Long Term Pain

Is it normal to still have excruciating pain even though it's been years since an ankle sprain happened?  

I sprained my right ankle in 1999.  Had it in an aircast for 2 weeks, but it was painful for years after that.  I rolled the same foot (this time it was the ankle on the inside) in 2003.  This time I was in a splint for a week and that's it.  It was recommended that I start physical therapy, but I never did due to a job change.  I believe both were 2nd degree sprains.

The pain feels like i am being stabbed with a knife and my ankle is very stiff and swollen.  The pain comes and goes (I can go months without pain) and it tends to flair up with heavy exercise and cold weather.

I also was diagnosed with MS approximately 2 years (I believe I've had it for several years before the diagnosis), but I believe the two are not related.

[JainMD]

Hi,
I think your pain could be due to tarsal tunnel syndrome or due to any nerve impingement which is not relieved still.
The pain of tarsal tunnel would be excruciating or sharp pain which will wake you up from sleep. At other times it might be diffuse pain.
Pain due to nerve impingement can be because of nerve compression due to which there would be dull pain now and then.
I think you should be consulting orthopaedician and get imaging study done.
I think MRI would be best modality of to see for soft tissue injury.
Keep me informed if you have any queries.
Bye.

[thor1211]

Thanks a bunch, I will look into that possibility.  There often have been times were I am jolted awake or unable to sleep do to the pain.

Thanks again!

[JainMD]

Hi,
If you feel convinced about the diagnosis then you should be doing additional diagnostic evaluation like X-rays, including AP and lateral views, may be obtained to rule out other pathological processes.
Electro-diagnostic studies may be used to confirm the diagnosis.
Initial treatment would be rest to the part, ice application, NSAIDs which are analgesics, lidocaine patch, and/or a steroid and anesthetic injection if in severe pain are helpful. Surgical release is reserved for severe cases that are not responsive to conservative care.
Keep me informed if you have any queries.
Bye.