Ankle Sprains: Why Does My Left Ankle Feel Different?

Ankle sprain

My injury is said to be healed; I can run and play basketball without pain, but my injured left foot feels strange as it tends to roll outward.
If I roll it too much, there is some pain, while my right foot rolls without any pain at all.
I also can't roll my left foot very much.
What could be the reason for this?

Chen Ge, 10~19 year old female. Ask Date: 2017/06/26

Dr. Shi Guozheng reply Orthopedics

It is normal to experience such phenomena shortly after an injury; however, if a significant amount of time has passed, changes in ligament tension may occur, which can also lead to pain.

Reply Date: 2017/06/26

More Info

Ankle sprains are a common injury, particularly among athletes and active individuals. They occur when the ligaments that support the ankle stretch beyond their limits and tear. The symptoms can vary from mild discomfort to severe pain, swelling, and instability. In your case, it seems that while you have recovered enough to engage in activities like running and playing basketball without pain, you are still experiencing some unusual sensations and limitations in your left ankle.

The feeling of your left ankle being "different" could be attributed to several factors related to the mechanics of the ankle joint and the healing process after an injury. Here are some possible explanations:
1. Residual Swelling and Inflammation: Even after the initial pain has subsided, there may still be some residual swelling or inflammation in the ankle joint. This can lead to a sensation of tightness or discomfort, especially when you attempt to move the ankle in certain directions.

2. Ligamentous Laxity: After an ankle sprain, the ligaments may not return to their original strength or tightness. This can lead to a feeling of instability or a sense that the ankle is more prone to rolling or twisting. If the ligaments are still healing, they may not provide the same level of support as before, which could explain why your left ankle feels different compared to your right.

3. Proprioceptive Deficits: Proprioception refers to your body’s ability to sense its position in space. After an ankle sprain, proprioceptive abilities can be impaired, leading to a feeling of instability or awkwardness when moving the ankle. This could explain why you feel that your left ankle is not functioning as well as your right.

4. Muscle Weakness or Imbalance: Following an ankle injury, the muscles surrounding the ankle may weaken due to disuse or compensatory movement patterns. If the muscles on the left side are weaker or less coordinated than those on the right, this could lead to a feeling of instability or discomfort when the ankle is put under stress.

5. Scar Tissue Formation: The healing process can sometimes lead to the formation of scar tissue around the injured ligaments. This scar tissue can restrict movement and lead to a sensation of tightness or discomfort when the ankle is moved in certain directions.

6. Psychological Factors: Sometimes, after an injury, individuals may develop a fear of re-injury, which can lead to altered movement patterns. This psychological aspect can contribute to the feeling that the ankle is not functioning normally.

Given that you are experiencing pain when the left ankle rolls too far outward, it is essential to approach this cautiously. Here are some recommendations:
- Physical Therapy: Engaging in a structured rehabilitation program with a physical therapist can help address any residual weakness, improve proprioception, and restore normal movement patterns. They can also provide exercises to strengthen the ankle and improve stability.

- Strengthening Exercises: Focus on exercises that strengthen the muscles around the ankle, particularly the peroneal muscles, which help stabilize the ankle during lateral movements.

- Balance Training: Incorporate balance exercises into your routine to enhance proprioception and stability. Activities like standing on one leg or using a balance board can be beneficial.

- Gradual Return to Activity: While it’s great that you can participate in sports, ensure that you are gradually increasing the intensity and complexity of your activities to avoid re-injury.

- Consult a Specialist: If the discomfort persists or worsens, consider consulting an orthopedic specialist or a sports medicine physician for a thorough evaluation. They may recommend imaging studies, such as an MRI, to assess the ligaments and surrounding structures for any underlying issues.

In summary, the differences you are experiencing in your left ankle could be due to a combination of residual effects from the sprain, muscle imbalances, and proprioceptive deficits. A comprehensive rehabilitation approach can help address these issues and restore your ankle to its full function.

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