Expert: Dr. Brendon J. O`Brien, D.C. - 10/8/2005

Question
My husband has had excrutiating pain in his left ankle for 6 weeks now. We have visited accident and emergency 6 times, first they said it was a sprain, we knew it wasnt because he hasnt injured it in this way.  Next they said soft tissue damage. Then an infection due to a bite he received in Mexico, where incidentally the pain started. He has had x rays and nothing shows. The swelling has subsided since taking augmentin for 10 days, but the pain is so bad it wakes him (and me) every night. He now says that he feels the bones click every now and then.  Can you please advise, I am about to have a nervous breakdown through lack of sleep as i work full time and am doing a social work degree and have two children and three cats to look after too!! Thank you, susan

Answer
Hello Susan,

    He should be tested just to make sure there are no infections causing the pain.  He may want to see a doctor of chiropractic to make sure the joints/bones in the ankle are in proper alignment and no soft tissue adhesions.  Improper alignment (subluxations) can be very painful in the ankle causing similar pain.  Your husband may want to try Acupuncture, often works great with pain syndromes.

Hope the information is useful.

Dr. Brendon O'Brien D.C.