How can a sprained ankle be managed effectively?

Question

Hello doctor,

I sprained my ankle two months ago. I landed on it in a way that made me fall from the top. I could walk on it, but I had pain. I went to a doctor, who said it would be fine in a week. It got significantly better, but I still have mild pain. I could walk without pain. I ran in a state track meet and did not have pain while running. I still have mild pain today.

I run four times a week, and it does not hurt while running, but one to three hours later, it does. I took another week off, but it did not get any better. It hurts on the top of my ankle (on the inside near the bone that sticks out to the outside). It hurts when I stretch down like I am flattening it. My upper Achilles also hurts when I stand on my toes or do that motion.

I do not know what to do.

Please suggest.

Thank you.

Answer 1

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I have read your query and can understand your concern.

You have tenosynovitis, or you have sprained your deltoid ligament. The way to differentiate between these two is to get an MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) scan of the affected ankle joint. Since it hurts intermittently, you do not need continuous medications.

You can take the tablet Shelcal OS (Alfacalcidol) 500 mg once in the morning for 30 days before food, the tablet Vitamin D 60K units once a week for eight weeks, the tablet Vitamin C 500 mg once at night for 30 days before food, and the tablet Ibuprofen 400 mg once in the morning for 30 days before food if you experience pain after eating.

Apply Voveran gel locally twice daily. Do not take these tablets if you are allergic to them. Do not take the tablet Ibuprofen. If you have a known case of bronchial asthma, you need to wear an ankle stirrup brace for four weeks throughout the day and can remove it at night.

You can wear a shoe over it. Get an MRI scan and follow up to get the exact diagnosis. The differential diagnosis is ankle tenosynovitis or deltoid sprain. Do not run or jog till the MRI scan. Have a follow-up with an MRI.

I hope this answers your query.

Let me know if I need to assist you further.

Thank you.