Serious Stuff

Ella had been complaining about intermittent ankle pain for several months. Given that there had been no specific injury and although Ella is active, nothing is done at a super serious or high intensity level we couldn't understand why it would be sore. Feeling that perhaps she was being a bit of a drama queen like teenage girls can be, we simply placated her by saying ice and elevate.

Despite this she still complained seemingly randomly so we thought it was time to see someone. A trip to the physio revealed loose ligaments that may have caused synovitis in the ankle joint. She prescribed some stability / strength exercises and to reduce the amount of exercise especially any intense weight bearing stuff (like landing in gym). 

After 6 weeks of exercises and several visits to the physio without much improvement, the physio suggested that maybe this was a chronic conditions and perhaps a cortisone injection was needed to calm the joint down. She referred Ella on to see a Sports Dr.

A few weeks of waiting for an appointment, we were off to see the Sports Dr. He was lovely, thorough and excellent talking to Ella. Once the interrogation and physical examination was over, the Sports Dr suggested that Ella have an MRI to rule out a few conditions that are hard to diagnose but disastrous if missed.

Happy to oblige, we wandered downstair to GMI, my old work to see if we could pull a few strings and get in earlier. MRI was scheduled for the next day! Andy took Ella to this appointment. 

The following day, I had missed calls from both the Sport Dr and GMI. Both had left messaged requesting that we organise an x-ray for Ella. My suspicions were raised especially having not yet seen the MRI report. Turns out Ella has one of those rare, try-not-to-miss pathologies and the xray was to rule out involvement in the other ankle (this condition occurs bilaterally in 20% of cases).

On our return to the Sport Dr, we learnt all about osteochondral lesions. Basically the taller dome in Ella's ankle had a small injury in the inside part (bone marrow area) of the bone. Growing, loose ligaments and being active all worked against Ella and so repetitive micro trauma of the tibia hitting the taller dome during weight bearing activities meant this injury was unable to heal itself. Left to Mother Nature and no rehabilitation, this area would eventually collapse causing cartilage damage and potential long term problems such as arthritis.

The solution, Ella would have to avoid placing any weight on that ankle and therefore would be on crutches for the next 6 weeks! Luckily there was only 1 week of school left. We rejuggled life so we Ella could be dropped off and pick up from school. Ella made the most of this situation. She secretly liked that fact she could have a lift pass at school for the week and got into the spirit of Christmas dress up, putting tinsel on her crutches for the last day of school!

Followed up is in 6 week for a repeat x-ray and MRI to see if the lesion has healed. Fingers crossed.