More on ankle ligaments

Sorry for starting a new thread, but this is a totally different injury and a whole new set of questions—so please just merge this with my knee ligament post once I actually get some answers (or once I’m finally healed 😉), but let's keep this one separate for now. Thanks!

So, on Tuesday, I had a massive wipeout and landed really awkwardly on my left ankle. It swelled up instantly, but after getting X-rays at the ER and an ultrasound from a private clinic, it turns out it's "just" a sprain—specifically, a partial tear in one of the anterior ligaments. My doctor suggested ice, an ACE bandage, keeping it elevated, and slathering on some Heparin. He reckoned recovery should take about ten days.

The swelling went down after about 12 hours, but then this huge bruise popped up 😲 measuring roughly 10 x 20 cm 😲. I mean, I knew it was coming, but man, it looks gnarly.
Up until now, it’s gone through all the "rainbow colors"—blue, purple, green, yellow. I'm a little confused because I read online that yellow shows up at the end, but mine was already looking yellowish this morning, and now it's turned a weird shade of Kissing 😕.

Question #2: These days I'm basically glued to the couch, except for quick trips to the bathroom or grabbing something from the kitchen when my husband isn't hovering. Is that okay? Should I be trying to move around more even if it hurts, or should I keep resting it until it "heals"? Also, when I am standing, is it better to put my weight on my heel or more towards my toes?

And how will I know when it's actually time to start moving normally again? When the pain stops? Just by looking at it?

(Obviously, I didn't ask the doctor any of this because I realized halfway through the whole ordeal that I have absolutely no clue what I'm doing.)

Seriously, don't move. If you absolutely have to get around, just hop on your other leg, but stay off that one. For real, keep it elevated!

I had this happen with my right leg—it felt so tender right at the top, so they ended up putting me in a brace. And honestly, because I’m such a restless soul, I couldn't stop walking around, which just led to a massive bruise and all this swelling... fast forward a year later and there's still a bit of puffiness there. I actually just finally made it to physical therapy.

So yeah, just stay put. Don't push it...
Once things settle down and you're feeling better, you should probably go get an ultrasound or something just to make sure everything is sitting where it should be.

I play basketball recreationally, so I’ve dealt with way more ankle sprains than I care to admit. Three times on the left, three times on the right—one of those right-side ones actually had me stuck in a walking boot for a while. Every recovery feels different, but that one in the boot? That took months. It took over a month just to walk normally again, let alone even dream about running. Honestly, you'll just have to gauge it yourself over time to see when your ankle can actually handle the load. For now, hop around on the other leg and try to take the pressure off the injured side. Once you feel up to it after a few days, start doing some very gentle range-of-motion exercises. If the recovery drags on, that injured leg might get a bit weak because you're favoring the other one, but it's all temporary. Just watch out for your foot; once everything finally heals, you're still going to feel some stiffness in that joint for quite a while... so make sure you stretch it out and do your rehab exercises. Good luck.

Oh yeah... ice is sacred! Don't you ever forget it!!!

Man, I went through the same thing—sprained the exact same ankle twice in about two or three years. I didn't even bother seeing a doctor; I just rested for a few days and kept my leg elevated (though I wasn't exactly a model patient—I was still shuffling around the house quite a bit). I started walking outside pretty quickly, too, even though it was still aching and pretty swollen. The bruising colors went through the same stages yours did.

I don't know, looking back—I used ice packs and applied some Heparin gel, and the pain never really came back. It doesn't feel like anything is "off" on the inside. But, I do get the sense that my left ankle stays just a tiny bit more swollen than my right one. Like there's this permanent little puffiness there. Is that actually possible, and is there anything you can even do about it after all these years?

So, look... the doctors basically told me I’d be dealing with this intermittent pain and swelling for the rest of my life. Honestly, though? I have this nagging feeling it might've been way more manageable if I'd just jumped on some physical therapy sooner rather than later. For months there, I couldn't even go for a quick jog without the pain becoming absolutely unbearable...
seriously, don't ever go without an Ace bandage handy.

