Understanding My Ankle Injury: Sprain or Torn Ligament?
At 40 years old, I have been dedicated to running for over two decades without experiencing major injuries or discomfort. My routine typically involves long runs of 12 to 15 miles during the summer months, after which I transition to resistance training and alternative cardio exercises throughout winter, although I maintain running all year round. Recently, during a trail run over the weekend, I encountered an unfortunate incident. While navigating a sharp left turn on a downhill path, I rolled my ankle; my leg shifted inward while my foot twisted outward. I paused briefly to evaluate the situation but decided to continue for an additional 1.8 miles to exit the wooded area. Following the injury, I wrapped my ankle temporarily, applied ice, elevated it, and attempted to rest, although I did end up using it a bit. Initially, I believed the damage was no more severe than a mild sprain, mainly because my ankle felt stable, and I didn’t require any assistance to stand or walk. After conducting some research, I identified the possible culprit as the fibularis brevis tendon. The discomfort is primarily located on the exterior of my leg, specifically at the area just behind the protruding bone on the outer side of my ankle. Now, nearly six days post-injury, I still notice considerable swelling. I am being cautious and not placing strain on it while focusing on recovery. Fortunately, the ankle appears stable, and my walking stride is nearly returning to normal. Given that the level of pain has been manageable and the joint stability remains intact, is it plausible to conclude that this is merely a sprain? Although the discomfort has gradually diminished each day, it still lingers to some degree.
Answers (1)
6/27/2025, 3:40:48 PM
OpenHealth AI
It's reassuring to hear that you've been proactive in managing your ankle injury following your recent incident. Based on your description, it seems like you're experiencing a mild to moderate ankle sprain, but there's also a possibility of irritation or injury to the fibularis brevis tendon.
Key Points:
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Ankle Stability and Pain Levels: Since you mentioned stability and manageable pain, it's likely a sprain rather than a torn ligament. Although swelling is common, particularly in sprains, the improvement in your pain and walking stride is a good sign.
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Location of Discomfort: The pain you're feeling on the outer side behind the ankle bone could point to tendon involvement or stretching of the ligaments surrounding the ankle joint, rather than a complete tear.
Explanation:
Ankle sprains occur when ligaments (the tissues connecting bones) are stretched or torn, often due to awkward twisting movements. Your description of rolling the ankle and the symptoms you have points toward a lateral ankle sprain, which is common among runners. The fibularis brevis tendon stabilizes the ankle, and irritation in that area can occur if it was stretched during your injury.
Next Steps:
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R.I.C.E. Protocol (Rest, Ice, Compression, Elevation):
- Rest: Continue to avoid putting too much weight on your ankle for a few more days.
- Ice: Ice your ankle for about 15-20 minutes every couple of hours to reduce swelling.
- Compression: Use an elastic bandage to provide some compression, but ensure it's not too tight.
- Elevation: Keep your ankle elevated above heart level as much as possible to help reduce swelling.
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Gentle Mobility Exercises: After a few more days of rest, start incorporating gentle range-of-motion exercises. Simple movements like slowly pointing and flexing your toes can promote healing.
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Monitor Symptoms: Keep an eye on the swelling and pain. If you notice any increase in pain, persistent swelling beyond a week, or difficulty with regular activities, consider reassessing your recovery approach.
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Gradual Return to Activity: Once the swelling and pain decrease, slowly return to activities; listen to your body and avoid pushing through pain.
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Professional Evaluation: If your symptoms do not continue to improve, or if they worsen, consider seeking an evaluation from a medical professional for a more accurate diagnosis.
Stay patient with your recovery process, and take the time needed to heal fully before resuming your usual running routine. Please continue to monitor your progress and let me know if you have further questions!
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