Sprained ankle

the ferry

Did it at self defence class!
Still quite sore 5 days later
Hope there's no long term weakness can't wait to get on the bike again.
Anyone had similar injury?
Everyone seems to say rest but websites are suggesting anything but. :?

NFMC

I play basketball and it's a regular injury for me. The problem is that once you start getting them, the ankle becomes pretty weak and it becomes a regular injury.

I'd highly recommend one of these...

http://www.return2fitness.co.uk/Support ... md101ankle

The good thing about cycling is that you're not really exposed to this sort of injury. It's other sports (like kicking a football with my four year old last week!) that will do it for you.

the ferry

Thanks for that certainly will consider it.
What is the average time to get back into training for a fairly serious sprain.
cheers

redvee

I sprained my ankle 2+ years ago and walking was painful but riding my bike was less painful. The doc wasn't too happy when I told him I did 8 miles on it the previous day. My ankle took 2 months to heal properly so I could use it as good as before I sprained it.

nwallace

Stood on a glass at the bottom of stairs 2 weeks before the Edinburgh to St Andrews this year. I put it above a footy on the face and putting teeth through lip in the pain department, possibly worse than a footy in a painful area but I think my large belly or legs took most of the hit when that has happened. Was out on the bike 2 days later without a problem (I use clips and straps so no need to twist anything).

OffTheBackAdam

I went through a spell a few years back of twisting an ankle on a far too frequent basis, Cycling probably won't hurt, twisting your foot out of the pedal probably will!
It takes ages to properly heal ligament damage, poor blood supply, so everytime for months afterwards you even slightly turn an ankle, it canes! :evil:

ut_och_cykla

HAve met Dutch chap who was told having sprained ankle so he couldn't even hobble, that cycling would be good, as long as he didn't put teh injured foot down first. A plastic brace was provided & it went well.
gentle use is preferred for sprains i believe- anything to get the blood going round the damaged ligaments which don't have their own blood supply!

redvee

OffTheBackAdam wrote:

It takes ages to properly heal ligament damage, poor blood supply, so everytime for months afterwards you even slightly turn an ankle, it canes! :evil:

Got to agree with that as with a groin strain, even the slightest twinge of muscle in the wrong way haltred me for a few mins.

the ferry

.....all interesting stuff....also realised that frustrating as it is to be off work it does have certain benefits as in real chil time. I'm reading books i've meant to read for years and sorting out clutter an stuff.
Whereas any previous free time i'd be out on bike like a conditioned reflex - I live therefore i bike!
Didn't think i'd be off a full week but first sick time in 5yr so shoudn't feel guilty.

fossyant

Try riding your turbo, or a light cycle as you'll be surprised as some injuries are OK on the bike.

I badly sprained my ankle at school during an 800m (many years ago) but that took years to heal completely - i.e. was prone to re-spraining it !

Cajun

DMSO is excellent for relieving a sprain or even arthritis....
tips:
1) Skin must be clean; no soap or alcohol residue.
2) If applied for more than 3 days, your body WILL permeate a GARLIC odor...I apply for 2 days, skip 2 days, then apply once again.
3) If you apply too much, your skin will itch like crazy.....just rinse with cold water...the itching will subside within 5+ minutes.

This product is not approved by the American Medical Association or the Food & Drug Administration, however they have approved other medications that cause blindness, impotence, heart attacks, suicide tendencies, etc.....go figure?
Info:
http://www.dmso.org/articles/information/muir.htm

Cajun

Witchcraft here...
Bromelain is an enzyme derived from pineapples (fresh or capsules, not canned) and has a natural anti-inflammatory effect.
Cayenne Pepper (Capsicum annuum) depletes the nerves of substance p, a neurotransmitter.(Only pepper that I know of that is listed as a Health Food)
Ginger is also used for inflamation and pain relief (be careful, it also thins the blood)..
MSM has natural anti-inflammatory benefits.
SAMe is also good...
Do a web search for these herbs....

hugo 1st

Sprained ankles should be banned :x

(er.. this is Soapbox innit?)

robbarker

Did mine in December - recovery period from a bad one is three months. Take it easy for a while - if you sprain it again when it's already injured you'll be out for months. Cycling is normally fine after a couple of weeks but introduce it gradually.

It's well worth getting a few sessions with a sports physio - they will advise on what you can and can't do and will push you to strengthen the recovering ligaments with some specialist exercises. You'll recover more quickly and safely that way.

I'm doing long rides again now and they are proving beneficial, but I'm not allowed to play rugby for another month :-(

dennisn

I can also vouch for the, so called, re-spraining of ankles. I screwed mine up really badly playing volleyball. Took years to really heal as I was re-spraining it every once in a while just by mowing the lawn. Even after all these years it still will "twitch" slighty on me,
if I happen to step on something wrong. Not often, but it's still there.

Dennis Noward