Thanks for the input, everyone, but jumping around is super awkward for me because:

a) I actually wiped out before because my leg just felt totally numb when I tried to stand up—now I’m low-key terrified of basically hopping around on one leg like a wounded bird.
b) Since my ankle isn't braced or anything, it just wobbles all over the place whenever I try to hop, which hurts like hell.😲

@fadedbear8/">@@fadedbear8, if I were you, I'd definitely head to an imaging center for an ultrasound. If there's even a tiny bit of damage there, you might be making things worse by pushing it. And even if everything looks fine, you should at least find out why that swelling won't budge. Just look at how Sam Hughes5 ended up completely wrecked.

I'm in no rush to get anywhere. I'm just trying to figure out what kind of stress my body can actually handle—doctors never bother with those kinds of specifics, and we usually forget to ask them anyway.

Honestly, I’m starting to get a little spooked about that corticosteroid injection they mentioned if the swelling doesn't go down 😬—you know, because of that old sprain and all those months of physical therapy and braces we dealt with over a year after the injury
.
I’ve developed this massive phobia of stairs 😁.

Sam Hughes5 said:Honestly, I’m starting to get a little spooked about that corticosteroid injection if the swelling doesn't clear up 😬—you know, because of that "distortion" and all those months of wearing braces and grinding through physical therapy for a year after the injury

I’ve got a straight-up phobia of stairs now 😁

So, what happened? Did you take a tumble on the stairs? 😲

I live on the second floor of an apartment building with no elevator, and my job is on the third floor in a building where the elevator is basically a coin toss whether it actually works.

And after I wiped out (back at my place), they were helping me down, and my friend goes, "Just lean on me and hop on one leg"—and I’m just like, "Yeah, right, like you’d ever catch me hopping on one leg if I had any say in the matter," 😬 let alone trying to hop down a flight of stairs 😲

Sandra Wood45 said:So, how exactly did you wipe out on those stairs? 😲

I live on the second floor of an old walk-up—no elevator—and my office is on the third floor where the elevator is basically a coin toss whether it actually shows up or not.

Anyway, after I took the tumble (inside my own apartment, mind you), they were helping me down, and my friend goes, "Lean on me and just hop on one foot." And I was like, "Look, if I have any say in the matter, I am absolutely not hopping on one leg," 😬 and honestly, trying to hop down a flight of stairs on one leg sounds like a recipe for disaster. 😲

I blacked out for a second and just tumbled right down the steps. 😈
Not something I’d recommend to anyone, trust me. 😎
Luckily, it was just my ankle that took the hit; 🤣 everything else seems to be intact... 😛 (well, I think, haha)

I actually got pretty used to hopping down the stairs back when I was wearing a walking boot; moving slowly just felt way too tedious at the time. 😳

Figured I’d jump in here too, since I’m basically a serial offender when it comes to ankle sprains...😛 (I only actually went to the doctor for one of them..)

Sandra Wood45 said:It’s kind of tripping me out because I read that the yellow color shows up toward the end, but mine was already looking yellowish this morning—and now it's back to being Kissing😕

It's Kissing, but I'm guessing it's more towards the bottom of your foot (the periphery)—that's just the bruising settling down, so seriously, don't let it freak you out.

Question number two: I've been glued to the couch lately, only getting up to run to the bathroom or grab a snack when my husband isn't right there. Is that okay? Should I be trying to move around more even if it hurts, or should I keep resting until it "heals"? And when I am standing, is it better to put weight on my heel or more on my toes?

For the first two or three days, try to move as little as possible. After that, start putting weight on that leg once the swelling goes down: start by just using your toes, then gradually bring your heel down, just sort of testing the waters. It’ll sting at first, but after a few days it gets bearable and then starts feeling better and better.

Polar Ice ointment (the blue stuff, smells super strong like menthol, you can find it in any CVS or Walgreens under a different name) was a total lifesaver for me.

And how will I know when it's time to get back to moving normally? When the pain stops? Based on how it looks?

Hmm... "normally"..? 🤔 If you play sports, stay off that leg for a month, but you'll be walking fine before you even realize it..
You're always going to feel that joint, though. Honestly, I’ve already got this phobia that it’s just going to keep hurting more and more as I get older..

amberheron62 said:Figured I’d chime in too—I’m basically a walking medical anomaly at this point when it comes to rolling my ankles. Honestly, if there were an award for most frequent ankle sprains, I’d have a trophy room full of them by now.😛 I only went to see the doctor because of one single thing...

