Ankle Ligaments

[karen.hankey]

Hi Gemma,

I would reccommend that you spend your time strengthening up the ankle and improving your balance before buying a brace. You don't want to become reliant on a brace for the rest of your life.

Have you been trying anything to reduce the swelling?

To be honest swollen and struggling to walk after 3 weeks I would consider a second opinion from the hospital. For most ligament strains of the ankle you are looking at 6-8 weeks for recovery back to activity. At 3 weeks I would expect no swelling and little pain unless twisting or turning.

[Gem]

Thank you for your reply.

I've been taking Ibuprofen and in the initial stages was packing it with ice. I've also been using heat as I heard that could be beneficial. I'm going back the doctors later on tonight. My job can be very physical at times and was just worried about going back and doing the ankle again!! which is partly where the idea about some sort of support for such occasions.

Gem x x

[karen.hankey]

How did the doctors go?

Heat as well as ice can be good for swelling. I use the program of:

- First 2 days - ice 20 mins
- Second 2 days - ice 4mins, heat 1min for total of 20mins
- Next 2 days - ice 3mins, heat 2mins for total of 20mins
- Next 2 days - ice 2mins, heat 3mins for a total of 20mins
- Next 2 days - ice 1min, heat 4mins for a total of 20mins

[Gem]

Thankyou for the tips.

The doctors was a bit of a non event really. He just looked at it said "hmmmm that's not good", signed me off for another two weeks and sent me on my merry way!

Gem x x

[Adriaan]

How did the doctors go?

Heat as well as ice can be good for swelling. I use the program of:

- First 2 days - ice 20 mins
- Second 2 days - ice 4mins, heat 1min for total of 20mins
- Next 2 days - ice 3mins, heat 2mins for total of 20mins
- Next 2 days - ice 2mins, heat 3mins for a total of 20mins
- Next 2 days - ice 1min, heat 4mins for a total of 20mins

I do't think ice or heat er good to reduce swelling. I think compression is a very important factor to reduce swelling.

It seems that you want to improve circulation with the ice-heat applications. Am I right? Could you explaine me why you think ice or heat can change swelling?

[karen.hankey]

I do't think ice or heat er good to reduce swelling. I think compression is a very important factor to reduce swelling.

It seems that you want to improve circulation with the ice-heat applications. Am I right? Could you explaine me why you think ice or heat can change swelling?

I agree that compression in very effective with regard to swelling, but more to prevent it from occurring rather than get rid of it. If the ankle had been strapped up when it initially occurred then there wouldn't be any need for this thread.

The ice and heat is to boost the circulation. The fluid of the swelling is got rid of through the lymph vessels. Normally this can occur through movement due to the muscles compressing the vessels in a pumping action. The hot and cold will dilate and constrict the vessels to mimic this action.

I have always found the programme posted previously to help with swelling, especially with ankles