Ankle sprain - what would you do?

[TopazRocks]

About 10 days ago I stumbled on the pavement and twisted my ankle and foot. I walked home. Slowly. And used ice on it. Despite rest and ice and taking care since then, it's still swollen on both sides of my ankle. there is a kind of bulge in the inner aspect of my ankle. And it is very painful, even at rest. After walking on it, it kind of burns. It's clearly a soft tissue injury and not a fracture, and I am trying to rest as much as possible but it feels like it's not getting better. The pain eases a bit with a triple tubigrip. (Yes, I can still feel my toes!!)I've damaged this ankle before but I don't think it was as bad before.

My questions are:
Am I doing harm by walking on it if it's still swollen and painful after over a week?
I can't go the A & E as it's not an acute injury after this time?
What else can I do to help it get better?
Should I wait any longer before I see a GP or physio? Or would I potentially do harm by not getting it looked at asap?
Am I just being too impatient?
And is there any point in continuing with ice? Web says 72 hours .....

Problem is: I have several other health problems and this is just so demoralising. I've been trying so hard to get my life on track for a few years now, but so many set backs. And I am a 'frequent flier' when it comes to GPs. I just cannot face any more problems.

My ds sprained his ankle very badly when he was 14,. We did A&E and the things you have done plus crutches at first. It was black with bruising. After that he has restrained it repeatedly and has clearly done some damage which wasn't correctly treated at the time. It's annoying as he loves sports he's now 22 and wants to get it reassessed. He has an ankle support which is helpful.

I think it's fine to go to A&E if you think it's more serious than a simple sprain as you may have torn something. Unfortunately they will probably X-ray it and send you on your way.

Your GP can refer for X-ray or scan but is unlikely to send you for a scan at this stage. I'd be tempted to see someone, though as it logs it as an injury and if it doesn't improve shows you did seek treatment IYSWIM?

There is always the chance that they will give your crutches at A&E. If so, take them. I had a bad sprain of my ankle about 7 years ago and refused the crutches. unfortunately, this ankle had been sprained many times in my early teens and it has never healed properly. I had 8 months of physio, which didn't really help, and have constant pain now. Support socks helped the ankle a little, but caused other problems. It is worth going to see someone - GP or A&E - but be prepared to wait and A&E.

when I sprained my ankle I used a gel so it doesn't swell and put on a elastic wide supporting band I bought from pharmacist. I tried to rest a bit, avoided not to be on my feet all the time. I think it took about a week to get better.
every sprain is different but that's what I did as first step.
wish you recover soon.

Husband slipped on black ice just under 3 weeks ago. Took him to A and E as thought he had broke it but sprain.they did cray and sent home with rest for 48 hrs and take pain killers. He went to GP 3 days later as wirk will not pay if self cert. Doc signed off for 10 days, went back 9 days later as still in lots of pain and couldn't drive ( has to drive to work) so signed off for a further week and told could take upto 6 weeks. So much for 48 hrs!!!!

My DD did exactly the same injury as you and we went to minor injuries. They advised rest, ice and elevation. Then wearing supportive shoes, but not tubigrip as studies have shown this slows the healing of the ligaments. Told to walk normally even if it hurts, but no sports till no pain. Will take at least 6 weeks to heal, hers took 8. She then had repeat problems till I banned ballet flats.

I'd go to minor injuries - it could be fractured given what you're describing.

I know 3 people who walked around for days on fractured ankles. Myself, I turned my ankle, got taken to A&E by ambulance it was so bad. Everyone was sure it was broken. X-ray said no.

Took 2 weeks and 3 X-rays to discover that yes it was fractured. Cast for 6 weeks then MRI revealed osteochondral lesion and bone marrow oedema never been the same since.

Please get an X-ray - good luck

Thanks for all responses. Sorry it's taken me time to get back. I also have a fluish thing/bronchitis going on and feel pretty rubbish in general. I saw nurse this am - for regular bloods. She reckoned I needed to treat it 'like a fracture'. Ha ha, how can I manage that with no support? Ankle is slightly better, swelling and pain both less. I think I'll try to see a GP next week. And meantime I will rest as much as possible. I wear tubigrip if I have to go out, otherwise not. I was aware of these studies too, lonecat.

I am still not happy. Maybe I do need an x-ray. I think I'll try a GP next .... Luckily - Humph! - I am on scrap heap due to LT health, and DH is retired now, but he is crippled too due to treatment for tendonitis in ankle and has crutches and orthopaedic boot! and is supposed to be resting. Tonight we have sent son with LDs to oversee his brother with asd at swimming lesson. He needs supervision in changing room more than during lesson. It's really quite shit chez moi just now.

I am really unhappy at prospect of long-term damage. I had several such incidents as a child and young adult, then it got better. It was put down to having talipes as a baby. I've no idea if this is evidence-based theory. Anyone know? The pain this time was worse than before, barring one time. aargh!