2 Sprained Ankles! (copied from corrupted original by ksd1)

About 6 weeks ago I stupidly twisted both my ankles at a party very badly.
I couldnt walk for about 2 weeks so rested and used ice to reduce the swelling which it did.
I twisted both by putting weight on the inside of the foot.

I assumed the swelling on both would go down itself but it only has to a point and seems to be a constant swelled size since.
I played football once or twice after this and they swelled up again. The same happens if i walklong distances.

I went to the doctor and she confirmed that nothing was broken but that i would need physio to reduce the swelling and strengthen the ankle. She also prescribed me some ibuprofen to reduce the swelling.
The problem is the waiting list for physio is 8 weeks and I really cant wait that long without doing anything.

Any techniques or exercise anyone can suggest help reduce the swelling and get them back to there normal size would be very much appreciated. <img border=0 src="http://www.ezboard.com/images/emoticons/eyes.gif" />

Hi!

You sound like you are not a physio. Is this right? I will assume you are not...

It is hard to teach you how to take care of your ankle without seeing you or putting our hands on to assess you.

However, there are some simple, non-dangerous things you can do to help yourself...

1. Use a bucket of water filled with ice. I have found this the best way to ice ankles. Make sure you keep your feet moving every now and then so the surrounding water doesn't get to warm! Be warned, you should check to see if you are susceptible to ice-burn...

2. If the waiting list for physio is 8 weeks, where do you live? Often ringing and speaking to a physio will give you good tips on what to do until then. It is so difficult to give advice when you don't know enough...

3. If you have to wait to see a physio (for free i am guessing), perhaps it would be beneficial to pay for one or two visits with a private practitioner (I am one, just declaring my background!). If someone told me the story up front and that they could only afford to come once or twice, i have always made sure they have all they can learn from me in that time and often the right exercises, stretches and advice can go a long way in helping you out until you get in to see a physio. I suggest this as you state you played footy - in Australia???

Apart from the above advice, i think it would be imprudent of me to offer any other advice as i could be harming you - even the ice could be bad for you if you do it wrong.

Let us know how you go!

www.footcaremd.com/fc_a_footfitness_ankle1.html

I found this website would u recommend any of the exercises?

Dear KSD1

The website exercises are pretty basic and shouldn't be a problem.

However, please be warned that they may not be appropriate for you.

You may still have a fracture that cannot be seen on X-Ray.

Simply doing the exercises will not "cure you" but they may (or may not) help you.

Simply doing nothing, you have a statistical probability of "recovering" without treatment but you probably will still have some problems, even if they are "niggling".

I am sorry i dance around the issues but i don;t want to recommend something that may be bad for you.

I guess if it doesn't hurt then it should be ok.

THe best is to speak to someone directly. Have you called the hospital to speak to a physio?

I hope it helps!