Ankle Sprain Soccer - recovery, and help

[johnny8383]

Hello there,
Just under 4 weeks ago I rolled my ankle while playing soccer. When it occurred I came off but played a few minutes more, and after removing my shoe it started to hurt more.  I know that it's an Inversion sprain because I had one two years ago on my other ankle which was more severe.  However, for the first week or so I could put weight on it but it hurt, and twisting and inversion (turning it inside) was nearly impossible.  Now I can put weight on it, I can stand on it alone, I can do standing calf raises, and I've been doing some physio exercises with a band from previous injury.
There is still a bit of pain when I twist it, and stiffness when I wake up.

What I'd like to know is what else can I do and when can I return to playing soccer? Is there any signs I should look for? It took me 5 months to not feel pain in my previous injury but this isn't like that at all. My doctor is a quack and never took my first injury seriously, and wouldn't give me an MRI or any soft tissue scan.

Thank you,
Johnny

[Michael L Gross, MD]

Not without either a lace up brace or taping.

[johnny8383]

Thank you Doctor for the reply!

Well it has been four weeks tonight, and there is still some pain when I twist towards the inside, could I or should I return to the soccer field for some light play? perhaps jogging and light kicking?

Thanks!

[Michael L Gross, MD]

  A sprain is a stretched or torn ligament, In the lateral ankle, there are three ligaments thatessentially connect the fibula to the foot. If a lateral ankle sprain is not treated adequately, the ligaments may heal in an at an increased length, or not at all.  Either way can lead to chronic problems with instability.  I usually treat lateral ankle sprains for 6 weeks before I really consider them healed. The first three weeks are spent in a stirrup type brace full time except for bathing.  The brace is comfortable and fits in a shoe.  The second three weeks the brace is worn during the day only, with activity as tolerated as long as it can be done wearing the brace.
Quite frankly, an MRI is not necessary to diagnose an ankle sprain, but I do usually get an Xray to make sure there are no fractures.

[johnny8383]

Sorry, I didn't realize this was an Expert Forum.  I'd say I'm intermediate after my first injury two years ago.  Sorry again!