What do you do when you've hurt yourself?

[tricia]

Hiyo, everybody!

I seem to have this same problem every 3rd month or so! I twisted my ankle yesterday, not to the point of limping/swelling, etc. But, I can feel the soreness up the ligament on the outside of my leg. I really did a number on my ankles in high school, so they are prone to injury now. (I have to wear a brace whenever I work out, doctor's orders.)

So, I have been doing the 4 Day Split rotation up until yesterday - now I'm not sure if I should try any cardio while I feel this soreness. Does anyone have suggestions about this? I could do a week of just the weights, or maybe do Basic Step / Low Impact Step for cardio? I'd love to hear your input here - I really want to work out tonight, I had 2 days off this weekend and I'm raring to go!

TIA,

Tricia

 

[Liann]

Tricia - If it was me, I think I would give the ankle a break this week (at least a few days). Maybe just focus on upper body and core. If you have a bike, some gentle work on that might be good. Your ankle is probably weak at this point and although not necessarily injured, you'd be likely to hurt it if you're not careful.

 

[TXGin]

Good advice from Liann. It is always tough for me to take things easy when injured, but better safe than sorry.

Take care!
Gin

 

[Sunshine 1528]

If you are going to do any type of cardio, I would just walk and not do any step, etc. where you are going sideways or would have an opportunity to twist or go over sideways on your sore ankle.

BTDT - another week seems tough, but actually if you can do weight work that should tide you over exercise wise. ;-)

 

[NY25]

Ditto. You could actually even do some lower body weight work - the floor segments from Pure Strenght, Pyramids and Butts and Gutts would work. Although I would modify some of the one-leg pelvic raise things to be two-legs to take the weight off of that ankle.

 

[andtckrtoo]

Rest it until the pain goes away - working through pain that is not just DOMS is never a good idea.

I'm sure you've been to a physical therapist about ankle strengthening exercises - is that not working? Just curious.