It’s just some Kissing—but honestly, I’m guessing it’s more like that peripheral stuff near the bottom of your foot. It's just the bruising settling down, so seriously, don't let it get under your skin. It's nothing to worry about.

Yeah, that swelling finally hit the bottom of my foot around day two or three—total mess. But now this main bruise is doing that thing again where it’s shifting back to blue. Just one thing after another, I guess. 😲

amberheron62 said:Look, for the first two or three days, just stay off it as much as possible—total rest mode. Once that swelling finally starts to die down, you can begin putting some weight on that leg again. Start small, like just using your toes at first, then gradually work on dropping your heel down and doing some light stretching. Honestly, it’s gonna hurt like hell when you try to straighten it out initially, but after a few days, it becomes manageable, and from there, things should only go uphill.

Look, I only asked because standing on my heels feels way more comfortable than being up on my toes—so I was just wondering if that’s actually okay or if I'm totally messing something up.

amberheron62 said:Polar Ice—you know, that stuff with the crazy strong menthol smell? You can find it in basically any pharmacy under a different label if you look hard enough—honestly, it was a total lifesaver for me.

Man, I had no clue—I didn't know that. My doctor just put me on Heparin and called it a day.

amberheron62 said:Wait... you’re telling me this is actually normal? Seriously? 🤔 Look, if you’re an athlete or even just hit the gym regularly, just give that leg a rest for a month. Seriously—do nothing with it. If you actually follow that advice, you’ll be back to walking normally before you even realize what happened.

Look, I’m not trying to turn into some fitness influencer or anything—I just wanted to know when I can actually get back to my desk. And yeah, before you even ask... yes, it really happened. I actually want to work again. 🙂 So, I’m heading out to the coast in about three and a half weeks—finally—but honestly, I feel like I need to get some swimming in before then. Nothing crazy, just enough to not feel completely winded. Might throw a little yoga into the mix too, if I can actually find the motivation.

amberheron62 said:You’re always going to feel that joint—honestly, I’m already low-key terrified it’s just going to get more brutal as I get older..

I actually had this old injury involving a cast once, and I didn't even realize how much my wrist was actually messed up until I was stuck in the ER and couldn't even remember which one it was 🤔. Yeah, now that I'm getting older, I'm definitely a little spooked about how this is gonna play out.

Ugh, seriously? My thread just got kicked to another page before I even had a chance to talk to my doctor! 😲

Called my doctor yesterday, but honestly, they didn't give me much to go on...

So, let's try this one more time here:

What’s the absolute bare minimum amount of downtime I need? I'm supposed to be back at work this Monday, which would make it almost two weeks since everything went sideways.

I think about ten days of rest should be plenty, but I’m honestly surprised you haven't been sent straight to physical therapy yet—that’s usually what really kicks the recovery process into high gear. In the meantime, try applying ice a few times a day and work on some gentle range-of-motion exercises for the joint, but definitely try not to put too much weight on it until those pains start to dial back. Also, if you have a desk job, you’ll probably notice it acting up after sitting for eight hours... and if your work involves standing all day, you're definitely not ready to head back just yet.

You might want to try grabbing some Polar Ice gel or maybe a tub of Deep Relief cream; they have a really nice cooling effect that helps take the edge off the pain. Also, I noticed you're getting ready for a beach trip—that sounds amazing! Honestly, walking barefoot through the shallow surf is probably the best kind of rehab you can get...

Casey Palmer5 said:I’d say about ten days of downtime should do it—I just don't get why you weren't rushed straight into physical therapy, since that’s what actually speeds things up. Anyway, hit it with the ice a few times a day and work on moving the joint, but try not to put too much weight on it until the pain dies down a bit. Also, if you have a desk job, you’ll probably feel it acting up after sitting for 8 hours, and if you’re on your feet all day at work, then yeah, you definitely aren't ready to head back yet.

