Question
Friday I had soccer practice and was working on my shots with my coach. I was following through on a shot, rolled my ankle, and my whole body just collapsed on it. There was a pretty loud crack/snap noise that my coach heard from 10 yards away. The noise kind of reminded me of the noise when someone cracks their back and gets a series of cracks. Initially there was a pretty significant amount of pain, but it kind of died down and I finished practice. When I got in the car I took a look at my ankle and it had swollen significantly. By the next day it was bruised all along the lateral side. Now I know this is completely symptomatic of a nasty sprain, but I don't have pain walking. I have pain doing anything else with my ankle, but not walking.

The most concerning part is that when there is resistance on the inside or back of my heel, the entire joint seems to pop out of place and you can see about 3/4 to a full inch gap between my fibula and my foot.

I just don't know if this warrants a trip to the Dr. I can walk on it. And yeah its swollen and bruised, but I know thats totally to be expected with a nasty sprain.

Could I have done something serious even though I can still walk? Help!

Answer
Sarah,

I would certainly see a Podiatrist and get an x-ray and an MRI.  You may have a severe ligament or tendon tear of the foot and/or ankle.  You may also have a fracture of the foot or ankle. Other possibilities include a dislocation of the foot or ankle which may require surgery.  

In any event, it is important that you receive quick treatment to avoid further injury.

For now, ice, elevate, apply an Ace compression bandage and stay off of the foot even with no pain.  Consider crutches.  

Whatever, the diagnosis I would highly recommend seeing a physical therapist as well to help you recover quickly.

Hope all goes well.  


Sincerely,

Marc Katz
Tampa, FL
Advanced Podiatry
http://www.theTampaPodiatrist.com
http://www.TampaCryosurgery.com