TORN ANKLE LIGAMENTS, HOW LONG UNTIL BETTER?

I hurt my right ankle in August 2010, shoe stuck between two pavers and couldn't move, so ankle was the joint that had to give. Huge swelling immediately (size of tennis ball swelling on the outside of ankle joint), loud popping sound, thought I'd dislocasted my ankle or something. X-Ray shows ANTERIOR TALOFIBULAR LIGAMENT tear. Had physio for 9 weeks, ankle had no support during this time on physio advice. Saw Dr, as ankle not getting any better. Told to stop physio and wear ankle brace.

Still a lot of pain in ankle joint, if I walk or drive today, can hardly weaight bear on the ankle the next day. Ankle still swollen in two places, one on outside of ankle joint, second swelling  inside top of ankle joint. Swelling not as bad as initially however still significant compared to other ankle.

When should I start to see decent improvement and be able to walk normal distance etc? Thank you!

[Dr Vinod]

Hello!

You have to first take rest and follow immobilization of your ankle joint for 4 weeks in ankle brace or crepe bandage. Physiotherapy should be started after healing of the ligament tear. Physiotherapy is done to reduce stiffness and to strengthen the ligament.

Take pain killers such as ibuprofen or naproxen and apply ice packs to reduce pain and inflammation.

Follow up with an orthopedician and go for present day scans to check healing.

Take care!

[Dr Vinod]

Hello!

You have to first take rest and follow immobilization of your ankle joint for 4 weeks in ankle brace or crepe bandage. Physiotherapy should be started after healing of the ligament tear. Physiotherapy is done to reduce stiffness and to strengthen the ligament.

Take pain killers such as ibuprofen or naproxen and apply ice packs to reduce pain and inflammation.

Follow up with an orthopedician and go for present day scans to check healing.

Take care!