Runners- help!

angel79202

Hello my runner friends! On Monday I am competing in my second 5K race. My question is this..I have a weak ankle, very "loose"..I have been blessed to do this race by the PT treating me...my question is would you tape the ankle or wear the ace stabilizer thing..or something else? Running in my hometown is a goal for me, so not running is not an option

wolfchild59

Both of my ankles are actually pretty bad. They've actually gotten stronger with running, but when I get up towards longer distances I do need some extra help. I've tried regular wrapping as well as various ankle specific braces and stabilizers, but all of them feel really uncomfortable when I'm trying to run and often chafe and/or cause blisters.

What I actually use is KT tape. The brand I use is Rock Tape but I honestly call it miracle tape. The first time I taped everything up (got two bad knees as well) I stood up and just walking around I never wanted to take it off. I put it on my right ankle (the worse of the two) and knees for a training run and didn't feel a single thing. And you can leave the tape on for up to five days, so I just left it on and it was the best I'd felt in years.

When I ran my half marathon I had my right ankle, both knees and both calves taped (the calves were just for the extra support because I'd had some pain in them after my longer training runs) and it felt awesome. I had zero pain during the run or after. I did nothing for post-race recovery at all. I just met up with my hubby and parents after and we ended walking around the city for most of the rest of the day. Didn't feel a darn thing at all.

If I could afford it, I think I'd just live in the stuff. heh

theshow4jsu

Tape does help, just make sure to use the pre wrap, otherwise you're in for a misreable time. Also, have you tried yoga? There are few poses out there that help strengthen ankles. My left ankle is terrible and doing the yoga for about 3 weeks now has already made a difference, with less pain and more flexibility. I use my Wii fit board and do the yoga on it... Really has helped.

LorinaLynn

I'd check with your PT.

I ran with my Active Ankle brace after my stress fracture, but never wore it during a race. I was healed enough by the time my race came around.

I'm very hypermobile, and always had problems with random joints popping out of socket at random times, but that's improved greatly since incorporating heavy strength training. The increase in muscle strength seems to keep me in line better, even with my wobbly joints.

mikeyrp

Great training exercise for ankles: stand on one foot whenever you are standing! really helps to build up strength.

If you fancy a challenge, do it with your eyes shut.

Also - try putting 5 beer cans (or similar) in a semi circle around your front at about arms length. Now bend down and touch each one in turn (stand up in between) standing on one leg.

angel79202

Thanks for all the advice, we ran about 4 miles tonight..I'm goign to ice some as a precaution but the pain wasn't bad when it was taped