Ankle Sprain Recovery Time?

[Complik]

Alright let's start with a little background info. I'm 17 years old, 6'3", and over 280lbs. While it sounds like I'm an absolute coach potato, I'm actually pretty athletic, I can run 3 miles without any problem, varsity swim team, blah blah blah. I've always had weak ankles and I think it's because of the way I walk, a little duck walking goes on. I find if I walk on the top right portion of my right foot I'm guaranteed an ankle slip, same for left foot on left side. Anyway. A few months ago, back in march, I suffered the worst sprain ever. Playing basketball in nike free runs, jump up high for a layup, landed on someone's foot. My ankle popped really loud and I couldn't walk at all. Should've gone to the hospital but didn't. Next day, ankle was cantaloupe size...about 3 days later I was walking (barely). Maybe a week after that I was back to playing basketball.

Monday something similar happened. Couldn't walk the first day, now I'm limping but it's still sore. Also, I'd like to make it clear that I'm very pain tolerant. Age 10 I fracture 6 vertebrae in my back and literally walked it off for three days(then went to the hospital)

How long till I can play again, workout, or run? I'm desperate to get back to working out bc I was doing really well. What can I do?

 

[napalm]

High ankle sprains often take longer than fractures to heal. Patience is your friend here brother.

Find a good PT to work with would be my suggestion.

Good luck...

 

[bdcc]

There is some research to demonstrate working the contralateral ankle can reduce healing time in the injured ankle.

Tip 106: Use the Cross-Training Effect to Rehab Ankle Injuries Faster - Charles Poliquin

 

[jswain34]

There is some research to demonstrate working the contralateral ankle can reduce healing time in the injured ankle.

Tip 106: Use the Cross-Training Effect to Rehab Ankle Injuries Faster - Charles Poliquin

That's awesome. Appreciate the post Ben I sprained my ankle pretty bad a few months ago and wish I would've known this then. Instead I just limped around the gym and tried doing legs without it hurting...talk about tough to put together a decent routine.

 

[jswain34]

And as far as the OP, I wore an ankle brace and found that as long as I didn't let my weight transfer outward toward my toes and kept it centered over my heels I could still get around and slightly lift weights. Running was a no go for like a month. Wear a brace, try and keep off it as much as possible, and ice it. Ya know, the generic RICE concept.

 

[TheMovement]

ankle sprains at your size are brutal if not treated correctly and if you continue to be active will last a the life of your extracurriculars and can lead to other chronic issues. If you have good insurance see a doc or a specialist asap. Recover it now so in college it wont be a hindrance or crutch

Best of luck and hope all goes well

 

[Complik]

Idk about that...I don't want to worry my parents like that and I'm already walking fine

 

[TheMovement]

Idk about that...I don't want to worry my parents like that and I'm already walking fine

Got an athletic trainer?

 

[bdcc]

That's awesome. Appreciate the post Ben I sprained my ankle pretty bad a few months ago and wish I would've known this then. Instead I just limped around the gym and tried doing legs without it hurting...talk about tough to put together a decent routine.

You should have messaged me.

 

[jswain34]

You should have messaged me.

Didn't know you were such the ankle sprain guru!

 

[Complik]

I had a trainer, but couldn't afford him. I work out of starting strength and usually do about 3 miles jog a day, plus around 3 hours of 5on5 basketball a day

 

[Doss]

You need to take it easy, man, and go to the doctor. RICE protocol should be followed as well.

Little story for you: When I was 17 I sprained my ankle pretty bad in a skateboarding accident. Landed wrong and bent the ankle completely in the plantar flexion direction. My foot looked like it was on upside down and backwards. I went in to the doc and luckily I didn't tear anything, but I strained the hell out of a bunch of stuff and to this day dorsiflexion isn't the same. It might not be a big deal to you now, but it might plague you down the road if you don't do the proper PT.

I'm closing in on a 2.75xBW squat and whenever I start getting near maximal weights I can feel the difference in flexibility. Just my 2¢ man. I'd see a doc and take it easy for a minute.

 

[TheMovement]

I had a trainer, but couldn't afford him. I work out of starting strength and usually do about 3 miles jog a day, plus around 3 hours of 5on5 basketball a day

Not a personal trainer a high school trainer or a friend who wouldnt mind testing that ankle out for ya.

 

[Complik]

So I'm taking your guys advice...still immobile

Avoiding basketball and the gym as hard as it is...just walking the dog. Ill give it another 3 days