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What Causes Recurrent Pain In The Ankle Upon Standing Up From A Sitting Position?
Posted on
Thu, 10 May 2018
Medically reviewed by
Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team
Thu, 10 May 2018
Answered on
Fri, 13 Oct 2023
Last reviewed on
Question : Hi there. Around October of last year I had a bad sprain. I went to the doctor at the time, got an X-ray and was put on treatment. After about 10 days, I was able to resume functionality almost normally with no incidences until I re-injured the same ankle a few more times over the course of the following months. As of now, I am having recurring pain in the ankle, but there is no bruising or swelling upon touch, and it seems to be an issue with just standing or walking on it after some time. For treatment, I am just doing some Bengay for pain periodicially. The pain comes on randomly, no set time, though I notice it more at night, and around hormonal times of the month for me. I have gained some weight as well and that seemed to correlate with the flare up, as there have been incident-free periods even after the subsequent twists. I am traveling (am in XXXX right now) and am not in a position to go to a doctor, but I would like to know if there are things I can do (such as get a boot or repeat the original treatment: ice, elevation, etc.) at home to imrpove my situation. Thanks a lot. Other information: I'm a 37 y.o. woman in average health as of my last physical last year. My only other issues are a wear and tear issue with my knees and as mentioned before I am overweight and do have some insulin resistance which I am addressing with diet and exercise to the best that I can, though it has been difficult with the issues surrounding the ankle.
To clarify, I mean pain upon standing up from a sitting position usually. I do not have pain without exertion, and where I feel it most is on the inner side of my left ankle (I guess tendon area?).
To clarify, I mean pain upon standing up from a sitting position usually. I do not have pain without exertion, and where I feel it most is on the inner side of my left ankle (I guess tendon area?).
Brief Answer:
Information
Detailed Answer:
Hello XXXXXXX
After a bad sprain, the ankle can lose some of it's proprioception/position sense and needs retraining. Without retraining for position sense and strength, people can have recurrent sprains.
There are exercises for this, such as balance boards and other specific exercises that a physical therapist can teach. It doesn't sound as though you have had a course of PT. I would strongly recommend that on your return home. If quality PT is available to you in Serbia, I would start that now as well.
Ice is controversial as to whether it helps (swelling) or impairs and slows healing. But elevation is definitely good, whenever you can, to decrease inflammation. NSAIDs such as ibuprofen or naproxen are good for the inflammation - take after eating so you have food in your stomach.
Immobilizing the joint with bracing and stiff wraps are good for initial healing and for situations where it needs protection from repeat injury such as for hikes on uneven surfaces, but other than that it can, over time, weaken the muscles that support the joint.
In acute injuries, some people find homeopathic treatment with arnica to be helpful and that is probably available there.
Gradual weight loss is helpful in decreasing weight strain on the joint, but of course this takes time. Increasing vegetables and decreasing refined carbohydrates will help.
If you are going to be in Serbia for just a few more weeks, then I would wrap the joint well with supportive wraps to prevent re injury and lessen pain until you can get back home. If you will be there for a matter of months or years, then I strongly recommend seeing a PT now.
I hope these suggestions are doable for you - it's hard to be away and have physical problems.
Information
Detailed Answer:
Hello XXXXXXX
After a bad sprain, the ankle can lose some of it's proprioception/position sense and needs retraining. Without retraining for position sense and strength, people can have recurrent sprains.
There are exercises for this, such as balance boards and other specific exercises that a physical therapist can teach. It doesn't sound as though you have had a course of PT. I would strongly recommend that on your return home. If quality PT is available to you in Serbia, I would start that now as well.
Ice is controversial as to whether it helps (swelling) or impairs and slows healing. But elevation is definitely good, whenever you can, to decrease inflammation. NSAIDs such as ibuprofen or naproxen are good for the inflammation - take after eating so you have food in your stomach.
Immobilizing the joint with bracing and stiff wraps are good for initial healing and for situations where it needs protection from repeat injury such as for hikes on uneven surfaces, but other than that it can, over time, weaken the muscles that support the joint.
In acute injuries, some people find homeopathic treatment with arnica to be helpful and that is probably available there.
Gradual weight loss is helpful in decreasing weight strain on the joint, but of course this takes time. Increasing vegetables and decreasing refined carbohydrates will help.
If you are going to be in Serbia for just a few more weeks, then I would wrap the joint well with supportive wraps to prevent re injury and lessen pain until you can get back home. If you will be there for a matter of months or years, then I strongly recommend seeing a PT now.
I hope these suggestions are doable for you - it's hard to be away and have physical problems.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
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