Sprained ankle

adele_30

I fell down the stairs 4 weeks ago and sprained my ankle (torn ligaments). I want to start exercising and have googled a lot about what i can actually do. Although i can walk now, my ankle is still slightly swollen and I get twinges quite often. Most of the answers on google have said to do water exercise i.e in the swimming pool but this is just not possible at the moment with 2 kids on summer holidays. Can anyone tell me if i was to go on an exercise bike would it be ok or can you give me any other options please? Thanks. x

cheshirecatastrophe

The best thing to do is ask your doctor what kind of exercise you can do right now. Ankle sprains come in a whole spectrum of severity and types, and what activity is good will depend on how bad yours is and how well its healing.

You could maybe try some floor Pilates and yoga while you're waiting to hear back from them.

adele_30

Brill, thanks. Never even considered yoga. Will go back to my doctors this week.x

barrelracer092003

Please take care of your ankle and not rush into anything strenuous. I know it sucks, but be patient. I'm still in the recovery phase and just now able to start working out again after having reconstructive surgery on my ankle 2.5 months ago because I severely sprained it back in October and it wouldn't heal.

It would be best to talk to your doctor first before you start any new programs. But I've found that riding an exercise bike is great. Also yoga would be a good alternative.

anglyn1

I'd be very careful and ask your doctor before you do anything weight bearing on the ankle. Once you sprain it the ligaments and tendons are weaker and prone to further sprains. My husband has repeatedly sprained the same ankle and has never allowed it to fully heal. Now he has formed subchondral cysts that cause him constant pain and are likely to be a life long issue.

busyPK

As the others said, please talk to your doctor. I would suggest you ask him if you can do some boxing. That involves a lot of arm movements and that mixed with squats (if your ankle allows) would provide a good burn. I broke my ankle, had surgery 10 months ago and that is what I did before I could comfortable walk/put more impact on my ankle.

adele_30

Thanks, i can walk now without limping, so it is so much better. Doctor said light exercise with no impact, so i've been doing yoga for weight loss via you tube and am gonna give the bike a go this week. x