankle, several things can happen. Torn ligaments or a tendon for example, then there will be swelling and often internal bleeding; it goes black and blue, and then yellow.

The other thing that often happens is a bone, usually the talus, subluxates giving the very sharp pain when you walk on it.

Usually it's a very simple procedure to reduce the subluxation, only a couple treatments, and then some exercises.

But you will have to allow the doctor to use his discretion; he may feel there's a possibilty of fracture, and will want an x-ray.

My recommendation is to ice it, wiggle it about, and do our alphabet exercises and give it a few days. If it's still really sore after say 5-7 days, then it's best to have a professional examine your ankle; someone who works with feet every day. The average medical doctor and chiropractor probably won't know too much. Your folks will have to scout about and find someone who is knowledgeable about ankles.

Most commonly it's the ankle mortise joint that is affected, though others can be affected.

Perhaps print this out, and let Mom read it. Let me know how you get on.

Remember the 50 percent less pain rule. The pain goes away much faster than it heals; if you turn it again in the next few weeks then it'll certainly be a problem.

Good luck.

Dr B
Nov 04, 2016
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		ankle hurts
by: Anonymous

My ankle hurts really badly, but there is no swelling or bruising.

Dr. Barrie Lewis

Start with an x-ray, it's probably an old injury.

Do your best to locate as accurately as you can where the pain is.

Then work out which movements provoke the pain; are any of them limited?

Let me know.

Dr B
Oct 12, 2016
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Ankle problems with running
by: Brandon

I've had this same problem; it's been 4 weeks and it really hurts but there was never any bruising or swelling I run cross country and it really hurts.

Dr. Barrie Lewis

Hello Brandon,
There are many possibilities depending on old injuries, etc but most likely you have subluxated talus or calcaneus.

Generally these are not difficult to manage, but of course there may be other stuff lurking.

Best get to see someone who works with feet and ankles; talk to your friends and family; and your GP.

Let me know how you get on.

Dr B

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