Question
QUESTION: I fell Aug 08 and sprained both ankles very badly. I took a step down into the garage and the light was out and totally missed it. Had to use a walker for a week and then crutches for another couple weeks because left ankle was worse off. Had both ankles xray and mri on left ankle, nothing broken. Still to this day I have pretty bad pain in left ankle, resulting in decreased activity, as well as off/on or constant tingling. Did go to P.T. for 3+ months and am starting to feel that there is something else wrong. Is there possible some nerve damage? The most painful spot is about 2 inches up the chin from the top of the ankle. Many times my ankle make an audible 'pop', which is quite painful.
What other tests could I ask my primary doctor to perform? Is this something treatable? Surgical or therapy?

ANSWER: Please see an expert. A board certified or board eligible podiatrist in surgery is what you want.
Your primary care physician is probably a wonderful guy-but not a foot and ankle expert. I usually make a diagnosis after a thorough orthopedic and bio-mechanical exam and then do an MRI to confirm. The MRI may need to be repeated in the area of pain. An MRI is composed of visual slices in millimeters of a certain area. If the specific area is not visualized by those "slices" then the injury will be missed. Sounds like you make have injured a tendon. These injuries may respond with physical therapy and possible surgery. Does not sound like a nerve injury.
The first step to recovery is a good diagnosis.
You should not be asking your doctor to perform other tests!
If he/she doesn't know-see an expert.
Hope this helps

Dr George Tsatsos
Chicago & Elmhurst Podiatrists
Board Certified in Foot and Ankle Surgery & Orthopedics
New Chicago South Loop Location
AnkleNFoot.com

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: What would the difference be in seeing a orthopedist vs a podiatrist?

Answer
First of all-Thanks for the excellent rating! I appreciate it.
A Podiatrist who is Board Certified in ankle surgery has to submit a minimum of 25 cases for evaluation and a minimum of 50 cases for the foot to become Board Certified.
An orthopedist whom is Board Certified only submits 12 foot/ankle cases at the most.
An orthopedist who did a Foot and Ankle Fellowship has about equal training to the Board Certified Podiatrist In Ankle Surgery.
This is a general guide and not an opinion towards anyone's training.
Hope this helps

Dr George Tsatsos
Chicago & Elmhurst Podiatrists
Board Certified in Foot and Ankle Surgery & Orthopedics
New Chicago South Loop Location
AnkleNFoot.com