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2235 Views 7 Replies Latest reply: Nov 17, 2009 5:14 AM by Angel Kitty RSS
Angel Kitty Amateur 57 posts since
Oct 23, 2007
Currently Being Moderated

Nov 16, 2009 10:15 AM

Discomfort on inside of ankle!

I have not run for a month now and I still have this discomfort on the inside of my ankle! It is located right behind the ankle bone. It is not below or above if you put your finger on the bone and then go straight back there is an area that is soft that is where I am getting this. I have massaged it and when I am done and start to walk I get this tiny pop and then the discomfort is gone. What is this?  This is what I think my ankle is weak and I need to brace it with an ace bandage or something like this until it gets stronger. What do you all think!  I don't see the Dr. until the 1st of DEC. OH I can roll and toe point with no problem but when I start to walk or run when I toe off I get the discomfort! With walking it gets better the more I walk but I have not tried running!  HELP!!

  • Stevemustangred Legend 681 posts since
    Oct 10, 2007
    Currently Being Moderated
    1. Nov 16, 2009 10:32 AM (in response to Angel Kitty)
    Re: Discomfort on inside of ankle!

    Do you mean the area near the Achilles tendon?  If so it sounds like it might be tendon damage.

     

    Bracing usually increases muscle weakness because the muscles don't have to do as much work and they atrophy even more.  For tendons to heal they usually have to be under as little stress and strain as possible or they continue to tear.  Swelling prevents tendons from healing too.

     

    Pine Island wrote:

     

    I.. I have massaged it and when I am done and start to walk I get this tiny pop and then the discomfort is gone. What is this?  This is what I think my ankle is weak and I need to brace it with an ace bandage or something like this until it gets stronger. What do you all think! 

    Patient, "Doctor, when I do this it hurts."

     

    Doctor, "Don't do that."





    Lies Spectators tell Marathoners:   1) Last Hill!    2) Almost there!  3) You look great!

  • Damien Howell Legend 293 posts since
    Feb 27, 2008
    Currently Being Moderated
    3. Nov 16, 2009 3:09 PM (in response to Angel Kitty)
    Re: Discomfort on inside of ankle!

    Pine Island

    Unfortuantly, your description of a "small pop" is not very helpful in determining a diagnosis.  Take a look at Joint Noise. You do not describe symptoms of instablity or frequent sprains of the ankle; therefore a brace is not likely to be helpful.  From your brief description is sounds like you need a careful clinical examination by a healthcare profressional in order to obtain more crediable answers.

    Damien Howell MS, PT, OCS - www.damienhowellpt.com 

  • Haselsmasher Legend 450 posts since
    May 25, 2009
    Currently Being Moderated
    4. Nov 16, 2009 4:57 PM (in response to Angel Kitty)
    Re: Discomfort on inside of ankle!

    I agree with Damien:  Get it checked.

     

    However, it sounds like the Posterior Tibialis tendon to me.  Google it and look at the anatomy to see if the place you're describing is correct.  Some of the pain patterns sound like tendonitis to me.

     

    One thing that can be done (it's of general help - maybe not direct help for the tendon) is to massage out that muscle.  Put the bad ankle over the opposite knee.  Put one thumb right behind the shin bone where the bone turns to fleshy area, down by the ankle.  PUt the other thumb on top of the first.  PUsh down reasonably hard.  While making small circles with your foot (you'll feel and see the muscle contract and relax with each rotation) slowly run your thumbs up the shin toward the knee.  You'll give that muscle a good massage.

     

    Arch support and rest will enable the tendon to rest.  Icing should bring down the inflammation.

     

    Jim





    http://jimhaselmaier.blogspot.com/


    "Kick off your high heel sneakers, it's party time."

    -- From the song FM by Steely Dan

  • Haselsmasher Legend 450 posts since
    May 25, 2009
    Currently Being Moderated
    6. Nov 17, 2009 4:51 AM (in response to Angel Kitty)
    Re: Discomfort on inside of ankle!

    First, the pain pattern you describe:  The fact you massage it and can walk with no pain fits EXACTLY with tendonitis.  I've had post tib tendonitids (and other tendonitis) and what you describe is common.  The tendon becomes inflamed and kind of "sticks" to the sheat that it is in when it is not used for a period of time.  My guess is that it's painful for a while when you get up in the morning.  Getting it moving in the sheath is the painful part, but once it's moving the immediate pain subsides.  If the root cause isn't resolve you'll still be aggravating it even though there is no pain.

     

    Second, the site you referenced goes into all sorts of different reasons why that tendon may be getting aggravated.  This is where Damien's recommendation comes in:  Go to a doctor.  They can give you ideas on what needs to be done so the tendon doesn't get aggravated.

     

    Jim





    http://jimhaselmaier.blogspot.com/


    "Kick off your high heel sneakers, it's party time."

    -- From the song FM by Steely Dan

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