Thanks a ton for the reply, Casey Palmer5 😘. Like I said, by next Tuesday it’ll be been two full weeks, so that sounds reasonable enough 👍

When I first showed up, the doctor asked if I was taking vacation or if I was in some kind of massive rush—because if I were, he would've sent me straight to physical therapy. When I told him "no thanks," he basically said it's better to just go the standard route. He mentioned that athletes go to that intensive PT and they're back on the field in like 5 to 8 days.

As for "ice," I've got those reusable gel packs you can chill in the fridge or heat up in the microwave for compresses; I usually use them twice a day. I'm still rubbing on Heparin and wearing an elastic wrap during the day, though I take it off at night. I've been keeping my leg elevated, but I actually ditched the pillow last night.

But how am I supposed to move it around? I tried a little bit, but it still hurts like hell whenever it hits a certain angle, so I’m too scared to push it. I mean, I can handle the pain, but I don't want to mess something up—I’m hardly an anatomy expert, you know?

Luckily, I have a desk job, though I do a fair amount of walking and climbing to get to and from work. My doctor suggested I pick up an ankle brace. Any specific recommendations?

Sorry, I am seriously drowning you in questions here, but hey, can't blame you for being the smartest 😍 😘 thanks so much, really 👍

Casey Palmer5 said:You could grab some Polar Ice gel or maybe some Deep Relief cream—they provide a nice cooling sensation and really take the edge off the pain. Also, looks like you're heading to the beach soon—that's awesome. Honestly, walking barefoot through the shallows is about the best rehab you can get.

Actually, picking up one of those creams or gels might be a smart move—I can't exactly lug my ice packs everywhere I go.

Thanks again! 😘

You can actually use ice more often—like a few times a day for a couple of minutes at a time (just be careful not to get frostbite!). It’s probably best to wrap that gel pack in a towel and hold it there until it feels nice and cold, maybe even until you feel a little numbness. As for stretching, just stick to the basics: moving your feet up and down, side to side, in and out, and some ankle circles. You really can't mess this up. In fact, icing right before and after you stretch might actually help with the pain... Just aim for about two or three sessions a day, lasting a few minutes each. All those topical creams aren't going to replace actual ice, but they're great for quick relief when you can't get to an ice pack (like when you're stuck at the office). Regarding the brace—honestly, the less you wear it, the better. It helps support the joint, sure, but if you rely on it too much, those stabilizer muscles start getting lazy because they aren't doing any of the work. Maybe just wear it while you're working or until things settle down a bit, but definitely don't wear it all day long. You can pick one up at any local drugstore or medical supply shop. I wouldn't know which specific brand to suggest since they're all pretty much the same, but if you just explain what's going on, they'll point you toward something that works. Anyway, don't be shy about asking questions, it's no big deal 🙂

Casey Palmer5 said:Look, you can ice it more often—like a few times a day for a couple of minutes at a time (just don't go overboard or you'll get frostbite, obviously). Best bet is to wrap that gel pack in a towel first, then hold it there until things feel nice and numb. As for the stretches—just stick to the basics: ankle pumps up and down, side-to-side, inward-outward, and some circles. You aren't going to break anything; honestly, icing it a bit before and after you move helps take the edge off the pain. Try to squeeze in a few minutes of movement 2-3 times a day. Those topical creams? They aren't a magic replacement for ice, but they're great lifesavers when you're stuck at the office and can't grab an ice pack. Regarding the brace—honestly, wear it as little as possible. It gives you support, sure, but if you lean on it too much, those stabilizer muscles just get lazy and weak because they aren't doing any work. Maybe use it while you're at work until things settle down, but don't wear it all day long. You can pick one up at any local CVS or medical supply shop. I wouldn't bother stressing over specific brands—they're mostly the same stuff—just tell them what's going on and they'll point you to something. Seriously, don't sweat it, it's fine 🙂

Hey, thanks so much. I'm gonna try to start the "exercises" today and definitely hit the 👍 tomorrow. Honestly, I'm counting down the minutes—I'm so stiff I can barely move 😲

And I'll grab a brace like you suggested, just for when I'm at work 👍 and some creams too.

Thanks a million 😘