Ankle Injury - Sprain, Fracture, Tendon, Bruise, or something else?

My ankle was stepped on / kicked inadvertently by an opponent while jockeying for a incoming disc in a game of ultimate frisbee. Ouch!

I've sprained, rolled, and fractured my ankles before, but this one was injured differently and felt different. The outside of my ankle felt like it had been lobbed a bit. I did not roll my ankle or twist it; the trauma it sustained was more equivalent to be kicked at a diagonal ankle from above. I could walk for the first 20 minutes, and then it swelled up and I had to limp.

I iced the ankle and elevated it and took ibuprofen for the first 2 days, and the pain has largely gone away after 4 days. It is no longer swelled up either. The remaining symptoms are a faint red line below the bulb-like bone on the exterior, about 18 inches from the base of my foot, numbness and tingling in the affected area, and sensitivity to the touch.

I am still favoring my other foot and walking with a slight limp. The injury occurred 4 days ago. Should I see a doctor? Can I afford to "wait it out?" Should I purchase a walking cast or continue to ice it? I appreciate the help, thanks.

[Dr Vinod]

You should visit an orthopaedician. Go for an X-ray. No fracture and only some ligament sprain, you have to wear a crepe bandage and you would need rest. It would be easy to treat you once you know your problem exactly. Visit an orthopaedician. Continue ice packs, anti inflammatory drugs. Take care!