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Friday, October 11, 2013

Nerve Irritation Post Ankle Sprain: Email Advice

Hi Dr. Blake,
I haven't seen you in many years (I think my last visit was around 2004/5 re: my plantar problems while qualifying for the Boston Marathon), and now find your immense blog! Since then, I got married, had 2 kids, and am quasi-coming up for air. Would you please advise me...I hurt my ankle again =(
Late last night, I rolled my left ankle outward while trying to get on a dome-shaped balancing ball at the gym. I heard a popping sound on my way falling down to the floor. I was able to get some ice on my ankle at home. But since then, I've been limping around the house (hardwood floors) and trying to avoid chasing my kids (ages 3 1/2 and 2). My biggest concern is a tingling feeling around the ankle bone that radiates down to my heel and up to my arch area.
I've wrecked this ankle before in a stupid snowboarding accident and have sprained it several other times in my life. But I don't remember the tingling. I'm worried about that because isn't that an indication of nerve damage?
Thanks so much for your advice! I'll call your office to make an appointment if the tingling is still going on. I went to the gym today and worked out my upper body. People thought I was nuts hobbling from machine to machine...
Best regards,


Dr Blake's Response:

Hey Allie (name changed), sorry for the delay. Yes, you must of jerked the nerve real good. It can take a while to calm down. If you have an ankle brace that ties up, that may rest it well. You can also adjust the lacing so that it does not push hard into any sore areas. Continue icing for 96 hours, then begin contrast bathing once daily. See my blog post on how to start contrast bathing. Be good to it and hopefully it will settle down quickly. Rich

http://www.drblakeshealingsole.com/search/label/Contrast%20Bathing

Nerves love non painful massage. And they usually love heat, in general, over ice. Try gentle massage to the swollen areas, and gently move the ankle. I typically teach patients to use their big toe as a paint brush in the warm water of contrast bathing and attempt to paint the alphabet. Also, order a bottle of Neuro-Eze online. It is a good nerve topical medication. You massage a small drop into the area 3 times daily. I sure hope this helps. Rich

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Thank you very much for leaving a comment. Due to my time restraints, some comments may not be answered.I will answer questions that I feel will help the community as a whole.. I can only answer medical questions in a general form. No specific answers can be given. Please consult a podiatrist, therapist, orthopedist, or sports medicine physician in your area for specific questions.