Badly sprained ankle - how long before I'll be running again?

[LolaLadybird]

Fell off a horse a week ago and sprained my ankle. It is still swollen (although going down) and I'm still at hobbling stage. Doctor in A&E said 12 weeks before exercising again - does it really take that long?

I run on the road so fairly flat, even surface.

Go gently, I managed to twist mine 3 times in 3 weeks. The last time was absolute agony, it just gave way on a step and I ended up in bed for two days.
DD1 is also good at twisting and retwisting hers. It seems to take a long time after it feels better for the ligaments etc to actually be fully healed. I'd be very careful about running, because if you catch your foot the extra energy adds to to your woes. I know, the second time I did mine I tripped in a pot hole. I wouldn't have done anything like as much damage if I'd been walking rather than running to a meeting at the time.

Eek. Sympathies. Twisted mine yesterday running on uneven ground - don't think as bad as you though.... I was walking on it afterwards although its sore. Have been wondering the same thing re timescale asI am doing GSR in 9 weeeks- 12 weeks seems a very long time although guess it depends how bad it is.

Good luck - hope you heal quickly. Is there anything else you can do in the meantime ? I am planning to cycle when it gets a bit better (don't think I could cycle at the moment) and I guess swim. Cross trainer in the gym ? Not as satisfying as running butmight keep up fitness levels?

Star - 3 times in 3 weeks, ouch. I am really worried about re-spraining it. When I was in my teens I sprained my ankle repeatedly because it was weak. Am planning on seeing a physio/osteopath to get some advice on strengthening it (both knees are also badly bruised and swollen so figure I'll be getting my money's worth!).

Wheely - hope yours gets better quickly and doesn't interrupt your training too much. I usually cycle as well as run (both activities that I can do straight out of the front door) so am hoping to get back to that before the running.

The physio gave DD1 some exercises that seem to have helped, even though she isn't great at doing them.
She'd missed a couple of days off school either side off Xmas twisting hers (huge site that just doesn't lend it's self to limping)