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Original poster

Badly sprained ankle..... any tips/ advice? pain is really bad

63 replies

LuluisgoingtobeanAunty · 05/04/2009 11:42

Had a fall last night, went to A&E this morning, been x-rayed. Not broken or fractured, but the pain is unbelievable. i can't put any weight on it, it is agony.managed to borrow some crutches from a friend.

have had some codydramol, got my leg elevated, but it is so painful.really throbbing, if i try to put my foot down, it makes my head spin with the pain

what can i do to improve things and how long can i expect the pain to last? nurse advised i put weight on it and use it,but i can't

thanks x

OP posts:
differentEggD · 05/04/2009 20:53

at least it isn't a school day so you can take your time a bit. Don't try to leap out of bed. You may find it feels like a lump of lead in the morning which means you can't do much at all until you do some stretching exercises, so keep the crutches at the side of the bed in case of urgent bathroom visit.

Original poster
LuluisgoingtobeanAunty · 05/04/2009 22:32

thank you, i really appreciate all your helpful advice

OP posts:
Original poster
LuluisgoingtobeanAunty · 06/04/2009 12:35

small improvement this morning. still no swelling or bruising. have managed to get downstairs. pain is bad but not as bad

OP posts:
differentEggD · 06/04/2009 18:48

how is it this evening lulu?

schneebly · 06/04/2009 18:50

Glad it is getting a little better - fingers crossed you will be fighting fit in 2 weeks

Original poster
LuluisgoingtobeanAunty · 06/04/2009 22:02

well, it is still sore. i tried walking without the crutches,and just got more referred pain in my back and hip. no brusiing, a small amount ofvisible swelling, i can feel quite a large swollen area though have been using a neoprene ankle support.

thanks for asking

OP posts:
differentEggD · 06/04/2009 22:15

are you still stretching and relaxing your foot?

Original poster
LuluisgoingtobeanAunty · 07/04/2009 10:58

yes, i am .

woke up a lot in the night with horrific cramp in my calf, which is continuing today

have been up, had a bath and pottered around, but am in more pain today Xmas Sad

OP posts:
differentEggD · 07/04/2009 12:41

use painkillers when you need to. keep using the gel too.

Original poster
LuluisgoingtobeanAunty · 07/04/2009 14:56

thanks, am just really frustrated. so many things i wanted to do, but i can;t drive. DCs are bored.

thanks again for all your advice.

OP posts:
differentEggD · 07/04/2009 15:36

being bored is not going to kill them! May end up with you in a staright jacket and them in A + E....

Highlander · 07/04/2009 15:37

for a strained ankle ligament, latest thinking is to cast it for 10 days (article in BMJ about a month ago).

Original poster
LuluisgoingtobeanAunty · 07/04/2009 16:09

really, highlander? i was told to walk on it as soon as possible,not given crutches, and sent home with a leaflet.

OP posts:
Original poster
LuluisgoingtobeanAunty · 07/04/2009 20:41

it is bruised like hell and much more swollen now. i have been wearing the neoprene support all day and just taken it off and noticed swelling and bruisin...

shall i leave off the support?

OP posts:
Original poster
LuluisgoingtobeanAunty · 07/04/2009 20:42

my anklwe bones have vanished under the swelling,is that normal a few days after? and teh deep crampping pain in my calf??

OP posts:
LIZS · 07/04/2009 20:43

I'd say that is pretty normal. Keep trying to flex it.

Original poster
LuluisgoingtobeanAunty · 07/04/2009 20:47

thanks lizs, i am usually quite tough

broke two fingers once, sat trhough dinner,took children home, put them to bed and then strapped up my hand.

never had a sprain though

OP posts:
Original poster
LuluisgoingtobeanAunty · 07/04/2009 20:48

am flexing and alsotrying to walk without crutches

OP posts:
schneebly · 07/04/2009 21:58

If you are not getting much better and the kids are terribly bored they are welcome to come round here for an afternoon. DS could play the Wii and DD could have fun instructing my DS2 . I have plans tomorrow but they are most welcome Thu or Fri. Otherwise I could come see you and give you a hand if you like and the kids could entertain each other for a bit. Let me know x

Original poster
LuluisgoingtobeanAunty · 08/04/2009 14:11

oh, you are very kind am managing a bit better. making progress. can't put my foot down and bending it v painful, but am hobbling abotu much better. so annoying though, can;t drive and loads to do

OP posts:
schneebly · 08/04/2009 15:51

well if there is anything I can do for you or any places I can drive you or whatever just say

Original poster
LuluisgoingtobeanAunty · 09/04/2009 10:09

am ok, really, have loads to go to the tip , but it can wait !! pain is really bad again today the cramping in my calf is excruciating. bruising is a lovely purple and red

OP posts:
differentEggD · 09/04/2009 16:42

lulu, have you any chance of a warm bath? the warmth should relax your calf muscles a bit. Can you not straighten it at all?

skm1664 · 09/04/2009 18:35

Must be the week for sprained ankles, I did mine on Wednesday morning going be the stairs plus broke my nose in the process as I hit my face on a stair!

flightattendant19 · 09/04/2009 18:40

Oh Gawd poor Lulu

I wasn't sure if it was you but it must be, as you have 'clients'!

So sorry to hear this//

I hope not to scare you but the cramping, tis not needful to worry about DVT or something?

Probably not
just would hate you to keel over or something

Sending lots of hugs xxx