persistant ankle/leg pain

[Becky2006]

I sprained my ankle on 3/1/10. I got an xray stating it was sprained. I followed up with a dr. I did everything that i was told to do, was out of work about a month. I went back with restricions.( No stairs, not on my feet more than 9 hrs, elevate my ankle. I use an elevator) Last week I began to feel some numbness in my toes white driving, I began getting sharp pain up my leg. My ankle is stiff, it feels like the bone huts. I had a second xray. The readings were Chronicfindings seen, including midfoot osteoarthritis and a small bone island within the distal right tibial metaphysis,which is a benign finding. additionally, I am likely obese, with a huge amount of subcutaneous adiposity. Yes I am obese. My question is what can be done to heal the ankle, stop the pain? I am going to finally see a pt on monday, my dr, sugested she may send me to a podiatrist. I am so fusterated with this. I know ankle sprains take a long time to heal but why do i have sharp poking pain up my leg? Oh I do have variclose veins. I hope all the info I provided will help to give me an idea as to what i should do.( yes loosing weight I have been working on, stress has not helped.
Thank you for your time, advice-
Rebecca

[Yena H Do, DPM]

you may have injured the sural nerve, which is located on the outter part of the foot, ankle, and leg.
have the doctor place you in a removable cast for a week or two to immobilize the ankle and calm things down.  the swelling can also hyperstimulate the nerve and cause sharp pain.
in the meantime, apply ice to the ankle and keep it compressed with ace bandages.  lastly,elevate it every time you are sitting.

[Yena H Do, DPM]

when you see the doctor, ask for an MRI to assess the joint and rule out osteochondral lesions/defects

[Becky2006]

Thank you for the advise. I have been seeing a pt, it has been helpping a lot. the only thing that is bothersome is where the ankle bone and foot bone come together. I am told they should glide together, not rub. Ther do rub, hurt when walking, using stairs to get out of my home, stepping off a curb. I see the comp. dr Friday, the pt. once more. This seems to be a long healing process. If you dont mind I'll keep you posted on my recovery.
Thanks again-
Rebecca