sprained ankle help

Grimmerick

I sprained my ankle on vacation, I didn't consider it too bad I was able to limp pretty well on it the next day, it was pretty swollen and bruised though. About 6 days later the swelling was almost totally gone and I was walking just fine...................until I was leaving work yesterday and stepped off the curb and rolled my d@mn ankle again. It didn't swell this time and I haven't seen any bruising, it is a little sore today though. I stopped by the store and got an ankle wrap. Warrior dash is the end of the month and I really need to start jogging again. Do I have to wait until it completely doesn't hurt anymore or can I run with the ankle wrap? When can I start jogging again? Thanks!

JNettie73

I am the queen of sprained ankles. My suggestion is check with your doctor for the best advice for your sprain. In my experience, when I first began spraining them I went to the doctor. Depending on the degree of the sprain determined the treatment. One time it was so bad that I was put on crutches, another time I was put in an air cast for a few days. However with minor sprains my doctor has always told me the best thing to do is get back on them and walk. Each time though, my doctor has always had me wrap it in an ace bandage.

JNettie73

I forgot to add, my doctor also suggested some exercises to strengthen my ankles to help prevent further injuries. Off hand I can't think of all of them but here are a few I can remember a stretching one (flex and point), rotating (clockwise then counter clockwise), and was even told to walk on my heels with toes up....not the most comfortable one. Good luck and hope your ankle feels better soon.

MartiTennisMom

No, I am the queen of sprained ankles! ... OK, you called it first, maybe I'll be the princess.. anyway, I can do anything with my ankle wrap.

I suggest you go get an ankle wrap from a Orthopedic's or Physical Therapy office though, the drugstore ones I've seen don't hold a candle to the one from the Doc. And, its actually slimmer and doesn't stick out like a sore thumb!

I suggest you wear it every time you walk or run or work out, be consistent with it for the next few weeks, the tiniest little rock or split in the sidewalk can throw you off.

Happy healing!

tomomatic

I seccond Nettie's suggestion. It sounds like your ankle is not stable enough for regular action without some extra support. If you're goal is to get to the warrior dash, then I suggest you talk with a doctor to see how bad the sprain is and how long you need it casted/supported.

JNettie73

No, I am the queen of sprained ankles! ... OK, you called it first, maybe I'll be the princess.. anyway, I can do anything with my ankle wrap.

LOL. I can share the title!

ilookthetype

I seccond Nettie's suggestion. It sounds like your ankle is not stable enough for regular action without some extra support. If you're goal is to get to the warrior dash, then I suggest you talk with a doctor to see how bad the sprain is and how long you need it casted/supported.

This ^

I sprained my ankle pretty severely in high school during a hockey camp (the first day) and if we took meds we were sent home (liability) so I just got it wrapped 2 or 3 times a day. It was ok, but I had a PT there to check it regularly. I love my brace, I got it from a PT and I still have to wear it when I run sometimes if its rain/damp out. :-(

brattyworm

Well here's my thoughts. I thought I had sprained my ankle a month ago. My insurance wouldnt let me go to the dr. just said home care. So I did, and after 2 weeks started my work out routine again. My ankle started hurting like crazy a week later and i ended up at the drs. He said it wasn't just a sprain, the bruising indicated a torn or detached ligament and I shouldn't have started back so soon, and I was doing all of this with a brace. So now i"m down for another few weeks going on 3 now, while it continues to heal from re-injuring it. So my suggestion is no... don't do it let it heal, and if you are really not sure based on everything you've seen posted go see your doctor, do you really want to screw up the muscles that let you move around easily?