sprained ankle

[madham]

I have sprained my ankle at Taekwondo on Saturday, at my grading of all places, I couldn't believe it wasn't broken with the pain.

This is the second time I have done it training, last time I was hobbling around within about a week, this time it's extremely swollen and sore, I have had it x-rayed and they said it is quite bad and should avoid any movement on it for 3-4 week, but how long before I will be able to train again?

Also any advice with the Ibruprofen and Co-codamol (copaque - not sure of spelling sorry) they are knocking me out as soon as I take them.

[madham]

Sorry just to add, I can't go to the toilet either, haven't been since Friday and I normally go once if not twice a day, could this be the tables too??

[madham]

Thanks Fender62 for that, the hospital gave me a compression bandage, the bruising is coming out already but the pain hasn't lessoned any.

How did you do it? I have been worrying about work thinking I'm off on school holidays so was keen to get back to work and training. I shall take the advice and keep it well rested. I can't bear any weight on it anyway. Thanks again.

[madham]

Oh I'm on crutches, uncomfortable things!!

[chrissiekins]

Poor you! Ankle sprains are so underrated....

I did mine 2 months ago (broke my metatarsal in the process too but wasn't put in plaster as it was too close to my little toe to be of any use).

Anyway - the pain and swelling in my ankle was unbearable - I had a cohesive support bandage which felt very supportive but I was advised not to rely on it and to get used to not wearing it as quickly as possible. In any case you MUST keep your foot elevated above heart level and hold a frozen compress around the swollen part for 5-10 minute periods.

Anyway, two months on and my ankle is better but still stiff and noticeably swollen still. Presumably your hospital gave you excercies which you must start doing as soon as you are able to? The best one by far is balancing on your bad ankle (you might not quite be ready for this one yet!!), as all of your muscles and ligaments are being used to steady yourself. Also rotate it 360 both ways and up and down.

It's a slow recovery, but hopefully you'll be back to kicking ass in no time! I wish you well ;o)

[madham]

Thanks Chirssiekins, only thing I was told at the hospital to keep it moving as soon as is possible yes in the 360deg movements, I can manage toe wiggles and slight up and down, but side to side makes me want to cry.

And a break too - glad to hear though you are recovering well and feeling much better :0)

[chrissiekins]

Agreed Fender, though Friday nights can often be the cause of such injuries..(awkward cough..)

I forgot to say Madham - if you're taking the ibuprofen more for pain relief than to reduce inflammation, you might be better taking paracetamol (not aspirin) during the day as it shouldn't make you sleepy...remember, keep off that foot for a while as your ligaments/tendons have been pulled from the bone (ouch!), and need a bit of time to reshape.
Enjoy the respite!!

[madham]

Wednesday is another day, hurrah. Today I have managed to put my toes down, enough to steady me, but still can't weight bear. I am feeling more jolly today and I can see a slight improvement and Mum has fetched me some lactulose Solution to help with the toilet.

Yeah I am going to take 1 cocodamol in the day and just the 2 at night, unless the pain is unbearable, the doctor said I could take 1 cocodamol and 1 paracetamol instead of 2.

I'll keep you posted and I am finding loads of things to ask question about, should keep me busy.