sprained ankle frustration

[amg]

You're doing pretty well, actually. I sprained my ankle a few years ago, shortly after I'd bought my first bike. I had no fractures, either but it swelled up huge and was all black and blue. As I recall, I couldn't put ANY weight on it for almost two weeks and was on crutches for nearly a month. Then I limped for another month and it was about three and a half months after the injury before I was able to try running again. I was able to do some easy/moderate riding on my mountain bike after a month wearing a splint.

Be sure to work on some good range of motion exercises while you're healing to maximize your recovery. Your doctor or a physical therapist should be able to give you a brochure. Give it time and take it easy. Just do what you can tolerate - If it causes pain, don't do it. I know it's hard - been there! But you'll do better in the long run with the best recovery.

Deb

I'm such a bad patient - I find it so hard to stay still! At least I can sit down to garden, and it's been nice and sunny. I was too cheap to rent crutches so I hoppled or hopped when I had to move the first few weeks. It's nice to be able to walk a bit again so I can take my dog for proper outings. He's been good, but I think he was getting a bit tired of playing fetch in the back yard!

I've seen those upside-down flying saucer things at the gym, did you use one of those in your recovery?

[Deborajen]

I've seen those upside-down flying saucer things at the gym, did you use one of those in your recovery?

I don't think any weightbearing side-to-side flexion was recommended and you'd probably get that on the gym gizmo you mentioned (whatever it's called!). It would probably hurt if you shifted a little too far suddenly - ?

As I recall, one of the exercises involved standing on a thick book on the balls of my feet, lowering the heels as much as was comfortable and holding for a few seconds, raising up as much as was comfortable and holding for a few seconds, and repeating. Another involved sitting on a counter, tall bar stool, etc. so you're high enough up to dangle your feet off the ground, and "drawing a circle" with your big toe several times one way and then several times the other way. There were a few others as well - ?

Hope it does get better soon, but do take it easy. Setbacks are the worst.--

Deb