What kind of doctor deals with ankle injuries?

Question

I was playing some pick up soccer in goal and I took a few hard shots to my feet which extended my foot out. The shots hit pretty low on my toes (if that makes sense).

My ankles were tender for just a few days. The next week, I tweaked them both. The week after, just my left. This time, I took 2 weeks off and my ankles felt fine until I somehow tweaked my left ankle playing with my son.

I've been to the ER and my family doctor. They both said I'm fine (no signs of broken bones and no serious sprain).

I have no visible swelling and it only takes a day or two before I'm fine but its easily re-injured. It hurts right above and to the left of my heel. I also get short and mild muscle spasms in my foot since then.

What kind of specialist do I need to see?

Does anyone know what might be wrong with my ankle?

Thank you.

Answer 1

a special doctor deals with those injuries but i forgot the name

Answer 2

Get your ankle looked at by an orthopedic surgeon and make sure you explain EVERY single detail on how your injured the ligament. No detail is too small.

Can you walk with your injured ankle? If you cannot, chances are your have a sprain since it is the most common injury for the ankle. Bottom line is, get your ankle looked at by the orthopedic surgeon.

Answer 3

An orthopedist is the type of doctor that you should see.  I would try and find one that specializes in the ankle.  

You may have some minor or repeat soft tissue damage (a sprain).  It is possible that you have weakened your ankle through repeat injuries.

I would write out the sequence of events, so that when you go to the doctor you can clearly state to the doctor the sequence of events and what is worrying you without leaving anything out.

He/She may recommend that you have some physical therapy to strengthen the ankle, even if there is nothing seriously wrong when you see the doctor.

RESPONSE TO FOLLOW-UP QUESTION

For the moment I would stick to the specialist that you have the appointment with now.  In the unlikely event that he recommends surgical intervention, I would seek a second opinion from someone with more experience.  From a diagnostic standpoint, I don't think that his lack of surgical experience matters.

Also, if anyone does recommend surgery, ask the surgeon if he/she plays video games.  There have been a number of studies linking increased skill on the part of surgeons doing laparoscopic surgery who play video games.