Okay, 2 years ago, I sprained my ankle. It healed.
Then I sprained it again 6 months later, then again a couple months after that, then again. Valentine's day this year, I woke up with such severe swelling it would hardly move at all.
Went to the doctor, got x-rays (Normal), got (a week later!) a CAM walker/soft cast thing to wear for two weeks. Got PT prescription. Went to PT for 8 sessions, wore a lace-up splint after the CAM, did home excercises like my life depended on them.
In the summer I moved. When I continued to have problems, I went to a doctor here, who also sent me to PT, and recommended an MRI, also normal. At this point, of course, the insurance has run out and I'm paying $50 per visit out of my own pocket, which is a significant expense on a student stipend.
It just hasn't healed. It seems to be getting better, and then I'll step on a twig or something and then it'll hurt again. I still can't do any of the things I want to do.
The doctor thinks my biggest problem at this point is loss of muscle of the calf and foot, and says a few more months of exercise ought to take care of it. The physical therapist thinks I'm pushing too hard, not giving it enough rest. She doesn't even want me to do any balance-type exercises. I don't see how I could be causing damage if it doesn't hurt when I do it, and I know it won't ever be right unless I do the balance exercises.
Here's another interesting thing--Whenever she sees me, she mutters about not liking the position of my ankle bone, and then physically pushes on the end of the fibula with her thumbs, moving it back toward my heel. Now, THAT hurts! Has anyone ever heard of this?
I would talk to the radiologist or your doctor about your bone alignment. My tibia began sliding off my Talus. This increased the speed my arthritis set in as the joint wasn't working properly. I only found this out after going to a foot and ankle specialist, the OS's I spoke to previously had never even mentioned it. I hope it is something much simpler, good luck.
Perhaps I will ask about the bone alignment, and I'll definitely go along with the taping process the PT wants.
I guess I'm just frustrated. It's already been about twice as long as I was led to believe the recovery would take, and I'm just not seeing the progress. There's no major damage to the ligaments, no fractures, it's just not getting better, and I'm not really getting answers as to why.
I just can't take anymore. I've spent a thousand dollars so far on doctors, tests, and PT visits, and I've gotten nowhere. I can't go anywhere or do anything because I can't walk, and I'm not getting any explanations as to why. I'm not even thinking about anything athletic anymore. I just want to be able to get to work and do errands and household chores. There has to be something more that can be done.
Sounds like you should have an MRI to check for OCD of the Talus. Several of us on the board have had them, and had similar symptoms as you're describing.
I've suffered since 2004 with my ankle. I am sorry you having to deal with so much pain. My recommendation would be to find a good orthopedic surgeon and get it checked out. Please stay in touch.
