Persistent Ankle Swelling: Causes, Recovery & Physiotherapy

Question
Hi there,

Im 30 years old and have suffered from a right swollen ankle since my early 20's although I'm very slim.  I saw my doctor last year who says it's due to ankle sprain and referred me to a physiotherapist who advised me on excercises I needed to do every day for several months.  This was last November and I'm still experiencing swelling.  Do you know approximately how long it should take for the swelling to disappear with regular excercising and do you think this is ue to sprain as when I press it down I feel pressure, as if there is liquid in there.

Thanks

Joanna

Answer
I have no idea what type of testing that was done to confirm that this is an ankle sprain- however, it may take several months to subside and in some cases it may remain.  You may want to seek the advice of an orthopedic physician for his input. You may have fluid which is collecting in the area of the injury.

Just a note- my mother experienced an ankle fracture many years ago and she still has problems with the swelling.

You may want to try and keep the ankle elevated as much as possible when sitting and do not cross your legs.