Joe A Shaw PA-C - 2/9/2009

Question
I got a ankle sprain while playing tennis, with swelling and bruising symptoms a month before, & as a treatment i got cast for 20 days.
After removal of cast i was takinhg hot water treatment & massage with some oil prescribed by my doctor.initially  it was become difficult to even walk specially on uneven surface.
but after a month now its become possible to walk normally, but while I am trying to run or when try to streach my foot at extent, its paining inside a lot.I am doing all kind of motion excercise & strenghtening excercise, that helps me a lot to recover.During range of motion exercise, do i have to stretch my foot as far as possible?? as after certain extent its starts light paining.
when i keep my ankle untight (loose),at that time if any sudden jurk to my ankle pain me a lot.
I am a club tennis player & because of this ankle injury , my tennis training is also delaying, so please suggest me some tips to get well from ankle sprain.
now its almost 6 weeks r over...so specially my interest is to know that exactly how much more time my ankle will take to heal tottaly & so that i can come back to sports with my full fitness. & what kind of precausion i need to take to prevent further injury.

Answer
You should get an MRI at this point to rule out any muscle/tendon or ligament tears..I have never heard of hot water treatment and oil massage for this type of thing? Biofreeze or orthogel is what I and most PT's recommend. Are you seeing a board certified orthopedist?
If no ligament damage that requires surgery, I would go with Physical Therapy 3 x week x 6 weeks for ultrasound strength/stretch/exercises.
I had an ankle sprain that bothered me off and on for 6-8 months..but it gradually got better.
You need to wear a quality lace up sports ankle support (not brace)when playing.

http://www.carpal-tunnel-symptoms.com/pain-relief-creams.html