Pain behind ankle bone

Given your description of the "pop" sound, sudden pain, and difficulty with toe raises and upward foot flexing, it sounds like you might have injured a tendon or ligament around your ankle. It could be a sprain, but the "pop" suggests the possibility of something more significant. Possible Injuries (ranked by likelihood based on your description): 1. Peroneal Tendon Injury: Peroneal tendons run behind your ankle bone (the lateral malleolus). The "pop" could be a subluxation (partial dislocation) or even a tear of one of these tendons. Pain with upward flexing (dorsiflexion) and toe raises fits. 2. Ankle Sprain (Lateral Ligaments): While less likely given the "pop," it's still possible you sprained ligaments on the outside of your ankle. This could involve the anterior talofibular ligament (ATFL) or calcaneofibular ligament (CFL). 3. Posterior Tibial Tendon Dysfunction (PTTD): Though typically a gradual onset condition, a sudden injury could exacerbate a pre-existing PTTD. This tendon supports the arch of your foot and runs along the inside of your ankle. 4. Fracture (Less Likely): Although less likely without a direct impact, a small avulsion fracture (where a tendon pulls off a piece of bone) is possible. Immediate Advice (since you can't easily see a doctor): * R.I.C.E.: * Rest: Absolutely avoid activities that cause pain. Use crutches if you have them. * Ice: Apply ice packs for 20 minutes at a time, several times a day. * Compression: Use an elastic bandage (Ace wrap) to support your ankle, but don't wrap it so tight that it cuts off circulation. * Elevation: Keep your ankle elevated above your heart to reduce swelling. * Pain Management: Over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) or naproxen (Aleve) can help reduce pain and inflammation. Follow the dosage instructions on the label. * Avoid Heat, Alcohol, Running, and Massage (HARM): In the initial days, avoid these as they can worsen swelling and bleeding. Important Considerations: * Severity: If you cannot bear weight at all, or if the pain is excruciating and doesn't improve with R.I.C.E. within a few days, it's more likely to be a significant injury. * Instability: If your ankle feels unstable or like it's going to give way, that's also concerning. * Continued Pain: If the pain persists for more than a week, even with conservative treatment, it needs to be evaluated. In summary: Treat it conservatively for a few days. If there's no improvement, seek medical attention as soon as it's feasible. X-rays or an MRI may be needed to diagnose the exact problem.