Ankle Twisted - Recovery Advice
So ankle problems are new territory for me...
Cranked my right ankle while waterskiing (actually technically while falling...) behind a boat going over 30miles/hour yesterday....
The resulting bathing suit wedgy was the worst part at the moment of the fall - but once I dragged my sorry butt (literally) back up onto the boat I could feel my ankle starting to stiffen and protest.
It isn't too swollen - perhaps a little swelling on the outside middle of the foot (looks almost like another ankle!). It isn't tender to the touch. I can bear weight on the foot (but prefer to step slowly and carefully). Movement dircetly up and down is okay (again slow) but its the side to side or rotation of the ankle that gives me the OUCH reaction.
I like anatomy but don't know much about it. Any idea what i've pulled/done?
I'm familiar with R.I.C.E. concepts but wanted to see when/if I should start introducing some small movements. Should I keep it completely still or try to gradually move it around?
I decided a Dr wasn't necessary (yet) due to the being able to walk and the lack of swelling. If it continues to cause issues later this week then I will certainly go for a visit.
Thanks for the tips and advice!
Guess I'll be taking it easy this week...
I twisted my ankle a few years ago on Memorial Day, did RICE, didn't get much better, finally went to the doctor in late July (needed to be fully mobile by Labor Day). No break, but the physical therapist gave me a series of exercises, was better in 4 weeks than I had been in 3 months of self-treating. I still do the exercises the PT gave me regularly (tend to have joint problems). Both doctor and PT said twists/sprains can take longer to heal than breaks.
I think you should go to the doctor sooner rather than later so that you can get some physical therapy as soon as appropriate. Just my $0.02!
oh boo.... that doesn't sound like what I wanted to hear.... but I probably suspected that or I wouldn't have posted in the first place.
I promise I'll get to the doc if I am having issues still at the end of this week.
Longer healing than a break? Yikes. I'll keep my fingers crossed THIS twist will heal itself up pronto on its own with a little TLC... what can I say... I'm optimistic. But your post gave me a little more realism on the situation. I guess a fall at 30miles/hr is kinda serious.
Its also possible you tore a ligament. You have three main ones in your ankle, and if you hurt the one controls rotation, it explains why it only hurts when you turn it.
I would definitely suggest seeing a doctor. If you do not rest it/let it repair itself you can do lasting damage to the ankle.
I've done this to both of mine. Seriously get it checked out. Sometimes they'll even cast you for this type of injury, but not always.
I agree with Firefly - I tore a ligament in my ankle playing rugby and thought it was a sprain and after 4 weeks I saw a Physio who zapped it with electrodes and after a couple of weeks of prescribed exercises I was back training. Just wish I'd seen him first and I wouldn't have wasted 4 weeks hobbling around!
That article was awesome!!! Thanks for the link! Def gave me a better idea of the anatomy behind it all.
After reading that article and after a day of rest I'm beginning to think that the "twist" isn't my ankle joint specifically - but actually in my feet since I have no problem with the up and down motion from my ankle.
Feeling better than yesterday so I guess that is something! Still catch myself moving my foot in ways that feel less than ideal but it is getting easier.
I've been trying to slowly trace out the alphabet with my toes to introduce more movement back.
Original Post by firefly57:
If you do not rest it/let it repair itself you can do lasting damage to the ankle.
See, this worries me. I sprained my ankle several weeks ago and am still limping around. I work 8 hours a day and am constantly on my feet and walking...by the end of the day I am in tears. I just never have time to rest my ankle.
Guys, I am from Portland,Oregon.
Late Sunday into Monday around 2am in the morning I was stepping over my printer with my right, with a very large suite case, while in mid step with my right foot and on my toes, the large suite case I lost my grip of and made me fall to the side and I tossed the suite case across my bed as I fell on my side and on my ankle right. This happened in Portland,Oregon on Nov, 22. Today I am still without movement in foot or toes and the pain is pins going through my toes which I can't bend, and my ankle which I can't move at all. Can someone help me here? I went to one doctor they took X-rays and there was no break. I am really scared because the pins and this sleep feeling won't go away. Anyone know what I might have done? I am in a walking boot cast but it's not helping.
Garya:
GO SEE A PODIATRIST PRONTO. It sounds like you pulled/tore a ligament or tendon. You will probably want to get a hard cast for that to keep it completely immobile. Oh and RICE it (rest, ice, compression(ace bandage works good), elevation). But, go see a foot doctor asap.
Jef:
I would say the same thing. Go see a foot doctor.
