ankle pain

 

Ask a PT Response: "You mention you are in the marching band. Are you still participating in it? If you have anatomical or postural deviations this could lead to the continued inflammation of possibly your peroneal tendons or ligaments in the ankle if you are participating in marching band. Has your PT done a foot evaluation to determine if you have deviations and if so can they be corrected through PT or orthotics? Also has there been any medical imaging taken of your ankle to rule out fracture, ligament or tendon tears, etc. After 3 months of PT and no improvement, I would definitely recommend further medical attention if PT has been exhausted. "

 

Our user responded: "I am still marching, and have been wearing an ankle brace, but it doesn't make a difference. I have had several x-ray's and and MRI, but everything has come back negative for anything abnormal. I have custom orthotics in my shoes, but those don't help either. We have tried a walking boot, and that made things worse. I have taken so much advil and alive that it has become ineffective.
 We, my PT and I, have figured out the date of injury was in October last year, but i wasn't checked out by a doctor until the end of  November when the pain had become more than just "growing" pain. When i went to the doc, he said it was nothing to worry about, and that a little ice would go a long way. Well here we are, and that little bit of ice has become less and less effective.  I have less than a month until i am marching again, and i need to figure this out.  I really hope you can help me.  Thank you for your time."

 

Ask a PT Response: "What I usually recommend is avoidance of the activity which exacerbates the condition and then slowly weaning back to the activity. In your case marching. My big question is, does rest (not marching) help your condition improve? Also have you tried aquatic therapy as this may be beneficial since this will allow for decrease stresses on your ankle when trianing in water? However, at this point, since you have already had medical imaging performed and have exhausted PT, it may be a good idea to consult with an orthopedic doctor who specializes in the ankle/foot. It would definitely not be a good idea to continue to participate in marching given your current status."