SHOULD I SEEK TREATMENT FOR ANKLE SWELLING FROM AN OLD INJURY?

I aggravated an old ankle injury while ice skating last night, and now there’s noticeable swelling along the outside of my ankle bone. Although I expect the swelling to subside on its own, is there any real benefit in seeking treatment?

Rest, ice, compression, and elevation remain the cornerstone of home treatment for mild to moderate ankle sprains. For more severe sprains, using an air cast for immobilization might be recommended. The primary aim of treatment is to minimize swelling and accelerate recovery.

Research indicates that inflammation-related swelling can impede the healing process. In fact, the degree of swelling is directly proportional to the rate of recovery—the more swelling, the slower the recovery.

Additionally, swelling can affect the muscle reflexes around the ankle, which are crucial for preventing further injury or re-injury. Edema can damage tiny receptors in the joint responsible for measuring ankle movement and direction. Without treatment, the proprioceptive sense, or the ability to perceive joint position, may not fully return to normal.

If you’ve previously injured this ankle, seeking external assistance might be necessary for a full recovery. A physiotherapist can provide exercises to enhance strength, coordination, and proprioception. Typically, a home exercise program with minimal supervision over four to six weeks is sufficient.

Reference:

Ivy O. W. Man, et al. “Effect of Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation on Ankle Swelling in the Early Period After Ankle Sprain.” Physiotherapy, January 2007, Vol. 87, No. 1, pp. 53-65.