Post double ankle sprain rehab

[TonyBartlett]

Hi all, I managed to sprain both ankles, falling off a high curb, but at the beginning of a 450km cycle tour. Although I could not walk well, I could cycle with discomfort only under exertion. Given that I had was committed to the tour, I continued with pain-killers, an ankle support for the most affected ankle, icing and raising my feet at the end of each day. X-rays one week on showed no damage to the bone or ligament/tendon attachment points but did reveal osteoarthritis.

I'm now 5 weeks on and have for the the last 2 weeks been using chondroitin, glucosamine, MSM, vit. C and continue to use supports. Whereas cycling gives no pain, walking still does and becomes uncomfortable after 30 mins/a couple of kms. I'd like to get back to pain-free walking for longer distances (so would my dog) and would be grateful of any advice or recommendations.

[CBDB Ambassador]

oh gosh, that sounds like it’s immensely frustrating.

I do wonder if this might be for someone like a sports physiotherapist to help you with.

I haven’t had your issues, but walking is a struggle for me for other reasons. (Strangely, (slow) running is fine)

But here are some thoughts that went through my head:

- Nordic walking might be something interesting to try as you build up strength, see my first outings with NW healthunlocked.com/active10...

- also feel free to join our sister walking forum, where we have walkers at all levels encouraging themselves on and setting up little walking challenges. It might help with keeping motivation up as you build up again healthunlocked.com/active10

-we also have a sister forum all about strength and flexibility healthunlocked.com/strength...

- and last but most important thing I have learned as I went through various niggles, is to have patience with your own body. I had an ankle injury years ago, and that seemed to take ages.

Sending you lots of patience and speedy healing wishes!

[Susiepaul Graduate]

I do sympathise, I managed to fall off a kerb and sprain my ankle on the 2nd day of my holiday, but I was luckier in that I was able to use RICE ( up to a point) for a few days. Although its not right, I can run and walk without pain.

If its not getting better, my advice would be to see an osteopath. When I had shoulder problems in the New Year, mine sorted my out in 4 sessions! Well worth the cost in my view.