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Suggest Treatment For Severe Ankle Sprain
Question: I seem to have sprained my right ankle, though I am not aware of having done anything to cause it -- only a fair amount of walking. Begin about a week ago. Symptoms: Pain disappears while sleeping overnight, then slowly comes back as I walk during the way. Started wearing a "Futuro sport quick strap ankle support" yesterday and seems to help. Also minimizing walking, avoiding too much weight on right leg, and taking 2-3 ibuprofens twice a day. What exercises might I do to speed healing? (Wish to start training for 10K that will take place in late August.)
Brief Answer:
rest, antiinflammatory medications and warm up/stretches
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Thank you for your query.
I am Dr. Shuba Hariprasad and will be answering your query today.
A sprained ankle is a tricky injury and needs the right amount of rest and therapy to help prevent further injury.
I recommend:
- avoid walking (for exercise) for two days, continue using the ankle support during day time, leave it off during the night.
- use anti inflammatory gels (diclofenac or methyl salicylate preparations) over your whole ankle and part of the foot. Do this after warm compresses for 10 minutes(or a warm bath). Your feet and ankle should be warm.
Apply the gel with your hand in circular movements, do not massage too much, just massage gently for a few minutes and wear a medium length sock (enough to cover the affected areas).
An hour after this, apply ice pack (wrapped in a thin towel or handkerchief) for about 15-20 minutes. do not leave it on continuously ( on for a few seconds- off for a few). repeat the whole procedure thrice a day.
this along with Ibuprofen should take care of any inflammation you may have.
Keep you leg elevated at hip level everytime you sit (support leg below thigh and knee, not at your ankle)
after two days of this- do warm up exercises, gentle stretching before you start you exercise regime. take it slow. don't continue till pain occurs.
Lets say 15 minutes and slowly work you way up.
make sure you wear good supportive shoes and take regular breaks.
If all these don't help in a week to 10 days.. time to see your physician to rule out more severe injury.
Hope I've helped.
I am impressed that you seek to train for the 10K and really hope you can make it.
WIsh you well and all the best.
I would be happy to help you with any other queries you may have.
Regards,
Dr.Shuba Hariprasad
rest, antiinflammatory medications and warm up/stretches
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Thank you for your query.
I am Dr. Shuba Hariprasad and will be answering your query today.
A sprained ankle is a tricky injury and needs the right amount of rest and therapy to help prevent further injury.
I recommend:
- avoid walking (for exercise) for two days, continue using the ankle support during day time, leave it off during the night.
- use anti inflammatory gels (diclofenac or methyl salicylate preparations) over your whole ankle and part of the foot. Do this after warm compresses for 10 minutes(or a warm bath). Your feet and ankle should be warm.
Apply the gel with your hand in circular movements, do not massage too much, just massage gently for a few minutes and wear a medium length sock (enough to cover the affected areas).
An hour after this, apply ice pack (wrapped in a thin towel or handkerchief) for about 15-20 minutes. do not leave it on continuously ( on for a few seconds- off for a few). repeat the whole procedure thrice a day.
this along with Ibuprofen should take care of any inflammation you may have.
Keep you leg elevated at hip level everytime you sit (support leg below thigh and knee, not at your ankle)
after two days of this- do warm up exercises, gentle stretching before you start you exercise regime. take it slow. don't continue till pain occurs.
Lets say 15 minutes and slowly work you way up.
make sure you wear good supportive shoes and take regular breaks.
If all these don't help in a week to 10 days.. time to see your physician to rule out more severe injury.
Hope I've helped.
I am impressed that you seek to train for the 10K and really hope you can make it.
WIsh you well and all the best.
I would be happy to help you with any other queries you may have.
Regards,
Dr.Shuba Hariprasad
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Prasad
Dr. XXXXXXX Many thanks. I will do exactly what you recommend. Any specifics about the exercises? XXXXXXX
Brief Answer:
please see below for details
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Thank you for the follow up
About the exercises
- whole body stretches about 5 repetitions for each muscle group
- for ankles specifically : flexion, extension, rotatory movements gently (10 repetitions) dont flex or extend maximally, just enough to stretch the muscles
- warm up - if you walk at 5miles/hr, start at 2 miles/hr and slowly increase speed when your muscles have warmed up (about 10 -15 minutes).
If you usually start to feel discomfort after an hour, stop at 45 minutes (2 days), if no ankle pain , stop at 50 minutes and so on.
please also remember to stay well hydrated.
Hope this helps
PLease let me know if there is anything else I can help you with.
Regards,
Dr.Shuba Hariprasad
please see below for details
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Thank you for the follow up
About the exercises
- whole body stretches about 5 repetitions for each muscle group
- for ankles specifically : flexion, extension, rotatory movements gently (10 repetitions) dont flex or extend maximally, just enough to stretch the muscles
- warm up - if you walk at 5miles/hr, start at 2 miles/hr and slowly increase speed when your muscles have warmed up (about 10 -15 minutes).
If you usually start to feel discomfort after an hour, stop at 45 minutes (2 days), if no ankle pain , stop at 50 minutes and so on.
please also remember to stay well hydrated.
Hope this helps
PLease let me know if there is anything else I can help you with.
Regards,
Dr.Shuba Hariprasad
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Prasad
You have been extremely helpful. I will follow all of these instructions. If there is a way I can report back to you how effective they were, let me know. And I would also be glad to send you photo as I cross the finish line of my race in late August! :)
Brief Answer:
Yes please
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Yes that would be great.
Please get back to me at YYYY@YYYY .
Good luck and hope you feel better soon
Regards,
Dr. Shuba Hariprasad
Yes please
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Yes that would be great.
Please get back to me at YYYY@YYYY .
Good luck and hope you feel better soon
Regards,
Dr. Shuba Hariprasad
Note: For further queries, consult a joint and bone specialist, an Orthopaedic surgeon. Book a Call now.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Nagamani Ng
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