What Causes Sudden Walking Difficulty Along With Pain In The Left Ankle?

Posted on Wed, 23 Aug 2017

Question: Hello, I was walking this a.m. and suddenly my left ankle seemed to suddenly let me down and I fell to my knees, not a serious fall. But now when walking every time I put pressure on the foot, the tendons at the back of my foot between the heel and my ankle are very painful. Could I have torn my Achilles tendon? Should it resolve by itself in a day or two?

Answered by Dr. Ivo Ditah (27 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Manage pain rest and observe for 2days. No improvement, seek consultation!

Detailed Answer:
Hi,

Am so sorry to hear about what you experienced this morning with the left ankle. It is unlikely to be a torn Achille's tendon as this would have resulted in difficulties walking and permanent pain. Because this is not the case, a complete rupture is not high on the list of possibilities.

I will rather think this is a strained ligament and other soft tissues. Rest, apply ice and take Ibuprofen: 600mg every 8hours for pain control. If this fails to adequately control the pain, I will recommend you get evaluate for a possible X-ray and or ultrasound of the left leg.

I hope this guides and helps. I wish you well. Feel free to follow up with me if need be.

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Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar