Ankle problems

MmhmmStephanie
MmhmmStephanie Posts: 58
edited September 27 in Fitness and Exercise
In 2005, I fractured my ankle. I never had any surgery or anything to correct it because it was a hairline fracture. I was put on a air cast for a few weeks and whatnot. But to this day, I still have problems with it. A lot of fluid builds up around it, and I've been to the doctors for it MANY times. The only things that seems to help it is massages. I can't afford (regular) massages. Exercise makes it flare up worse. I'm just curious if there's anything I can do about it besides elevation and RICE.

Replies

  • Dellonious1
    Dellonious1 Posts: 209
    I have the same issue.I was getting up from a nap on the couch and twisted my ankle. Went to the ER, came home with a air cast.
    The side and top of my foot/ankle turned all black..The worst pain ever! Crutches helped me get around the house. This happened to me 5 months ago. Nothing I have found helps. :(
    I wish you all the best!
  • jojokacz
    jojokacz Posts: 13
    Have you tried any ointments on your ankle? What about a pedibath? Hope you feel some relief soon!
  • aa1440
    aa1440 Posts: 956 Member
    I have had ankle problems my whole life. Mostly just twisted ankles. Some severe and some moderate.

    I had a specialist tell me that the best thing is to break an ankle instead of twisting or small fractures. Broken ankles heal stronger.

    I am sorry for your pain but it looks like we will be suffering together.

    Try ointments and just rest your ankles as much as possible.
  • MmhmmStephanie
    MmhmmStephanie Posts: 58
    What kind of ointments should I look into? I am really clueless when it comes time to this stuff. haha Like Bengay?
  • jeffrodgers1
    jeffrodgers1 Posts: 991 Member
    Get a smaller rolling massager and do it yourself... I have one which is basically a handle with a rolling ball on it (looks kinda like a rolling pin). I massage the softer tissues in affected areas (along shins, ankle etc).

    RICE helps for immediate injuries (something that is recently injured)

    Get yourself a theraband and work to strengthen the weaker ankle.
  • MmhmmStephanie
    MmhmmStephanie Posts: 58
    Have you tried any ointments on your ankle? What about a pedibath? Hope you feel some relief soon!

    What exactly is a pedibath? One time my Grandma told me to soak it in cold water. I didn't quite like the idea of that. lol
  • MmhmmStephanie
    MmhmmStephanie Posts: 58
    Thank you everyone for the advice and suggestions! They are greatly appreciated!
  • NoAdditives
    NoAdditives Posts: 4,251 Member
    Do an internet search for massage techniques so that you can massage it yourself. Also make sure you're doing low/no impact exercises. If you belong to a gym try using the elliptical or arc trainer or similar cardio machine if the motion doesn't bother your ankle. You can also look into swimming classes and water aerobics classes.
  • reneelee
    reneelee Posts: 877 Member
    I would fill up a styrofoam cup with water and freeze it, take it out of the freezer peel some of the styrofoam way from the top so you can give yourself an ice massage. when done with massage put it back in the freezer for next time.
  • AriesOx
    AriesOx Posts: 66
    I too have had ankle problems most of my life. I've torn the ligaments in the ankle 3 times! What I've found that helps is:

    1. using a tensor like bandage around my ankle when exercising
    2. getting proper fitting foot wear to make sure that your ankle won't roll.
    3. doing some foot stregthening exercises - things like picking things up with your toes
    4. flexing and stretching the ankle before exercise
    5. and balance exercises like using a wobble board or I assume a bosu ball would work too - I even find some of the balance exercises on the wii fit to help.

    Hope these help, I've found they help me :)
  • kaylor908
    kaylor908 Posts: 42
    bump
  • Lleldiranne
    Lleldiranne Posts: 5,516 Member
    As far as the exercise issue, have you tried water aerobic, or even just swimming? Taking the weight off the ankle with water buoyancy might let you exercise without irritating it (and they're great exercises, too).
  • MmhmmStephanie
    MmhmmStephanie Posts: 58
    I haven't tried water aerobics. Mostly because I can't afford it. :(
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