Ankle Sprain (warning picture of swollen ankle)

gilliatt

 I was running yesterday morning at work (yes I get paid to workout) and completely rolled my ankle.  Never done this before as you can tell it is swollen as hell.  I have registered for Hy-Vee 5150 US championships, it is in 17 days.  I saw the Occupational medicine doc, he xrayed it and put me on light duty until 8/27.  Anyone done this before?  I know there is different grades of ankle sprains, anyone think doing much more than the swim at Hy-Vee is even feasable?  From what I've heard these can take a while to   heal. 

jamimcginness

wow, that really sucks! I am also doing the 5150 US Championship and would love to race with ya. That being said, I don't know....seems like the swelling is telling you to rest it a bit and wait for the next one. I'd hate for you to structurally mess yourself up more than you have already. Are you able to put any weight at all on the foot?

Carrie Chavez

Did they rule out a fracture? It is swollen high on the ankle near the fibula. Are you allowed full weight bearing or are you on crutches?

Racing is possible if it is a grade 1 sprain but a 2 or 3 or a fracture- no go. Grade 1 can heal in 5-7 days if treated properly: rest, ice, compression. As soon as swelling subsides and pain decreases you can gently begin range of motion exercises.

You need a definitive diagnoses. Integrity of ligaments and bone.

gilliatt

@ Carrie sorta at least by their x-ray. From the little bit I know some of the ankle fx's take a while to show up on xray. Honestly the occupational med doc didn't tell me hardly anything other than it isn't broken from what he can see and take it easy and see him again in 12 days. Since it is a workman's comp think getting something like an MRI just won't happen until 12 days. I didn't get crutches so I guess full weight bearing.
Not impressed with occ med. I think they are more interested in sniffing out system abuse and guys who are abusing narcs and not wanting to work more than they are someone's well being who wants to get back to work. (ME).

Coach Patrick

Ice. Compression. NSAIDs. light spinning on the bike for blood flow...keep us posted. x2 what carrie said...

Michele Cellai

As a veteran of many ankle sprains, and an Occ Med NP- I suspect running the full race may not be in the picture and swimming might even bother it. The first few sprains I had, I was on crutches. These days (30+ years later) I can literally walk it off and finish a race (happened to me at mile 9 of a HIM in June). IIRC you are a firefighter. Most of the firefighters I see want to be back at it ASAP. I suspect you will likely be in that category as you have a life outside of work that helps to keep you sane. Do the RICE and it will come along faster than trying to force it better. Good luck.

Unknown

Ouch!  I feel your pain.

I had one in college that looked a lot like yours.  It's still bigger than my other one to this day.  I was on crutches for about a week but I found that I was able to swim before I could walk comfortably.  Obviously, R.I.C.E. it.  Beyond that, I did a fair amount of breaststroke kicking and found that the "in and out" motion felt better than the "up and down" motion on flutter kicking and I think it helped to keep it from getting too tight.  I wouldn't give up on Hy-Vee yet, but I would be careful not to put any unnecessary strain on it for a while.  When you feel like you are ready to start running again, you may want to do it in the pool before you go out on the road.  Good Luck!

jamison.gaddy

If it isn't broken and you can walk on it do so, even if it is slowly. Full range of motion and good body mechanics. When you don't have to be on it stay off, retrograde message (google it), wear some compression socks and ice it 3 time daily. Get the swelling down. Swim and soft pedal. Elevate and ice. If you can stand on that foot with your eyes closed for 30 sec give it a shot. Give yourself a chance. Keep it moving. If you decide to race get someone to tape it. Good luck.

ebe4zippy

Dan,
That Sucks! I was looking forward to seeing you next weekend. As a massage thereapist, I would say you want to avoid movement that will cause some form of lateral displacement. Keep up the RICE and might make the swim and bike and then walk? the run. Let us konw what the doc say's tomorrow. I hope to see you anyway at the race!

jwpicciotto

I went through this 10 weeks out from IM Texas. I had a grade 2 sprain. When they tell you that it would have been "better" if you had just broken it you kow that you are in for a problem. I strongly second what Carrie said. Get a referal to a sports medicine doctor and get a definitive diagnosis. Then have them give you a script for PT. Again get with an organization that does rehab for athletes. If you see a bunch of people in walkers at the PT, you are in the wrong place. For a really bad ankle sprain, the rehab can be months. If you try to just RICE and man up through it, you are in danger of permanent/recurrent issues. Serious ligiment damage is not self repairing like muscle sprains. I am now around 30 weeks out from my injury and if I don't stay on top of the PT exercises, I can feel the ankle during running FTP tests.

Hopefully your issue isn't as bad as mine, but it is better to work with a knowledgable doctor and get a plan that will get you healthy again.

[Deleted User]

ditto the RICE. compression socks will make it feel better and help with swelling. Got to get the swelling under control.

They can test for a fracture before they show up on x-ray by using a low pitched tuning fork (like they use in music), and strike the fork to get it vibrating then put the stem on the bone. If the vibration hurts like crazy it's fractured. If ultrasound therapy really bothers it...it's fractured. Guess how I know?? Fractured my L tibilalis in 2011.

Good luck and take care of it now so that you don't extend the healing time.

gilliatt

Update 8/27
Saw the doc today. Still on light duty until at least next Wednesday 9/4 , so Hy-Vee is definitely out of the question since I still have "work restrictions" I did get a prescription for physical therapy. I did get a sweet compression deal from one of the athletic trainers I know. I am using una boot as well.
Since I can't work my part time jobs and can't run or swim very well I've been doing some weight lifting and core work. I have a lot of free time right now. Thanks for all the advice.
EBE, I'll probably show up and watch I'll try and find ya or yell at you.

tgarson

Total bummer, acute ankle injuries are such a total b*** since it's like an instants worth of torquing it and weeks of pain and recovery. Missing a race is one thing, but bigger bummer when it impacts your job though. Fortunately for me I get paid to sit on my ass so I could theoretically keep bringing home the bacon from the comfort of a hoveround at a modest 400 pounds. Just need to make the office claw-accessible.

ebe4zippy

Dan,
Glad to hear you are seeing a PT. Keep up the strength work and you will be even stronger next season.
I will look for you at Hy-vee. If it is not wetsuit legal, I am wearing my gear west tri-suit, if it is I will wear my EN kit.