Ankle Pain After a Sprain: Why Does My Ankle Still Hurt Months Later?

Ankle pain after a sprain that is still there months later usually means the ankle did not fully heal, and the ligaments are probably stretched out. That can make the ankle unstable. It’s worth coming in and having it examined by an expert.

What a sprain actually does to the ankle, and why does the pain linger?

A sprain stretches the ligaments that hold the ankle joint together. Most of the time those ligaments heal over several weeks. If they don’t fully heal the ankle is less stable than it was, which can cause a sensation of rolling easily or feeling weak on uneven ground.

Ligament damage is not the only possibility. A tendon strained in the same injury can stay inflamed, a small fracture or ankle joint cartilage damage can be missed, and an ankle that has been injured before is more likely to develop arthritis over time.

What we do for you at Foot Envy

At Foot Envy, you will be seen by Dr Udall. You will get a thorough evaluation with an exam, xrays, and if needed we will order an MRI. We will also determine if you have the proper support, and get you what you need, whether it be a brace or boot, or an order for physical therapy.

Conservative treatment comes first

When taking a conservative approach, we will look for anything that can contributing to the unstable ankle, like high arches, or a flat foot. Sturdy shoes and arch supports are simple fixes that help many patients, and we’ll discuss how custom orthotics can balance and align the foot, which then can affect the ankle and leg.

When not to wait any longer

Lingering pain in the ankle that persists after an ankle sprain should be evaluated. Especially if you were never fully properly evaluated by anyone other than an ER doc or urgent care. You need a foot and ankle specialist to get you the correct information, and put you on the right path back to healed and pain free.

If your pain is at the bottom of the heel in the morning rather than the ankle, our post on morning heel pain covers a different and very common problem.

Same-week ankle visits in Goodyear

We treat patients with foot and ankle problems in Goodyear, Avondale and Buckeye, to Litchfield Park, Verrado and Pebble Creek. Same-week appointments are usually available, sooner for urgent problems, and we accept Medicare and most major insurance. For foot and ankle pain that has lasted longer than it should, call 623-248-4734 and let us help you figure out what is going on.

Frequently asked questions

How long should a sprained ankle hurt?

Most sprains improve over a few weeks. Pain, swelling or instability that is still lingering, or that keeps coming back, is a reason to be seen by a podiatrist.

Can an old ankle sprain cause arthritis?

Sometimes an unstable ankle caused by old sprained and loose ligaments can cause arthritis later on down the road. Come in and get xrays and a thorough exam to determine what is the cause of your pain.

Will I need surgery for a sprain that never healed?

It depends on what the exam shows and your history and any other findings on an MRI. You would need to see Dr Udall, and let him help you determine what is best for you.

This article is general information, not medical advice. Please be evaluated in person for your own situation.