Hi, I was taking a step aerobic course on Sat. morning and mis-stepped and sprained my ankle. I have a doctor's appt. tomorrow so I can postpone my gym membership until it is healed. This is the first time I have ever sprained an ankle, everyone is telling me that it takes about 4 weeks to heal. Is this right? Has anyone else exerienced this and if so what kind of workout did you do? I just got into the groove of working out. I am so upset I did something so stupid. I have been on a plateau for 6 months now and was hoping to break it by increasing my exercise. ARG! so fustrating!!! Any advice is appreciated.

thanks!

I'm not sure how long it will take for your ankle to heal. Boy can I understand though. I injured mine 3 weeks ago with nerve and muscle damage and am requiring PT 3 times a week. It is so frustrating because I want to be able to exercise. Good luck to you on a speedy recovery.

Oh Rose2

I know exactly how you feel. I went to a Tampa Bay Buccaneers game and like a dummy had a little too much to drink. Well, long story short I stepped of a very high curb while moving fast to cross the street and sprained my ankle so bad it was swollen and my whole foot turned black and blue. I was just got heavy into running and I was running everyday so needless to say I was extremly frustrated. But I started to bike ride instead and I was able to maintaine my routine somewhat. It did take for me about 5-6 weeks before I was able to feel completely healed. Hang tough and don't give up but be careful not to do to much.

Not too sure if I should have been riding a bike thank godness I did not fall off I could have made it even worse

Ouch, that's bad. You'll be out for several weeks. Do you have access to a pool?

I sprang my ankle pretty bad a few years ago-slipped down the icy stairs outside. You may be able to start walking gently after the first week or so depending on what your doctor says but you'll need to keep it pretty no-impact as much as possible for quite awhile.

Maybe work on lifting weights and some floor type exercises, oh and I think you can still do some Pilates.

take it slow
Sarah

I sprained my ankle here a few years back... I was on crutches for a week - it hurt sooooo bad to put any weight on that foot.
Healing is not a one-size-fits-all process. Do what you can when you can, and don't push it. I would, however, recommend doing some range of motion exercises with your foot/ankle because it will help keep that joint from getting stiff while healing. My ankle got VERY stiff afterward (I did not do anything to help with range of motion), and it had taken me a few years to get good flexibility and range of motion back.... so, for me, that was a hard lesson learned.

Thanks guys!! It is swollen with slight bruising, I am hoping that it isn't really bad. My main problem right now is staying off it. I am home with my kids and I am getting up every 5 mins for something. My husband's aunt is a nurse and she said to stay off it or I can make it worse. -- in a perfect world that would be possible

pilates- good idea! I can do pilates. -- thanks for the suggestions and smpathy

Ouch! I did something similar in a kickboxing class. I know what you mean about being up every 5 minutes for something too. I had to sit out of the class for at least 4 weeks (it was probably longer) and once I started back up it took me 4-6 sessions to feel comfortable putting full weight on it. I wore a compression brace for a while which really helped a lot. I was able to do the floor work part of my class, but I hated missing the rest.

Hope you're back on it soon!

I sprained my ankle around the 23rd of June and I still can't sit cross-legged or sit with that ankle against the ground. I can exercise at least now, though.

Good luck and hopefully it's not too bad.

Well, I chipped my bone! Doh! But the orthopedic said it isn't that bad because I didn't pull any ligiments. He wants me to start walking with the air cast next week to keep it loose. I have to wear this cast for 4 weeks - not too bad! I hope I am okay after.

lovelypurple - I feel for ya' - many people have told me that has happened to them, where it has taken months to heal!

I haven't worked out since Sat. and it is starting to bother me. I haven't gained but I am afraid it is coming unless I stop snacking. I have been kind of feeling sorry for myself and eating sherbet every night -- not good!

Thanks for all of your support!

OUCHIE! Here are lots of "Healing" vibes for ya.........

Good for you for going to the doctor. I sprained my ankle very badly 7 years ago but I didn't go to the doctor. That was the worst thing I could have done as I now have severe arthritis and bone spurs and I can't walk even short distances without pain. I could get my ankle bones fused, but then I'd have a permanently stiff foot . The moral of this story is that if you ever sprain your ankle, get medical attention fast!

I tore some ligaments in my ankle this spring, and it took about 4 weeks to heal (physiotherapy definitely helped speed it along at the end). I was going crazy not getting any exercise, but my physiotherapist ok'd swimming and waterfit classes for me. The deep waterfit are no-impact, so you don't have to worry about re-injuring yourself, and I've worn aircasts in the water before, so you can even keep that on to be on the safe side. Normally I find waterfit a little boring, but when it's the only exercise you can do, it's better than sitting on the couch feeling sorry for yourself! And swimming laps is really good cardio. I feel your frustration - I'm one of those perpetually injured people people 'cause I never pay attention to my limits - so I'd definitely start going to the pool if I were you, and you'll be healed before you know it. Good luck!

I sprained my ankle of 4th of July and it still hurts. I cant sit on that leg either, or criss cross. My fav thing to do was step aerobics, but still cant do that either. I would say, just take things slowly. It will heal faster if you slow down. (I should listen to my own advice LOL)

Get better soon!