Okay to run on old ankle fracture?

[farmnannyneeded]

I broke my ankle in three places almost three years ago. Surgery, one long metal plate and lots of screws later, my rehab went surprisingly well, according to my physio at the time. I don’t quite have the full range of motion as in the other ankle, but not bad.

I’ve started c25k a few weeks ago, with my longest run so far 20 minutes. I used to run before children and it’s definitely my favourite form of exercise, I’m loving it! But lots of people are warning me that I should be careful and that it might exacerbate any arthritis I’ll get in that ankle.

Is it a bad idea to run on an old injury like this, or should I keep going until it starts to hurt? (It’s been a little sore some days, but nothing I can’t handle or permanent.) If running is okay, can I also go for longer distances or should I stick to 5k? I’d really appreciate anyone’s thought or experiences on this!

a) it's not a given that you'll get arthritis, even if you are higher risk
b) contrary to widespread perception, running is protective of your joints (provided you don't over-do it, and it doesn't sound as if you are)
c) if it's not hurting, beyond ordinary stiffness after exertion, then there's no reason not to keep going
d) you can extend the distances you run, but do it very gently. Rule of thumb is to increase by no more than 10% a week, so choose something slower than that if you're concerned
e) consider going to a physio for a once over, advice on current strength, and perhaps complementary exercises to the running.

Thanks AuntieStella, that’s great to hear. Has thinking changed on the impact of running? I saw a doctor ages ago after an injury on my other ankle and he told me never to run more than a mile (!) I’ll have a look if I can see a physio privately, in the current situation it seems off to add to the huge NHS waiting lists. In the meantime I’ll happily keep running thanks again!

If possible I'd suggest you look for a sports physio rather than a general one. TheIr main aim is to keep you active and enjoying what you do and telling you any limitations or trade offs. When I injured my knee mine said I could continue half Marathon training, but needed an extra rest day and to do intervals for another session. He also told me the signs to look out for that I’d pushed it too far sign , taping to help support the joint and long term strengthening exercises.