Talk to me about sprained ankles!!

[slavetolife]

I sprained my ankle a week ago, currently signed off work (NHS, 12.5 hour shifts on my feet). I am wearing a support and not doing much, it's not painful as such but there's a general 'burning' feeling coming from outside of ankle and I've lost all strength to push off the ball of my foot when i walk. There's no doubt it was a bad sprain (MASSIVELY swollen ankle/foot at first and a huge amount of bruising).
Has anyone else done similar? How long did it take to get better? Did you need physio?

Yes I have done similar, though didn't have to get signed off work as I have a desk job. I think it took me 3 months to start running again though. Keep taking the tablets. I didn't have physio, but if you're offered, say yes.

I've sprained both my ankles loads of times and it does take quite a while to recover. I think you need to let the swelling go down for a few days before trying to do any physio. There are lots of great videos on Youtube for exercises. I've got a wobble board that I use regularly - you can start doing the movements sitting down and gradually progress to standing up. I found these helpful:

Thank you! I shall definitely look at videos/ wobble board, hadn't thought of that!