Ankle Ligament Injuries: Symptoms and Recovery Insights

Regarding ankle ligament issues?

I injured my right ankle while playing basketball almost five months ago.
Initially, I visited several Western medicine doctors for examination; some said it was a complete tear, while others said it was a partial tear.
I underwent treatment with both Western and traditional Chinese medicine for about four months.
I later went to the hospital for an MRI, but the doctor said it wasn't necessary and only performed an ultrasound, stating that my ligaments had mostly healed but were loose.
The initial injury involved the anterior talofibular ligament.
1.
Now, the area around my heel (lateral malleolus) becomes uncomfortable after prolonged walking or exertion.
Could this be arthritis, or is it due to the looseness of the ligaments leading to increased stress on the surrounding ligaments?
2.
During my recent visits to traditional Chinese medicine practitioners, they mentioned that my bones are slightly misaligned.
Does this mean that if I walk for a long time, my bones will shift?
3.
When I press on my inner ankle (medial malleolus) with one finger while pushing against the outer ankle, I can feel a slight movement of about a few millimeters.
What could this indicate? (The left foot has less mobility.)
I have repeatedly asked doctors whether surgery is necessary, but they have all said it is not required, even though it has been five months since the ligament injury.

BEAR, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2017/03/28

Dr. Shi Guozheng reply Orthopedics

Ankle sprains most commonly injure the lateral ligaments, which typically recover gradually with rest and conservative treatment.
Although it has been five months, there is still a possibility of recovery.
Continuing rehabilitation is important to strengthen the bones.
An X-ray examination can reveal any dislocation, rather than relying on palpation.
If you are still experiencing instability, it is necessary to wear an ankle brace.

Reply Date: 2017/03/28

More Info

Understanding ankle ligament injuries, particularly after a sports-related incident, is crucial for effective recovery and management. Based on your description, it seems you have been dealing with a complex situation involving potential ligament damage and ongoing discomfort. Here’s a comprehensive overview of the symptoms, possible causes, and recovery insights related to your ankle injury.

Symptoms and Diagnosis
1. Pain and Discomfort: The discomfort you experience in the outer ankle (lateral malleolus) after prolonged activity could be attributed to several factors. Given that you mentioned the injury involved the anterior talofibular ligament (ATFL), it is common for individuals with such injuries to experience lingering pain, especially during weight-bearing activities. This pain may not necessarily indicate arthritis but could be due to residual ligament laxity or instability.

2. Ligament Laxity: The term "looseness" or "laxity" in the ligaments suggests that while the ligaments may have healed, they might not have returned to their original strength or tightness. This can lead to a sensation of instability, particularly during activities that put stress on the ankle, such as running or jumping.

3. Joint Mobility: The sensation of being able to slightly move the bones when applying pressure with your fingers could indicate a degree of joint instability or hypermobility. This is not uncommon in cases of ligament injuries where the surrounding soft tissues may not fully support the joint.

Recovery Insights
1. Ongoing Rehabilitation: Given that it has been five months since your injury, it is essential to continue rehabilitation exercises focused on strengthening the muscles around the ankle, improving proprioception (awareness of joint position), and enhancing overall stability. Physical therapy can be beneficial in addressing these issues, as it can provide tailored exercises to strengthen the ankle and improve its function.

2. Monitoring Symptoms: If you experience persistent discomfort or instability, it is crucial to monitor these symptoms closely. While some discomfort can be expected during the recovery phase, significant pain or instability may warrant further evaluation. If your symptoms worsen or do not improve with conservative management, a follow-up with an orthopedic specialist may be necessary.

3. Surgical Considerations: Although your doctors have indicated that surgery is not required, it is essential to understand that some cases of ligament injuries may benefit from surgical intervention, especially if there is significant instability or if conservative treatments fail. If you continue to experience issues, discussing this option with a specialist may be worthwhile.

4. Alternative Therapies: You mentioned receiving treatment from traditional Chinese medicine practitioners. While complementary therapies can be beneficial for pain management and overall wellness, it is essential to ensure that any treatment does not interfere with your rehabilitation process. Always communicate with your healthcare providers about any alternative treatments you are pursuing.

Conclusion
In summary, your ongoing symptoms may not necessarily indicate arthritis but could be related to ligament laxity and instability following your injury. Continuing with rehabilitation, monitoring your symptoms, and maintaining open communication with your healthcare providers will be key to your recovery. If your condition does not improve, seeking further evaluation may be necessary to explore all available treatment options. Remember, patience and persistence are crucial in the recovery process, especially with ligament injuries.

Similar Q&A

Understanding Ankle Ligament Injury: Symptoms, Recovery, and Future Sports

It has been about 13 weeks since my ligament injury. When I first got injured and visited the clinic, the doctor said there was a partial tear of the ligament. The doctor did not specifically instruct me to immobilize my ankle, but advised me to avoid walking as much as possible,...

Dr. Shi Guozheng reply Orthopedics
After a ligament injury, it takes a considerable amount of time to fully recover. A popping sound does not necessarily indicate a problem. It is advisable to wear an ankle brace while exercising and to focus on strengthening the ankle joint to enhance stability, which can help re...

Understanding Ankle Ligament Surgery Recovery and Complications

Hello! I have two torn lateral ligaments in my ankle, and it has been four months since my surgery. Recently, I've started to feel like I did before, sometimes twisting my ankle while walking. I also experience soreness and discomfort in my ankle while sleeping, or feel weak...

Dr. Shi Guozheng reply Orthopedics
It may be necessary to return to the hospital for examination.

Understanding Ankle Ligament Injuries: Recovery and When to Seek Help

Hello Doctor: I was in a car accident on March 19, and the doctor diagnosed me with a ligament and bone injury in my left ankle. I had a cast for two weeks, but my ankle is still swollen and sometimes I feel mild pain, causing me to walk with a limp. I would like to know if this ...

Dr. Li Wenlin reply Orthopedics
Hello: In response to your question, if the diagnosis is left ankle ligament inflammation and a bone injury, it is likely a sprain. The treatment principles for a sprain are "RICE," which stands for Rest, Ice, Compression, and Elevation. A sprain typically takes about t...

Understanding Ankle Ligament Injuries: Causes of Pain and Recovery Tips

I sprained my right ankle while playing basketball about six months ago. During this time, I have been receiving treatment from both Western and traditional Chinese medicine. The doctor mentioned that the ligament was torn (but not completely). Now, I can walk normally most of th...

Dr. Shi Guozheng reply Orthopedics
It is possible to sustain further injuries if the ligaments are lax, as they may be pulled and require the use of an ankle brace again.