Multiple sprained ankles - please give me hope

[MerylSqueak]

I have hyper mobile joints, particularly in my ankles. I'm 49. It's not caused me a problem until the last two or three years but now I am suffering from repeated sprained ankles and I'm beginning to despair of ever being free of them. I've seen a physiotherapist, a muscular skeletal doctor, an osteopath and a podiatrist on the NHS and I've followed every one of their recommendations.

In the last couple of days I was feeling really pleased about how strong one of them had got. I felt really stable and have been able to do calf raises on it for the first time in two and s half years without any pain or inflammation for the last couple of weeks.

And then went over on it just walking out of the bathroom at work. It's my strong one! I'm sofa bound yet again trying to rest it but I really feel despairing. There's no warning at all it's going to happen. I don't do anything silly. I follow all the advice. I'm losing faith that they're ever going to improve.

What kind of footwear do you wear? I'm similar (hypermobile and prone to sprains/ tendonitis/ fascitis) and I stick with footwear that fits my orthotic insoles, laces around the ankle to support or is steady and sturdy to walk in if I need something smart.
I'll use walking poles if I'm walking on rough terrain as I know they increase my stability.
Hypermobility is a lifelong condition, though there will be times when you have a gap between pain/injury and you can count your blessings! Just keep plodding along, do stability exercises /pilates when able.

Thank you for the encouragement. I've got the right kind of shoes recommend by the podiatrist.

I'm beginning to get really worried about old age if I'm like this now.

I can recommend wearing ankle boots during the winter. They offer enough support for me.

I had multiple sprains from sport and got to the point where my ankle would spontaneously sprain in my sleep. I would go over on my ankle all the time even in prescribed shoes.

I went rogue. Barefoot shoes have stopped my ankles from being so unstable as I seem to have built up the muscles in my feet and have better feedback from the ground I’m walking on. It has also helped with a re-occurring knee issue.

It is not a perfect solution. You have to learn to walk differently or it really hurts your heels. It takes a bit of time to get used to. It started for me by being completely barefoot when I could be over the summer and realising that I was less in pain than normal.

I have Hypermobility. I use KT tape to tape up my joints and support them when I'm recovering from injury or feel wobbly. It's shower proof and usually last 2-3 days.

Lots of YouTube videos on how to apply the tape for exactly the kind of sprain you have, as well as which joint.

If you buy the cheapest brands of tape, you don't need special scissors, but more expensive ones need those scissors designed for cutting through sticky stuff.

Thank you for your suggestions.

I've been looking for boots but it's very true difficult as I have other problems with my feet which narrow down the selection to almost nothing. I think these problems rule out the barefoot shoes, although I appreciate there's a whole different school of thought behind them.

Thanks for the tape idea. I actually fished something similar out of the first aid box last night so they didn't move too much during sleep and I'm happy with how they feel this morning so I'll definitely look into that. Do you use a support bandage as well or just the tape ?

@MerylSqueak I don't use a support bandage as they are a bit to generic and don't necessarily support the exact bit I need in any given moment. You also end up with the compression in areas you don't need it. Bandages also stop your shoes from fitting perfectly as they are thicker, compounding the problem.

Tape is thin enough to not interfere with the perfect fit of your shoes. I have very specific needs and can't wear just any shoes either.

I just find tape easier overall to manage the risk of injury as you often don't pop on a support bandage until you can feel something is wrong. The tape also just stays in place for a few days if you cut it right and round the edges off.

This is a really good intro guide

www.thefibroguy.com/blog/kt-tape-for-hypermobility-and-ehlers-danlos-syndrome/

A lot of professional haven't a clue about hypermobility, even though they claim they do. I'd wager that the footware reccomended probably isn't suiting you and some of the exercises probably aren't either.

I have motor neuropathy in my lower legs, ankles and feet so have no strength in my ankles at all. I have supports from Orthotics at hospital, it's a Velcro strap that sits around my ankle and then attaches to a hook in the top of my sketchers which then holds my ankles stable.

Might be worth asking for an orthotics referral if you haven't seen them before. There are so many different options.

This is so true. I often get advice and exercises for treating arthritis and arthritic pain. They think it's the same and it really isn't. The advice for arthritic pain has the opposite effect for Hypermobility and makes the pain worse.

We live in rural Wales. The chance of an expert hanging around is slim. I'm going to see a sports physio that everyone talks highly of locally. I think that's the best I'm going to get. I am skeptical of the exercises I was given by the osteo guy. They were the same as the ones the NHS physio gave me that had no impact after a year of doing them.

Same.
I've fallen twice in a short period of time and no broken my ankle. The pain was immense!! I'm on the mend now, but completely paranoid walking anywhere incase it gives way again. I feel like I need a walking frame 😬😬 I'm in my 40s so worried what the future will look like. Someone suggested K tape. Also perimenopause as bones weaken.
I'm just walking slower and more carefully ensuring I have ankle support. I feel your pain!

Honestly, I could weep.

I phoned a friend last night and she suggested a mobility scooter. I'm 49 !

And otherwise healthy

So sorry to hear this. Foot pain is hideous and so disabling, even if nothing is broken.

I have similar issues - PF , Tendonitis, went through a phase of repeatedly spraining and snapping the ligaments, etc etc.

A good Pilates teacher has helped me hugely. Orthotics and footwear also.

What a stupid comment for your friend to make!

She means well. She likes to think outside of the norm. She was surprisingly well informed about them as she cares for several family members.

Ok. Pilates. I have yet to try that.

I need a scooter and an electric wheelchair and I'm 38. Age has nothing to do with it

Yes, I am sorry. I realised that I'd been stupid at the moment I pressed post.I do apologise.

Im a lot younger and potentially less hyper mobile , but my issues caused me to break a bone in my foot .

I've been recommended privately to have surgery to tighten the ligaments but not keen to do it yet

I love wearing hokas , crocs , Birkenstocks , proper walking boots when needed

Going to read through these tips !