Training after injury

ollyridesfirst

As the good old NHS are making me wait 4 weeks for a physio appointment, i thought i'd see if i could get any advice on here. Just over a week ago (on the Friday) i went over on my ankle playing football. Turns out i managed a level 1 tear of the ligaments and a hairline fracture (no-one was even near me). Anyway, i've been told that i'll be on crutches for at least 8 weeks, but the initial physio told me that in a few weeks i should start to try and move my foot forwards and backwards (rather than rotating).

Has anyone been through this before? I'm gutted to be missing out on early spring rides and i know it's going to be a long time before i can get some decent miles in, but i was curious as to whether i could do this sort of movement very lightly on the turbo at home? When your feet are clipped in, that's pretty much the only way they can move?

Incidentally, i have just got off the phone with my private physio who will see me in a couple of weeks. The last thing i want is for the nhs to see me in 4 weeks and tell me that ill need an operation because it's not going right! :roll:

Thanks in advance....

roddixon

OllyRidesFirst wrote:

As the good old NHS are making me wait 4 weeks for a physio appointment,

OllyRidesFirst wrote:

the initial physio told me that in a few weeks i should start to try and move my foot forwards and backwards (rather than rotating).

Sounds like you have your answer, getting out of your clips might be difficult. I would avoid until you've seen the physio again, you'll just delay the healing. Its a bu**er, but sh*t happens and all.

OllyRidesFirst wrote:

Incidentally, i have just got off the phone with my private physio who will see me in a couple of weeks. The last thing i want is for the nhs to see me in 4 weeks and tell me that ill need an operation because it's not going right! :roll:

The last time I looked physios couldn't decide if an operation is indicated. Have you seen a surgeon/casualty doctor about it? Did they think it needed operating? I'd cancel the private physio, they are obviously not that bothered if they offered you an appointment in a couple of weeks. If not, dont forget to cancel the NHS one! they're like golddust those things

Tom Dean

No idea how it would affect your injury, but 'very light' work on the turbo isn't going to do anything for your fitness anyway. Err on the side of caution.

cyco2

Ligaments take longer to heal because there is no blood flow in them and complete rest by restriction is the only way to heal them. They are not like a muscles were you can do light exercise or massage after a short rest and anti inflammatory care. If you move a ligament while it's healing you may get further problems. So, don't try to exercise it until you have had Physio advice. That's why they are not bothered about seeing you so soon. If you go to the local butchers they'll show you some ligaments and you'll see why it's no good exercising your way out of it if it's damaged. Cos' it's just like an elastic band and if it's broke don't use it.