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View Full Version : Severely sprained ankle- questions


warthog
02-22-2005, 09:26 AM
Sprained the absolute hell outta my left ankle, playing Ultimate this past summer. Rehabed it, swelling went down, all seemed well. After skiing on it for 5 days straight in Jackson, it feels strange again.

My Achilles Tendon aches at the base of the heel. Sometimes there is a sharp pain there as well. It feels as if I need to crack it, kinda like a knuckle.

When I sparained it, there were all sorts of cracks and pops. Really one of the more disgusting noises I have heard come from my own body. The swelling took about 2 months to go completely down.

When I play Ultimate now, I wear a stirrup style brace that is close to bullet-proof. It helps me cut, but I feel it is immobilizing my achilles. Could that be why it aches? I really do not want a repeat of this, so not wearing the brace is out of the question.

Thanks for your help.
Vinman
02-22-2005, 10:34 AM
sound like your achillies may be the culprit. It is common for the achillies to get tight after an injury like yours. Try some warm soaks and stretching for general treatment and Ice after activity to prevent any swelling.
jayfrizzo
02-22-2005, 09:03 PM
Sounds similar to tendonitis, but for something that specific I'd go to the doctor. I broke my ankle years ago and if I surprise it with activity it'll get pissed off.
Mrs Roo
02-23-2005, 05:34 AM
When I play Ultimate now, I wear a stirrup style brace that is close to bullet-proof. It helps me cut, but I feel it is immobilizing my achilles. Could that be why it aches? I really do not want a repeat of this, so not wearing the brace is out of the question.

Thanks for your help.

Ah ha! Orthotics, now that is something I know about. If it is a stirrup brace it shouldn't restrict the achilles. If you can flex the ankle up and down, then it is not affecting the motion that comes from the calf (via the achilles). It should just restrict the side to side rolling which is what you want if you are still a bit unstable.

Vinman is right in that you should stretch the achilles because a tight achilles will alter the alignment of the ankle and you may also benefit from doing some balance exercises on one leg and strengthening work to improve your stability.
http://www.physsportsmed.com/issues/2002/08_02/sandor.htm