We are pleased to announce that on March 4, 2025, an updated Rich Text Editor will be introduced in the MyFitnessPal Community. To learn more about the upcoming changes, please click here. We look forward to sharing this new feature with you!

I'm Kind of a Wimp!

Linda7783
Linda7783 Posts: 2
edited October 2024 in Fitness and Exercise
So last summer I sprained my ankle. Every once in a while it still hurts. I REALLY wanna do the couch to 5k. I also want to conquor a Jillian Michaels DVD. Need to get stronger. If the ankle hurts how do I know if I should stop and if I'm just being a wimp? Any advice is appreciated.

Replies

  • Leslietheriot
    Leslietheriot Posts: 303 Member
    According to my Orthopedic Surgeon...its ok to exercise but if it hurts stop.
  • sc1572
    sc1572 Posts: 2,309 Member
    I sprained my ankle about 6 weeks ago...I was on crutches a week and started slowly getting back into cardio. I don't wear my brace during the day anymore, but I ALWAYS wrap it to workout, and make sure to stretch it after. If I still have problems in a month, I'm going to a doctor, because I was told it'd be 6 weeks tops. Plus, I'm training for a half marathon.:(
  • taem
    taem Posts: 495 Member
    So last summer I sprained my ankle. Every once in a while it still hurts. I REALLY wanna do the couch to 5k. I also want to conquor a Jillian Michaels DVD. Need to get stronger. If the ankle hurts how do I know if I should stop and if I'm just being a wimp? Any advice is appreciated.

    I would say to let it heal first. Your body will tell you when you can exercise. I wouldn't want to mask the pain with pain killers. In the end, I would rather gain weight and deal with it later than not being able to walk properly because of irreparable damage due to exercise.

    Hope you feel better.
  • voluptas63
    voluptas63 Posts: 602 Member
    It really depends on you and how your body feels. If it's pain, just straight up pain, then you absolutely should stop and perhaps seek medical attention for it.

    If it's just a dull ache, I'd start out with walking. You may need an ankle brace. But it never hurts to go and see the doctor. Especially if you didn't go to the doctor when you first sprained it. It may have healed incorrectly.
  • engineman312
    engineman312 Posts: 3,450 Member
    i'd go see a doctor, and maybe the can recommend a sports medicine or something to help you rehad your ankle.
  • menchi
    menchi Posts: 297 Member
    Perhaps wear an ankle support to give it a little extra protection? Also there are lots of exercises you can do that don't stress your ankles-- swimming comes to mind, biking, etc. You can also do small exercises to strengthen you ankles. One of my favorites (great for killing time) is to draw letters of the alphabet in the air with just your feet.
  • LivLovLrn
    LivLovLrn Posts: 580 Member
    so last summer, a YEAR ago? Did you do any rehabilitative exercises? That is a long time for a sprain, even an ankle. I would definitely exercise through the pain, but only gentle exercises to build up the muscles so you can go from there
  • tigersword
    tigersword Posts: 8,059 Member
    So last summer I sprained my ankle. Every once in a while it still hurts. I REALLY wanna do the couch to 5k. I also want to conquor a Jillian Michaels DVD. Need to get stronger. If the ankle hurts how do I know if I should stop and if I'm just being a wimp? Any advice is appreciated.

    Over a year of recovery? Something's not right, you might want to get it checked out. Sprains usually don't take more than a month or two usually.
  • bregalad5
    bregalad5 Posts: 3,965 Member
    I have a very weak ankle, so I know where you're coming from (ankle/knee injuries for over 10 years now... *sigh*)

    You can get decent braces from CVS or Wal-Mart. If you decide to just go with an Ace bandage, make sure you're wrapping it up properly or it won't do much good.

    Definitely check in with your doctor, and s/he should be able to refer you to either an orthopedic surgeon (doesn't necessarily mean you have to have surgery!) or a few weeks of physical therapy to get that thing strengthened. Make sure you tell the therapist or MD your goals, so they know how far to take you in the sessions.

    Good luck!
This discussion has been closed.

Categories