[39F] Experiencing severe ankle pain and swelling without injury

What might be happening

Based on the information you've provided, possible diagnoses include:

• Ankle Sprain: This is a common injury caused by turning or twisting your ankle in an awkward way. This can stretch or tear the tough bands of tissue (ligaments) that help hold your ankle bones together. Even though you didn't mention a specific injury, sometimes people can sprain their ankle during normal activities and not realize it.

  • Treatment usually involves rest, ice, compression, and elevation (RICE). Over-the-counter pain relievers may help ease the pain and swelling.

• Gout: This is a type of arthritis that occurs when uric acid crystals build up in the joints, causing intense pain and swelling. It often affects the big toe, but can also affect the ankle.

  • Treatment usually involves medications to control pain and inflammation, as well as lifestyle changes to manage uric acid levels.

• Tendonitis: This is inflammation or irritation of a tendon, the thick fibrous cords that attach muscle to bone. It can cause pain and tenderness just outside a joint.

  • Treatment usually involves rest, physical therapy, and medications to reduce pain and inflammation.

What you can do

You should seek medical attention for your symptoms. In the meantime, you can try the following to alleviate your symptoms:

1. Rest your ankle and avoid putting weight on it.
2. Apply ice to your ankle for 15 to 20 minutes every two to three hours during the first day or two.
3. Compress your ankle with an elastic bandage until the swelling goes down.
4. Elevate your foot on a pillow or cushion while you're sitting or lying down.

What you should look out for

You should seek immediate medical attention if:

• Your ankle pain is accompanied by a fever
• Your ankle is red and hot to the touch
• You have severe pain even when you're not bearing weight on your ankle
• You can't move your ankle

Please remember that while I strive to provide accurate information, I'm not a doctor and this advice should not replace a consultation with a healthcare professional.