Why does my ankle hurt 2 years after sprain?

A sprain that happened years ago can leave residual weakness that isn’t noticed in normal daily activity, but subjecting the ankle to rigorous physical activity can further damage improperly-healed ligaments, and cause persistent pain and swelling.

Can a sprained ankle hurt years later?

“A sprain that happened years ago can leave residual weakness that isn’t noticed in normal daily activity, but subjecting the ankle to rigorous physical activity can further damage improperly healed ligaments, and cause persistent pain and swelling,” Cottom said.

Are there any long term complications associated with a sprained ankle?

Improperly managed ankle sprains are believed to contribute to long-term complications, including chronic instability or arthritis in the ankle joint.

What causes long term ankle pain?

Twenty to thirty percent of patients suffer long-term effects from their injury. This is generally chronic pain along the outside of the ankle. The four most common causes of pain following an ankle injury are: impingement, peroneal tendon tear, osteochondral defect of the talus, and ankle instability.

Can an old ankle injury be fixed?

Almost all ankle sprains can be treated without surgery. Even a complete ligament tear can heal without surgical repair if it is immobilized appropriately.

Can an old ankle injury flare up?

Ankle problems are fairly common and can be caused by injuries such as tripping or going over on your ankle. Muscle weakness around the ankle can also cause ankle problems to flare-up now and again. It may also be due to a flare up of an existing problem.

What is a chronic sprained ankle?

It is considered to be chronic if the ankle joint still gives way too easily six months after the first sprain, or if the ankle is sprained again within six months of the first sprain. Unstable ankle joints can easily be twisted again.

How long does it take for an ankle sprain to heal?

Usually, those patients have some substantial pain relief within four to six hours after the injury, especially if they do elevate the foot, if you do the cooling of the injured ankle. If they still experience a very severe pain after six hours so they cannot walk on it at all, there is definitely an indication or the need to do the radiographs.

How long should I wait to elevate a sprained ankle?

I would definitely wait a couple hours. Usually, those patients have some substantial pain relief within four to six hours after the injury, especially if they do elevate the foot, if you do the cooling of the injured ankle.

What are the signs and symptoms of an ankle sprain years later?

A second clinical problem seen long after the initial ankle sprain is chronic stiffness. Months, and even years after the injury, it is common to see a loss of ankle dorsiflexion. (Dorsiflexion is the direction that the ankle moves if you were to attempt to bring your toes closer to your face while standing or lying down).

What is the best way to treat a mild ankle sprain?

The mild sprain, the patient with the mild sprain doesn’t need a specific therapy. They can [below] the ankle if it’s comfortable for them. Usually, we can start with physical therapy pretty quickly and the physical therapy, the main of the physical therapy is the first main, is to decrease the local swelling.