Sprained Ankle Advice

Hey,

Thanks again for the helpful replies (and offer of hi-tops!) OldHouseMan, I am in the PDX area...so would check the PT out, although may be dependent on my insurance - haven't really figured out what it covers yet...

From last Thursday

https://scontent-b-sea.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xap1/v/l/t1.0-9/10675758_10152475828603171_3234041839348588807_n.jpg?oh=9d24676b6b11e0e625f7f4fe242d8c85&oe=54980EC1

when you sprain you ankle to damage the proprioceptive fibers which tell you where your ankle is in space, are important in coordination and help you protect yourself from a re-sprain - which will cause arthritis and degenerative joint disease if you continue to re-injure it.

you need to regain fine motor coordination as quickly as possible thru physical therapy, here is a link to some exercises.
www.webmd.com/a-to-z-guides/rehabilitati...for-an-ankle-sprain#

I advise you start with
1. ball rolling (roll a tennis ball under a book)
2. practice writing the alphabet in cursive - with your ankle/foot, not with knee or hip.
3. when those are easy, the balance exercises are important

The doctor has spoken - hi Alisa!

I had a bad sprain last December. PT is your friend, as many have said. Start as early as possible. The general rule is early movement (non weight bearing) is great as long as it's pain free.

My recovery has been complicated by damage to the underlying bone (just cleared for full activity as tolerated at month 9) - it was a fall from height while bouldering, so there was a lot of energy behind it. Be as aggressive as you can with PT and follow-up with a physician. Try accupuncture - it helps for some folks and worst case scenario you get a nice nap.

Frequent ice and elevation during the acute phase too. Good luck! Injuries suck, but you've got to give them the time they need to avoid chronic problems.