Sent a note to my podiatrist (from back home) early this week; here's the gist of it -
It's been about 7.5 weeks since I sprained my ankle, and although progress is evident, I'm concerned with some aspects of the injury. As of now, I still have moderate swelling along the anterior tibiofibular ligament that was torn during the inversion. I have also developed moderate swelling along the posterior tibial tendon over the last 4 weeks. I can perform daily activities without an issue, but after long walking or moderate basketball activity, the posterior tibial tendon starts to throb with a dull pain (running from the navicular tuberosity all the way up to upper medial malleolus), ultimately leading to soreness. The ankle's fine for moderate cutting and light jogging, but prolonged activity & walking barefoot/in sandals continues to cause this pain. I can induce a "stretching" pain in the tendon with over-dorsiflexion of the foot (esp along lower medial leg). I know the problem is related to my arches...what would you recommend?
Long story short, he suggested trying pre-fabricated orthodics. It would've been a good idea if I hadn't already been wearing custom orthodics for the past 4-5 years...originally prescribed from the same doctor that was now telling me to try them. The pain actually started after wearing the walking boot for 2-3 weeks after the injury - it was absolutely flat and my ankle now lacked any strength to hold up it's arch as well. I wasn't wearing my orthodics during the actual sprain either (lost them, got remolded BY THE SAME DOCTOR after boot was off). Within the last few days, I've also started to encounter 'pulsing' bursts of sharp pain along the anterior tibiofibular ligament (original tear). The magnitude of pain is low/tolerable, but it's like a combination of a pulsing vein and the stingy pain from a mosquito bite.
Probably going to get a followup with a podiatrist near campus or something...smh. Another thing - been getting lots of random aches and soreness and cramping through body, not sure why. My fluid levels are fine, and salt/nutrients are fine too (usually). Cramping is in calves, upper traps/neck, soreness in back, chest, neck, ankle, forearms, shoulders.
Pics for reference: