r/Ankle

Hello,

I'm asking for opinions/experience for torn ligaments in the ankle.

Dec 22nd I badly rolled my ankle and i was limping badly and it also bruised after a couple days.

Went to an orthopaedic doctor jan 5th. He said i probably tore some ligaments, ordered xrays and prescriped one of those orthopaedic bandages.

Xrays were clear so no breaks.

Went to see the doctor today again because i still can't fully point the foot, sit cross legged or do any real stretches because it hurts.

He just told me yeah it takes longer for some people and to keep wearing the bandage for support.

It's been 17 weeks since the injury. Yes it got better because I can walk again and go up/down stairs without issues but anything else still hurts.

Even longer walking (anything over 10min) makes it feel sore.

Should I go see a different doctor for a 2nd opinion? Or just wait?

I did not get prescribed any physio therapy or told to do certain exercises.

I asked if I should do some stretches and he said if it doesn't hurt sure.

I'm worried and feel like the doctor didn't take me serious at all.

Grateful for any replies.

First, yes I have gotten the OK from my sports med doc and physio. But my ankle still doesn't quite feel the same, and this fact has me nervous to return to play on Friday! Anything you wish you'd known before you returned to play? Injury happened August 1, 2025.

Details of injury are as follows (MRI results):

Significant ligament injury on the outer side of the ankle, with high-grade tearing of the anterior talofibular and calcaneofibular ligaments, along with a partial tear of the deep fibers of the deltoid ligament on the inner side. There is also a bone bruise in the distal fibula, indicating impact from the injury, and imaging suggested possible reduced bone density (osteopenia). The tendons, midfoot joints, plantar fascia, and surrounding soft tissues were otherwise normal.

I've done all the tests: hops, cut backs, 5 km runs, spikeball in sand and it all feels okay. But still at 90%.