can anyone advise me re. ankle sprain and getting back to exercise please

[Owllady]

I sprained my ankle 5 weeks ago exactly
I've gone from being in excruciating pain and having to use crutches, to now being able to walk very short distance with a good support on and no crutches

I tried to walk maybe a mile this morning and now it hurts a bit. I feel so apprehensive about recovery going backwards instead of forwards but at the same time I feel so frustrated.

I can't swim as I have a skin condition which is aggravated by the chlorine. But I'm at a loss what else I can do to build my ankle strength back up again, or even if it's too soon.

I'm not very good at resting :( and any help and advice is gratefully received :)

[CMOTDibbler]

How about some gentle cycling?

[Owllady]

I'd have to buy a bike as mine is decrepid, but yes that is a good idea.

[GobblersKnob]

Have you asked for physio? I sprained my ankle very badly about 18 months ago and it took around 10 months of physio to get it right. It was kind of essential for what I do to get the range of moment back as comprehensively as possible, do I think they were extra thorough, but I don't think I could have done it without guidance, it was seizing up very badly before I started, and my range of movement was very limited.

Good luck with getting it sorted bad sprains are awful, when I did mine people kept telling me the recovery from a break is often easier and as time went by I started to agree with them!

[Redhead11]

Five weeks is not long enough to be thinking of going back to exercise. It can take 8 weeks for it to heal properly. After that, if you are struggling, go for physio, but above all be careful. Doing too much too soon can leave you with permanent damage. It is far better to break an ankle than sprain it. I know it is difficult, but have patience. I sprained an ankle (for the umpteenth time) 7 years ago and even doing everything right, it has never recovered and physio could do no more.

[Owllady]

Ok, I will take heed and wait a bit longer.
I presume gentle walking is okay? Though I can only do that for 15 minutes but it at least means my dog gets a couple of walks!

I really appreciate all your advice. I feel such a baby

[PeteCampbellsRecedingHairline]

I sprained my ankle and tore the ligaments exactly 5 weeks ago too. There is no way I could walk a mile on it.

It's still swelling up if I put too much weight on it, or if I move it in certain ways. I'm really fed up, I want to get back to my Jillian Michaels DVD.

Sorry no advice, my doctor prescribed rest and patience. I don't have a lot of either!