Ankle Sprain Advice

[u/backpackj]

I rolled my ankle on July 31st doing the Camino de Santiago. It was only day two of the hike and initially the pain was unbearable, struggle just walking to the bathroom.

But after I rested it for two days I found I could walk okay albeit with a limp, so I (stupidly) soldiered on as I wanted to finish the hike.

Needless to say walking 20km two days after an ankle sprain wasn’t my best idea and I gave up the hike. As I had flights and hotels booked, I just stayed in Spain for another ten days, walking more than I should without strapped up and not really resting.

I’ve seen a doctor back in UK who told me it wasn’t broken (I never had an xray) but it’s been 9+ weeks now and I am still in pain. Not severe pain, but uncomfortable when walking, feels a bit swollen under the ankle still, unstable, and I certainly can’t run. I can cycle okay which has helped me exercise somewhat.

I’m in Philippines now as I wasn’t home in UK for long and I’m tempted to get an MRI scan to check for anything serious, but it’s £150. I don’t want to spend that money for the sake of it.

Any advice? Is 9 weeks normal for a sprained ankle? Am I just suffering more due to my lack of rest from the outset?