Minor sprained ankle, no pain, but swollen

Question
Dear Dr. Tsatsos,

First, thank you for taking the time to answer questions on AllExperts. It's much appreciated by many, I'm sure!

I am a runner, and on Monday (so about three days ago) while running, I stepped on a rock in my path, causing my right ankle to bend outwards and my foot inwards. As I was going down, I am pretty sure that I heard a crack. I stayed on the ground for a few minutes to assess the damage, and then I was then able to walk the remaining mile home. This was probably not wise, but I also jogged a few steps to test it out. There was no extreme pain, but just a very dull ache around my ankle.

Fast forward to today, there is very little, if any, pain at all, but it is a little swollen, which seems to be slowly decreasing. I'm able to walk with no pain, put weight on it with no pain, and can stand only on my right leg while raising my toes with no pain. The only time I notice anything is if I forcefully bend my ankle inwards to the left; I feel a slight pull in the outer part and it feels sensitive and tender.

When I try to rotate my ankle in a circle, I am able to do so, although the motion doesn't feel as flexible and free as my other. When drawing a circle with my foot, drawing my toes downward and outward feels more restrained, although it doesn't hurt.

Although it has only been a few days, I am very eager to get back into running. I am using RICE to help the recovery process and also have been wearing an ankle brace when I need to leave the house and walk.

Seeing that there is no pain, would it be ok for me to go running/jogging next Monday (making it a full week)? I can definitely see how if my ankle was forcibly bent inwards I would worsen my condition, but I think (perhaps optimistically) it would be fine if I lightly jogged and was careful in pushing off on that foot.

And also, would it be a good idea to lightly stretch my ankle inwards (where I feel the pull and sensitivity)? Or does that only make it worse?

Hoping for good news! Thank you again.

Kim

Answer
Dear Kim,

This Orthopedic Chicago Podiatrist located in West Loop 60661,Roscoe Village 60618, Elmhurst 60126 & Bartlett 60103 says...
For your sprained ankle. The fact that you heard a pop & that you now have limited motion may indicate an injury. Perhaps even of your fifth metatarsal base-which are known to be injured in inversion injuries. Go to a Board Certified Podiatrist for x-rays-which should  be read on the spot-other places may miss a hidden injury-like a metatarsal fracture or partial ankle ligament tear. In the meantime-continue to protect-until you rule out an injury.
The Chicago Podiatrists of AnkleNFootCenters.com are specialists in orthopedics and sports medicine.
We are located in Chicago & Elmhurst

Dr George Tsatsos & Svetlana Zats
Podiatrist Chicago 60618 & Elmhurst 60126 Podiatrists
Board Certified in Foot and Ankle Surgery & Orthopedics
New South Loop Location-Chicago 60661