hi dear,

well, a couple of weeks back I had a patient with the similar problem. he had injured his left ankle while playing rugby, was treated conservatively with tetra ankle immobilizer and was on NWB crutch walking for 6 weeks.

following the 6 week period, he did undergo physiotherapy elsewhere for his post-traumatic stiffness. his ankle regained full range of motion and he was able to carry out his ADL without any problems.

he visited me, precisely 3 months after the injury, since he relocated here with complaints of a dull ache following exercise and palpable firm lump over his anterolateral aspect of the left ankle. I discussed with him the possibility of scar-tissue formation and treated him with continuous ultrasound & figure of 8 ankle bandaging while playing/exercise.

I did follow-up once weekly over a 3 week period to check whether the lump increased in size keeping in mind to rule out possibility of; bony exostosis, cyst, or a benign tumor. the lump size remained the same, but the patient did not complain of any pain or dull ache even after long walks, strenuous exercises etc.

I have not examined you, but from your description it looks like the same pathophysiology. well, try to undergo at least 3-5 sessions of physiotherapy and see how it goes. If it tends to remain the same or gets worse consider further tissue studies. If everything within normal limits you may try a steroid shot and if pathological surgical intervention.

keep me posted. all the best.

cheers,

thomas