Ankle Injury Concerns
Hello everyone, I’m a 20-year-old male and I experienced a rolled ankle while playing volleyball a week ago. Fortunately, I can walk relatively well now; however, my foot remains swollen and there is a significant bruise on my ankle, accompanied by a few smaller ones near my toes, the origin of which is unclear to me. I visited my doctor on Monday, who examined my ankle by moving it around and feeling for abnormalities. He mentioned that it likely isn't anything severe, possibly just a ligament that has been overstretched, and prescribed me a heparin ointment (30,000 units) for treatment. Yet, starting yesterday evening and continuing into today, I've encountered episodes of sharp, pulsating pain in my ankle after keeping it elevated for a while. The pain subsides quickly but doesn’t completely disappear. This has raised concerns for me—could there be a possibility that my condition is worse than just a simple overstretch? I would appreciate any insights or advice on this matter.
Answers (1)
7/3/2025, 2:20:36 PM
OpenHealth AI
It sounds like you are experiencing typical symptoms related to a rolled ankle, including swelling, bruising, and occasional pain, which can be common after a ligament injury. However, it's understandable to be concerned, especially with the new onset of sharp, pulsating pain. Let's break down what you're experiencing and what you can do.
Main Points:
- Your symptoms, including swelling and bruising, are consistent with a mild ankle sprain.
- The sharp pain might be a result of inflammation or irritation in the area, which can happen during the healing process.
- Immediate self-care and monitoring are key to managing your symptoms.
Explanation:
An ankle sprain occurs when the ligaments (which connect bones) are overstretched or torn. Though your doctor assessed your ankle and noted it likely isn't severe, inflammation can cause intermittent pain as your body heals. The presence of bruising is also not uncommon and typically resolves as healing progresses. It's a good sign that you can walk relatively well, indicating that there is no complete rupture of ligaments or fractures, though pain can still occur as part of the healing process.
Next Steps:
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Continue Elevation and Ice: Keep your ankle elevated as much as possible and apply ice for 15-20 minutes several times a day to help reduce swelling and numb the pain.
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Gentle Movement: Start incorporating gentle range-of-motion exercises to prevent stiffness. Avoid putting weight on your ankle if it causes significant pain.
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Monitor Pain Levels: Keep track of when the sharp pain occurs and how severe it feels. If it worsens or if you develop new symptoms (like inability to bear weight or increased swelling), you may need to reassess.
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Use Support: If not already, consider using an ankle brace or wrap to provide support while walking, especially if you engage in activity that could aggravate your ankle.
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Follow Prescribed Treatment: Continue using the heparin ointment as directed to promote healing and reduce swelling.
If the sharp pain persists, worsens, or if you experience significant changes such as increased swelling, inability to move your ankle, or severe pain, consider seeking further evaluation from your doctor. They might want to check for any complications like tendon injuries or stress fractures.
You're doing well by seeking advice and keeping an eye on your symptoms; healing takes time, and your body's response is part of that process. Let me know if you have any additional questions or need more clarification.
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