Ankle Injuries

[ppenaloz]

I really hope someone can help me out! I am a 29 year-old, 5'3", 100lb female in excellent health. I had a very slight hairline fracture in my right ankle 3 years ago. My life has never been the same since then. Prior to the injury, I used to run about 35 miles a week. My fracture healed fine, but I have had incessant problems with it ever since. I have had MRI's, xrays and bone scans. All of which have been unremarkable. I have seen various orthopedists, podiatrists, chiropractors, acupuncturists, physical therapists. You name it, I've tried it. Foot orthotics and Kinesio tape are the two things that have helped me a bit. On a scale from 1 to 10 (ten being the most painful), I am usually between 2-4. I don't have any swelling and it is usually better in the mornings. The pain isn't extremely severe, but it is enough to keep me from my running and to create anxiety and depression Nowadays I work out by doing yoga and pilates and some swimming. Even fast walking has become painful. I can no longer wear my high heels which I love and my foot injury is constantly on my mind. Driving to and from work is painful as well (I have about a 45 minute daily commute). The pain is kind of like a dull, constant headache on both the inside and outside of my ankle.
Has anyone experienced anything similar and was there a way to improve it? I ultimately want to get back to running and not have to think about my ankle every day....

[DoodlebugSA]

Hi,

I am also 29 and healthy. 3 years ago I tripped during an off-road race and twisted my ankle but finished the race anyway as it was not too sore. Despite resting for a couple of weeks afterwards, the pain came back. I only last week tried to start running again after a year and a half of inactivity and immediately it started to hurt. My GP told me to lace my shoes looser (as if!) and the physio gave me exercises to strenghten my thigh muscle (which did not work). I do not know what to do as I really really want to run but it is too painful. I cannot even see a specialist as I need a referral from the GP who believes the problem is in the lacing of my shoes.

I can understand your frustration but unfortunately cannot offer advice. I do hope to get some advice on what to do.