Ankle Problem

Smokula · 01-27-2005, 11:19 PM

I am 21 years old and athletic. I used to play sports all day in High School and all the time. Now it seems when I play a sport with a lot of running, my ankle seems to hurt frequently. I have gained about 20 pounds since I came to college. Could this be a reason? I have really thick legs and it seems like they should easily support my wieght. It hurts way before I get tired of playing and is really annoying. Any ideas?

skabuggy · 01-28-2005, 05:50 AM

Hey there,
Got a question for you when did the pain first start to happen? After you starting playing sport again? or just randomly one day? Cause what the only thing I can think of is, since you haven't played any physical sport in awhile you could have sprained your ankle and if thats the case it would make sense why your in pain and getting annoyed. Another thing if you feel PAIN at any time during the activity stop playing! You can further your injury...here is what you can do:
* If you feel pain in your ankle, rest it for several days. Try NOT to move the affected area.
* If your ankle is unstable, support it, especially during standing or walking. ACE bandages work well. If this does not provide enough support, you may need to be fit for a brace. Crutches or a cane can help take the weight off a sore or unsteady ankle.
* For swelling, keep your foot elevated above the level of the heart, even while sleeping. Ice the area right away. Apply ice for 10-15 minutes every hour for the first day. Then, every 3-4 hours for 2 more days.
* Try acetaminophen or ibuprofen for pain and swelling.

Even after the pain subsides, you will need to keep pressure off of it for up to 10 days for a mild sprain and up to 5 weeks for a more severe sprain.

Once you have healed adequately, you can start exercises to strengthen your ankle and avoid injury in the future. Do not begin these exercises until a health care professional tells you it is safe to start. One exercise, for example, involves balancing on your healing foot and hopping.

If things get worse if swelling last more then 2-3 days or pain happens while you are off your feet then you need to call a doctor. Only reason I know this is I injuried my ankle playing sport also and its not fun and yes very annoying. Not sure if your weight has anything to do with it but it could for the fact you gained 20lbs probably in a short amount of time and any change that quick and have an effect on the whole body. Make sure to stretch well before any activity, you have to warm your joints up. Also, you could lack calicum intake. If nothings seems to work call the doc he will do an x-ray if need be!
I hope your ankle gets better and sorry for the long message...hope I helped a little!

Smokula · 01-31-2005, 02:37 PM

It seems to be something that just kinda happens for maybe the last few months. I took a while off playing sports before this so it shouldnt be a sprain. It doesnt feel that bad either, just like kinda stiff and sore after I run or play basketball for a long time. It goes away not long after I finish playing. Thanks!