The ankle which just won't heal

[KBear]

I'd also like to know if it ever healed properly. I rolled my ankle several weeks ago and it still hurts. I will wear an ace bandage for a few days, think it's better and stop and then a few days later it will hurt again. I've known a few people that had bad foot injuries (not my typical clumsiness) and it took awhile for them to heal.

[Jack-of-all-trades]

For what it is worth a bad ankle sprain takes longer to heal than a fracture. Sad part is a fracture when healed, is as strong as the original bone. An ankle sprain is never as strong as the original before the ligaments are torn. The outside of the ankle is most commonly sprained and a ligament there can actually pull off a piece of bone where it attaches. It is still treated the same way though. An X-ray is still important to make sure there is no fracture through the ankle mortise (joint). If the fracture is displaced it will need surgery to pin it. The big thing is ice and elevate for the first 48 hours. Crutches for about 5-7 days to take some of the weight off would be a good thing, but after the acute phase you don't need to get dependent on them. Most drug stores sell them. Some sort of ankle support is good for 4-6 months after a bad sprain but not one that keeps your ankle stiff. High top shoes are good. Thing is most people, especially women then to not thing the old high top Keds are fashionable. That is the kind of support that is needed. Since it is winter, boots would work. Movement after the acute phase prevents stiffness and helps to get better quicker.

[Cindylou]

Such very good advice Michael. People are typically so surprised that an ankle sprain is worse than a fracture, but it's true. And slow going is the healing, but you brought up the best things to do during the acute and chronic phase of one. I sprained one of my ankles years ago, and it took darn close to a year before it felt "normal." Kathy, you follow Jack of all Trade's recommendations, you hear? You are especially vulnerable now with child, slowly adding weight, and ever changing balance accommodations. I would say at least you're not up here in the snow and ice, but then.......I took that bad fall and sprain back in Texas on a sunny day. Doh! Be good to yourself. No Karin in sight. CL (must be healed?)

[Nairek]

Hi there!

It would seem that I am not getting e-mail notifications on post responses. I'll have to look into that.

I know I haven't been on the board much lately. I'm on Facebook quite a bit. (Think I need an intervention). Work has been exhausting and with school on top of it, I'm just so Of course I've got some other "health" type issues that I am following up on and I find the doctors here in Florida are just as as they were in New York.

As for the ankle, it seems that the bugger has healed. Thank the Lord! I was afraid that I would have to have surgery. I feel that the cortisone shot, the 6 weeks of wearing the medieval boot, and the physical therapy helped me.

There are times that when I am off my feet for a while and then stand up, it tends to be a little stiff until I walk it off. I don't run or jog on it (the fusion get's angry when I do that) but I can do a fast walk without much trouble.

I actually thought that I tore the tendon off of the bone or broke something. I can still hear that sickening "pop" in my head when I rolled it.

I agree that support and continued movement are important in the healing process.

I'll try to pop on here more often. I promise!

I hope that everyone is well!

[KBear]

Such very good advice Michael. People are typically so surprised that an ankle sprain is worse than a fracture, but it's true. And slow going is the healing, but you brought up the best things to do during the acute and chronic phase of one. I sprained one of my ankles years ago, and it took darn close to a year before it felt "normal." Kathy, you follow Jack of all Trade's recommendations, you hear? You are especially vulnerable now with child, slowly adding weight, and ever changing balance accommodations. I would say at least you're not up here in the snow and ice, but then.......I took that bad fall and sprain back in Texas on a sunny day. Doh! Be good to yourself. No Karin in sight. CL (must be healed?)

Thanks.... I'll be good, I promise. I forget about it because it won't hurt, then it does. Like last night I wore Dr Marten boots and they made it hurt, they are pretty heavy. I don't wear them much, so won't be a big deal to not wear them.

Nairek- Glad your ankle finally healed. I may need a Facebook intervention too.... it's just so fun. The other night one of our employee's evidentally made his wife angry and she posted all kinds of stuff on FB, it was hilarious. You can't fabricate that kind of stuff...LOL It also made it where we knew he was lying, when he told hubby about why he wasn't able to come to work.