Sprained ankle

[Changing70]

Hello everyone.

I sprained my ankle two weeks ago. Had an X-ray and fortunately no breaks.

However, it is agony! The bruising and swelling is not decreasing and I’ve got a new section of bright red bruising on the other side of my ankle now.

I took 4 days to rest, but now back at work. Walking makes me literally want to cry - the pain in my ankle is so bad. I still can only wear flip flops and even these hurt. I am walking around 8-10k steps a day but I am having to breathe deeply/stop for rests/moaning!

What is normal? I really don’t know who to ask!

A bad sprain can be as painful as a break. It can also sometimes take as long to heal.

Flipflops are no good. You need something with support. Trainers, or flat shoes with backs in, would be better.

Get a support bandage from the chemist. Rest your ankle by putting your foot up on the settee. Ideally, your foot should be higher than your heart - put cushions underneath.

Thanks Lynne.
I can’t actually put shoes on - tried yesterday and I almost passed out with the pain. It’s ridiculous.

I’m putting my foot up as much as I can, but it’s very difficult at work. I’m taking painkillers, but it feels as though it’s getting worse.

I will look into a support bandage as my whole ankle feels as though it may just collapse.

I used to think that a sprained ankle was a minor injury 😔.

You need to rest it not walk 10k steps a day!

It sounds like mine was. Total agony for ages. I do sympathise.

Thanks! I can’t avoid the steps - I work in a big building.

As long as this is normal I will just get on with it.

They thought mine was a sprain. Turned out to be broken in two places when they finally X rayed it! Sounds like you need to be signed off work to be honest.

Thanks again.
It was X-rayed on the night that I injured it and everyone was surprised that it wasn’t fractured.
I’m just not sure where to go now - I can hardly walk and the bruising and swelling is something else.